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| For more information contact: Joe Thornton For immediate release Flooding brings potential risks with high waters The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, today issued the following tetanus shot guidelines for those in flooded areas of West Virginia. "You are NOT at risk for tetanus just because you have been in or around flood water," Acting State Health Officer Dr. Catherine C. Slemp said. "Individuals with deep, dirty wounds should receive a tetanus shot if it has been more than five years since their last tetanus shot. Anyone with a clean, minor wound should receive a tetanus booster if more than 10 years has passed." Dr. Slemp urged anyone in a flooded county with a cut to contact the local health department or doctor for help in deciding if a tetanus shot is needed. If you get cut, the most important thing is to immediately wash the wound with plenty of soap and clean water. Water used for wound cleaning should be of drinking quality. After washing, dry with a clean cloth and cover with a sterile bandage. Any bleeding from wounds should stop after five minutes of continuous pressure. Deep cuts or any cuts that continue bleeding after five minutes need to be seen immediately by a medical professional. For further assistance on wound management or to assess the need for tetanus vaccine, contact the local health department or your doctor. More information is available at www.wvlocalhealth.org – 30 – |