Is this a major Teatnus threat?!
Question: Today I walked outside barefoot and stepped on a screw, the screw did puncture the skin, it was not rusty though, or at least not so rusty that I could tell. I immediately washed the small wound with soap and water, and then cleaned it with Hydrogen Peroxide. Now my question is, I received a tetanus shot about 7 years ago. I will be going in tomorrow for one just to be safe, but i hear that shot will actually do nothing for me now if I did get infected. So how worried should I be? I mean is there even a chance I have it? If so, what should I do?
Answers: Today I walked outside barefoot and stepped on a screw, the screw did puncture the skin, it was not rusty though, or at least not so rusty that I could tell. I immediately washed the small wound with soap and water, and then cleaned it with Hydrogen Peroxide. Now my question is, I received a tetanus shot about 7 years ago. I will be going in tomorrow for one just to be safe, but i hear that shot will actually do nothing for me now if I did get infected. So how worried should I be? I mean is there even a chance I have it? If so, what should I do?
Your tetanus shot should be good for about ten years, but it is advisable to have another shot at about 7 years if you are injured. Don't be worried, you will be fine.
Here's the facts from the government:
For a minor injury - Get a tetanus shot if your last tetanus shot was over 10 years ago.
For a complicated or contaminated wound (including puncture wounds) - Get a tetanus shot if your last tetanus shot was over 5 years ago
www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/prevcont/tetanu...
Dude, man up and grow a pair... Seriously! If it wasn't rusty and didn't puncture your skin then it's hardly a MAJOR tetanus threat... You're being wayyy too paranoid!
Good for you to have gotten yours back then! It should cover you for ten years, in case of a deep or serious injury they recommend you get an extra shot just in case but for a small scratch you should be fine. Remember to get your next shot in three years. :-)