Doc said to skip tetanus booster and now I’m freaking out

[Anne_Xiety]

Hi,

Bit of a weird one but I’ll try to keep it brief. I received a cat bite at the weekend, which hasn’t become inflamed or infected. I went to my doctor and he said that it was fine and doesn’t need antibiotics.

I was concerned about tetanus and told him I have my second Pfizer booked for the end of the week. He said since they don’t like you having two vaccines within a week, to skip the tetanus and get the Pfizer instead (then get a booster in a couple of weeks just to be safe).

I trust my doctor but my health anxiety has spiked because of this. I feel like I’m being hyper vigilant to the point of imagining symptoms like jaw pain and stiffness (I can still open my mouth as normal, I don’t have a fever, no muscle aches or other associated symptoms).

I’ve read several studies that say most tetanus boosters are unnecessary and that the WHO doesn’t recommend them. Many countries like the U.K. don’t issue them either provided you’ve had the full course as a child (I have). I don’t think I’ve had a booster since though. The doctor didn’t seem worried about it.

I’m just wondering if anyone else can share any similar experiences or words of comfort. I have encountered “imagined” symptoms before (like chest pain) that seems to get worse the more you focus on it. Is this normal? Any tips for controlling it? I find when I am distracted things aren’t so bad, but I find it’s very easy go back into “check up” mode without realising.

I honestly wish I could just go to sleep for 2 weeks and wake up vaccinated against both with no worries. 😅

Thanks for reading

[Sophie_M]

Hi Anne Xiety, 

We can hear how distressing this must feel, we're sorry you're going through it. We're glad you've posted here though, our community are really good with things like this. Many will be able to relate and will have advice and tips to share for getting through high anxiety situations like this.

It's good that you're continuing to speak to the doctor. Don't be afraid to consult them further if you're feeling really worried, or to call nurse on call. There's some advice about talking to the GP about anxiety here, in case it's helpful to bring that into the discussion. 

If you want to talk this through with one of the Beyond Blue counsellors, please remember they're here for you. They're really good at talking people through anxiety and panic. You can reach them anytime of day or night on 1300 22 4636, or via webchat here.

We're sure our lovely community will spot your post soon, but in the meantime, here's a previous thread with some tips for managing anxiety symptoms.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[Petal22]

Hi Anne Xiety,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it’s distressing and exhausting.

If you feel that you need to go back to see your gp then please do so.

You could practice some mindfulness and meditation.

Practice slowing down your breathing.

[geoff]

Hello Anne_Xiety, can we offer you a warm welcome to the forums.

My only suggestion is to keep an eye on the cat's bite, if it doesn't become infected then everything should be OK, just cover the bite and put some anti-infection cream over it.

If you google tetanus there will be many symptoms of what may happen, I'm no different, I use it to find out what may happen, but don't take it as gospel, just keep an eye on the bite and if it does become infected then go back to your doctor.

Good luck.

Geoff.