TB stands for tuberculosis. It is an illness that harms the lungs. It can also harm other parts of the body. TB is caused by a germ that is spread through the air. Some people with TB germs do not look or feel sick. Their TB germs are not active. The germs may stay that way for a short time – or for years. If the TB germs become active, the person may:
· Cough a lot
· Feel weak
· Have a fever
· Lose weight
· Cough up blood
· Sweat a lot at night
A person with active TB can pass TB germs to others. TB germs get into the air. This happens when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings or talks. You can breathe TB germs. This can happen if you: live with someone with active TB who is not getting proper treatment, have frequent close contact with someone with active TB who is not getting proper treatment.
Certain people should have a TB skin test. For example, you should have the test if you:
· Live or have frequent, close contact with someone who have active TB
· Have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
· Have any signs of active TB
· Live or work in a hospital, prison, shelter, nursing home
· Came to the United States from a country where TB is common
· Shoot drugs
Most cases of TB can be cured. If you have a positive TB skin test, you may need to have a chest x-ray or other tests. These tests will tell your health care provides if your TB germs are active or inactive, and if you need to take medication. Medicine can keep TB from becoming active. It can also cure TB if it is already active. TB medicine is the only way to cure TB. If you do not take your medicine exactly as you are told you may get very sick. Your TB germs may become resistant to the TB medicine. This means the medicine may not work. Your treatment may take longer. You may never get well. You could spread TB to others.
These are basic facts regarding TB. Be sure to talk with your doctor, nurse, or other health-care provider about all your health care needs. Call the Monroe County Health Department with any questions at 270-487-6782.
