insect stings and tetanus vax

[icxcnika]

So I was stung by a wasp today. I ran cold water over it, applied a baking soda/water paste, and it's just fine now. I was looking up wasp and bee sting treatments, and reading that you should make sure your tetanus shot is up to date if you've had an insect sting. Now, it kind of makes sense because they are puncture wounds, they don't seem to bleed (at least mind don't), and I don't know how sterile stingers are. Is there a substantial connection between insect stings and tetanus, or is it just a theoretical risk?

BTW, I know that if tetanus were a real concern for any given wound, the TIG would be the appropriate emergency treatment, not the tetanus vaccine. I'm just wondering about whether there is more than a theoretical risk with regard to tetanus and insect stings.

[Gitti]

I see NONE.

[runes]

Soon they'll be telling us to be sure to be vaccinated just in case we happen to SEE a bumblebee, or if we're going to visit the zoo.

You know, cuz you might get tetanus.



OP, I hope that the sting is not too uncomfortable tonight.

[alegna]

Originally Posted by icxcnika

I'm just wondering about whether there is more than a theoretical risk with regard to tetanus and insect stings.

Statistically, tetanus is just a theoretical risk. Really your chances are much greater of being hit by lightning.

-Angela

[japonica]

I was stung by a wasp last summer (and my ankle swelled to the size of a grapefruit...ugh). Considering my last tetanus shot was probably back in the 70s, I guess I should be a goner. LOL. But I'm still here...

[Gitti]

Originally Posted by japonica

I was stung by a wasp last summer (and my ankle swelled to the size of a grapefruit...ugh). Considering my last tetanus shot was probably back in the 70s, I guess I should be a goner. LOL. But I'm still here...

TOT - next time, get a fresh onion, cut in half, and hold it on the bit/sting for about one hour. You will be surprised how well that keeps it from swelling up.

OK back to the regularly scheduled program.

[Marnica]

I think the chances are probably pretty slim, escecially if you have had a pervious shot within the last 20-30 years.

But it is more than a theoretical risk and it has happened

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00053713.htm

The youngest non-neonatal tetanus case occurred in an unvaccinated boy aged 3-1/2 years who had been stung by an insect. Because of their religious beliefs, his parents initially refused medical care for the tetanus and treated the child with herbal tea and carrot juice. The child had generalized tetanus that required mechanical ventilation; he recovered after a 24-day hospitalization.

[rainbowmoon]

and you could get tetanus from popping a pimple on your arm too (just like my Grandma did years ago, complete with lockjaw).. I believe it's a crapshoot and not at all that common anyway. But it can happen. The good news is tetanus is survive-able! Just like other things.

[alegna]

Originally Posted by rainbowmoon

and you could get tetanus from popping a pimple on your arm too (just like my Grandma did years ago, complete with lockjaw).. I believe it's a crapshoot and not at all that common anyway. But it can happen. The good news is tetanus is survive-able! Just like other things.

:

Tetanus is SO rare that it's hard to say what the statistical risk is of getting it from any one type of injury.

-Angela

[rainbowmoon]

Originally Posted by alegna

:

Tetanus is SO rare that it's hard to say what the statistical risk is of getting it from any one type of injury.

-Angela

exactly.

[japonica]

I think the chances are probably pretty slim, escecially if you have had a pervious shot within the last 20-30 years.

I guess we can debate how long protection lasts...I read an article in the local paper last year where it was reported that even though tetanus is believed to produce the longest immunity, protection was questionable after 10 to 12 years...so, I'm pretty sure that after about 3 decades my immunity is negligible, still I'm not running out to get a tetanus shot for fear of insects.

[Full Heart]

This reminds me of the ingrown toe nail question. Sure you CAN get tetanus any number of ways. You are NOT likely to get tetanus ever. It was always rare. How many millions of people throughout history had insect bites? Had ingrown toe nails? Like everyone, ever in the history of the world. How many people got tetanus. Very very few. I think you have better chance at winning the powerball.

[Gitti]

Originally Posted by Full Heart

How many millions of people throughout history had insect bites? Had ingrown toe nails?

You have a bitter chance of wining the powerball WHILE being struck by lightening. imo

[aniT]

Originally Posted by Gitti

TOT - next time, get a fresh onion, cut in half, and hold it on the bit/sting for about one hour. You will be surprised how well that keeps it from swelling up.

OK back to the regularly scheduled program.

Thanks for that tip! Last time DH got stung his whole legs swelled up even though I got him benadryl right away!! Te only thing I keep that around for is insect stings and bites as well all seem to be allergic to them.