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Is Tetanus Injection Enough For Deep Nail Puncture?
Question: I stepped on a nail and it pierced through my flip flop - my feet were dirty so I went to the ER and they gave me a tetanus booster.. Is this enough?
Brief Answer:
only tetanus booster used in adults to prevent tetanus
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Any tetanus injection after the initial one is called a booster because it boosts/increases the body's immunity to tetanus.
Only the booster shot is used when an adult needs an immunization with tetanus, so yes, it is enough to help prevent tetanus.
To prevent infection, you may want to clean the area with an antiseptic and apply a topical antibiotic.
Both of these can be obtained from the local pharmacy.
Eg of antiseptics- dilute betadine, dilute hydrogen peroxide
Eg of topical antibiotics- neosporin, bactroban, polysporin, triple antibiotic
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
only tetanus booster used in adults to prevent tetanus
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Any tetanus injection after the initial one is called a booster because it boosts/increases the body's immunity to tetanus.
Only the booster shot is used when an adult needs an immunization with tetanus, so yes, it is enough to help prevent tetanus.
To prevent infection, you may want to clean the area with an antiseptic and apply a topical antibiotic.
Both of these can be obtained from the local pharmacy.
Eg of antiseptics- dilute betadine, dilute hydrogen peroxide
Eg of topical antibiotics- neosporin, bactroban, polysporin, triple antibiotic
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I dont remember the last time i hd a shot or if i ever had one period- being that i got this booster just after i stepped on a nail is that enough or should they have given my the Tetanus immune globulin
Brief Answer:
normally used for large or dirty wounds
Detailed Answer:
HI
The tetanus booster is normally given if no previous tetanus immunization within 10 yrs if the wound is either minor or clean and the vaccination history is unknown or less than the normal 3 doses given originally.
IF it is a dirty or major wound then this is shortened to 5 yrs.
The immune globulin is given for dirty or major wounds especially if the history of previous immunization is unsure or more than 10 yrs have gone since last vaccine.
this is the CDC recommendation
Because the wound was small (though your feet were dirty as you stated), this is the reason that the immune globulin was probably not suggested but if you mentioned that you were not sure of your immune status , then the immune globulin should have also been discussed.
Tetanus is not a common condition and the risk is low but if you are not sure then you would still be able to get the immune globulin.
Tetanus presents 3 to 21 days after initial infection, average 8 days.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
normally used for large or dirty wounds
Detailed Answer:
HI
The tetanus booster is normally given if no previous tetanus immunization within 10 yrs if the wound is either minor or clean and the vaccination history is unknown or less than the normal 3 doses given originally.
IF it is a dirty or major wound then this is shortened to 5 yrs.
The immune globulin is given for dirty or major wounds especially if the history of previous immunization is unsure or more than 10 yrs have gone since last vaccine.
this is the CDC recommendation
Because the wound was small (though your feet were dirty as you stated), this is the reason that the immune globulin was probably not suggested but if you mentioned that you were not sure of your immune status , then the immune globulin should have also been discussed.
Tetanus is not a common condition and the risk is low but if you are not sure then you would still be able to get the immune globulin.
Tetanus presents 3 to 21 days after initial infection, average 8 days.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Should i be worried
Brief Answer:
you should be fine
Detailed Answer:
HI
No, tetanus is rare and the booster would provide you with protection.
If anything else, unclear feel free to ask
you should be fine
Detailed Answer:
HI
No, tetanus is rare and the booster would provide you with protection.
If anything else, unclear feel free to ask
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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