According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), about 80% of TB (tuberculosis) cases and deaths are found in low-and middle-income countries. There is a relationship between poverty and TB but people living outside of this socio-economic band can also contract TB. How can TB infect you and what are the symptoms?
The CDC (centre for Disease Control and Prevention) says that when a person breathes in TB germs, they can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, the germs can travel through the blood to other parts of the body, including the kidney, spine, and brain.
There is a difference between active TB, which is contagious, and inactive TB, where germs are not spread.
How can TB spread?
TB germs are more likely to spread in indoor spaces and other places with poor air circulation (e.g. a closed vehicle) than in outdoor areas. These active TB germs – which can stay in the air for hours – can be spread when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, sings or speaks. Consequently, TB can be contracted by spending time with family members, friends, coworkers or school friends every day.
TB cannot be spread by:
- Shaking someone’s hand
- Sharing food or drink
- Touching bed linen or through toilet seats
- Sharing toothbrushes
- Kissing
The Cleveland Clinic identifies high-risk areas/instances as:
- Working in a mycobacteriology laboratory.
- Residence or employment in jails, hospices, nursing facilities, shelters, and healthcare facilities.
- When the body’s resistance is low due to a weak immune system.
- Injection of recreational drugs.
- Receiving chemotherapy treatment or other treatments for immune system disorders.
- People who have received an organ transplant.
- People with kidney disease, diabetes or chronic long-term illness.
What are the symptoms of TB?
The Cleveland Clinic describes the symptoms as:
- Bad cough lasting longer than two weeks
- Pain in your chest
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
Can TB be cured?
The positive side is that TB can be cured, according to the WHO. However, they note that symptoms may be mild for some months, which can lead to a delay in treatment and transmission of bacteria to others.
Without proper treatment up to two-thirds of people will die from TB but most TB cases can be cured when medicines are taken correctly.
Your link pharmacist is there to talk to you about your TB diagnosis and will support and encourage you to maintain the TB medication as part of the TB regimen.
While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.
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