Pain from animal bite - do I need Tetanus booster?

[cynthia32]

I've been out of town this past week visiting a good friend of mine.  This morning as I was eating breakfast, his cat came up to me, and out of nowhere, bit my leg.  It was a small puncture but left a visible mark.  I'm worried about possibly getting tetanus.  I had my last Tetanus vaccine 7 years ago.  Do I need a booster?  I'm a 32 year old female

Thanks,
Cynthia

[tia77]

Please go and get the rabies vaccination asap.  They will tell you at the hospital when to get the tetanus.  This is not something to wait on.

[cynthia32]

Dear Dr. Rajgopal,

How far apart should the anti Rabies vaccination and the Tetanus booster be?  A few days? A week? A month?  Are there any side effects to having the rabies vaccination and a tetanus booster at the same time?  

Thanks,
Cynthia

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
You definitely need anti Rabies vaccination with Tetanus booster because along with dogs , other animals like cats and monkeys transmit Rabies to human beings . You must take a Tetanus booster and anti Rabies vaccination as soon as possible but both should not be taken at the same time . Please visit a health care centre for the same . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !