dog bite

[fruitsalad]

OH got bitten by a dog so I phoned the docs to see if he could get a tetanus as hes not had one for many years more than 10, and was told he wont need one as the ones he had as a kid last a life time, and just to make sure its kept clean and if the wounds show any sign of infection then to give them a call, any one else heard that tetanus injections given as a child last a lifetime?

[redman41]

I think it is 10 Years fruitsalad but I stand to be corrected by those in the Medical Profession.

[archeraddict]

If you have 5 tetanus injections in your life - usually 3 as a baby, one before school and one before leaving school - then you are covered for life. It is now actually difficult to get a Tetanus jab on it's own as it usually has Diphtheria included in it.
Hope it's not too painful!

[Postdog]

it's rubbish. As a postman (when I was) I sometimes got bites, and I could never remember when I last got injected so I always checked. I was always told the ten year rule applied.

BTW I have had two bites that did lead to infection, despite proper cleaning and antiseptic etc.

[jules77]

I was told it was 10 years too. I got bit by a cat once, only small puncture wounds, but despite having an up to date tetanus and antibiotics it got badly infected.

[fruitsalad]

its been well over 10 years since he had a tetanus injection and he cannot remember how many he had as a kid, will just have to keep check on them and hope for the best that they dont get infected.

[archeraddict]

I'm a Practice Nurse and the advice changed in the late 90s. If someone knows that they have had all 5 primary doses, they do not need another dose. The only time it might be recommended is if they were travelling abroad after 10years and post exposure immunoglobulin is not available.

The advice is from the 'Green Book' or check with Patient UK.

That said, if there is any suggestion that 5 doses haven't already been given, then a dose is needed.

[237SJ]

Tetanus is a serious illness and has got nothing to do with a bite becoming infected. My company has always been hot on vaccinating staff and I see from my record that the last time I was `done` was 1996. There is a diptheria stamp over my tetanus record now which correlates with what archeraddict says. It states I`m due to be done again in 2017 but I`m thinking the tetanus jab is one of those jabs that gives you lifelong immunity if you have them done enough times when you`re young.

[rowanwitch]

they were given with every minor injury a few years ago if the person couldn't remember when they had their last one it was a case of 'and give him anti tet nurse....' most people will have had enough to cover them the exceptions are areas where it is known to be especally 'hot' in the soil etc essex was always iffy

[Sqad]

237SJ is correct.

[bednobs]

i had a dog scratch 6 months ago and was told exactly the same thing fruitsalad