Quick! Going to the ER - tetanus shot? - update!

[smeep]

I cut my finger pretty bad on a dog food can so I'm going to get stitches. Normally I avoid the ER at all costs but this is a pretty nasty cut. So, I'm willing to bet they'll want me to get a tetanus shot and it's been a while since I've done my vax research so gimme all you got! Thanks!

[PassionateWriter]

is it bleeding?

[smeep]

It's finally calmed but if I bend my thumb it starts up again.

[Fyrestorm]

A DT won't do you any good with this injury. If they were actually worried, they would offer you TIG.

[mamadelbosque]

If its bleeding, (or did bleed) its not a risk for tetanus. Plain and simple. So refuse the shot.

[tayndrewsmama]

Originally Posted by Fyrestorm

A DT won't do you any good with this injury. If they were actually worried, they would offer you TIG.

: But, IME, most will push the shot anyway.

If you want to pm me your email address, I have a bunch of info I can forward you regarding tetanus that I received from Hilary Butler when ds had an injury.

[AFWife]

Doesn't tetanus live in soil and animal feces? I doubt you came in contact with it opening a can of animal food...

Like others said, if it's bleeding you're probably fine. If you can clean it with hydrogen peroxide you'll definitely be fine. (Tetanus is anaerobic so introducing oxygen will kill it)

If you need stitches by all means go...but don't let them bully you into the shot.

[applejuice]

You are an adult. Just say NO, the Nancy Reagan method.

[aniT]

Originally Posted by tayndrewsmama

: But, IME, most will push the shot anyway.

Before I knew better, DH was given a tetanus shot for poison oak in the ER! (we didnt' know what it was and DH NEVER gets poison oak. )

[tayndrewsmama]

Originally Posted by aniT

Before I knew better, DH was given a tetanus shot for poison oak in the ER! (we didnt' know what it was and DH NEVER gets poison oak. )

That's crazy!

[smeep]

Update: the nurse recommended tetanus (didn't say which) and I declined, stating I've done my research. Though he felt it was still important, he did say that at least I was educated on my decision and that it was based on research. The doctor wasn't quite as ... pleased? that it was based on research but she didn't push the matter either. Woo! AND she offered to write a note recommending I take the whole day off just 'cause I wanted to play hookey. Haha!

[tayndrewsmama]

How is your finger doing now?

[Gitti]

Yes, if a wound bleeds you are not in danger of tetanus. Tetanus needs an oxygen free environment to evolve and produce the toxin which we can not tolerate.

Blood and air are good sources of oxygen.