Okay. Three days ago I slipped off my fence and scratched my toe on a rusty nail. at first I cleaned it with one of those wipey things used to clean wounds. then I later like an hour later cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide and have done few times every time I want to change my band-aids. I've kept my foot protected, cleaned, the past three days. Since tonight after I took a shower, I left it bandaged and kept any socks off so it my wound breathe.
The night I cut my toe, my mom told me that I could get a disease from it. of course I looked it up, found out it was Tetanus I could get. I got so worried, imagining I had it. then, I absolutely felt lost when I found out theres no cure.
The symptoms I have had are first, only a day after I cut my toe (I cut my toe in the late afternoon btw) I had difficulty breathing. I still do. The next symptom I had was last night, sweating. and final, this morning I had to go diarrhea.
HOWEVER…
I talked to my mom asked her if I could have Tetanus. she said no, because..
1. I got my Tetanus shot when I was about 4-5. It should have lasted 12 years meaning it's still protecting.
2. there are no signs that my foot is infected. I have no red streaks by it, no puffiness, nothing it's only healed.
3. Although I've been having the symptoms, she said it's all in my imagination that I am overreacting. which is true, I've felt completely LOST the past few days. I'm already feeling better, breathing better, once I knew I might not have it.
Do I have Tetanus or not? Is my mom correct?
I know for a fact stress can cause me to feel the way I am.
Tetnus bacilli has to be on the item you scratched your foot on. It has nothing to do with the rust. Tetnus is found in dirt, so dirty areas could be a potential problem. However, you have a superficial wound which is easier to clean. You did clean it as stated. Puncture wounds like stepping on a nail would be more dangerous and harder to clean out. Tetnus only last for 10 years and as the years go by immunity wanes and the closer you get to the 10 years the less immunity you have, then if you get a wound that is suspect it warrants a tetnus booster. It's recommended you see a doctor if you feel sick or have concerns.
Tetnus is not as deadly as it once was, because they can give you a antitoxin now even after symptoms develop. This will neutralize the tetnus toxin, but the recovery period depending on the severity can be long and very painful. Remember go see your doctor as this info is just educational and no one on this site is a doctor.
PS. also the poster above statement is a bit erroneous as to say that only those symptoms listed are of concern. first of all you need to know everyone is different and may not exhibited the typical signs listed in order. so keep it in mind if you feel sick in any way or form you should seek out medical attention. people read stuff on websites and assume. I am a nurse I've seen tetnus.
RN