Choosing to attend cosmetology school may be one of the more important and lucrative decisions you ever make. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field to grow by nearly 20% over the next decade. This fact is likely to make you in demand for the first few years of your career at least.
You want your career to be a long and prosperous one, of course. Still, your workplace may be a germy place. If you acquire a serious infection, you may be both unable to work and incapable of supporting yourself and your family.
Salons can spread disease
In cosmetology school, you are likely to learn about the critical importance of maintaining a clean working environment. After all, salons can be hotbeds for disease, as they can spread fungi, bacteria and viruses. Any given day may expose you to antibiotic-resistant infections, AIDS, herpes and viruses.
Infections can be deadly
When you are working as a cosmetologist, it is important never to ignore the warning signs of infection. These may include one or more of the following:
- Soreness, redness or discharge
- Headache, confusion or disorientation
- Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea
While many infections are treatable with antibiotics, you want to seek immediate medical treatment. Remember, if an infection spreads, you may develop sepsis or even septic shock. These conditions can be deadly without prompt medical intervention.
Ultimately, if you acquire an infection when working as a cosmetologist in a salon, you may be eligible for meaningful workers’ compensation benefits that help you pay for medical care and cover lost wages.
