Question 1

i got biten by my cat two days ago. i thought it was just a scratch but it stinged after germx. is it too late to get a tetanus shot just in case?

Accepted Answer

Bitten by cat two days ago: No, is fine have the vaccination. is the skin red? tender?
swollen? those are symptoms of infection.
Were you vaccinated in the past? if yes have it again, the immune system will wake up, rapell injection.
Have Amoxicillin  500 mg for 5 days, go to the pharmacy and have the vaccination.

Keep well

Question 2

my indoor cat bit me (it's a small bite more like a scratch) i cleaned it with soap and water, do i need to get a tetanus shot? considering i was fully vaccinated against it in my childhood?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Cat bites can transmit bacteria, so keep the area clean and watch for any fever or redness, swelling, pus in the area. See your doctor if any of these develop. Tetanus is not usually transmitted through cat bites; however, you should check your last one with your doctor. You likely had a booster when you were 11 or 12, but should have had another 10 years after that if you went for checkups.

Question 3

i was badly scratched by a cat well over 24 hours ago.  no tetanus shot fir over 30 years.  should i get tetanus shot now?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: It is time for you to get at least another tetanus toxoid vaccine.  If you did not complete your basic series of tetanus vaccines you may also need tetanus immune globulin.

Question 4

can i get tetanus from deep puncture of indoor cat scratch. got tetanus shot right after the scratch but still worried. wound did bleed a lot.

Accepted Answer

Shift focus: If you had your booster, i would discount the issue of tetanus completely and focus on the possibility of a simple wound infection. Monitor the site for change in color, redness, oozing or swelling and keep it clean. If the site remains stable, this should heal well.

Question 5

should i get a tetanus shot? i've been getting small cuts/ scratches from metal lately i checked and i don't think there was rust. i am a hypochondriac

Accepted Answer

Child Vaccines: Nope. You will not be due again for a tetanus booster until you turn age 15.  Tetanus is part of the childhood vaccines that I am sure your mother has been keeping up with on the right schedule at your pediatrician's office.

Question 6

iscratched my finger on a nail that is very dirty.. should i get a tetanus shot?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you havent had in less than 5 years, definitely should. Tetanus is horrific and preventable.

Question 7

i was in the mountains yesterday and i got cut on my lower leg by rusty barbed wire. it's just a red scratch. should i get a tetanus shot? i'm 21.

Accepted Answer

Better safe than: sorry. If it more than 5 years since your last tetanus booster it will be the prudent thing to do. Hopefully a shallow scratch should not pose a high risk for infection especially if the scratch was irrigated thoroughly. Take care and be safe.
www.healthtap.com/dr-nnebe.

Question 8

i was bitten by my cat about 17 days ago. didnt get a tetanus shot until about 1&1/2 wks. later the site looks fine. but im having burning. and discomfort in my spine. do you think it could be the tetanus bacteria.?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely, but...: If you had any prior tetanus vaccines, the odds of contracting tetanus is slim. But, if you are having spasms & stiffness in your jaw muscles, neck muscles, or abdominal muscles; or, if you're having difficulty swallowing--this would be worrisome. Painful body spasms, lasting for several minutes, triggered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or light, then beware.

Question 9

cut myself on an old dusty blind, cut myself lightly, not a very punctured wound on my foot, just a bit of a scratch, should i get a tetanus shot. it was indoors . i dont think i had one since i was a young young girl?

Accepted Answer

: Absolutely. Tetanus is not just an outdoor organism. Get the shot and stay safe.

Question 10

got bit by house cat, only had 3 tetanus shots as a child. had a tetanus shot 14 hours after the bite. can i still get tetanus or am i safe now?

Accepted Answer

Most likely: You are most likely protected from tetanus. However, watch the wound closely. Cat and dog bites are prone to develop infection. Also has the cat had rabies shots? If not the animal needs to be observed for 10 days to make sure it's not infected. If you cannot find the cat notify your physician to assess your risk for rabies.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Should you get a tetanus shot if you were scratched by an outside cat

A member asked:

I got biten by my cat two days ago. i thought it was just a scratch but it stinged after germx. is it too late to get a tetanus shot just in case?

A member asked:

My indoor cat bit me (it's a small bite more like a scratch) i cleaned it with soap and water, do i need to get a tetanus shot? considering i was fully vaccinated against it in my childhood?

A member asked:

I was badly scratched by a cat well over 24 hours ago. no tetanus shot fir over 30 years. should i get tetanus shot now?

A member asked:

Can i get tetanus from deep puncture of indoor cat scratch. got tetanus shot right after the scratch but still worried. wound did bleed a lot.

A member asked:

Should i get a tetanus shot? i've been getting small cuts/ scratches from metal lately i checked and i don't think there was rust. i am a hypochondriac

A member asked:

Iscratched my finger on a nail that is very dirty.. should i get a tetanus shot?

A member asked:

I was in the mountains yesterday and i got cut on my lower leg by rusty barbed wire. it's just a red scratch. should i get a tetanus shot? i'm 21.

A member asked:

I was bitten by my cat about 17 days ago. didnt get a tetanus shot until about 1&1/2 wks. later the site looks fine. but im having burning. and discomfort in my spine. do you think it could be the tetanus bacteria.?

A member asked:

Cut myself on an old dusty blind, cut myself lightly, not a very punctured wound on my foot, just a bit of a scratch, should i get a tetanus shot. it was indoors . i dont think i had one since i was a young young girl?

A member asked:

Got bit by house cat, only had 3 tetanus shots as a child. had a tetanus shot 14 hours after the bite. can i still get tetanus or am i safe now?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?