How do you know if you have tetanus from a cat bite?

by Symptom Advice on December 3, 2010

There are no symptoms shown. the kid got a tetanus shot 8 yrs before her cat bite, which was about 5 years ago. She also got a tetanus shot and other shots last year. Is she still at risk of a disease?

Cat bites are not known to be a likely source of tetanus infection at all. And since the child is up to date on her tetanus immunizations there should be no risk at all from any source.

you said she had a cat bite 5 years ago. That is way past the incubation period for tetanus anyway.

if this child is showing symptoms similar to tetanus, muscle spasms for example, whatever it is it has nothing to do with the cat bite but is certainly an indication she should see a physician right away.

A tetanus shot is good for 10 years, so I would say she probably doesn't have it. :) also, the incubation period for tetanus is 3-21 days, so if it's been 5 years and there are no symptoms…I'd say you're in the clear.

No her tetanus shots are up to date, but cat bites can be serious in other ways like infection. Go to your family doctor and explain all of this to him. he will know what to do.

Tetanus shots are good for 10 years. if you have a concern, just update your shot.

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