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Doctor insights on:
Could Daily Exposure To Rust Cause Tetanus Or Some Other Type Of Illness
1
Could daily exposure to rust cause tetanus or some other type of illness?
Not tetanus:
Tetanus is caused by bacteria that may live on rusty nails and is introduced by a puncture wound.
Chronic exposure to rust dust can lead to inhalation and abnormal chest xray findings as well as exacerbate airway reactivity.
...Read more
2
Why does rust cause tetanus?
Not the rust: It is not the rust, but bacteria that often live on rusty nails. It is the puncture wound that allows these bacteria to enter your body and grow in the relatively low oxygen environment of a puncture wound. ...Read more
3
Scratch myself at work today very small cut a centimeter long not deep the basket had some rust on it I'm freaking out about the whole tetanus thing?
No: Harm in making sure you are updated in your vaccination. If not may need to see your doctor wash scratch with soap and water ...Read more
4
Eating with rust spots on utensils cause tetanus?
Not a cause of: Tetanus! -but why eat with rusted equipment? ...Read more
5
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
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. ...Read more
6
Cut finger on rust blade do I need a tetanus shot?
Depends: If it is over 5 years since your last booster, yes. ...Read more
7
Do you think I'll need to get a tetanus booster if I swallowed something with rust on it?
Depends: On what you swallowed. Was it sharp? Dirty? In soil? Old? Metal? Most things with rust on them should not be swallowed. If you have not had a recent tetanus booster, I recommend you get one. ...Read more
8
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?
No: Not a set-up for tetanus infection, better get your shot for any future exposures/wounds, hopefully you won't have any, best wishes ...Read more
9
Tetanus from shaving with or without rust spot on razor. Can the cut be a nick or does it have to be deep?
Tetanus: The best practice is get tetanus shot every 10 years. It will prevent the tetanus infection. You never know when the tetanus bacteria can infect you after a cut. ...Read more
10
If I scratch myself with a something rusty and there is no blood and I don't have tetanus shot would I get tetanus? Or no rust where I scratched
Not rust:
But bacteria which grow best in the absence of air that cause tetanus. Please get a tetanus booster right away.
Although the chance of infection is small, you are risking serious illness or death to avoid a tiny shot.
...Read more
11
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
Tetanus shot: Tetanus shots need to be repeated (booster shot) about every 10 years. If you haven't had one in that length of time or don't remember when you last had one, then yes do get one. ...Read more
12
I cut my self with an exposed metal on a plastic bag holder. I didn't see any rust on it as far as I know but not 100% sure. Do I need a tetanus shot?
Tetanus shot: If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last ten years you should get one on general principles. ...Read more
13
Is it possible to get tetanus if a flake of rust touches your eye?
No: The tetanus is carried in rusty nails, etc. By the spores of the organism which are usually found in contaminated soil and especially around farm animals. Even with contamination, the spores must enter the body and a flake of rust in the tears will not do this. You are not at risk. ...Read more
14
If you got rust in a scratch that didn't bleed can u get tetanus? If so how long does it take to show symptoms? No booster since childhood
My thoughts...: Just go get a tetanus booster tomorrow either at urgent care or at your regular doctor's office. You need one anyway, so just get it done. ...Read more
15
Feel on metal that didn't appear to have rust on it and scraped my knee through my pants. I got a tiny cut should I worry about tetanus. Cleaned cut?
See Doctor: You should see a Doctor and you should get a Tetanus shot or a booster as advised by the doctor ...Read more
16
Poked by thumbtack at work, squeezed blood out&immediately applied iodine tincture bp, no rust on thumbtack, haven't had tetanus shot, risk of tetanus?
A wound is a wound: Tetanus is possible when any cut on the skin is contaminated by tetanus spores that are all around, predominantly in soils. It doesn't matter what made the cut if the exposure comes after the skin is open. The rusty nail is the classic source because it is on the ground to begin with when people step on it. Even if low risk it serves as a reminder to update your protection. If >10 yrs get the shot ...Read more
17
Cutting my hair down below got a very shallow and small cut from scissors which had very slight rust from water it has been 5days. Tetanus shot I need?
Tetanus: You should contact your physician and check on your tetanus shot status. If there is any sign of infection: redness, swelling, pain. Visit the physician in person. ...Read more
18
Do I need another tetanus shot if skin on my arm broke from something with rust? I received my childhood Dtap vacs and received a tetanus vac about 5 months ago because of another cut from rust? I cleaned it well and bandaged it will I be okay?
