Not all people know that Mantoux is not a vaccine. This is a test that is done to detect immunity to a disease such as tuberculosis. The annual diagnostic procedure is performed for children and adolescents, and for adults, fluorography is provided. As such, there are no negative consequences in the post-injection period, which makes the sample safe for the body. In this regard, many mothers are interested in whether it is possible to walk after Mantoux. We will deal with this issue in detail.
Why do Mantoux?
On the third day after the birth of the baby, approximately before discharge from the hospital, with the consent of the parents, the child is vaccinated with BCG against tuberculosis. The composition of this vaccine contains weak, virulent mycobacteria (Koch's bacillus), grown under specific conditions. In more than 90% of cases, the vaccine can prevent the development of complex forms of tuberculosis or facilitate the course of this disease. Half a century ago, this vaccine was given without the consent of mom and dad.
But if BCG is a method of preventing tuberculosis, then Mantoux is used to diagnose this disease. The interval between vaccination and detection of the reaction should be at least 1 year. During this time, a specific immunity to the disease is developed. If the child or adult had contact with a sick person, a red spot (papule) forms at the injection site. Depending on its density and size, the doctor can judge the likelihood of contracting tuberculosis. If necessary, additional diagnostic tests are carried out.
Many mothers are interested in whether it is possible to walk after Mantoux. On the one hand, the test is not a vaccination, which means that no additional burden on the immune system occurs. But, nevertheless, cases when a child becomes ill after an injection also occur.
When are Mantoux scores evaluated?
A vaccine to determine the response to tuberculosis immunity is given subcutaneously. But the result is evaluated only after three days, or 72 hours, after that. In most cases, a papule appears at the puncture site. Based on its size and the interpretation of the result is carried out:
- Negative - there are no traces of a puncture with a needle on the arm or a subtle papule up to 1 mm in size is formed without redness.
- Positive - the papule has a size of 5 to 16 mm with redness and compaction.
- Doubtful - the papule at the injection site has fuzzy outlines, and its size does not exceed 4 mm.
- Hyperergic - after the administration of the drug at the puncture site, severe redness with compaction, and sometimes with pus and ulcers, is observed.
Excessive seals and large papules indicate that the probability of infection is very high. Such children are assigned additional examinations and tests. But is it possible to walk after Mantoux, it is better to check with the pediatrician or TB specialist who evaluated the results of the test.
What can not be done after injection
Since childhood, everyone knows that it is forbidden to wet Mantoux. But it turns out, in part, this statement is a myth. The fact is that you can not soak and steam the injection site, but the usual washing of the hands will not lead to a positive test result. What else is not allowed to do after Mantoux? First of all, you can’t:
- comb with nails or rub with hard tissues (towel, washcloth) the injection site;
- swim in water, as there is a risk of infection and the negative effects of chlorine;
- wash the “button” with household chemicals (liquid soap, gel) that were not previously used;
- treat the puncture site with brilliant green, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, other ointments with antiseptic properties;
- stick with a band-aid, wrap with a bandage;
- consume any amount of foods that cause a child’s allergy (chocolate, citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts);
- administer other vaccines on the same day as the tuberculin test;
- engage in sports that require intense physical activity.
But in whether it is possible to walk on the street after Mantoux, you should understand in more detail. What do pediatricians think about this?
Is it possible to walk after Mantoux
After the introduction of the tuberculin test, if there are no additional restrictions, it is allowed to lead a familiar lifestyle. Thus, most pediatricians to the question of whether it is possible to walk after the "vaccination" Mantoux, give a positive answer. But be sure to take into account the individual characteristics of the child and his condition after the introduction of the sample. Caution in the post-injection period will definitely not hurt.
As for walks in the fresh air, they will benefit the child both before and after Mantoux. Only if the injection gave unexpectedly negative results, then it is better to wait a bit with the street. Parents should be alert for the following symptoms:
- positive or hyperergic Mantoux test;
- severe allergic reaction to an injection;
- increase in body temperature;
- weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, worsening of well-being.
If a child finds one of the above signs, you should contact a pediatrician.
Temperature after vaccination
Usually, the child's well-being after the injection remains unchanged, that is, good. In this case, you should not even doubt whether it is possible to walk after Mantoux in a year or two. However, in some cases, there is an increase in body temperature. As a rule, this happens with a hyperergic reaction.
Most often, the temperature rises on the second or third day after the test, which is accompanied by large papules (over 16 mm) and itching. Such a reaction may indicate a positive result or a nonspecific allergy. In any case, consultation with a TB specialist is mandatory.
Recommendations to parents
If there is no cause for concern and the pediatrician gave a positive answer to the question of whether it is possible to walk with a child after Mantoux, this means that you can safely go out. But it will not be out of place to take into account the following recommendations:
- dress according to the weather, but try to cover Mantoux with a sleeve (without elastic bands and cuffs to prevent rubbing of the injection site);
- on the first day after the test, try to avoid excessive activity and minimize the risk of injuries, abrasions and cuts on the street;
- to choose park alleys and paths for walks in the fresh air, mainly with a small number of people;
- hold a conversation with the child regarding the prevention of combing the “buttons”, as this can provoke a false result.