TETANUS

Dear Ask The Doctor: I HIT MY HAND ONTO A RUSTY NAIL I HAD A TETNUS SHOT WHEN I WAS A KID DO I NEED ONE AGAIN?

Dear Nancy:

Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease caused by a toxin that leads to stiffness of your jaw muscles and other muscles. Tetanus can cause severe muscle spasms, make breathing difficult and, ultimately, threaten your life.

Almost all cases of tetanus occur in people who've never been immunized or who haven't had a tetanus booster shot within the preceding 10 years. I would suggest you to wash your wound thoroughly with soap and water and also receive a booster vaccine which should be done every 10 years. I wish you the best.