Tuberculosis A world wide communicable disease

Tuberculosis Disease about 8 million new cases of TB occur world wide each year. about 20 million people are sick with TB yearly. about 3 million people die each year from TB. 1

What Tuberculosis is, & how it is spread A disease that is spread from person to person through the air. Germs are put into the air when a person with TB exhales. Others may then breathe in the germ. 2

TB is not spread by: 3

2 Stages of Tuberculosis The infectionThe disease the germ is dormant the germ is active 4

Tuberculosis Infection the germ is inactive, but still alive. It is surrounded by the body’s defense system. the person is not sick, and is not contagious. 5

Tuberculosis Disease When the body’s defense breaks down due to a weakened immune system, the germ becomes active. It can make the individual sick and be spread to others. 6

Causes of a weakened immune system Poor nutrition Stress Substance abuse HIV infection Very young or elderly Other health problems 7

Other parts of the body may be affected by TB brain kidney spine 8

Symptoms of Tuberculosis Weight loss Fever Night sweats General malaise Coughing up blood other symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected. 9

Who gets Tuberculosis Anyone can get TB, but some people are at higher risk: –Those at higher risk include: people from countries where TB is prevalent those living or working in crowded conditions alcoholics or drug abusers people with HIV infection those with other medical conditions 10

A small needle is used to put some testing material just under the skin on the inside of your forearm. 48 to 72 hours later your forearm is checked for a reaction. How to find out if you have TB (Have a TB test) You can get a TB test called the Mantoux test from your doctor or Health Department 11

What determines Negative or Positive test Negative –the site of the injection on the forearm is checked. –no reaction, or only redness without induration, indicates a negative response. Positive –the induration at the site of the injection is measured. –predetermined criteria for size sets the standard for results. 12

The meaning of a Positive TB test You have TB infection, not necessarily TB disease. Further testing will determine if you have TB disease. You may need to take medication. 13

Other Types of TB testing physical exam sputum specimens for analysis chest X-ray 14

Tuberculosis Medication Taking medication is the only way to kill the TB germ. Take the medication for as long as your doctor says to take it. Report any problems to your doctor or nurse right away. 15

Measures to help prevent the spread of TB Cover your mouth when you cough Maintain a healthy lifestyle Open windows for fresh air Get TB tested 16

BCG Vaccine for TB A live vaccine derived from a strain of the bacteria. It is used in some parts of the world to prevent TB where the disease is prevalent. It is rarely used in the United States. It’s effectiveness is uncertain. It can cause a small reaction to the TB test. 17