No need:
If you had a tetanus booster 5 months ago, you do not need more. It is not rust that causes tetanus, it is due to contamination with soil containing the tetanus bacteria/spores.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form.
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.
Get HPV vaccine
...Read more
19
Will I get tetanus? My kitchen knife poked me in the hand while I was cleaning meat. Had little rust on it from being in dish drainer, Never been outside
Check vaccine status:
Check your vaccine status. You probably have had your routine tetanus shots. You need to get a booster at least every ten years. If there were truly rust on the knife, I might consider getting a booster tetanus vaccine, but would be more concerned about infection from cleaning meat and then having a knife injury. Let your doctor see you.
Good luck
...Read more
20
Can rust/burnt food from baking pans and a griddle give you tetanus? I think a piece of rust/burnt food got in my finger. Got it out with nail clipper.
Not directly: The issue for tetanus is not the agent that caused a wound in your skin. (although some are more likely than others) The problem is the tetanus spores that can be present in the dust, dirt, environment anywhere and use any open cut to get in and cause tetanus. If you have not had a booster within 10 years it is reasonable to get one soon. ...Read more
21
I recently self harmed with nail scissors, I now see that they have a slight layer of rust, do I need a tetanus shot?
Tetanus ok 7-10 yrs:
If you had a full series of tetanus shots with a booster at age 4-6 and again at 11-14, you are fine. It sounds like the injuries are superficial, which lowers the risk as well.
More concerning is your self injury, which suggests that you're going through some tough emotional times. I urge you to contact your doctor ASAP for an appointment, and if you have suicidal thoughts, to go to ED
...Read more
22
My girlfriend may have tetanus not sure, she cut her self on a rust pipe Tuesday, and now she is experience a sore throat and neck stiffness help?
Tetanus: It usually takes 4-7 days for tetanus to manifest itself. Also, if your girl friend had a tetanus shot in the last ten years she has a modicum of protection against tetanus. See a doctor or go to the ER for evaluation ...Read more
23
I had a tetanus shot some weeks ago and still worry that it has caused me to be ill. Is it possible?
Confusing question: Most reactions to a tetanus shot will occur within 24 hours and can be similar to any major allergic response. Your brief lists you with depression and severe anxiety.There has been a lot of misinformation put out by vaccine haters to the point babies are dying needlessly from preventable disease. It is hard to feel secure, but the chance of you having a shot related issue is minimal. Disc with doc ...Read more
24
Accidentally stuck my finger with a boutonnière pin and caused my finger to bleed. Any chance of me contracting a disease from this? Have tetanus shot
Low risk: The risk is very low. If it becomes very red, swollen, and painful see a Dr. ...Read more
25
What defines the cramping/lockjaw sensation caused by tetanus? I have a jaw and neck ache, but no difficulty opening mouth. Last tetanus shot was 2001. Did some soil gardening 8 days ago but no cuts.
Not tetanus: Fortunately, whatever you have is not tetanus. Lockjaw is associated with the bacterial condition of tetanus and is highly serious - wa high mortality rate. It is very rare. Most physicians have never seen a case of tetanus. In the absence of a wound and absence of severe symptoms, whatever you have, it is not a concern for tetanus. This could be just associated strain from your gardening activity. ...Read more
26
Pregnant. Small cut under my fingernail. Washed a coffee press with some rust on it. Any risk for tetanus? Last tdap vaccine was 6/7 years ago.
No danger of tetanus: Wash the cut with soap and water thoroughly. Tdap shd cover u from minor wounds for 10 years. Risk for tetanus is negligible. Use neosporin ointment and bandaid and it shd suffice. If still worried show ur wound to a doctor or visit urgent care. ...Read more
27
What causes the sputum from pneumonia to be a rust color?
Altered red cells: Inflammation is usually associated with extravasation of red cells and altered red cells and hemoglobin impart rusty color to sputum. ...Read more
28
Other than sex, what are common causes of spotting or pinkish/brownish/rust colored discharge in early pregnancy?
It could be normal: Have you OB check you, it could be normal but I will not ignore it. ...Read more
29
Drank water out of a glass with some residue of rusty water. Danger? What should I do? Water was filtered rust on cup
Our Stomachs: Fortunately, nature has prepared for this. Your stomach acids will take care of this and it should cause nothing of concern. ...Read more
30
A toy train has some rust on a small part. Is it safe to let my 23 months old play with it?
No: You should not let your child play with toys with small arts due to choking hazards. The rust may not be safe either. ...Read more
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