Tetanus shots

[Homeboy]

I do not know if this is the best place for this topic. Admin, please move if needed.

I was once installing a stainless sink when the raw edge cut my finger deeply. I had the cut sutured in the nearest emergency room. At the room, the doctor gave me a tetanus shot.

In my adventures in DIY land, I often cut or bruise myself. After a major carpentry project, I once counted 5 splinters in my hands. The question is: are tetanus shots something that a Pinlyhandyman should consider? I know that women of childbearing age are routinely vaccinated against tetanus. What are the benefits or side effects?

[Benji]

By not using tetanus shots at least once in every 5 years you run the risk of catching it from poluted materials like rusted nails etc. You can become REAL REAL sick if you do get it. If you have to go to hospital for a cut they will always ask you when the last time was you had your shot. if they do not ask you you should tell them if it has been more than 5 years.

[nicolodeon]

I had a tetanus shot about 2 years ago. I accidentally stepped on a really rusty nail while I was coming down from an old wooden ladder.

So as for your question, my answer would be yes IF any of our members here do a lot of DIY.

[Wildthing]

having a tetanus shot before an event of possible exposure is cheaper.

pagnasugatan ka na, they'll have to inject you tetanus toxiod pa.

overall that would cost twice than plain vaccination.

[koykoy]

just wanted to share lang the common misconception about tetanus and rust.

fact is tetanus resides in soil from the feces of animals and enters your body through your open wound. i accidentally stepped on a rose thorn at the beach while carrying my windsurf gear barefooted. ouch. my pathologist gf gave me a tetanus shot that night which only cost P50 and should protect me in the next 2 years or so.

i think everybody who are active should have shot at least every other year. its very cheap but failure to do so could be fatal.