If your tetanus immunization is not up to date and the injury caused a break in your skin, you need a tetanus shot even if it is a small scratch or scrape.
Thus, you need a tetanus shot if:
- You got a wound from a dirty object (objects contaminated by dirt, soil, spit, or feces), and your last tetanus shot was more than five years back, or you do not remember when you had your last tetanus shot.
- You got injured by a clean object, and you received your last tetanus shot more than 10 years back, or you do not remember when you had your last tetanus shot.
- You are not sure whether the object causing injury was clean or dirty, and your last tetanus shot was more than five years back, or you do not remember when you had your last tetanus shot.
- You did not receive your primary vaccination series (five DTaP or diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis shots starting at two months of age and ending at ages four to six years).
Tetanus is a rare but serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Therefore, you must get the tetanus vaccine if fall into the above categories.
How should you care for a wound?
Besides getting a tetanus shot, you must follow good wound care practices.
- Wash your hand with soap and water before handling the wound.
- Rinse the wound under running tap water.
- Wash the area around the wound with soap and clean water. Avoid the entry of soap, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine-containing disinfectants in the wound because this may irritate the injury.
- Apply pressure with a clean bandage or soft cloth in case of bleeding.
- Keep the wounded area elevated if possible to reduce bleeding and swelling.
- If any debris or dirt is present in the wound, you may seek medical help to remove it. Alternatively, you may remove it with a tweezer disinfected with alcohol if that can be safely done. Rinsing the wound with clean water may help remove the debris.
- Cover the wound in clean dressing after applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream or petroleum jelly and change the dressing every day. Wash your hands with soap and water before changing the dressing.
When to contact your doctor
You must seek medical care if:
- You need a tetanus shot
- The bleeding does not stop
- You cannot remove the debris from the wound
- The wound becomes too swollen or painful
- There is pus discharge from the wound
- You develop fever
- If the wound is big or deep
What are the side effects of a tetanus shot?
Tetanus vaccine is generally safe and effective. It is essential to prevent tetanus because it is a serious bacterial infection that can even cause death.
Most side effects of the tetanus vaccine are mild and include:
- Pain, swelling, or soreness at the site of injection
- Fever
- Body ache
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
Serious side effects rarely occur with a tetanus shot.
Seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms after a tetanus shot:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling over the lips, face, eyes, or inside the nose
- Blisters or hives
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Inconsolable crying in children
- High fever (over 103°F)
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Severe swelling or pain at the injection site
SLIDESHOW
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Symptoms, Vaccine Facts See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 1/24/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus. https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/prevention.html
RxList. Tetanus. https://www.rxlist.com/tetanus-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus. https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/prevention.html
RxList. Tetanus. https://www.rxlist.com/tetanus-side-effects-drug-center.htm
Complete List
Top Do I Need a Tetanus Shot for a Small Scratch Related Articles
Can Dermabond Be Used on Open Wounds?
The tissue adhesive, Dermabond, can be used as an alternative for 5-0 or smaller sutures to close wounds. It can be used to close wounds on the face, extremities and torso. The doctor may prefer Dermabond over sutures depending on their level of comfort and experience.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Puncture Wounds
Learn about first aid for cuts, scrapes (abrasions), and puncture wounds, when to see a doctor, if tetanus shots are necessary, and how to spot signs of infection.
Do Adults Really Need Tetanus Booster Shots?
Tetanus is a serious disease that can cause severe complications, such as death. Hence, it’s best to prevent it with booster shots even as adults.
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot?
A bacteria called Clostridium tetani causes tetanus (lockjaw). Tetanus causes symptoms and signs that include severe muscle spasms and an inability to open the mouth. The tetanus vaccine is a toxoid that is 100% effective against tetanus. The DTaP vaccine is part of a child's routine immunization schedule. Doctors recommend the Tdap for children at their 11-year checkup. People should get a tetanus booster vaccination every 10 years.
When to Call 911: Serious Symptoms to Never Ignore
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a minor bump on the head and a serious head injury. Here are some situations that need medical help right away.
First Aid: Bandaging Injuries and Wounds From Head to Toe
Bandaging a wound like a burn, cut, or scrape requires different techniques depending on which part of the body was hurt. Ace bandages, liquid bandages, bandage wraps, waterproof bandages, elastic bandages, and other types are available to cover and protect your wound from dirt and water.
First Aid: Wound Care for Cuts and Scrapes
Wound care treatment at home involves performing cuts and scrapes first aid including cleaning the injury and applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Use wound care products like adhesive bandages, hypoallergenic bandages, sprays, tape, and gauze. If cuts and scrapes don’t heal, see your doctor.
8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More
Are you always prepared for a first aid crisis? See which basic first aid items to pack to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and stings when you're on the go.
How Do You Irrigate a Wound?
Wound irrigation is a non-invasive procedure in which a steady flow of a solution is used to achieve wound hydration; remove debris, dead cells, pathogens, and excess blood or other exudates such as pus in an open wound; and assist with a better visual examination. Wound irrigation is one of the most effective methods of wound cleansing.
How to Cure Lockjaw (Tetanus)
Lockjaw, also known as trismus, is a condition in which a person is unable to open their jaws fully. Spasm in jaw muscles make the jaws rigid and prevent movement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge-like joint in the jaw that enables jaw movement.
Vaccination Schedule for Adults and Adolescents
Immunizations can prevent many diseases nowadays. It's important to follow the vaccination guidelines recommended on the CDC's vaccination schedule for adults and adolescents in order to stay informed about new vaccines and to learn how often and when the vaccines should be administered.
Tetanus
Tetanus is an often-fatal disease caused by nerve toxins produced by the common bacteria Clostridium tetani. In a 7-day period after infection, a person experiences muscle spasms, restlessness, headache, irritability, then lockjaw, and the lungs stop functioning. Tetanus is treatable with antibiotics and drainage. Sedation is often give to stop muscle spasms.
Trauma/First Aid Quiz
What should be in your first-aid kit? Take this quiz to understand trauma and learn the truth about how to administer first aid.What Are the Warning Signs of Tetanus?
Tetanus is a severe disease that affects many people. Learn the warning signs and diagnosis process for tetanus disease.What Is the Fastest Way to Heal an Open Wound?
An open wound is an injury that includes an external or internal break in your body tissue, usually the skin. Nearly, everyone experiences an open wound at some point in their life. Mostly, they are minor and can be treated with home remedies.