$Unique_ID{BRK02329}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are Bites from People Worse than Animal Bites?}
$Subject{accidents violence mouth teeth humans human bites bite biting tetanus
shot shots animal animals infection infections infected accident}
$Volume{O-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Bites from People Worse than Animal Bites?


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QUESTION:  We were a bit puzzled by the statement of a doctor, who was giving
a talk at our community center, when he stated that we have more to fear from
the bite of a human than we do from an animal bite.  Was this a bit of
melodramatic over emphasis or do you too believe that human bite is more
dangerous?  I would very much like to know.

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ANSWER:  Yes, I agree with your lecturer, such bites are more likely to become
infected than those from animals, and from that point of view are more
dangerous.  Every year about 60 out of each 100,000 (mostly young males)
people are bitten by other humans.  Bites most frequently occur in summer and
on weekends.  They often result from fights.  Hands are the most likely sites
for bites.  Additionally, abused children often have bites on various parts of
their bodies.  Some bites are even self-induced, as with children who suck
their fingers.
     In treating bites from humans, wounds are cleaned thoroughly, tetanus
shots (if the patient has not had one recently), penicillin and other potent
drugs are administered, and the area affected often is immobilized and
elevated for some time.  Doctors usually require patients to return for
observation several times as complications from human bites occur frequently
and can be decidedly serious.  Also, doctors may require more detailed
information about the person who inflicted the bite, as they may have
infections they could be passed on.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.