Just watched my tape for Monk and I think everyone on there was over reacting. Especially with the docter guy. He was cured of leprosy! He's was safe to touch. And either way leprosy is very unlikely to catch. It's not contagious so why not shake someones hand?
2006-12-25 04:43:10 · 12 answers · asked by Maniac 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
I dont like to shake hands with anyone, especially because i am very aware of what some do with their hands and how few wash their hands. I am sure that if i was to shake hands with anyone i would want them to be lepers. What a horrible disease.
2006-12-25 12:23:33 · answer #1 · answered by st.uncumber 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally knew a nun who did missionary work on Molokai way
back in they day. They wore white cloth masks over their faces, long aprons and gloves on their hands. She told me a very heartwarming story of how one day (she was new to the island), she walked in to change sheets and was taken aback by an old woman sitting on her bed. She had no eyes, hands, feet or teeth, yet she was praying the rosary by pulling it slowly through her mouth by the stubs of her arms. She said she could feel each bead and had memorized the rosary before going blind. She had one picture on her dresser and knew each family member in clarity and position. Sister Honora asked how she knew this picture so well as she could not see it. The woman said, when she knew she was losing her sight, she memorized that picture and a final sunset.
The answer would be no, unless wearing gloves or there were no open lesions on the hand, then no gloves would be necessary. Leprosy is curable now, thank God. But, like with any infectious disease, you need to take precautions.
2006-12-25 20:13:06 · answer #2 · answered by S E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, if I dont have any gloves. Yes, If I do have gloves. You need to use common sense and universal protection with ALL contagious diseases. Everyone desires to be treated with kindness and respect. So it's not that such ones are looked down upon, it's just a matter of being safe.
2006-12-25 12:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by ODP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it is now referred to as "hansen's disease". It is rare and quite treatable. It also comes in mild to extreme forms, all of which are not very contagious. So, yes, i would shake hands with a 'leper'. I work with people with all 'special needs' and the point is to take universal precautions in dealing with anyone with diseases that involve bacteria.
2006-12-25 12:51:37 · answer #4 · answered by Steph 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, it's only a show. Don't allow shows or movies to reflect real life.
Second of all, there are people who act in this manner but usually do to ignorance. Those with little education are the ones who remain timid, judgmental and avoiding because, simply put, they don't know. The bad part about this is these people are too damn lazy to educate themselves on specific issues and would rather remain in their shell of ignorance.
As for the general question, of course I would because I know there's no harm in doing so.
2006-12-25 12:50:54 · answer #5 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can safely shake hands with a Lepor as Leprosy is not a contageous disease!!
2006-12-25 12:47:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would. Leprosy is the least infectious of all the infectious diseases and it requires prolonged contact to develop, for several years.
2006-12-26 12:36:25 · answer #7 · answered by yakkydoc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We all do in a way without even knowing it sometimes. There are a large number of people infected with HIV and although it's near impossible to catch it from shaking their hand, how many would if they knew? I do, without any fears!
2006-12-25 12:47:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Leprosy is not that contagious.
2006-12-25 12:46:17 · answer #9 · answered by Pat Z 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it would be very off-putting for their hand to break off while you're holding onto it. Ewww!
2006-12-25 12:45:59 · answer #10 · answered by I hate friggin' crybabies 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