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Tetanus

Started by Palustris, October 08, 2003, 23:58:35

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Palustris

October 08, 2003, 23:58:35 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Was not sure where to put this message, but most people seem to visit here so this might be the best place. Sorry to bang on about it and no I have no shares in medical companies. Having read here and elsewhere postings from new Allotment holders (and gardeners) may I pass on the possibly best piece of adviceI was given when I started. If you have not had an Anti-tetanus jab then go and ask your Doctor for one. If you have then make sure you do not need a booster dose. Long winded warning, but it only takes one scratch from an infected source and ............
Gardening is the great leveller.

Palustris

October 08, 2003, 23:58:35 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Gardening is the great leveller.

Mrs Ava

#1
October 09, 2003, 02:16:58 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
hmmm....now I went to my docs in the spring to ask for a tetnus booster, brave of me as I am so needle phobic  :'( , and the nurse told me it wasn't necessary.  I explained my garden hobby, but she said it would be better to go if I receive and injury........closing the door after the horse has bolted huh  :-/

tim

#2
October 09, 2003, 14:09:47 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
I call that ridiculous - you might not be able to get to help in the event?

And I've twice stuck my fork through my wellie (including foot!) when signing off from digging and stabbing it into the ground!!

2 people died locally last year from T - Tim

Mrs Ava

#3
October 09, 2003, 20:31:58 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
THROUGH YOUR FOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o  What damage did you do??  I always stab the fork like that and always cringe as soon as I do it because it frequently skims my boot!  I will get a booster for sure - I shall just demand it.  I thought originally I was well overdue a booster as I haven't had one since my school days...making that......oh my god......at least 17 years ago!  boohoo :'(  Where did that time go!

tim

#4
October 09, 2003, 20:36:12 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
the funny bit is when you turn to walk away - you can't!!! - Tim

PS I didn't mean to be a scaremonger - I think people are more conscious of risk around here, being a horsey county.

ina

#5
October 09, 2003, 20:45:49 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Jeez Tim, two people died from tetanus there? What a total waste! So unnecessary with the vaccinations being available. I have never heard of anyone dying or even getting it anymore. Good thinking to put a warning about it here. -Ina

teresa

#6
October 09, 2003, 23:13:36 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Good advice Eric especialy for the new gardeners of today'
Below copied from a doctors web page to explain why we all need the jab.

It's important to have tetanus immunisation because of the serious illness tetanus infection can cause.

A toxin made by the bacterium called Clostridium tetani is responsible for the effects of tetanus infection. When this toxin enters the body, usually through a wound, it initially causes headache, fever, and muscle stiffness in the back, neck, arms, and jaw. The other name for tetanus is 'lock-jaw'.

Without treatment the toxin causes further problems of painful muscle spasms. If the muscles of the chest and throat are affected then difficulties with breathing may result in suffocation and death. Those who develop tetanus infection need urgent treatment. This usually includes anti-toxin, antibiotics, and muscle relaxants to get relief from the muscle spasms.

The bacterium Clostridium tetani lives in the soil and also in human and animal intestines. Many people cut themselves whilst gardening or doing DIY, for example, and this is why doctors and nurses will ask, when someone who has injured themselves in this manner, whether they have kept their tetanus immunisation up to date.

Fortunately a very safe and effective vaccination is available to protect people. Babies are immunised against tetanus at 2, 3, and 4 months of age. Booster doses are given between ages 3-5 and again between 16-18 years of age. After that people are advised to maintain their protection by having booster doses every ten years.

Teresa ;)

Daisy

#7
October 09, 2003, 23:44:59 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
I recently had a Tetanus booster jab at my local A&E dept after being bitten by a dog and I was told that I was now covered for the rest of my life but I always thought that you needed a booster every 10 years.

Colin_Bellamy-Wood

#8
October 10, 2003, 00:21:30 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
When I was in the Army, at one point I was Chief Clerk of 7th Armd Bde (Desert Rats) HQ and Signal Sqn.   The Bde HQ Medical Centre was my administrative responsibility - I had a superb clerk in there.  

