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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Red And Stiff Arm Post A Pneumonia Shot Suggestive Of Cellulitis?

Hi. I got a flu shot on Wednesday and a pneumonia shot at the same time. On Thursday I was sent home from work with a fever of 102.5 I had chills, aches, and went home a slept off and on throughout the day. My arm was very sore. yesterday the fever persisted and I slept and stayed in bed all day. I tried to drink water but must must have been dehydrated because my urine was very dark. My arm felt more sore than the day before but I was too sick to even think this was strange. The soreness spread around my arm and goes from almost my shoulder down to my elbow. This morning I woke up without a fever and noticed a rash/redness on the front of my arm. My arm was feeling tight and hot. I call the advice nurse and they told me to come in. The doctor said it looks like cellulitis. He traced around the red areas with a pen and asked me to make an appointment tomorrow to see if the area spread or got smaller and prescribed Cephalexin 4 times a day. Tonight the red area has definitely spread outside the lines but I have only taken 2 doses. If Cellulitis is a skin infection why does it feel like the muscle is impacted?Just having trouble sleeping so I thought I d do some research. Thanks. Elyse Valdivieso
Mon, 20 Feb 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Cephalexin will take some time to do its effect. It starts by achieving an optimal serum concentration, so that it can be effective in fighting bacteria. Then the other doses are used to keep this concentration.
Cellulitis is a soft tissue infection, not a skin infection. The bacteria grow and proliferate in the adipose tissue under your skin, but do to the warmth, edema and tenderness in the area, muscle tissue is affected as well as your skin. Another reason may be that due to this problem, you haven't used your arm as regularly as you do, and this affects your muscles, which start to atrophy.
From what you describe me, I judge that there is no reason for concern. Your doctor has prescribed you very good medicine, and you will start moving your arm normally in a couple of days.
I hope I have helped you in your research. Wish you good health!
Manoku Eni M.D.
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Is Red And Stiff Arm Post A Pneumonia Shot Suggestive Of Cellulitis?

Hi, Cephalexin will take some time to do its effect. It starts by achieving an optimal serum concentration, so that it can be effective in fighting bacteria. Then the other doses are used to keep this concentration. Cellulitis is a soft tissue infection, not a skin infection. The bacteria grow and proliferate in the adipose tissue under your skin, but do to the warmth, edema and tenderness in the area, muscle tissue is affected as well as your skin. Another reason may be that due to this problem, you haven t used your arm as regularly as you do, and this affects your muscles, which start to atrophy. From what you describe me, I judge that there is no reason for concern. Your doctor has prescribed you very good medicine, and you will start moving your arm normally in a couple of days. I hope I have helped you in your research. Wish you good health! Manoku Eni M.D.