Cuts: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

See significance of getting a tetanus shot if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Were you cut by something clean and your last tetanus shot was longer than 10 years ago?

Note:

Something is clean if it does not have dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it. Examples include a broken water glass, a kitchen knife, or sewing scissors.

Yes

Were you cut by something dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago?

Note:

Something is dirty if it has dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it. Examples include a garden tool, a dirty nail, or a piece of glass that has been buried in the dirt.

Yes

Are you not sure if you were cut by something clean or dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago?

Yes

Are you not sure when you had your last tetanus shot?

Yes

Did you not get the first series of tetanus shots?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer