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Mya
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
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When becoming a pediatrician are you more likely to become sick since you are around kids?
I am wondering if being around kids will help your immune system build up or will it not affect you.
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Joe L.
Program Manager
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Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Pediatricians, like other healthcare professionals, are exposed to illnesses regularly, especially because children can be more prone to certain infectious diseases. However, pediatricians are not necessarily more likely to get sick than others if they follow proper precautions.
Here’s why:
Immunity: Over time, pediatricians build up immunity to common infections they may encounter frequently. Exposure to pathogens allows the immune system to strengthen.
Vaccination: Pediatricians and healthcare workers receive a range of vaccinations, which protects them from many illnesses, such as the flu, measles, and hepatitis. Staying up-to-date on vaccines is essential to minimize the risk of infection.
Hygiene Practices: Pediatricians are trained to follow strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disinfecting surfaces. These measures significantly reduce the chance of illness transmission.
Understanding of Symptoms: Since pediatricians are knowledgeable about various diseases, they can recognize symptoms early in both themselves and their patients. This helps in taking preventive action or seeking treatment sooner.
Increased Risk Situations:
Pediatricians might face a slightly higher risk of exposure to:
Respiratory infections: Children commonly spread colds, flu, or respiratory viruses.
Gastrointestinal illnesses: Children can carry viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting, which can be easily spread.
Viral infections: Pediatricians may encounter diseases like chickenpox, although vaccination significantly reduces this risk.
Reducing Risk:
Pediatricians take precautions to stay healthy:
Wearing masks when treating patients with respiratory illnesses.
Frequent handwashing after patient contact.
Proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and surfaces.
Staying home when sick to avoid spreading illness.
Overall, while pediatricians may be more exposed to illnesses, they are trained and equipped to manage these risks. With the right precautions and vaccines, they can minimize their likelihood of getting sick.
Here’s why:
Immunity: Over time, pediatricians build up immunity to common infections they may encounter frequently. Exposure to pathogens allows the immune system to strengthen.
Vaccination: Pediatricians and healthcare workers receive a range of vaccinations, which protects them from many illnesses, such as the flu, measles, and hepatitis. Staying up-to-date on vaccines is essential to minimize the risk of infection.
Hygiene Practices: Pediatricians are trained to follow strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disinfecting surfaces. These measures significantly reduce the chance of illness transmission.
Understanding of Symptoms: Since pediatricians are knowledgeable about various diseases, they can recognize symptoms early in both themselves and their patients. This helps in taking preventive action or seeking treatment sooner.
Increased Risk Situations:
Pediatricians might face a slightly higher risk of exposure to:
Respiratory infections: Children commonly spread colds, flu, or respiratory viruses.
Gastrointestinal illnesses: Children can carry viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting, which can be easily spread.
Viral infections: Pediatricians may encounter diseases like chickenpox, although vaccination significantly reduces this risk.
Reducing Risk:
Pediatricians take precautions to stay healthy:
Wearing masks when treating patients with respiratory illnesses.
Frequent handwashing after patient contact.
Proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and surfaces.
Staying home when sick to avoid spreading illness.
Overall, while pediatricians may be more exposed to illnesses, they are trained and equipped to manage these risks. With the right precautions and vaccines, they can minimize their likelihood of getting sick.