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Tuberculosis
T
b
l i Awareness
A
th
5 May
Overview
What is
Tuberculosis
(TB)?
 Who is at
risk?
 Symptoms

Transmission
 Treatment
 Services
 Stigma

What is Tuberculosis?

Caused by
Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis (MTB)

Can affect whole body



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the lungs,
lymph glands,
bones, joints
and kidneys.
Latent vs active TB
Infected with bacteria
IImmune system
t
expels
bacteria
IImmune system
t
renders the bacteria
inactive
Latent TB
-no symptoms
-not infectious
90%
Remain healthy
B t i multiply
Bacteria
lti l
10%
Active TB
Who is at risk?





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Anyone can get TB
High risk groups:
Those in very close contact with infectious
d
disease
people
l
People who are from or who have visited
areas with a high prevalence of TB
People with weak immune system/poor
health
People in overcrowded, poor housing
Symptoms?
Site specific symptoms



Depending on which part of the body is
infected with the TB bacteria you can
also get other symptoms. Eg:
Bone/spinal TB – pain in affected area
and mobility can be affected
TB meningitis – seizures, headaches,
confusion
Transmission



From droplets coughed or breathed out of the
lungs of an infectious person.
Usually requires prolonged, close contact.
Not everyone with TB is infectious.
Transmission
Treatment

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TB is curable
TB treatment is free
Minimum 6 months treatment
First 2 months – 4 antibiotics
Continue with 2 antibiotics for further 4
months
Very important to finish the course
Directly observed therapy -DOT
Services



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GP is first point of contact
Patients with no GP can visit A & E
Referral will be made to TB clinic – West
Middlesex Hospital
Team of healthcare professionals specialising
in TB
Outreach Worker to help and support patients
Nationally – TB Alert – www.tbalert.org
Stigma and perceptions of TB



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What is stigma?
Collins English dictionary definition:
“a
a mark of social disgrace”
disgrace
'stigma exists when a person is identified by a
label that sets the person apart and links the
person to undesirable stereotypes that result
in unfair treatment and discrimination'. –
Links and Phelan
Stigma is often based on myths and
miseducation
Myths

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
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Myths can exist about:
The WAY you can catch TB
WHO is affected by TB
WHY people get TB
Examples of myths:
“I can catch TB by sharing utensils”
“TB treatment kills you”
“It is my own fault I have TB"
Useful Links

www.tbalert.org

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www hpa org uk
www.hpa.org.uk


Downloadable leaflets in 19 languages
Health Protection Agency
www.homeless.org.uk

Free information pack tailored for staff and
volunteers working with homeless people