2007-09-03 09:03:17 · 4 answers · asked by edith s 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
What about when person with active TB has to take mask off to eat or drink? I can't check with doctor today because it is Labor Day. (office closed)
2007-09-03 09:15:02 · update #1
TB is spread via droplets (coughing, sneezing, etc). So, if mask comes off to eat, and person does not cough or sneeze, then you should be OK. If you were born in the USA, you probably have not been immunized against TB. The US does not require TB vac. Lots of other countries do, though. If you have been immunized, little chance of contracting TB even if droplet contact.
2007-09-03 14:26:00 · answer #1 · answered by RN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't use the word 'safe' exactly, but it's not likely you'll catch. TB is passed through water droplets, that are spout off when a pt. coughs. Medical professionals use masks, and if the mask is right kind it WILL protect people from TB. However, if they took the mask off to eat or drink, it IS possible that if they coughed to have let to loose in the air.
But, if not, then I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Most strains of TB are treatable now. If you think you may have been exposed, it's worth the peace of mind to talk to someone, including the pt. themselves.
TB takes awhile to incubate, so don't expect a test result right away or for them to even test or check.
2007-09-03 19:16:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have been immunised then here is not much chance of catching it. Not all forms of TB are infectios anyway.
Check with the doc treating him/her first
2007-09-03 09:10:04 · answer #3 · answered by philip_jones2003 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its safe because theres no way for the disease to get carried to you if he/she has a mask on.
2007-09-03 09:09:00 · answer #4 · answered by Phillip M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