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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Got Scratched On Upper Arm, Healed With Neosporine. Stiffness In Neck. Is This A Tetanus Infection?

I got a slight scratch on my upper arm, from arusty fence wire about 6 days ago. The wound healed easly with neosporine. I have not had a tetnus shot for many years. I'm a retired teacher. Last night I felt a stifness in my neck and began to associate the rusty wire scratch from 6 days ago to the present condition. Is this a tetnus infection?
Tue, 30 Jul 2013
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Gastroenterologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hi,
Less likely to be so. But as a safeguard contact your doctor immediately. Get yourself injected with both passive and active immunisation.
Regards
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

I don't think you have tetanus because simple abrasions do not result in tetanus. The classical presenting symptoms of tetanus are TRISMUS (Lock jaw), sustained facial muscle contraction (Risus sardonicus), Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), neck pain or stiffness, Back muscles contraction (Ophistonus) and rigidity of abdominal wall etc.

The general incubation period (period before symptoms manifest) is from 5-14 days.

If you have any more doubts, consult your family physician.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day

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Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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Got Scratched On Upper Arm, Healed With Neosporine. Stiffness In Neck. Is This A Tetanus Infection?

Hi, Less likely to be so. But as a safeguard contact your doctor immediately. Get yourself injected with both passive and active immunisation. Regards