Cut finger on aluminum can

[peainapod]

that had chicken in it. It looks kind of deep and bled a ton. I got bleeding to stop and put peroxide, then alcohol, then neosporin on it. I am 36weeks pregnant and am not sure how long it has been since I have had a tetinus shot.

Should I go to the doctor or do you think I will be fine? I will be calling my ob in the morning.

 

[leebee]

I am not a doctor so can't give you reliable medical advice. However, as a biologist, I know that the bacteria that causes tetanus only grows in anaerobic conditions- those without oxygen. That's why it's such an issue with puncture wounds, like stepping on a nail The wound closes up almost immediately and then there's no oxygen present, so if there is tetanus bacillus on the nail, you could be in trouble.

Was it raw chicken or cooked? Was it a can of chicken? Remember that canned foods are processed at high temperature/pressures to kill any bacteria that might be inside. If it was raw chicken I'd be more worried about salmonella than tetanus.

Is someone on-call at your ob's or your primary care physician's office? You could call and discuss your situation with the on-call doc instead of worrying all night.

 

[peainapod]

I am not a doctor so can't give you reliable medical advice. However, as a biologist, I know that the bacteria that causes tetanus only grows in anaerobic conditions- those without oxygen. That's why it's such an issue with puncture wounds, like stepping on a nail The wound closes up almost immediately and then there's no oxygen present, so if there is tetanus bacillus on the nail, you could be in trouble.

Was it raw chicken or cooked? Was it a can of chicken? Remember that canned foods are processed at high temperature/pressures to kill any bacteria that might be inside. If it was raw chicken I'd be more worried about salmonella than tetanus.

Is someone on-call at your ob's or your primary care physician's office? You could call and discuss your situation with the on-call doc instead of worrying all night.

It was a can of organic cooked chicken. I called and left a message. Not sure when they will get back to me. Hopefully soon!

 

[Christine]

Personally, I think you'll be fine.

Tetanus predominantly lives in soil and in dirt. Puncture wounds, at the PP states, are the issue because tetanus cannot survive with air.

The likelihood of tetatus being on the can or on your hands when the cut was made is remote. A wound that bleeds is good because the act of the blood running out forces any bacteria out.

You do know that if you call the doctor they will not tell you everything is fine! They can't do that.

 

[MnMomtoboys]

My last tetanus shot was in fall 06. Last Dec I got another cause my Doc said that the formula for the shot had changed since then.

Its a good thing you called. If you don't hear from them by morning call again.