Why should you worry about tetanus when you hurt yourself with something rusty?

Question

Why should you worry about tetanus when you hurt yourself with something rusty?

In: Biology

Answer 1

You shouldn’t worry too much if your tetanus vaccinations are up to date (usually every 10 years). Otherwise, yes, see a doctor – once set in tetanus is a horrible way to die. The bacteria lives in anaerobic environments – without oxygen – so either soil or other places where it’s protected from air; and often that would be the places where objects that can puncture your skin have already rusted (like metal nails). But if you have open wounds or sores, you don’t need a metal object, just contact with soul is enough.