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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Positive PPD Test With Normal X Rays Mean And Would This Affect The Immune System In The Future

Hi, please tell me this....I had a positive PPD test, and my x-rays were normal. Please teel me if this means that I actually did, at some point, have tubercolosis. I was told by my doctor that I had to take medication for approx 9 months, which appears to be the treatment for someonw with TUBECULOSIS. I work at a prison and I also work at a Residential home on the weekend, where I'm assuming, I became in contact with someone with the illness. Please tell me more about what' sgoing on and how this could affect my immune system in the future.
Fri, 31 Jan 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response

Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this positive test. Because you have no symptoms, it means that you got exposed to the germ but your immune system contained it. It in no way weakens your immune system but shows how powerful it is to actually fight such an infection. Because it is common in prisons, I am suspecting that is where you probably got it. In all, the recommendations are to take isoniazid for 6months. Besides, have you ever been vaccinated against TB? it could be the reason why!

I hope this addresses your query fully. Feel free to ask for clarifications and more information if need be. I wish you well. Thanks for utilizing our services, we very much appreciate it.
Dr. Ditah, MD.
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What Does Positive PPD Test With Normal X Rays Mean And Would This Affect The Immune System In The Future

Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this positive test. Because you have no symptoms, it means that you got exposed to the germ but your immune system contained it. It in no way weakens your immune system but shows how powerful it is to actually fight such an infection. Because it is common in prisons, I am suspecting that is where you probably got it. In all, the recommendations are to take isoniazid for 6months. Besides, have you ever been vaccinated against TB? it could be the reason why! I hope this addresses your query fully. Feel free to ask for clarifications and more information if need be. I wish you well. Thanks for utilizing our services, we very much appreciate it. Dr. Ditah, MD.