If a cosmetologist treats a client with a fungal infection, how likely is it that the cosmetologist will contract the infection from the client?

• A. Very unlikely
• B. Extremely unlikely
• C. Likely
• D. Impossible

Answer: (B)

When proper infection control is in place, the chance of a cosmetologist contracting a fungal infection from a client is extremely unlikely. Fungi spread mainly through direct skin contact or through contaminated tools and surfaces. In a salon, using gloves, practicing thorough hand hygiene, sterilizing or properly disposing of tools, and disinfecting work areas greatly reduce exposure. Because those precautions minimize risk so much, it isn’t impossible, but it’s not a common or likely event either. So the description that best fits is that the risk is extremely unlikely.