Am I At Risk Of Getting Tetanus?

Did you miss the tetanus vaccination as a child?

If you received the tetanus vaccine according to your regular vaccination plan, did you miss the booster shot 10 years after the last dose?

Do you have a puncture wound (sharp injury which damages the deeper parts of the skin - including from splinters, body piercings, tattoos and injection drugs)?

Do you have a penetrating injury with a foreign body such as a splinter or a nail?

Do you have crushing injuries (when force or pressure is put on a part of your body; part of the body is squeezed between two heavy object)?

Do you have burns?

Do you have gunshot wounds?

Do you have wounds contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva?

Have you been hiking in bat caves or have you been bitten by an animal?

Have you had road accidents or compound fractures?

Do you have an infected foot ulcer?

Do you have surgical wounds or dental infections?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting tetanus. Tetanus is a serious medical condition characterized by an infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium is widespread in the environment and can enter the bloodstream through a cut or deep wound. Tetanus cannot be transmitted from one person to another. It can be prevented by immunization with a tetanus vaccine. Unfortunately, vaccinated people do not have permanent immunity, so it is necessary to receive a booster shot every 10 years. Even if you have a small wound and cannot be sure if you are immune to tetanus, you should see a doctor.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting tetanus. Tetanus is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This type of bacterium can be found in the soil, dust and manure of animals such as horses and cows. You can get tetanus if your cut or wound becomes infected with bacterial spores, which then enter the bloodstream and produce toxins that lead to painful muscle contractions. The jaw and neck muscles become stiff leading to breathing problems. If you have been injured, but you are not sure how many doses of tetanus vaccine you have received, you may need a booster dose.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting tetanus. Tetanus is a serious condition caused by an infection of the wound with a bacterium Clostridium tetani. Anyone can get tetanus, but people with irregular immunizations have the highest risk, whether they missed their vaccination, or they have been vaccinated but have not received a booster dose every 10 years. People with diabetes, a history of immunosuppression, and intravenous drug use, have also an increased risk of getting tetanus. If you have a deep wound or the wound contains dirt or a foreign object, be sure to contact your doctor for assessment and treatment.