HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Swam In Salted Swimming Pool, Have Open Wounds. Can Tetanus Survive In Pool And Transfer To Wound?

default
Posted on Sat, 28 Sep 2013
Question: Hi. I swam in salt water swimming pool 1 hour ago. I have open wounds (another accident 1 day before) and i noticed, swimming pool ladders are a bit rusty. At that time only the wife and I were in the pool . The pool water is constantly being renewed. My first question is, tetanus can survive in salty pool water and transfer to my wound? can infect in these conditions? Second question is, i remember vaccinated two or three times (in 2012 and 1 month ago) for tetanus. am I protected? Thank you for answer and your interest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hi and welcome to XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
You have absolutely no reason to be worried not just because you are protected with those two doses,but also tetanus can't be transmissed on this way,it can't live in salty or chlorine water, it cant be transmissed if there is no open wound with active bleeding and tetanus is rarely seen today even in places where there is no routine immunization. But there is a possibility of wound bacterial infection or wound irritation so it is not advisable to visit pools if you have wounds. wish you good health.feel free to ask.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Internal Medicine Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Swam In Salted Swimming Pool, Have Open Wounds. Can Tetanus Survive In Pool And Transfer To Wound?

Brief Answer:
hi and welcome to XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
You have absolutely no reason to be worried not just because you are protected with those two doses,but also tetanus can't be transmissed on this way,it can't live in salty or chlorine water, it cant be transmissed if there is no open wound with active bleeding and tetanus is rarely seen today even in places where there is no routine immunization. But there is a possibility of wound bacterial infection or wound irritation so it is not advisable to visit pools if you have wounds. wish you good health.feel free to ask.