If you wish to know that can you get tetanus from a kitchen knife, Then this article is for you!
You may get wonder to know that a kitchen knife can induce tetanus if it cuts deeply and isn’t properly cleaned. Tetanus is basically an infectious disease caused by bacteria.
Can you get tetanus from a rusty kitchen knife? Surprisingly, it can happen.
So, when you work in your kitchen and cut vegetables or meats, you should follow some safety measures unless you can get cut.
Moreover, any dirty or rusty knife can also cause tetanus. Toxins produced by this bacteria have been linked to seizures and muscle spasms.
Let’s know more about it.
Can you get Tetanus from a Kitchen Knife?
Clostridium tetani, a dangerous pathogen, causes tetanus. When bacteria enter the human body, they grow. The infection then produces fever, perspiration, fast heart rate, and other symptoms.
There are some common ways by which tetanus can transmit to your body. The organisms enter the body via damaged skin, which is mainly caused by contact with contaminated things.
Certain skin wounds are more prone to infection by tetanus bacteria.
These are some of them:
- Dirty, poopy (feces), or spit-infested wounds (saliva)
- Puncture wounds are wounds created by an item pinching the skin, such as a fingernail or a needle.
- Burns
- Injuries caused by crushing
- Injuries involving dead tissue
- Surgical procedures
Rusty and dirty knives have a higher risk of infecting you with a tetanus infection. Now, can you get tetanus from a clean kitchen knife? Yes, you can.
You may receive a vaccine if you become infected, but you should assess the following factors to determine whether you require a vaccine dose.
When you need the Vaccine
Last injection: If you get a tetanus dose 5 to 10 years ago, you should have a vaccination shot after cutting with a knife.
Depth of the cut: If the wound is deep, get vaccinated right away since bacteria multiply quickly in the deeper layers of the skin.
Cleanness of the Knife: A rusted, filthy knife can be a cause of tetanus. Your silverware should be cleaned on a regular basis. If you cut yourself with a rusted knife, you should be vaccinated.
The tetanus vaccine is given to all individuals while they are young. If you haven’t had a primary tetanus vaccine in childhood, you should receive one immediately.
Before becoming vaccinated, it’s important to understand the numerous types of tetanus shots available and when they’re given.
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and primary vaccine series begin early as the age of two months and last until the child is four to six years old.
The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine is given to preteens, as well as anyone who has not had their primary vaccines including pregnant women.
Every 10 years, the Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) vaccine is administered as a booster.
Tetanus germs can be found in a wide variety of places in our environment, including soil, dust, and the air we breathe. As a result, avoiding these viruses might be difficult, especially when working in the kitchen.
By any chance, if you get cut with your sharp kitchen knife, you can follow the procedures stated below to minimize your suffering.
What to do if you get cut with your Kitchen Knife?
Step 1: Allow a few minutes for the wound to bleed out. This removes any impurities that may have been present during the cut.
Step 2: Using a water tap, rinse the cut area for 5 to 10 minutes. It would be preferable if you could warm up your water.
Step 3: Clean the afflicted area using a cleaning product that has been recommended. It’s feasible to use iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or any methylated spirits.
Step 4: Let the disinfectant operate for about 2 to 3 minutes, killing any bacteria which may have formed on and around the cut site.
Step 5: Finally wrap it with a small bandage.
You should immediately go to a doctor if there is a much deeper cut and much bleeding occurs.
Related Post: How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Kitchen Knives?
Conclusion
I think you are clear now about your query: can you get tetanus from a kitchen knife, right? I hope so.
By reading this post, you have surely an understanding of what you need to do and what you need not do after cutting your skin with knives.
So don’t be concerned; simply follow the steps outlined above. To avoid such incidents, don’t forget to use clean knives in the kitchen.
Best of luck!
