First, I think I owe you an apology. You were talking vaccination and I was, too, but my brain was thinking skin test. I've never been vaccinated against TB, but I've received numerous skin test and never converted. Still, if I was currently working in a high risk area, with the incidence of TB on the increase, I'd certainly consider vaccination. Even if that meant I'd have to have a CXR every 6 months, although I still doubt that to be the case. You wouldn't be x-rayed unless you displayed symptoms.
As for risks, I agree...we live in an age of calculated risks in all that we do. All we can do to combat that is to use our best judgment and take available precautions. As in condoms...not foolproof by any stretch, but far better than none. You mentioned hepatitis...and yes, I suppose it is possible to contract it by kissing, tho' unlikely from what I've read unless there is an exchange of blood. However, if you knew someone was an IV drug abuser, would you risk a simple kiss? I wouldn't. You mention wearing gloves...just another precaution. Not foolproof...they are not impervious to absolutely everything...fluids leak in under the cuff...they get a micro-tear or puncture, but by wearing gloves, you decrease the risk substantially. If nothing else, you decrease the law of averages.
Seat belts...not foolproof. People die while wearing seatbelts, and in some cases seatbelts actually cause the death, but statistically, it has been shown that seatbelts save lives.
I go with the law of averages and "best practices." It decreases my chances - doesn't eliminate altogether.
EBF
(and her bunnies!)