One of the very first vaccines that is given to children is the TB vaccine. It is worth recalling that at one time this ailment claimed the lives of many people. That is why doctors insist on this vaccine. A BCG vaccine is given in the first week of the baby’s life, however, if the mother refuses such a service, or the child has significant contraindications, the tuberculosis vaccine can be postponed indefinitely.
After this vaccination, the Mantoux reaction is carried out annually. It may have contraindications, despite the converse of inexperienced doctors. This article is about this. You will find out if there are contraindications to the Mantoux test. Also get acquainted with the rules for vaccination.
Mantoux test
Contraindications this procedure is quite well known. About them will be discussed later. To begin with, it is worth recalling why such a vaccine is given.
Tuberculin test (Mantoux test) is carried out annually. The first prevention is when the child is exactly one year old. First, the pediatrician and nurse will call you to the clinic for testing. Later, prevention can be carried out in a preschool and school institution.
Erroneous opinion: "For a test such as the Mantoux reaction in children, contraindications do not exist!"
So say inexperienced specialists and laboratory assistants. They are convinced that the Mantoux reaction is not a vaccine and, therefore, can not do any harm to the children's body. According to such experts, a tuberculin test can be done at any time. In this case, you should not pay attention to the well-being of the baby.
Are there any contraindications to the tuberculin test?
Of course, the Mantoux reaction has contraindications. All parents should know about them, without exception. Only in this case can you protect your child from possible negative reactions and complications. Consider what contraindications to Mantoux exist.
Fever
One of the main reasons why a tuberculin test should be transferred is an increase in body temperature. There are many reasons for this condition in a child. It can be an infectious disease or a viral one. Pathological bacteria can also cause fever. In any case, the Mantoux test (Mantoux test) for children with such symptoms should be postponed indefinitely.
It is possible to vaccinate only after full recovery in 2-3 weeks. In this case, you should first pass a blood and urine test.
Cough
Mantoux reaction has contraindications in the form of a cough. However, it may not always be a cold. With the virus, of course, sample transfer is performed. However, when a cough is a symptom of bronchial asthma or an allergy, the tuberculin reaction is also delayed.
In this case, vaccination can be done only after the baby is fully recovered. There is no need to wait up to three weeks. You can carry out the test in a week.
Runny nose
Mantoux reaction also has contraindications. A runny nose is a significant reason why a sample must be rescheduled for at least one month. In this case, it does not matter what nature the existing pathology has. It can be a chronic runny nose in the acute stage, a cold or an allergy. All of these conditions must be considered and vaccination postponed.
In this case, a tuberculin test should be performed only after complete recovery and preliminary analysis: bacteriological culture from the nose, blood and urine tests.
Skin diseases
If the child has similar contraindications for the Mantoux test, then vaccination should be postponed for about one month. In this case, the test should not be carried out until the symptoms disappear completely. Any skin disease can cause a false test result.
Be sure to tell your doctor about the ailment, even if it is not visible due to clothing.
Other vaccinations before breakdown
If your baby has recently been given any vaccinations, then it is worthwhile to postpone the tuberculin test for up to a month and a half. It is worth remembering which vaccine was introduced before. If live bacteria and viruses were used, then the period of medical withdrawal can be extended to two months.
It is also worth remembering that after the Mantoux reaction, one should refrain from various vaccines for about one month, which can provoke unexpected complications.
Allergic reaction in a child
If your baby is prone to allergic reactions, then it is worth informing a specialist about it. The tuberculin test contains some chemical compounds that, when combined together, can cause a rash or severe allergies. In this case, the result of the Mantoux reaction will be doubtful or positive.
Vaccination is recommended only after the complete disappearance of allergies. Also in this case, you should first give your child antihistamines.
Digestive upset
If the child complains of diarrhea, then it is worthwhile to postpone the vaccination for several days. Perhaps the baby just ate something stale. Also, a child may develop intestinal infection with similar symptoms. If after a few days the baby feels better, then you can safely get the Mantoux vaccine. Otherwise, you should wait for the full recovery of the body.
Neurological problems
In the event that the child has any neurological diagnosis, it is worth consulting with your doctor before conducting a tuberculin test. In some cases, the specialist can categorically prohibit such studies or postpone them for some time.
In some diseases, the Mantoux vaccine is contraindicated in the baby throughout life.
Possible complications
If a test was made to your child, and as a result it says: “Mantoux vaccination: the norm” - contraindications for vaccination were not identified. Before vaccination, doctors always carefully examine the child and recommend passing some tests. Only according to the results of the study, permission can be given for a tuberculin test.
If a Mantoux vaccine was given with a cold, possible reactions of the body can be completely unexpected. Some children, without any complications, tolerate the test in this condition. Others can get sick even more and make a runny nose.
What can we say about the complications of more serious diseases. Before carrying out the Mantoux reaction, you need to make sure that the baby is completely healthy.
Brief Summary
Remember that the health of the child is in your hands. Hundreds of patients go through a doctor in one day. That is why the doctor may not take into account any circumstances. Always warn the pediatrician about your observations and complaints of the baby. Perhaps you should postpone the Mantoux reaction for a while.
Take care of the health of your crumbs! Put all vaccinations wisely.