Do I need a tetanus shot.

[cherryblossomgin]

Hi

I was playing with cat and she bit me. It was my fault, my hand got in the way, she isn't an aggressive cat. She has punctured the skin She is a house cat and upto date on all her shots. Ive cleaned it and I am going to apply some anti septic to it. Do you think I should get a tetanus shot.

Is it very deep? Have you had your full course of tetanus injections (5 I think)?

I got bitten a few months back and one of his fangs went right in! Keep a close eye and if it starts looking red or swollen it's worth a trip to minor injuries/urgent care/walk in and they can clean it up and give you antibiotics plus tetanus if necessary.
Mine swelled up quite quickly!

For a deep puncture wound you definitely need a tetanus shot. It's not 5 shots though, just the one.

Ideally speaking if it's a deep wound where bacteria can get in then it should be disinfected asap and antibiotics started the same day. At hospital I was told within 8 hours of the bite is optimal. But I'm in Germany, where doctors tend to be a bit less laissez faire about such things. In Britain you might just be expected to watch out for signs of infection.

You should see your GP or minor injuries for any animal bite that has punctured the skin. You need antibiotics or you may end up with a horrible infection. www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/

This is partly useful. It doesn't tell you what to look out for but the bacteria are more of a concern than tetanus. I didn't have a tetanus as I'd had one a couple of years beforehand.

I agree with other poster. Bites are nasty in cats so antibiotics may be needed.

Any aching swelling Weeping or redness partially tracking get to gp or out of hours ASAP.

And also flu like symptoms could be sepsis. And I'm not over exaggerating

Any feeling of being "unwell", as well as swelling / pain...

You will need antibiotics straight away, often IV's

Thanks for the replies. Its not deep or swelled overnight. I feel fine I am keeping an eye out for any symptoms and using antiseptic creams.