4 ms·
> Rabies is probably the only virus where a vaccine is given after you get exposed (technically not infected yet, because you need to get it quickly enough). T
by petertodd 5y ago
> Rabies is probably the only virus where a vaccine is given after you get exposed (technically not infected yet, because you need to get it quickly enough).
Tetanus isn't caused by a virus; it's caused by a bacteria. But getting vaccinated for it after potential exposure is recommended if you aren't up-to-date, and it's recommended even up to 21 days after injury as tetanus can develop slowly: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/image/print?imageKey=PEDS%2F61087 https://www.uptodate.com/contents/image/print?imageKey=PEDS%... https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-puncture-wounds/basics/art-20056665 https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-puncture-woun... I personally once got a tetanus booster shot on doctors advice following a small wound, because I hadn't had one for awhile.
Incidentally, the tetanus vaccine is unusual as it actually primes your immune system to attack the toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria, not the bacteria themselves. The bacteria are especially harmful only because of the toxin they release.