TUBERCULOSIS

TUBERCULOSIS FACTS – You Can Prevent TB

How do I know if I have TB infection?

A skin test is the only way to tell if you have TB infection. The test is “positive” if a bump about the size of a pencil eraser or bigger appears on your arm. This bump means you probably have TB infection.

What should I do if I have TB infection?

If you have TB infection, you may need treatment so you will not get TB disease later. This is called “preventive” treatment. Isoniazid (INH) is the anti-TB drug used most often.

Unless you get preventive treatment, TB infection can turn into TB disease. Those who are more likely to get sick from TB disease include:

Alcoholics or injection drug users;
People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, certain types of cancers and being underweight; and especially
People with HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS).

These things make your body weaker. When your body is weaker, if can’t fight TB germs any more and TB infection can turn into TB disease.

It is very important that you take your preventive treatment as your doctor recommends. If takes at least six months to a year to kill all the TB germs. Remember, you will always have TB germs in your body unless you kill them with the right medicine.

Protect your family and friends from TB – take all your anti-TB drugs!