It is a good idea to have a tetanus shot at least every ten
years, although for those of us who are always working in the soil, five years
is probably preferable. We all work in the garden and sometimes get stuck with
thorns. A small cut or scrape is enough to admit tetanus bacteria.
Tetanus bacteria live in the soil and compost. It can have
some rather unpleasant symptoms and cause very serious problems and nobody
needs those which make having tetanus shots very important.
According to webmd.com, you should suspect tetanus if a cut or
wound is followed by one or more of these symptoms:
·
Stiffness of the neck, jaw, and other muscles,
often accompanied by a grotesque, grinning expression
·
Difficulty swallowing
·
Irritability
·
Uncontrollable spasms of the jaw, called lockjaw,
and neck muscles
·
Painful, involuntary contraction of other muscles.
Since there is not a lot going on in the garden now, please
call your doctor and make your appointment.
Until
next time. Stop and
smell the roses.