My roommate has tested positive for TB and I have 4 kids including a new baby what should I do?

Answer 1

Get TB tests.

Answer 2

I'm sure the news of a positive PPD test was surprising and disturbing, but here are some facts that I hope will reassure you somewhat. There is a difference - a big difference - between Tb infection and Tb disease. The infection occurs when a drop of infectious secretions (usually from a cough) reaches the body. This exposure alone generates a positive reaction on a PPD test, which tells us that this individual has been exposed. The next step is a chest X-ray If there are symptoms such as fevers, cough, sweats at night, and when a chest x-ray shows that the Tb has created an infection in the lung, it is considered active disease. Transmission of this germ is almost always person to person, through the secretions of the respiratory tract. Most children get infected in their homes but Tb has also been spread in schools, buses, churches, etc. Young children, even those with active disease, rarely infect others, largely because their coughs aren't strong enough to send germs far enough into the environment. In the mid 90's, it was estimated that 10 to 20 million people in the US had Tb infections. If left untreated, only 5 to 10% of them would actually develop disease. The practice, however, is not to leave anyone untreated, but to use anti-tuberculosis agents for 9 months (Again, assuming a negative chest x-ray) INH, or isoniazid, is a well-tested, remarkably safe drug in children that is almost 100% effective in eradicating the Tb germ. After treatment, we assume the Tb has been eliminated, and do not repeat the PPD skin test, since this remains positive for a lifetime. If in the future, there are concerns about the development of Tb or a re-exposure, a chest x-ray is done instead. I hope this info helps. Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 3

Being tested positive for TB does not always mean one can spread the disease. TB can infect activated macrophages, in that case it forms tubercles that contain dormant bacteria. In this case person shows no symptoms of infection and cannot spread the disease. It's a latent form and not infectious. TB can never recover and be dormant for the rest of persons life or can recover in that case medical treatment with antibiotics should be established. Treatment is extensive, for up to six months with 3-4 different antibiotics. It is important to isolate your kids and yourself from your roommate if he shows symptoms because TB is a serious disease, especially dengerous for little kids who did not develop well protective immune system, usually immune system takes up to 2 years to develop in newborns. I'm not sure what methods can be used to prevent disease from spreading onto you and your kids but it's much safer if infected person does not live in the same house with you. Contact your doctor for more information and possibly more tests because Skin Test is not 100% accurate.

Answer 4

TB can live in room air at eye level for up to 11 hours. You have already exposed yourself and your children. You should find out if s/he has active TB and then go get you and your children tested. It is a very slow growing bacteria and is also very hard to kill (you and your children will have to take medicine for 9 to 12 months). Before you get to excited, find out if s/he has active and if so how far along it is and talk to his/her doctor along with your pediatrician. I have included some great info from the Center for Disease control. Good luck.

Answer 5

Get rid of your roommate and have everyone in the household tested. TB infection increases with proximity and time and is only spread by aerosol (air born) and dies instantly on surfaces, so once the roommate is gone, the risk should be over.

Answer 6

Room Mate Test

Answer 7

first you need to know if it is active TB. A person can test positive for it but not be contagious. Until you know and I would want to hear it directly from your roommates doctor, I would keep your children and yourself far away from him.

Answer 8

Get them and you tested, and if ok, stay away until they are treated, or wear face masks.

Answer 9

get them out

Answer 10

MOVE OUT!