Tetanus immunization — Tetanus is a serious, potentially life-threatening infection that can be transmitted by an animal or human bite. Adults who are bitten should receive a tetanus vaccine (called a tetanus toxoid vaccine) if the most recent tetanus vaccine was greater than 5 years ago.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/animal-bites-beyond-the-basics
Most dog bites occur in children, with the highest number seen in boys between the ages of five and nine years old. The head and neck are the most common site of bites in children up to age 10 years, probably because a child's head is close to the level of a large dog's mouth. The arms and legs, particularly the right hand, are the most frequent site of injury for older children and adults.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/animal-bites-beyond-the-basics
Get a tetanus shot as recommended by your doctor every 10 years. As a good practice, keep track of all tetanus shots and boosters. Know that tetanus enters the body with a pinprick, cut, puncture wound, deep scrape, burn, or other injuries that break the skin or mucous membrane.
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Or see your doctor about a tetanus booster for any wound — especially if it might have been contaminated with dirt, animal feces or manure — if you haven't had a booster shot within the past 10 years or aren't sure of when you were last vaccinated.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/dxc-20200458
Animal bites are a common problem in the United States, with two to five million occurring each year. Children are bitten more often than adults. The vast majority of animal bites are caused by dogs (85 to 90 percent), with the remainder caused by cats (5 to 10 percent) and rodents (2 to 3 percent). The most feared complication of an animal bite is rabies, although skin infection is the most common complication.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/animal-bites-beyond-the-basics
When to see a doctor. See your doctor for a tetanus booster shot if you have a deep or dirty wound and you haven't had a booster shot in five years. If you aren't sure of when your last booster was, get a booster.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/dxc-20200458
How to Know When you Need a Tetanus Shot. Tetanus is a medical condition affecting the skeletal muscle occurring from an infection through a wound that causes contamination. It can involve a cut or deep puncture wound, such as stepping on a nail or getting cut with a piece of glass. As the infection worsens, muscle spasms in the jaw develop first, known as lockjaw. People of all ages need tetanus shots to prevent this condition. Note that tetanus is a disease which can be fatal. It is caused by bacteria found in dust, soil and manure. The bacterial spores live in the soil.
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Signs and symptoms of tetanus appear anytime from a few days to several weeks after tetanus bacteria enter your body through a wound. The average incubation period is seven to 10 days. Common signs and symptoms of tetanus include: Spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles (trismus)
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/dxc-20200458
Besides a tetanus shot, your doctor may also give you an injection of something called tetanus immune globulin, which acts fast to prevent infection. There is a small window of opportunity for the tetanus immune globulin to work, so don't delay seeking medical care.
http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/Health-Tips/Prevention/Do-I-Need-A-Tetanus-Shot-/
After those first series of shots, you should receive a booster shot every 10 years. If you step on a nail or suffer a wound that is deep and dirty, and haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years, you need help fast. Seek medical attention immediately and rinse the wound with tap water. Do not cleanse with soap or apply antiseptic to a deep wound.
http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/Health-Tips/Prevention/Do-I-Need-A-Tetanus-Shot-/
when do you need a tetanus shot
A tetanus shot is needed every 10 years. A tetanus shot needed every 10 years.