Frequently asked questions about Tuberculosis (TB) screening & prevention

Transcription

1 Frequently asked questions about Tuberculosis (TB) screening & prevention TB Nursing Service. Department of Respiratory Medicine Information for Patients i Telephone Fax Monday Friday

2 What is Tuberculosis (TB)? Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable, infectious disease caused by bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, bones, glands or brain. TB is usually spread by tiny droplets containing the TB bacteria. These droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If these droplets are inhaled, the bacteria they contain may start a new infection. Only a person who has pulmonary TB (in the lungs and airways) is considered infectious. If someone has TB elsewhere in the body they are not infectious to other people. TB is usually a slowly developing illness. Immediately after exposure to the infection there may be no signs or symptoms. Many people who become infected do not become ill and the infection heals itself in a few weeks or months without treatment. However, the TB bacteria remain in the body in an inactive form and can progress to cause illness later. All TB screening and treatment is free of charge. 2

3 What is latent TB infection? It is possible to have TB in the body which is not active. The person will feel healthy and the bacteria cannot be passed on, though treatment may be needed to prevent this progressing to TB disease in the future. What if I feel completely well? Screening is still recommended as it is possible to have TB or latent TB infection and feel completely well. What if I had a chest x-ray abroad or at the airport? A chest x-ray cannot exclude latent TB infection or TB in other areas of the body outside the lungs. 3

4 How will the screening test be done? With a symptom check, chest x-ray and TB blood test (depending on age). Sometimes it is necessary to perform more than one set of investigations a few weeks apart. Symptoms to look out for are: A cough that lasts for 3 weeks or longer Fevers and high temperatures Sweating at night Weight loss and loss of appetite for no reason Extreme tiredness, lack of energy and fatigue for no reason Coughing up blood (this is very rare but needs immediate medical advice) If you are worried about any of these things please contact the TB nurses before your appointment for further advice. 4

5 What if I have been treated for TB in the past? Please tell us when you come for your appointment. It is still important to attend. What if I have had TB screening before? Please tell us when you come for your appointment. What if other family members have not received appointments for screening? Please contact us prior to the appointment. Can I carry on with my day-to-day activities before I am screened? There is no need to stop any of your daily activities. Even if you have been in contact with a case of infectious TB, you only have a small chance of developing TB infection. There is no need to take time off work or school unless you have had a cough that has lasted for 3 weeks or longer, or you feel unwell. 5

6 Who can I contact with queries? Please contact the TB Nursing Service At times the phone will be unstaffed but please leave a message with your name and telephone number and we will call you back. More about TB If you would like to find out more about Tuberculosis please go to or 6

7 Your Questions If you have any questions, write them down here to remind you what to ask when you speak to your nurse/consultant. 7

8 Leaflet Produced : October 2016 Next Review: October 2018 (Thuraisingham) - Respiratory Medicine - RES Today s research is tomorrow s care We all benefit from research. Leicester s Hospitals is a research active Trust so you may find that research is happening when you visit the hospital or your clinic. If you are interested in finding out how you can become involved in a clinical trial or to find out more about taking part in research, please speak to your clinician or GP. If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the service equality manager on