Currently, there is an active debate about the benefits and harms of a variety of vaccinations. Some parents are not afraid and agree to vaccinate children from the very first days of their lives. Others categorically refuse such manipulations for many years. Who is right? Most doctors say that vaccinations must be done. However, at the same time, you need to take into account the condition of the baby and his well-being. In this article, we will answer the question of whether it is possible to do Mantoux with a cold. You will learn the main opinions of specialists and experienced parents about this. It is also worth saying how the Mantoux reaction is evaluated in case of a runny nose and whether any inaccuracies can occur.
What is a Mantoux vaccine?
This test is carried out for each baby who, in the early days of life, was given the BCG vaccine. This vaccination is given to all children 3-5 days after birth. However, mother has the right to refuse such manipulation. That is why the medical personnel of the maternity hospital always ask permission from the woman in labor.
After the introduction of the BCG vaccine, an annual test is performed on its reaction. So, a child is injected with a substance called tuberculin in the arm area, slightly below the elbow. After a few days, the result is evaluated. A similar diagnosis is carried out by children until they reach the age of 16-17. After that, alternative methods are used, for example, fluorography.
Can I do Mantoux with a cold?
Every sane parent asks this question. It often happens that you come to the next appointment with a pediatrician with a child, and the doctor sends you to conduct a tuberculin test. At the same time, your doctor does not pay any attention to your comments about the recent illness of the baby. What is it? Doctors' irresponsibility? Or if a child has a runny nose, can you do Mantoux? Let's try to consider the main opinions on this subject and draw an independent conclusion.
Tuberculin test can be performed during colds
Can I do Mantoux with a cold? Most pediatricians give a positive answer to this question. All this has a fairly simple explanation.
The Mantoux test is not another vaccine. During the procedure, the laboratory assistant does not deliver the vaccine to the baby's body. Through injection, the introduction of the so-called reagent. Tuberculin does not affect the immune system of the crumbs and does not cause a mild form of the disease, like some vaccinations. This substance simply detects antibodies that have been developed after BCG. Tuberculin causes a certain reaction of the body, which, after a few days, is fixed by doctors.
Doctors say that a runny nose is not a contraindication to the test. Manipulation can be carried out even during colds and viral diseases, which are accompanied by redness of the throat, fever and cough.
No cold test
Do Mantoux with a cold? Some doctors say that the separation of mucus from the nasal passages is a direct contraindication to the introduction of tuberculin. However, this rule only applies if a bacterial infection develops.
So, if the baby has green or yellow snot, then it is worthwhile to postpone the test for an indefinite time. Most often, the procedure is then carried out immediately after the recovery of the child. There is no need to wait two or three weeks, as before a normal vaccination.
Parents' opinion (erroneous)
Can I do Mantoux with a cold? What do mothers and fathers think about this? Most parents say that it is not worthwhile to make such an intervention in the child’s body during a cold. They explain their opinion very simply.
Parents believe that tuberculin contains some viruses in a lightened form, which can adversely affect the reduced immunity of the crumbs. Of course, every mother has the right to refuse to conduct the Mantoux reaction for an indefinite period. However, doctors consider this decision stupid and irresponsible.
Why not take a tuberculin test during a cold?
A Mantoux vaccine with a runny nose can be carried out without any concern. However, not every medical institution goes for it. Why?
During a runny nose, an inflammatory process is present in the child's body. It is often caused by viruses and bacteria. If you administer tuberculin during this period, an incorrect reaction of the body may occur. So, with inflammation, the border of redness of the papule often increases. Also, the tubercle may swell more than usual. Moreover, the assessment of the result will be incorrect. Perhaps the baby would have a normal reaction to the introduction of tuberculin, however, due to the inflammatory process in the body, it was somewhat distorted. For this reason alone, many doctors advise delaying the diagnosis.
What about allergic rhinitis?
In some cases, the cause of the common cold is not an illness or a cold, but an allergy. In this case, mucus is secreted from the nasal passages in the child and congestion occurs, accompanied by edema. Can Mantoux with a runny nose in this case?
Doctors say that this condition is not a contraindication to the study. The causes of an allergy, as well as its symptoms, can accompany a person throughout life. This does not mean that it is worth abandoning any medical procedures. Mantoux reaction with this pathology is usually not distorted. However, doctors strongly recommend that you stop taking antihistamines a few days before the manipulation.
What conclusion can be made?
After all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself. Mantoux test is possible with a runny nose. Moreover, the illness itself or the common cold of a child are not contraindications to manipulation. However, in some cases, the result may be somewhat distorted. That is why doctors recommend to refrain from introducing tuberculin during viral or bacterial pathologies.
If you decide to independently refuse to conduct a diagnosis due to the fact that you are afraid of complications, then this is completely unreasonable. Mantoux test is not a vaccine containing viruses. It does not affect the immunity of the child and does not cause complications. That is why you should not make such decisions yourself. Consult an experienced pediatrician whom you trust and find out from him if you can do Mantoux with a cold. Health to your children and good research results!