Do I need a tetanus shot if bitten by someone?

Generally, whether a human bite requires a tetanus shot depends on the specific condition of the wound and the oral hygiene of the person who did the biting. If there is discomfort or the wound is complicated, prompt medical attention is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the wound is superficial, involving only the epidermis, and the biter has good oral hygiene, a tetanus shot may not be immediately necessary. Such wounds are well-exposed and unlikely to create an anaerobic environment. When the biter has no obvious oral inflammation, the risk of infection is low. After thoroughly rinsing the wound with normal saline, apply iodine tincture for disinfection, keep the wound dry and clean, and monitor healing daily. If there is no redness, swelling, or pus formation, special treatment is usually unnecessary.

However, if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or the biter has poor oral hygiene, a tetanus shot is essential. Deep wounds easily create anaerobic conditions favorable for the growth of *Clostridium tetani*. If the biter has dental caries, gingivitis, or other oral issues, the high bacterial load in their mouth increases the risk of infection.

In addition to receiving a tetanus shot, it is crucial to immediately remove any foreign material from the wound, rinse it with hydrogen peroxide, disinfect, and then dress it properly. Avoid getting the wound wet during recovery, do not pick at scabs, maintain a light diet avoiding spicy foods, and seek immediate medical reevaluation if severe pain or fever develops.