They're often found in soil and manure. You may need additional treatment for a serious or dirty wound that's considered to be tetanus-prone. Tetanus vaccination is given as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme against tetanus. But if you're not sure how many doses you have received, you may need a booster dose after an injury that breaks your skin. If you have definitely received 5 doses of the tetanus vaccine, you're fully vaccinated and don't need a booster dose.
If you have a tetanus-prone wound, additional treatment may be given, even if you have been fully vaccinated. If you have a tetanus-prone wound and it's considered to be high risk, treatment with tetanus immunoglobulin TIG is recommended.
Adults 19 years of age and older should receive Tdap or Td tetanus and diphtheria vaccine without the pertussis component every 10 years. Another reason for adults to stay up to date with Tdap immunization is to protect infants they may come into contact with against whooping cough. Pregnant women are also advised to get Tdap with each pregnancy.
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Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. Be gentle: Too much pressure can worsen pain and bleeding. Cleaning your wound is one of the best ways to prevent complications like tetanus , a serious bacterial infection. The bacteria that causes tetanus can be found in dirt, dust, or animal feces.
To properly clean a puncture wound, start by rinsing the injury with clean water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps remove dirt and any lose debris. Debris can include dirt or pieces of fabric from your sock. If necessary, use tweezers to remove debris from your wound. Clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol beforehand. You should also protect the puncture to prevent an infection. After cleaning and drying your wound, apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic cream such as Neosporin.
It can take several days for your wound to heal. During this time, wrap it in a bandage to protect and keep it clean. Change your bandages at least once a day, preferably after showering. Wait until any bleeding stops before applying a bandage.
A minor nail puncture may not require a visit to your doctor. But, if the nail or wound was dirty or the puncture is deep, you should see your doctor or visit urgent care. When necessary, you should get the shot within 48 hours after your injury. This is especially important if your injury occurred outdoors in soil or if you believe the nail was contaminated.
A tetanus infection affects the nervous system and can be life-threatening. After cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment, monitor the wound over the next couple of days for signs of complications.
A skin infection can develop as early as two days after stepping on a nail. If the injury causes a joint or bone infection, symptoms can appear within 14 days after the injury.
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