A 46-year-old member asked:
Is it possible to get blood poisoning from a bullet?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
45 years experience
Absolutely: Bullet wounds cause tissue trauma and introduce bacteria into the blood stream causing an increased risk of sepsis. Besides the direct trauma that the bullet causes, infection is the next most serious consequence of penetrating trauma.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ernest Blockanswered
Trauma Surgery 37 years experience
What do you mean?: If you are asking about lead poisoning, then no. If you are asking about bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia), then the answer is yes, but not from the bullet directly. Such an infection would be a complication of injury or an infection from an injured body part.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 15, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.