One of the things my clerk, with my support, was keen on doing was to ensure TAB boosters were given on time.   My clerk "organised" the Doctor, and I "organised" the attendance.   I was quite proud of our record of attendance - there was only one who constantly found an excuse for not attending.Excuses which could not be challenged or faulted.   It was, of course, the Brigadier, or Brigade Commander, who later went on to become GOC London District.

gavin

#9
October 10, 2003, 00:54:58 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:10 by -1
"The bacterium Clostridium tetani lives in the soil and also in human and animal intestines."

Aye, and in the intestinal products (nuts?) which go into manure - I just wanted to try the "automatic translation feature"!

<edit>Brilliant - I can see what I really typed, but you can't!</edit>

All best - Gavin

Hyacinth

#10
October 10, 2003, 02:53:12 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
EmmaJane, you really must get that done, asap.Stupid nurse. Because I've an immune system that's shot-to-hell, I've been recommended to have boosters every 7 yrs instead of 10.

Once was impaled by a hawthorne thorn that went straight through thick-soled wellies, thick socks & into my foot. Caused a really nasty infection. But ah!! as it happened at a weekend and I had to go to A&E for antibiotics, the young doctors were a bonus... :P

Palefire

#11
October 10, 2003, 21:09:34 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
I went on a dig at Haigh Hall quite a long time ago and had to have a tetanus before I went, as the company was not insured if we weren't up to date. That reminds me - I've a feeling that was getting on for ten years ago..............

Love Palefire

xxx
"You are going down a path that I cannot follow"

Hot_Potato

#12
October 28, 2003, 17:17:01 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Just thought I'd add something....as a new lottie holder thought it wise to have booster...yesterday I went into my surgery & explained why I felt I needed a tetanus booster ....I was first told by reception Staff that if I'd had 3 in total in my life...I wouldn't ever need to have anymore....I didn't feel too happy with this suggestion.....just as we were discussing it one of the Doctors came into the reception area so they asked her....she said....if you've had 5 in your lifetime...then you never need anymore unless it's a particularly dirty wound....as there was no record of how many I'd had...only showed one on my records.....I insisted on having one and it's booked for Monday.... :'(ouch! - G.P. did say it didn't matter how many you had....it's obviously just another way of "cutting costs".....we should demand these things I feel...not that that always works....I practically begged for a smallpox re-vaccination and there's no way they'll let you have that!! - H.P. (hope you've had your's done Clare)

Hot_Potato

#13
October 29, 2003, 15:38:08 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
:-[ just noticed I got names a bit mixed up....it was Emma Jane who was going to "chase up" getting her booster done....I put Clare.....sorryyyyyyy :-[

Mrs Ava

#14
November 03, 2003, 02:27:00 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Don't worry hot potato, I forgive you  ;)  and I still haven't had the darn shot  >:(.  I must get my act together - needle phobe you see, can think of a zillion things to do rather than willingly go and have a needle stuck in me, even though I know it is important and could save my life!  I must must must get it done.

ciderself

#15
November 03, 2003, 12:13:10 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Hi Emma Jane
Being a total scaredy cat and thoroughly irresponsible to boot I've been putting off having this jab for years even though accident prone in the garden. If you go get it done - I will have to call this week to arrange. Surely it cant be so bad???????

jethro

#16
November 03, 2003, 18:31:07 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Haven't had a 'jab' for years, seems ok though i just have to take a hammer to my jaw when talking,( seems a bit stiff). Seriously though i get one every 5 years (booster) recommended by the doc as i have livestock and don't want to get 'infected' by the little blighters.

Mrs Ava

#17
November 03, 2003, 18:51:51 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
hmmm.....okay....will call them this week and get up there and I won't take no for an answer  :-/  I will cry though  :'(, I am the worlds greatest whimp!!  Childbirth, no problems, a small blood test during pregnancy, the end of the world!  

ciderself

#18
November 03, 2003, 18:55:08 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
OK Eric.  booked myself in for jab this weds aft. Cant even remember havin one ever. Doc didnt say anything about paying. Anyone else going to join me??????????

ciderself

#19
November 03, 2003, 18:59:26 Last Edit: January 01, 1970, 01:00:00 by 1077926400
Sorry E J
Posted before I saw your reply  :-[Feel better now  ;D
Thank you
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