General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Tetanus can follow contamination of a wound by a bacterium found in soil. Even an ordinary injury may be involved. The appearance of the object causing it cannot by itself rule out the risk.
A deep or extensive wound, a wound near an eye or substantial bleeding needs urgent care. For severe bleeding, call 15 or 112 in France and follow the emergency operator’s instructions.
For a small superficial wound, French Health Insurance advises cleaning with water and soap. Seek advice if its severity is uncertain or an illness or treatment increases the risk of complications.
Check tetanus vaccination dates in your records. If vaccination is overdue or you do not know, contact a doctor promptly. After an injury, necessary measures depend on the wound and vaccination history.
A doctor may decide that vaccination needs to be accompanied by another preventive treatment. A routine pharmacy vaccination slot therefore cannot replace assessment and care of the wound.
Outside an urgent situation, you can prepare a vaccination update with a professional. For other prevention habits, the Pharmacie Kennedy Faire le point sur ma santé page explains Mon bilan prévention.
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