mbkgen

I agree with Bloomgirl118, everybody reacts to pain differently. Some shout while others remain calm.

Thank you everyone for the helpful replies. Each one helped really. I thought about this for a few months (missed the deadline that was like half a year ago) and i am pretty clear now i do want to get in the program (the next admission date is next month and i'd be applying). I was just scared of catching something nasty but i took a tour of the university lab and talked to students over there who said they won't be using any pathogenic organisms. Besides the equipments they use like biosafety cabinets also keep safe. Also like most of you said, i am dealing with more unknown/opportunistic bacteria in my everyday than in the lab controlled environment of known strains of bacteria. I bet my old keyboard that i haven't washed for years that i am using without fear while typing this has more type of nasties than i can imagine Anyway just wanted to say thank you for the support and not ridiculing me for asking such a stupid question. I am glad i found these forums!

Depends on the immune system of the person as well. IF a person is immuno-compromised such as with AIDS/or during chemotherapy etc. active TB infection will result since there is no immune system to keep the bacilli in check. It also depends on the inflammatory response whether a strong response is mounted or none causing asymptomatic infection.

@Malorymug: I forgot to mention i am not taking micro for nursing but rather as a degree in microbiology and plan to work in either a clinical laboratory of a hospital or research work. I posted in these forums because there has been interesting discussions about micro and seeing as some of you have taken classes in micro, i thought i'd get some advice from you guys. I actually wanted to study for MD but i can't due to monetary issues so i am thinking of doing micro since i probably was going to become an infectious disease specialist after MD. I probably wouldn't have been such a germophobe but due to a few health issues, i am extra cautious from catching bugs. Its funny the bugs do interest me but i am scared of them too lol

I love microbiology and am interested in taking a course this year but there is one thing that is keeping me from taking it. I am concerned about getting sick from dealing with germs in the lab. I want to know if someone has gotten sick, be it a mild disease, from the lab work or i am just over-reacting and its not a big threat. You can say i am kind of a germophobe but i do get ill pretty easily especially diarhea from eating a little "dirty" food while my brother, friends etc. stay totally fine from eating the same food. By dirty i mean slightly under-cooked or fast foods, food from low-quality restaurants etc.. So maybe other people in the lab would be fine while i may get sick. Just curious if after all the precautions will i still end up getting some bacteria or germs on me ?, i read about the endospores and spores that some bugs produce that are easily air-dispersed so is it possible to avoid them. So what do you think should i take the course or pursue something different ?. I know i love microbiology, i read a few books my friend gave me and found it very interesting until reading about the fungus spores and viruses like ebola and marburg viruses which really gave me the scare. They were interesting though but i am scared of contacting a deadly disease because of my interest of working with them. Sorry for the long post but i really don't want to end up regretting it, the college won't be refunding the fees once i enroll so i am thinking really hard about it and would need some advice. Cheers