What are the odds of being in a closed room with someone who has ACTIVE TB and not becoming infected?
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been there, done that, I have worked with TB, HIV, Hepatitis and many other infectious diseases for the last 30 years and many other health care workers could say the same. few, less than 1% test positive for these exposures. exposure doesnt ensure contraction, there are many factors related to catching and succumbing to a pathological condition. still when all is said and done it is highly possible that anyone can contract a fatal illness.
not very high unless you work around TB patients or visit places where the population has a high TB rate
It is quite likely not to be infected. However the test for TB is pretty easy and not really very expensive. If you have been near a T.B. carrier then you should be tested. Most places do them at a public health clinic.
It's actually almost impossible to get TB just by being in the same room with someone who has TB...
The airborne pathogens are very very very weak and are killed easily with many types of light (flourescent, I think?). I did a number of ER clinicals around patients who had TB, and that was a question of mine. The most common way to get TB is by coming in contact with TB infected droplets i.e. the frothy sputum they cough out. Sharing drinks, kissing, them sneezing on you. All excellent ways to get TB. But just by sitting in the same room with them? Highly unlikely.
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