Tetanus

[Redkite]

Does anyone know what the current "rules" are for tetanus boosters? My last one was years ago, and I vaguely remember having a painful rigid upper arm and being told that meant I was immune for life and didn't need any more tetanus jabs.

The reason I ask is that I got bitten on my big toe by my cat (a real sinking in of his fangs, because I accidentally trod on him). It happened on Friday night, and though still sore and a bit red (was bleeding at first), it doesn't seem to be infected - not hot, swollen or oozing. But I hear a tetanus jab may be advisable?

 

[Northerner]

I'd be interested to know also. The last tetanus injection I had was (I believe) when I broke my arm, although that was 19 years ago. Not sure if I had anything in Sweden when I broke my leg. I had my original injection when I was 11 when I got hit by a car, but do remember getting a 'booster' when I broke my arm.

It ought to be on your medical records, so probably would be a good idea to enquire at your surgery 🙂

 

[KookyCat]

My Mum was told not to get a tetanus jab ever again after she reacted to it because she's immune and they said something about increasing severity of reaction. Maybe best asking the GP? Hope it's not too sore and puss cat has forgiven you for daring to tread on him 🙂

Incidentally my old cat used to bite me all the time, just me never anyone else (I chose to believe it was a sign of love 😱), but I never had a tetanus jab. Had to get antibiotics twice mind, grubby girl that she was!

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Found this if it helps http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Hope the offending toe is ok soon.

 

[Maryanne29]

Not sure what the rules are but I was told I had to have a booster last year when I was bitten by a person - and a HepB booster too, to add to the pain of the bite. I don't remember the tetanus hurting particularly though. I also got bitten by a cat on holiday recently but didn't worry because of last year's booster. Best to check with your surgery if you're unsure.

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

I can tell you, from having a bit of a tetanus scare myself a few years ago and getting detailed info. from the GP then, that the vaccination lasts for ten years, unless you have had five jabs in your lifetime, in which case you should be immune. I don't know whether anything else, such as your reaction, means you're likely to be immune too, but it's definitely worth checking with your GP - hopefully they should also know how many you've had in the past.

I do know that you need to do this as soon as possible - get an emergency appointment, don't wait another day - because if you need a jab it needs to be done asap after the bite, preferably on the same day.

Tetanus is extremely rare so don't panic, but it is life-threateningly serious, so it's always a good idea to get the jab rather than taking the risk of getting it (unless like me you're allergic to chemicals and can't risk jabs at all 🙄 ).

 

[Redkite]

Have made an appointment with the practice nurse . Hope no jab necessary!

 

[Redkite]

So, the situation is that once you've had a total of five doses of tetanus vaccine, you should have lifelong immunity. However they have a list of "tetanus risk events", of which animal bites are one, that warrant a tetanus booster. So I've been duly jabbed, and told to expect a painful swollen arm for 2-3 weeks. Also got antibiotics for my toe. I must be more careful not to tread on the cat 🙂. On the plus side, I can safely be bitten any time over the next 10 years and not need another booster!