Tuberculosis Facts
You can prevent TB
What is TB?
"TB" is short for a disease called tuberculosis.
TB is spread by tiny germs that can float in the air. The TB germs
may spray into the air if a person with TB disease of the
lungs or throat coughs, shouts, or sneezes. Anyone nearby can breathe
TB germs into the lungs.
TB germs can live in your body without making you
sick. This is called TB infection. Your immune system traps
TB germs with special germ fighters. Your germ fighters keep TB
germs from making you sick.
But sometimes, the TB germs can break away and spread.
Then they cause TB disease. The germs can attack the lungs
or other parts of the body. They can go to the kidneys, the brain,
or the spine. If people have TB disease, they need medical
help. If they dont get help, they can die.
How do I know if I have TB infection?
A skin test is the
only way to tell if you have TB infection. The test is "positive"
if a bump about the size of a pencil eraser or bigger appears on
your arm. This bump means you probably have TB infection.
What should I do if I have TB infection?
If you have TB infection, you may need treatment
so you will not get TB disease later. This is called "preventive"
treatment. Isoniazid (INH) is the anti-TB drug used most often.
Unless you get preventive treatment, TB infection can turn
into TB disease. Those who are more likely to get sick from
TB disease include:
-
alcoholics or injection drug users;
-
people with certain medical conditions such as
diabetes, certain types of cancers, and being underweight; and
especially
-
people with HIV infection (the virus that causes
AIDS).
These things make your body weaker. When your body
is weaker, it cant fight TB germs any more and TB infection
can turn into TB disease.
It is very important that your take your preventive
treatment as soon as your doctor recommends. It takes at least six
months to a year to kill all the TB germs. Remember, you will
always have TB germs in your body unless you kill them with the
right medicine.
Protect your family and friends from TB - take all your anti-TB
drugs! |