Tetanus, Surgery FAQ

Is My Cut Risky for Tetanus? Understanding Wound Care and Vaccination

Could it be tetanus? Hello Doctor, I accidentally cut my palm with a utility knife while working on the carpet yesterday at 2 PM. There was some dust, paint debris, and fibers from the carpet on it. I ended up with a wound about 1.5 cm long. At the time, I only had alcohol availa...

Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, it is actually quite difficult to determine the likelihood of tetanus. If you are concerned, you can receive a tetanus vaccine at a nearby medical facility. It is still effective even if administered more than 48 hours after the injury.

Cat Bite Injuries: When to Get Tetanus Shots After a Wild Cat Bite

Cat bite? I was bitten by a stray cat and I'm unsure how to assess the depth of the wound. I received the Moderna vaccine on March 1st. How long should I wait to get the tetanus vaccine? I found online that it can be administered after 7 days, but I'm concerned about th...

Dr. Chen Ronghong Reply:
Hello, if you have received a tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, you do not need to get vaccinated again. If you are unsure of the date of your last vaccination or have never been vaccinated, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation to assess the risk of tetanus infect...

Do You Need Tetanus Shots for Minor Scrapes? Infection Risks Explained

Regarding the issue of abrasions? A few days ago, I had a minor accident on the road. At the time, I didn't pay much attention to it, but when I got home that night, I noticed a small superficial abrasion, which has mostly healed now. I would like to ask the doctor if this t...

Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, the tetanus bacteria are usually transmitted through puncture wounds contaminated by soil, dust, or animal and human feces. It can also enter through lacerations, burns, and general wounds. It sounds like your wound is healing. Generally, the incubation period for tetanus ...

Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Scrape from a Fall?

Tetanus from abrasions Yesterday, my brother fell off his bike while wearing long pants. He got some abrasions through the fabric, but it has been over 24 hours and there are no issues at the moment. About 3 to 4 years ago, he also went to the emergency room due to a car accident...

Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, the vaccine you received was likely the tetanus vaccine, which typically provides protection for about five years with a single dose, so there is usually no need for a booster shot.

Understanding Wound Infection Risks: Beyond Tetanus and Rabies

Wound infection issues I cut myself on a recyclable item (possibly a metal can) while taking out the trash. I was wearing gloves, but they got torn, and my finger bled a little, though it doesn't seem very deep. Are there any infection concerns besides tetanus (such as HIV o...

Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the cut is superficial and has already stopped bleeding, no special treatment is necessary. In the following days, the wound should be disinfected with povidone-iodine and kept dry. As long as there is no redness, swelling, heat, pain, or purulent discharge from the wound, the...

Tetanus Shot and Antibiotics: Understanding Post-Bite Symptoms

Tetanus and Antibiotics Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about a situation where I was bitten by a dog and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics the next day. It has been four days now, and the injection site on my arm is sore. I am wondering if the sudden headache and co...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! It's the fourth day, and it's not a big deal. The more common issue is an allergic reaction. Stay safe! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Should You See a Doctor After a Minor Dog Bite? Tetanus Vaccine Insights

Tetanus vaccine I was bitten by my pet dog yesterday, but the wound isn't very large (a two-centimeter scratch) and it wasn't very deep. The bleeding stopped after a couple of wipes. Is it necessary to see a doctor?

Dr. Peng Xianwen Reply:
To prevent tetanus, complete the course of antibiotics and enhance wound care. Director Peng Hsien-Wen, Department of Surgery, Nantou Hospital.

Monkey Scratch Risks: Rabies and Herpes Concerns Explained

Macaque scratches - rabies, herpes? Hello doctor, today while we were at Tataka, we encountered a group of macaques. One of the macaques came over and scratched my mother while trying to grab food, leaving a minor scratch and a little bleeding. I checked and found that macaques c...

Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Indeed, wild animals have a higher chance of carrying the rabies virus, but currently, the domestic outbreak is limited to wild animals such as badgers and raccoons. Tataka, located at the border of Nantou and Chiayi, is in a region where positive cases of badgers are distributed...

Understanding Tetanus Risks and Wound Care After Injury

Questions about tetanus infection? Hello, Doctor. Last night, while returning home from my parents' house, I was hit on my hands and feet by the main entrance door (made of iron, unsure about the rust condition). It was quite dark at the time, so I didn't see the wounds...

Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. Yes 2. Yes 3. The incubation period is generally considered to be 3-21 days. 4. The antibacterial efficacy of hydrogen peroxide does decrease after its expiration date; however, your wound no longer requires special treatment. 5. Yes

Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Wire Injury?

