Public Service Announcement

[bojojoti]

Gardeners should get a tetanus shot every ten years, because tetanus bacterium can live in soil and manure.  It only takes a break in the skin--and what rosarian doesn't have battle wounds?--for Clostridium tetani to attack the nervous system.  Most people think of lockjaw, but there is so much more to the symptoms.  It's a long, lingering, horrifying death that can last for weeks.  So, get your innoculation!

And *ow* I got mine yesterday, and my arm is sore!  But it's better than having convulsions strong enough to break bones. 

Comments

[kiwi-kimi.livejournal.com]

A few months after I had my last tetanus shot I was wandering about on our property (which has been farmland as well as garden, so even more likely to have tetanus around) when I stood on a four-inch nail hidden in the soil. It went in an inch or so (through my shoe). When I recovered from the shock, I was *very* glad I'd had that shot.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

It's amazing how many rusty nails there are on properties! Although, I've read of women who have suffered merely from a scratch from a bush.

Ouch, for your poor foot.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

That is a very timely reminder - I really should get mine done.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

Glad to be a good public servant!

[brendamom.livejournal.com]

Yay Peonies! Beautiful. Mine should be out soon.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

Peonies are such beautiful flowers. I've seen some singles blooming around town, but my photo is from a previous spring. I have lots of buds ready to go in just a few days.

[jennifleur.livejournal.com]

Good to know... and yes. I'm up on my shots. (happily)

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

It was interesting to read that the richer and more organic the soil, the higher the danger.

[lorelei-n.livejournal.com]

I think you're supposed to get one every ten years anyway, but my brother is allergic to the shot and is a gardener. He almost died from the shot as a kid.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

Hopefully, your brother's severe reaction is indicative that he is fully protected. How frightening that he had such a reaction.

[jazzyglo.livejournal.com]

Beautiful picture!

I think I have another year before I have to get a tetanus shot, but thanks for the reminder.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That was from another spring. My peonies are heavy with buds, but it will be several days before they bloom.

Any time!

[silver-nyssa.livejournal.com]

Wow, I had no idea you can get tetanus from soil and manure. Thanks for the info! If it's been over ten years since I've had one then it must be just barely because I'm fairly certain I had to have one to get into the school I went to for 9th grade.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

Time for a booster shot! I had always heard about getting tetanus from stepping on rusty nails, but there have been people who have died from a simple scratch from a bush!

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Hey, I still can't reply to your messages as you have the privacy option on.

[lorelei whiting nettles (from livejournal.com)]

I can never remember when I had the last one. Need to check into that. My brother is allergic and can't have them.

[bojojoti.livejournal.com]

A Facebook posting on an old entry. Is this a fluke or something new to me?