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Hiring a nanny for your child is a stressful process. It involves multiple layers of responsibility and trust. From background checks to hygiene habits, parents these days need to be meticulous when entrusting the care of their baby to a stranger. Even though parents are diligent when it comes to reference checks and documentation, one aspect we often overlook is underlying health conditions, especially those that are contagious. So, what are the necessary tests parents need to consider before hiring a nanny? Let us find out:
Look Out For Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that can be cured as long as it is diagnosed in time. It is caused by a bacterium or germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In most patients, TB affects the lungs but may also affect other parts of our body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. In severe cases, it may damage multiple organs simultaneously. For instance, TB can affect both the lungs and lymph nodes at the same time. Globally, an estimated 200 crore people are infected with TB. For children, though, the disease becomes trickier as compared to adults. Once infected with TB germs, children—especially those younger than 5 years of age—are more likely to develop active TB and fall severely ill.
Infants and young children are also more prone to developing severe forms of TB disease, such as TB meningitis, which affects the brain, or military TB disease, affecting multiple parts of the body.
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Sputum for AFB and Chest X-ray – PA View
Dr Preeti Sharma, Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Ankura Hospital, Hyderabad, says she recently came across two families whose nannies were complaining of a cough and excessive phlegm for a few months, and later both of the nannies tested positive for pulmonary TB and the X-ray showed they were severely infected. “Even though the children had not been infected with active TB, I had to put them on medication for six months to prevent future infections,” she adds. Dr Preeti goes on to explain that active TB is contagious and may be transmitted from the nanny because of prolonged contact with the child, putting the child’s health at serious risk. “There are two simple and easily available medical tests you can do to protect your child from exposure to TB from the caretaker,” Dr Preeti says. The two tests you need to do are an X-ray of the chest and sputum for AFB, which would provide you with a clear picture as to whether the caretaker has an active TB infection or not.
Although this does not mean the nannies will not be infected later on, the tests would at least give you the assurance that it is safe to hire them at the moment, Dr Preeti suggests.
Also Read: Meningitis And Hearing Loss: Expert Explains The Connection And How To Prevent It
Common Symptoms Of Tuberculosis
According to WHO, the common symptoms of TB are:
- Prolonged cough (sometimes with blood)
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
Conclusion
Although, for working parents especially, hiring a nanny or a caretaker often is a compulsion rather than a choice, it is important to take certain precautionary measures to ensure your child’s safety and health.