Infectious disease question

[dprevish]

A friend called me to tell me her daughter needed a PPD before cosmetology school. She tested positive for exposure and had a chest x-ray which was negative. They called the family dr. who referred them to the health department for treatment. They will be going to the health dept tomorrow to speak with them, but my question is this....Their doctor is telling them that she could have been exposed to someone in a setting like a grocery store line and the health dept is telling them that she would've had to been exposed to someone for 4 months or more who had active TB to test positive. I always believed the former and have never known anyone who had to receive treatment unless they, themselves were positive.

I'm not a nurse yet so I want the facts from those who know. Should they go through with treatment for a disease she probably doesn't nor will never have or just do yearly chest-x rays to monitor the situation?

Darlene

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Per the terms of service here at allnurses, we cannot offer medical advice for your friend.

I can say that I believe the new standard of practice is to treat all people with positive skin tests in case of a dormant infection. However, I suggest your friend seek clarification from the health department. She can also call the CDC or try contacting a local hospital or public health epidemiologist.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Each case of TB exposure is different and you need to follow the recommendation of your doctor. We can't give medical advice here...here are the CDC guidelines......

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/default.htm

[ithink]

Is she a immigrant or related to an immigrant. TB vaccine (BCG) is administered in a few countries as part of immunization schedule and a skin test for these pt's will b positive. If that is true a chest x-ray should b performed. if chest x-ray is negative then she has no issue's.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

the referral is possibly just a precautionary measure for the safety of that person and others. Looks like this process has been a learning experience for you. Look at the CDC website for more info.

www.cdc.gov

[dianah, ASN]

OP, you have received solid and helpful advice (going to CDC site, Primary Provider, Public Health Dept etc).

No one on this site can offer more.

I wish your friend and her daughter good health and answers for their questions.

Closing this now.