I got a postive mantoux test back in the late 90s while getting my immunisations for nursing. I was required to get a CXR which was clear. Since then I had another mantoux test, also positive and another CXR after moving to NSW and working over there. Returned to WA, another CXR, should not get anymore mantoux test as the reaction will continue getting bigger. Have been told to watch out for developing symptoms as TB can lie dormant for years. Never needed to be treated, never needed the immunisation, it leaves a nasty scar.
I was talking to the nurse in the chest clinic where they do the mantoux and hand out the TB medication.. She told me they ususally wouldnt give you antibiotics unless you really needed them. They dont want you to build resistance to them for future. I'm pretty sure you need like 5 or so different antibiotics and it lasts like 2 or 3 months, so its pretty full on.
thanks girls.
i prefer not to have the immunisation or tablets.
It was 4 years when i had direct contact with TB so the fact i havent had a flare up is good in this time - but you never know who in the public has TB, all it takes is one cough!
it's also important to consider your recent health. if you've had a viral condition in the previous 14 days to the test, you culd get a false positive. I was suppose to have the test done about a month ago and couldn't because I'd had viral laryngitis... and then I got the flu and was put on tamiflu... because tamiflu stays in the system for 6 weeks, I still can't have the test done. Will get it eventually.
TB is huge in certain areas. We do brochoscopies weekly for suspected patients at work. Treatment depends on various things including type, location, symptoms etc.
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