Download What is Tuberculosis (TB)? What are the symptoms of TB? How can

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is a serious infectious disease that usually affects the lungs,
but can also affect other parts of the body such as the glands,
brain or bones. TB affects many people in the world and it is
becoming more common in the UK.
What are the symptoms of TB?
The most common symptoms of TB are:
z A persistent cough which has lasted for over 3 weeks
z A high temperature
z Sweating especially at night
z Coughing up blood mixed with phlegm
z Loss of appetite
z Weight loss
z Feeling weak or tired.
How can you catch TB?
When someone with TB of the lungs coughs, spits or sneezes, the
TB germ can get into the air in small droplets. Other people can
breathe in these germs and become infected.
Is anyone at special risk of getting TB?
Anyone can get TB, but it is more likely if someone is living in the
same home as a person with TB disease. It is more common in
some areas of the world, for example, Africa, South America, the
Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, and in some countries in
Eastern Europe. It is also more likely to affect people whose
body's natural ability to fight infections has been weakened, such
as occurs with HIV/AIDS.
Is TB curable?
TB can be cured completetly but only if the medicine is taken
exactly as instructed and the full course is completed.This usually
takes 6-9 months. Even if you are feeling better, it is important
that the medicine is taken as instructed until the doctor says it is
safe to stop. TB can become resistant to treatment if the
medicine is taken incorrectly or stopped too early, and then the
disease may become very difficult or impossible to treat.
Can TB be prevented?
There is a simple vaccination against TB called a BCG. It is a long
lasting, safe vaccination, which gives a high degree of protection
against some types of TB.
Who should have a BCG vaccination?
Babies and children up to 16 years who have travelled from a
country where TB is common should be tested to see if they have
any natural defence (called immunity) against TB. If they have
low immunity they should then be vaccinated with a BCG.
People who have been, or are likely to be in close contact with
someone with TB may also need a BCG.
Do I need to be vaccinated against TB?
A simple skin test ('Heaf test') will show if you or your
child has some immunity to TB. This test is similar
to a small circle of pin pricks and is done on
the forearm. The skin's reaction must be
checked 7 days later at the clinic where
the test was done. If there is no skin reaction it
means there is no natural immunity and you need a BCG vaccination. If there is a reaction with an area of redness and swelling at
the site of the skin test, this means you do not need a BCG.
When should a BCG not be given?
You must tell the doctor if the answer to any of the following is
‘yes’. The person:
z is HIV positive
z has had TB before
z has a serious disease like cancer
z is having steroid medication
z has had another vaccination in the past 4 weeks
z has a septic skin condition
z has a high fever.
z is pregnant.
If someone is unsure whether he or she has HIV/AIDS, an HIV test
can be arranged.
How is the BCG given?
The BCG is given as a vaccination into the upper arm; it
leaves a small raised blister, which disappears within a
few hours.
What happens next?
Within 2-6 weeks a lump will develop at the vaccination
site. This may develop into a small white spot or ulcer,
which may ooze fluid. This may be sore for a few days
but will heal best if it is not covered. It may take up to 6 months
to fully heal and will leave a small flat scar.
It is important not to squeeze, scratch or scab the spot and it
should be left open to the air and not covered with a plaster. If
the injection site ‘weeps’, cover with a waterproof dressing
during bathing or showering. Do not use creams or perfume on
the spot. When a BCG is given, no further vaccinations should be
given in the same arm for 3 months.
Understanding
Tuberculosis
Information for refugees and asylum
seekers in Bristol
It is important that some types of vaccination are given at least 4
weeks apart, so always show the nurse your vaccination record.
Where can I get more information about TB?
If you are worried about TB your GP can advise you and can refer
you to a specialist chest clinic, or you can phone NHS Direct on
0845 4647.
This leaflet was produced by The Haven Health Assessment Service
in conjunction with Avon Health Protection Unit
April 2004
English