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A member asked:
If tetanus thrives in rust and can be got by small scratches, why weren't cases more than 1 in 100,000 in usa in 1930s? surely more than that got cuts
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Deep wounds only: Tetanus never takes hold in superficial, pre-existing skin wounds. Typically it takes a deep wound, as with a contaminated nail or other sharp object; or a damaging skin wound with ground-in dirt, soil, gravel, etc. Also, the vast majority of the population has been vaccinated against tetanus, which also explains its rarity.
Answered 7/9/2017
1.1k views
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Related Questions
A member asked:
I'm guessing I have tetanus now I washed my hands touched rusty hangers no rust on hands but have cuts possible unhealed on hand no shot. Or just no?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
If you got rust in a scratch that didnt bleed can u get tetanus? If so how long does it take to show symptoms? No booster since childhood
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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