Summer Home Reno Plans Should Include Tetanus Shot

If you’re going to be working on your home this spring and summer, health officials say the first building block is a trip to the doctor for a tetanus shot.

The Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion is hammering home the importance of such immunization before any gardening or home improvement plans are undertaken.

That this year brings the added incentive of a federal Home Renovation Tax Credit only makes the issue more pertinent.

If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years you could be at risk of contracting the rare but serious disease through a cut or puncture. The bacteria that cause tetanus live in soil, dirt and dust, and even a small amount can lead to illness if you are not protected.

Therefore, the CCIAP wants you to check your immunization records and if necessary head to your doctor or a clinic.

Here’s more on Tetnanus, courtesy CCIAP:

Drilling Down – The Facts on Tetanus

Tetanus is an illness caused by a toxin (or poison) made by bacteria that block normal control of nerve reflexes in the spinal column. The bacteria that make tetanus toxin are found naturally in soil, animal feces and dust.

Home improvement and gardening tools and equipment may be exposed to tetanus bacteria if they are used outdoors or stored near other supplies that are used outdoors.  Tetanus bacteria usually enter the body through an open wound in the skin, such as the kind you can get by cutting yourself on sharp gardening tools or jagged objects buried in the dirt.

Although many people associate tetanus with a cut from a rusty nail, you can get tetanus from many things including anything contaminated with even small amounts of animal feces, soil and dust.  A significant portion of tetanus cases are caused by minor injuries people may not think would cause tetanus – 27 per cent of tetanus cases in North America occur in people who have not previously reported an injury.

Roll Up Your Sleeves and Protect Yourself

Canadians should receive a tetanus booster every 10 years.

Adults more than 60 years of age are at increased risk of tetanus infection as they may not have been immunized against the disease when they were younger, or they may have simply forgotten to keep their immunization up to date with a booster every 10 years.

If you’re not up to date, visit your doctor or local public health clinic and ask for a free tetanus booster. Immigrants to Canada may also be at risk, as many would not have received tetanus immunization in their country of origin.

They should check whether they need to receive full immunization against tetanus.

To avoid contracting tetanus during home renovations, or in the garden or other outdoor locations, follow these easy steps:

• Ensure that your immunization is up to date
• Get a tetanus booster every 10 years at your local public health clinic, doctor’s office, pharmacy or travel clinic
• Wear gloves, protective clothing and footwear while renovating, gardening or doing yard work
• Be careful when using tools that could cut or puncture your skin
• If you are injured, clean wounds thoroughly and immediately with soap and warm water

For more on tetanus, click here.

Tetanus prevention