Question 1

worried about tetanus. small wound from metal bar in outdoor shower on farm between toes. shots out of date. cleaned/bandaged wound with gentamicin.

Accepted Answer

Give me a boost.: The general rule is to have a booster if it has been more than 10 years since last shot. If the wound is deep and contaminated and it has been more than 5 years since your last shot, you will need a booster. Your wound care sounds adequate, but there is no way of telling if it is adequate enough. To remove all doubt, get a booster.

Question 2

where is tetanus found? is it something we naturally carry on our bodies or is it found out in nature? can tetanus affect a wound even if the wound doesn't come into contact with the road or soil?

Accepted Answer

: Tetanus is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetanii; and they found in the guts of some animals and may be found on the soil. It is not on human bodies, but found in nature and could be on various surfaces including clothings and utensil. It could be in dust in the air is a possibility, but that is not as important as taking the precaution of making sure that your vaccinations are up todate

Question 3

please explain if it is possible i might develop tetanus after puncture wound on arm from barbed wire fence?

Accepted Answer

It is possible: Especially if it was dirty, old ; rusty. Is your tetanus status up to date?

Question 4

i stepped on a nail and have a puncture wound..  tetanus is good and i cleaned it. any way to speed healing?  i am training for a physical event...

Accepted Answer

Have it evaluated.: Deep puncture wounds can be potentially dangerous as one may develop tetanus, or a number of other types of deep infections.   If the wound was deep enough they may lead to bone infections.  If you develop pain, redness, swelling or other signs of infection seek medical attention to get the proper care.

Question 5

a metal trash can in the bathroom that is a bit rusty slighlty fell on my finger it was red a bit but there is no visible scratch or wound, is tetanus shot needed?

Accepted Answer

: No. Only for an especially deep wound, or one with ground-in dirt.

Question 6

can you get tetanus from a minor wound/dirty minor wound when you had a tetanus vaccine two weeks ago?

Accepted Answer

: If you have completed the primary and later booster tetanus vaccine within 5 years you are well protected against tetanus.

Question 7

can you get tetanus from the tetanus bacteria entering a wound from touching a pre-existing open wound? or does the bacteria enter the body if the contaminated object scratches/penetrates and creates its own wound? it has been 12 years since vaccine.

Accepted Answer

Basics: Tetanus is like most other bacteria in that it can establish an infection in any open wound. It differs in that the toxin that causes tetanus is made by the germs after they become established. If you roll around in dirt with an open wound expect many germs to invade it. If you keep wounds clean there is little chance of any infection or tetanus. Now would be a good time to get a T booster

Question 8

how long do i have to get a tetanus shot after i get a wound?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you completed the primary series in childhood & have had one within five years you can probably just wash out a simple wound & not worry.If you have never had the series & have a dirty wound u could see the tetanus begin to set up over a day or so, so a shot & anti-toxin might be needed within hours.If u fall in the middle, get it done within 48hrs, but do a good job of cleaning the wound 1st.

Question 9

can you tell me could i get tetanus from a pen ink in my wound?

Accepted Answer

No: You get tetanus when a wound is infected by tetanus germs that make a toxin.Tetanus spores are widely distributed in nature, more often found in soil, but also in other areas. A pen ink would not carry tetanus spores, yet a wound created by a puncture wound (from a pen) could be contaminated from another source.

Question 10

should i get a tetanus injection after suffering a puncture wound?

Accepted Answer

Depends on situation: If you have not had a booster within the last 10 yrs, you should consider one after any wound that might allow tetanus spores ( that are in the dust or dirt) a chance to get under your skin.Wounds involving garden tools, dirt, & dirty environments are the most worrisome. A simple jab in your skin from a pin or staple is not so worrisome.

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Doctor answers about:

Tetanus wound

A member asked:

Worried about tetanus. small wound from metal bar in outdoor shower on farm between toes. shots out of date. cleaned/bandaged wound with gentamicin.

A member asked:

Where is tetanus found? is it something we naturally carry on our bodies or is it found out in nature? can tetanus affect a wound even if the wound doesn't come into contact with the road or soil?

A member asked:

Please explain if it is possible i might develop tetanus after puncture wound on arm from barbed wire fence?

A member asked:

I stepped on a nail and have a puncture wound.. tetanus is good and i cleaned it. any way to speed healing? i am training for a physical event...

A member asked:

A metal trash can in the bathroom that is a bit rusty slighlty fell on my finger it was red a bit but there is no visible scratch or wound, is tetanus shot needed?

A member asked:

Can you get tetanus from a minor wound/dirty minor wound when you had a tetanus vaccine two weeks ago?

A member asked:

Can you get tetanus from the tetanus bacteria entering a wound from touching a pre-existing open wound? or does the bacteria enter the body if the contaminated object scratches/penetrates and creates its own wound? it has been 12 years since vaccine.

A member asked:

How long do i have to get a tetanus shot after i get a wound?

A member asked:

Can you tell me could i get tetanus from a pen ink in my wound?

A member asked:

Should i get a tetanus injection after suffering a puncture wound?

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