do we need to go and get a tetanus shot? Or will we look a bit silly?

[silkcushion]

DH just cut himself whilst clearing out the shed. A rusty nail stabbed his finger. Not particularly deep and the bleeding has stopped. Vague recollections of doing something similar as a child and needing to visit A&E.

Rang NHS direct but their recorded message says "unless you are dying hang up and piss off". Ok I am paraphrasing but they must be busy with everyone ringing them with swine flu symptoms!

Any ideas anyone?

Personally, I wouldn't bother, but then I am notoriously blase about such things. Was bitten (accidentally!) by my dog a few months ago but never saw a doctor and am here to tell the tale. Am sure plenty others will say he should see someone though !

Dh is alwya scutting himelsf on wore and nails in the garden and has so far been fine.

What about NHS direct website?

Thanks for responding Oxo.

I can't imagine going to A &E on a bank holiday weekend with something that is seemingly so trivial. Would be mortifying to sit in the waiting room with no dramatic injury.

But dh is the worrier. I told him to get on with the shed whilst I goggled some advice. I didn't find any hence why I'm asking on here.
Bit of a long shot on a sunny sunday afternoon but thought there might be a medical professional around.

when was the last time he had one? i was bitten by a little smelly mutt just after giving birth was paranoid but went to docs the next day and they gave me a injection just in case, and before that about20yrs ago
i cut myself on a rusty tool box and had one then,that was the next day as well.

He can't remember but he's 40 so probably not for a long time

.

Doesn't the tetanus injection only last 10 years anyway? I seem to remember reading that somewhere. Have you googled tetanus protection + rusty nail? Bound to tell you something

i would advise getting the needle.Just in case of blood poisoning.Your body usaly copes with things but better to be safe not sorry.

Tetanus can kill. Have him checked out and jabbed just in case.

definately go to A+E for tetanus injection if not up to date. getting cut by a rusty nail is an indication!
see this link
www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1316.aspx?CategoryID=67&SubCategoryID=150

Tetanus is caused by bacteria (germs) that get into your body through a wound, such as a cut while gardening or an animal bite. You are more at risk of developing tetanus if the wound is deep or if it gets dirty with soil or manure, but even small wounds, such as a prick from a thorn, can allow enough bacteria to get into your body to cause tetanus.

Once inside your body the bacteria release a toxin (poison) which then causes tetanus, although the illness can take up to 21 days to develop. Tetanus affects your nerves and can be fatal.

Tetanus is quite rare in the UK because many people are vaccinated against it. A full course of tetanus immunisation consists of five doses of vaccine. This vaccine enables your body to create antibodies against the tetanus toxin. The antibodies then protect you from the illness if you were to become infected with the bacteria.

Wash the wound extremely carefully with clean water to get all the dirt out. If you feel there is any possibility of infection, you should go to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department for further treatment.

You may receive a booster injection of tetanus vaccine if you have not had the full course of five tetanus vaccinations in the past. Even if your vaccination is up to date, if your wound is deep and dirty, and is in danger of becoming infected, the doctor may decide to give you an injection of tetanus antiserum for additional protection.

Blah, blah, blah...

Most people survive tetanus, but such intensive treatment can take its toll. Complications include breathing failure, pneumonia and fractures of the spine or long bones resulting from the contractions and convulsions.

On average, a person with tetanus will spend 30-40 days in intensive care before making a complete recovery.

I bloody love cut & paste!

.. or you can go down the route I tend to favour, which is to not wash

From memory, boosters last 10 years. If I were your DH I would go, very early in the morning but after the drunks have gone, ro A&E and get a jab. Why take a risk, rusty nails and gardening are just the things that set this off. again from memory, the jab is in the BTM so lots of fun all round if you go with him.

About 5am is fairly quiet in my local A&E, IME.
(If I have an asthma attack at night, I try and hold out until then to go in!)

I had mine in my arm when I was about 11. Found out from that that I am actually allergic to it so have never had one since. Have to be a bit careful in the garden, but really, I don't think about it much.

oh bugger - I've only just checked this thread again after last night. Thanks for yr comments

DH didn't do anything about tetanus. Perhaps I'll ring the gp in the morning and see what they think.

Maybe he's left it too late now - hope it doesn't get infected!