Nail wound and fevers = coincidence?

[Floweryfields]

Yesterday I had an incident with a nail, picking up an old board and it punctured my hand, the meaty part of the thumb. It bled a bit and I put antiseptic on it within about 15 mins. I throbbed for a while, then last night was very sore, could hardly use hand. I had a tetanus shot last year when I stood on a nail (yep me and nails have history).
Today I woke up feeling achy - thought it was from the physical work I did yesterday, but I've also got a sore chest and just started getting the shakes, feeling really cold and am feeling really achy all over.
Puncture site looks clean, tiny bit of discharge but not puss.



Is it just a coincidence?

[Calluna]

I don't know, I think I'd get it checked to be sure.

[Doing my best]

Did you get a tetnus shot?

I would be getting it checked just to be sure!

[Mother Goose]

Go get a tetnus shot today. You're displaying symptoms inline with tetnus.

Fwiw, you need to get one every time you have a run in with a nail regardless of when your last shot was. Sorry.

[Floweryfields]

Really, I thought tetanus was good for 5 years?

[Mother Goose]

A few years ago they changed it and said once you get tetnus in school you don't need to get it again unless you have an incident requiring it (such as having a run in with a nail). I would go get yourself checked and jabbed today based on your symptoms. Sorry.

[surprised]

How did you go hun?

[Liviam]

Hope you're feeling ok - did you get it checked out?

[Floweryfields]

Thanks ladies. I have an appointment today - my local very small hospital doesn't have a doctor on duty on weekends, they would call one in if it were serious enough, but I didn't feel it was and hate to be a pain like that (also would mean a lengthy wait there).
Anyway, I've had fevers and chills off and on, none this morning, but still a sore chest, back and bit of a productive cough, and this mornning, sore ears and headache. It's weird because I don't have a snotty nose at all....anyway I don't think I'm going to drop dead before my appointment later today.
Thanks for caring!

[Mother Goose]

Sorry you still feel miserable

[Floweryfields]

Just a quick update. I have a virus - he checked everything over, 10 minute appointment, pay $50 come back in a few days if you're no better.

And he said tetanus is good for 10 years so .

[Mother Goose]

Glad it's just a virus Ausgirl.

10 years is what they used to say between routine shots (so you should get one every 10 years) but get a booster when you are exposed to risk (ie encountering a nail ). Now the recommendation is you get it in high school and then don't need it again unless you are exposed to a risk.

[Calluna]

Glad you're ok Ausgirl.

This is probably a stupid question but... What's the point of getting it in high school if you have to get another one when you injure yourself?