[pct-l] Shots

[losthiker at sisqtel.net (Deems)]

This would seem like wise prehike prep for any thruhiker. Last summer in the
Marble Mtn Wilderness near Paradise lake, I was working my way around a
large snowfield on the PCT and stepped over a log. I placed my right hand
right on a limb stob that had a vertical splinter. As I stepped over the
log, placing my weight on my right hand I jammed the splinter deep into my
wrist. It was very painful, but at first looked like only a puncture. When I
got home, the next day, I cleaned it up as best as I could, but couldn't
figure out why it still hurt so much. That nite I pulled out a splinter that
was like a 1/2" long match stick. Being the stubborn man that I am, I tried
to tough the next few days out with basic first aid, but the infection grew
until I knew I had a real problem. So, I went into the local Bigfoot Clinic,
got my tetanus shot, my first in 30 years (I'm 50), and some very powerful
antibiotics, and medical advice.  If I had been on the PCT as a thruhiker, I
would have been in deep trouble with a very serious hand infection within a
few days. I also twisted my ankle on the same day, and the splinter made my
ankle feel much better.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just occurred to me that I'm way overdue for a tetanus/diphtheria
booster.

Folks over 50, and those of us likely to get scrapes, cuts, blisters,
burns outdoors are all higher potential for infections, tetanus being
particularly nasty. The bacteria is in the soil, and it can get into
your bod through any open/puncture/less than sterile wound, not just a
rusty nail.
Get a Td booster shot as soon as you can just for grins.