Tuberculosis

People infected with TB do not feel sick, do not have symptoms and are not contagious unless and until their infection develops into active TB disease.

TB bacteria may be released into the air by TB-diseased persons when they sneeze, cough or speak.

Symptoms of TB

· A bad cough lasting more than two weeks

· Coughing up blood

· Chest pains

· Fatigue or weakness

· Fever

· Poor appetite and weight loss

· Night sweats

· Chills

Testing for Tuberculosis

A TB skin test is an easy way to find out if you have TB infection. TB tests can be performed at your local health department or doctor's office.

The skin test for TB is simple. A small amount of testing fluid (.1ml 5 TU PPD by the Mantoux technique) is injected just under the skin on your lower arm. Two or three days after the test, a health care worker must measure your skin reaction to the test to determine whether you tested positive or negative for TB infection. A positive result usually means you have TB infection.

If you test positive, other tests will be performed to determine whether or not you have developed TB disease. These tests can include chest X-ray and laboratory tests.

Tuberculosis Treatment

People who test positive for TB infection may take medications to keep them from developing TB disease. This usually involves the use of a drug called isoniazid, or INH, which kills the inactive TB bacteria in your body and prevents you from developing active TB disease. INH is usually taken for 6-9 months. Sometimes people at high risk for TB are given the medication even if they test negative for TB infection.

Anyone who tests positive for TB, but does not receive preventive therapy, must see a doctor immediately if any TB symptoms develop.

LINKS

Kentucky Tuberculosis Control Program

TB Facts and Statistics

History of TB