Primary Complex sound scary to any mother especially in the Philippines where we know that Tuberculosis (TB) exist. Primary complex is a form of tuberculosis in children. We had a primary complex scare when my son Ashton, then 4 years old was hospitalized.
Primary Complex Symptoms in Children
The doctor said some of the primary complex symptoms like not gaining weight (my son was underweight) and recurring cough & colds were present in my child’s diagnosis. My son would then have coughs, cold, and fever combination thrice or more in a year.
Where do children acquire Primary Complex
We asked a lot of questions about Primary Complex while talking to the doctor, including where – if ever our child is positive, could he have acquired the infection. The top answer is probably adults and right away, we knew how important it is for everyone in the household to be tested. Children won’t likely infect each other as they don’t produce enough cough or phlegm (sputum) to be infectious.
PPD Skin Test Experience
During my son’s confinement, the doctor recommend that he gets a primary complex test which is called PPD or Purified Protein Derivative skin test. This was done in The Medical City where my son is hospitalized for pneumonia. It was a simple process of injecting a small shot in the top layer of the skin. In my son’s case this was done on his forearm.
Although simple, it is the wait that was long 78 hours or 3 1/4 days. I was paranoid and checking my son’s arm where the PPD shot was done every now and then. The doctor who administered the PPD said to check for any reactions including itchiness which might indicate a positive for primary complex.
A little over 48 hours, the doctor made me nervous when he said the skin has a little bump but that he will check again. It was my son’s pediatrician who gave the final verdict on the 3rd day and the result was negative. It gave me a huge relief, my son is free from Primary Complex.
Primary Complex and HMO Health Card Providers
I’d also mention that when the health provider visited us in our hospital room, she mentioned that hospitalization will not be covered if and when the diagnosis is primary complex. I guess it counts as a pre-existing condition, do ask your HMO about it if you suspect your child to have this condition.
Stay healthy mommy and baby!
