I’m not one for fear-mongering, but Tuesday’s Vancouver Sun article about the surprising number of tetanus infections in BC last year is a good reminder for all of us who frequently find ourselves around sharp tools and dirty hands. Tetanus is definitely a disease you don’t want to mess with. I believe I got my last booster at age 12 after the hedgehog I was babysitting latched onto my finger with it’s teeth. That means I’m due for another, as public health officials recommend that adults renew their vaccinations every ten years.
Only 4 infections, true, but that’s almost as high as the annual number reported in all of Canada. The tetanus virus is “ubiquitous in the soil,” so hypothetically any injury incurred while out in your garden could be susceptible. Get your boosters to be safe, so you won’t have to worry about those inevitable nicks and cuts you give yourselves this season.
