Volunteering with homeless: health precautions

[yeshuamo]

I've started volunteering at a homeless shelter handing out food, and this has been my most eye-opening community service. My intention is to continue volunteering in homeless services.

However, i realize that working with the homeless puts me at risk of contracting parasites, tuberculosis, or other ailments that I'm not aware of. Do any of you know what precautions I should take?

I was tested for TB in June, and it's January now. Should I plan to get tested again? How do you guys deal with the possibility of contracting bed bugs? I live and volunteer in New York; bedbugs are a looming public health concern for us.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[xffan624]

I've started volunteering at a homeless shelter handing out food, and this has been my most eye-opening community service. My intention is to continue volunteering in homeless services.

However, i realize that working with the homeless puts me at risk of contracting parasites, tuberculosis, or other ailments that I'm not aware of. Do any of you know what precautions I should take?

I was tested for TB in June, and it's January now. Should I plan to get tested again? How do you guys deal with the possibility of contracting bed bugs? I live and volunteer in New York; bedbugs are a looming public health concern for us.

???? If you knew what a bed bug is, you would know you have no chance of "contracting" them. In general, they infest things, not people. I did hear of a case of a person infested with them at a hospital I worked at, but that's extremely rare and requires living in squalor and not showering or washing your clothes for a month. The same goes for the rest of the parasites you are worried about.

For everything else wear gloves and get yearly TB testing.

 

[yeshuamo]

Thank you, that's helpful!

 

[breakintheroof]

I've started volunteering at a homeless shelter handing out food, and this has been my most eye-opening community service. My intention is to continue volunteering in homeless services.

However, i realize that working with the homeless puts me at risk of contracting parasites, tuberculosis, or other ailments that I'm not aware of. Do any of you know what precautions I should take?

I was tested for TB in June, and it's January now. Should I plan to get tested again? How do you guys deal with the possibility of contracting bed bugs? I live and volunteer in New York; bedbugs are a looming public health concern for us.

Serving food to the homeless? You are more likely to transmit foodborne illnesses to your clients by handling food improperly than you are to catch anything from them. Follow the instructions you get from your supervisor, and enjoy the work.

 

[NonTradJp]

You won't catch anything unless you bite someone or they bite you hard. Avoid the axe body spray and wash your hands and you're good to go.

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

Have not heard of bed bugs being an issue when you work with homeless populations here in the South. Perhaps it's different for you Yankees. 😉 Hope that you have an enriching experience! 👍

 

[areserine]

So, as someone who has had the pleasure of a bed bug infestation, you can transmit them by clothing, but it's really not very likely. If you happen to sleep somewhere with bed bugs, wash your clothing asap before letting it touch other fabrics like your own bed. Otherwise, I really wouldn't worry about it.

 

[yeshuamo]

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement.

Like @areserine , I've had experiences with bed bugs in Brooklyn and at my office in Manhattan, which very quickly led to the quarantine of 3 coworkers. Good to know that wearing gloves, washing hands and following supervisor instructions has worked for others in the past.

I'll add to those measures by bringing my own apron and washing it after volunteer shifts. If that marks me as a germaphobe, I don't care, because everyone's safety.

Looking forward to helping those in need and developing through this community service.

 

[NonTradJp]

Sorry yeshuamo if I made you feel that you are being too germaphobic. Bed bugs are bad. I've been around homeless people nearly all my life and never have had a problem so I did not address what you wrote properly.

The climate does play a big role since they multiply fast with humility > 50%.

You're right about the apron. If it is a problem, what you need is a big plastic bag. Always bag your apron and other outer wear so they do not touch any of your in home or in car fabrics. Plastic is generally enough of a barrier. Then wash it in hot water and they can't reproduce. I believe you need to be exposed for hours before bed bugs start hopping around enough to spread them in any likely way.

You are also right that once they spread it is bad news. They are very hard to get rid of when spread. The good news is they need fabric to fabric or fur/hair to do so.

Bless you on your endeavors to love your fellow man.