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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Symptoms Of Tetanus Infection?

Hello, I am in the middle of a serious anxiety/panic attack as I just became aware that I may have a tetanus infection. I am a senior at Clemson University and to be honest the apartment where I resided in the past four months was extremely unsanitary. One toilet was clogged for nearly two months which I now know could have bred bacterial spores that cause tetanus infections. I cut myself shaving around 1 1/2 months ago. I was out of razors and used a razor that had been sitting in the bathroom with the clogged up toilet I mentioned above. I did clean the razor with rubbing alcohol before use however I had an open wound on my face for a while.. About a week. For about a month now I have been feeling extremely irritable, experiencing lockjaw symptoms, been short of breath, had fevers on and off, heart palpitations, and I have noticed that when I smile my face contorts into what one would call a sardonic smile. Am I going to die? Please let me know your opinion
Mon, 10 Nov 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Tetanus is a bacterial disease by clostridium tetani.There is no cure for tetanus but it can be prevented by adequate vaccination.

Usual symptoms are all due to painful contraction of muscles as it affects our nervous system. Spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles,stiffness of your neck muscles, difficulty swallowing, stiffness of your abdominal muscles,
painful body spasms lasting for several minutes, typically frittered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or light.

If you are not get immunized for tetanus, you should start tetanus toxic vaccination now itself. First 2 doses at 4 weeks apart.Third dose after 6 months.After that your immunity may stands up to 10 years.

Thank you.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Tetanus Infection?

Hello, Welcome to HCM, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Tetanus is a bacterial disease by clostridium tetani.There is no cure for tetanus but it can be prevented by adequate vaccination. Usual symptoms are all due to painful contraction of muscles as it affects our nervous system. Spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles,stiffness of your neck muscles, difficulty swallowing, stiffness of your abdominal muscles, painful body spasms lasting for several minutes, typically frittered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or light. If you are not get immunized for tetanus, you should start tetanus toxic vaccination now itself. First 2 doses at 4 weeks apart.Third dose after 6 months.After that your immunity may stands up to 10 years. Thank you.