TUBERCULOSIS: INDEX: What is tuberculosis? What parts of the body are affected by tuberculosis? What is the difference between latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease? How do you catch tuberculosis? How does the disease develop inside the body? What are the symptoms? Where can I get a vaccination against tuberculosis? How is tuberculosis treated? Prevention. Good advice

What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis is a common and in many cases lethal disease. Tuberculosis is a disease caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s a disease that affects the lungs. The disease is most commonly found in places such as hostels for the homeless, prisons, and centers for immigrants.

What parts of the body are affected by tuberculosis? Mostly in the lungs. Lymph nodes in the lung root and on the throat can also get infected. Tuberculous meningitis is sometimes seen in newly infected children.

What is the difference between latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease? Latent tuberculosis infection means the person has the TB germ in their body but has yet to develop obvious symptoms. Tuberculosis disease indicates the person has symptoms.

How do you catch tuberculosis? The bacteria that cause the tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis ) is inhaled. When coughing, speaking or sneezing, the small droplets are expelled into the air. This bacteria is killed when exposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight.

How does the disease develop inside the body? Firstly it takes place the primary infection. After this, the bacteria can then spread through the blood. Months or even years later, the disease can become reactivated. The lungs are the favourite place for the illness to strike.

What are the symptoms? Chronic or persistent cough and sputum production. Fatigue. Lack of appetite. Weight loss. Fever. Night sweats.

Where can I get a vaccination against tuberculosis? Peple who live in an area with a hight risk of tuberculosis. Children who have ancestors who suffered from tuberculosis. Immigrants that came from a place where this disease is not common. People that travel a lot.

How is tuberculosis treated? Treatment involves three or four different kinds of antibiotics. Multiple medicines are necessary to prevent the emergence of resistance. Single medicines must never be added to a failing treatment regime. Attention to the details of treatment are vital.

An infected person should don’t have contact with anyone. Patients do not require hospital admission in order to start treatment. Pregnant women with TB must be treated urgently as the disease may progress rapidly with high risk to both mother and baby.

TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION AND CONTROL EFFORTS PRIMARILY RELY ON THE VACCINATION OF INFANTS AND THE DETECTION AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT OF ACTIVE CASES.  VACCINES.  PUBLIC HEALTH. Prevention.

Good advice If you travel in countries where tuberculosis is a problem, get vaccinated and avoid socialising with people who have a persistent cough. Make sure that you eat well and enjoy plenty of sunlight and exercise. Seek medical attention if you develop a cough that persists for more than three weeks.

Bibliography: uberculosis/fact_sheet.htm uberculosis/fact_sheet.htm osis.htm osis.htm