Punctured by a wire? I was pricked by a wire from a clothesline yesterday. The wound is very small and initially had a small blood spot, but after cleaning it, I didn't see any bleeding. Three years ago, I received a tetanus vaccine due to a dog bite. Given this situation, d...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! There is no need for a booster shot; just take care of the wound to prevent infection. Wishing you well! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Ankle Injury from Branch: Healing Process and Antibiotic Guidance

Ankle laceration caused by a branch? Hello, doctor. On May 9th, I sustained a serious cut from a tree branch. I immediately went to the hospital for treatment, where I received a tetanus shot. The doctor also prescribed antibiotics and topical medication. So far, the smaller woun...

Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
After a traumatic wound heals, there may sometimes be fibrous tissue attached to the surface, appearing white. If there are no signs of redness, swelling, or purulence indicating infection, this is not abnormal. A typical course of oral antibiotics lasts about 1-2 weeks, and a fo...

Understanding Muscle Pain After Tetanus Shot: Causes and Remedies

Tetanus muscle soreness? On April 14, I received a tetanus shot due to injuries from a car accident. However, a week later, a hard lump and pain developed in the muscle at the injection site, and it has not improved since. Is this normal? What methods can help alleviate this cond...

Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
This may be fibrosis caused by the body's inflammatory response to the vaccine, which should improve over time and typically does not require special treatment.

Do I Need Rabies and Tetanus Shots After a Dog Bite Without Wounds?

Rabies vaccine I was bitten by a dog at my friend's house. There was no bleeding or visible wounds on my leg. Should I still go to the hospital for a rabies vaccine and a tetanus shot?

Dr. Peng Xianwen Reply:
Even if there is no bleeding, there may still be a wound. It is advisable to receive a tetanus shot, while rabies vaccination requires further evaluation. It is recommended to visit a hospital for assessment. Director Peng Hsien-Wen, Department of Surgery, Nantou Hospital.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Head Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects

Post-concussion syndrome Hello Dr. Chang, I had a car accident on April 1st and sustained a 2 cm laceration on my head, which bled profusely. I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, where I received a tetanus shot, had X-rays taken,...

Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Basically, your concerns sound mild and theoretically shouldn't lead to any long-term effects. You're overthinking it; just get a good night's sleep and rest, and you'll be fine.

Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite Injury?

Do I still need to get a tetanus shot? Hello Dr. Lee! I was bitten by a dog on my arm two and a half years ago, and I went to a clinic for wound care and received a tetanus shot at that time. Now, I have been bitten by a dog again on my wrist; this time, it bit my clothing sleeve...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! There is no need for a tetanus shot, but if it’s a wild dog, be cautious of rabies. Stay safe! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Cat Bite Infection: Understanding Cellulitis and Its Risks

Infection of the thumb caused by a bite from a feral cat leading to cellulitis? Hello Doctor, I took a stray cat to the veterinarian the day before yesterday, and the cat panicked and bit several holes in my thumb. At that moment, I went to the emergency room for a tetanus shot a...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! Given your age, if you do not smoke or drink, being bitten by a house cat should not lead to any major issues. However, cat and dog bite wounds can be more troublesome; it is necessary to clean the wound daily with ENT cotton swabs to ensure proper debridement. You should ...

Should You Seek Medical Attention for Tetanus After an Accident?

Tetanus infection Hello Dr. Ke, I accidentally hit something while riding my bike, and as a result, I have abrasions on my face, chin, shoulder, arms, and knees (approximately 4-5 cm). After cleaning and disinfecting the wounds, I noticed that my masseter muscle hurts when I bite...

Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This should not be related to tetanus. In the case of a motorcycle accident, if there is an impact to the jaw, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be injured, which can sometimes result in this condition. As long as there are no issues with occlusion, it should not be a concern...

Understanding Tetanus Risk After a Minor Cut: What You Need to Know

Wound issues Today, I accidentally cut myself with a piece of metal. The wound seems to have broken the skin, and it bleeds when pressure is applied. The depth of the wound is less than one centimeter, and the metal is not rusty. I washed the wound with clean water immediately an...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to get a tetanus shot at the hospital. Clean the wound with saline solution. Stay safe! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Managing Cellulitis After Dog Bite and Rusty Cut: A Guide

I was cut by a rusty instrument while being bitten by a dog four days ago? I would like to ask the doctor, four days ago I was cut on my left forearm by a rusty object. Initially, there was no swelling, just a little bleeding. Then I was bitten by my neighbor's dog. That sam...

Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The treatment for cellulitis relies on oral antibiotics, and the wound needs to be disinfected and cleaned daily, using povidone-iodine. Please consult a surgeon for examination and wound care; do not make judgments on your own. Proper treatment is essential to prevent a small wo...

Understanding Tetanus Risks: What to Do After a Needle Injury

Tetanus, may I ask the doctor? Thank you! While doing some crafting, I accidentally pricked my finger with a sewing needle, causing it to bleed. The area where I store my materials is quite dusty and has some moldy fabric, so I'm concerned that my hands may have come into co...

Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
A puncture wound should not be a major concern because the wound is small, which also reduces the likelihood of bacteria entering. Disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide is sufficient.

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