Health News
Tuberculosis
What is TB? Signs and Symptoms of active TB:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria • A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or
(germs). It spreads from person to person through longer
the air. The germs usually attack the lungs. But, the
• Coughing up blood or sputum
germs can also attack any part of the body such as
(mucous from deep inside the lungs)
the kidneys, spine, and brain.
• Weakness or fatigue
How do people get TB?
• Weight loss and poor appetite
Someone who has TB can spread it to others. When
someone who has TB coughs, sneezes, or talks they • Fever, chills, and night sweats
may spread the TB germs into the air. People nearb
ymay breathe in these germs. When they breathe in What is Latent TB?
the germ, the germs can settle in the lungs and be People with latent TB have TB germs in their body.
ginto grow and multiply. The person may then beco They are not sick because the germs are not active.
me infected, too. However, not everyone infected These people have no symptoms of TB. They can not
with TB becomes sick. spread the germs to others. However, these people can
develop active TB disease. That is why early treatment
Risk Factors for TB:
is needed.
• HIV/AIDS infection
Testing and Treatment
• Homelessness
To get tested for TB you need to see a doctor. There are
• Chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer tests that can detect TB infection. These tests are a skin
test, a sputum test, and a chest x-ray. The skin test
• Alcohol/Drug abuse called PPD test is given to the person in the arm. If the
• Babies, young children, and the elderly skin test is positive then a chest x-ray is done.
TB is a serious disease. TB can kill. But, the good news
What is Active TB?
is that it can be cured. It is important to follow the
People with active TB are more likely to spread it to directions of the doctor. A person needs to take the TB
others with whom they have very close contact. Thi medication as directed and until the medication is
scan include family members, friends, and finished. Healthy diet, rest, and medication will help a
co-workers. TB becomes active if the immune TB patient get better.
system can not stop it from growing and
multiplying. Someone with a weak immune system
is not able to fight off TB. If you think you may be at risk of getting TB you
should see a doctor.
For more information on TB call:
Tuberculosis Control Program
Telephone: (213) 744-6160
HE: 12/05 2006 CHP0005ENG