What is TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that affects the young and the old, men and women, the rich and the poor. TB is caused by bacteria that commonly affects the lungs but can also affect all other parts of the body except the hair, teeth and nails. TB bacteria can live in the body without making a person sick; this is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have TB symptoms, cannot spread TB bacteria to others, and do not need TB treatment. Some people with latent TB infection go on to develop TB disease and will need TB treatment.
How is TB Spread?
The bacteria that causes TB is spread from an infected person to an uninfected person through the air when the person sneezes, coughs, laughs, sneezes or sings.
How do I know if I have TB?
If you have any of the following symptoms, visit the nearest health facility today for a free TB test:
- A cough
- Fever and night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss (failure to gain weight in children)
- Blood stained sputum
- Chest pains
Who is at risk of getting TB?
Everyone is at risk. However, the following groups have a greater chance of developing TB:
- Children
- Elderly people
- People with diabetes
- People with malnutrition
- People living with HIV
- People living and working in poorly ventilated and lit houses
- People living and working in overcrowded places
People, especially children, in contact with someone who has a persistent cough or known TB disease should get tested for TB.
How is TB tested?
A number of tests exist for diagnosing TB including new methods for faster and more accurate results:
- Sputum Microscopy: Sputum is a thick fluid that is produced in the lungs and the airways leading to the lungs. A sputum sample is collected by the person coughing and examined under a microscope for the presence of TB bacteria
- GeneXpert: this is a more sensitive test than sputum microscopy used to detect TB in people most at risk of getting TB. It also tests for TB drug resistance
- Chest x-ray: This may show TB of the lungs and may also show TB in other parts of the body like the bones
- TB skin test (Mantoux test): this is to detect if one has been infected with TB bacteria. It is often used for diagnosis of TB in children alongside other TB tests.
How is TB treated?
TB is a curable disease and early detection leads to better treatment results. TB treatment is provided free of charge at all public health facilities and TB patients receive treatment for six months. Every patient should ensure they complete their TB treatment to prevent the development of drug resistance and other complications. If not treated, TB can kill.
Is there a connection between TB and HIV?
HIV infection weakens the immune system and therefore, a person living with HIV can easily develop TB. However, not all TB patients have HIV infection. Although TB is curable, it is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV if not diagnosed early enough. If you are HIV positive, visit the nearest public health facility for a TB test to exclude TB disease.
What is Isoniazid Preventive Therapy?
Persons living with HIV without TB disease are initiated on Isoniazid Preventive Therapy, a free course of treatment that protects people living with HIV from developing active TB disease. Isoniazid Preventive Therapy is also given to children under five (5) years of age (whether they are HIV positive or not) who come into frequent contact with persons with active TB disease to protect them from developing the disease.
How can I avoid spreading TB?
- Cover your mouth with a clean handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Carefully dispose of used tissues in a sealed plastic bag
- Leave windows open whenever possible to keep rooms and other closed spaces well ventilated
- Ensure that you complete the entire course of TB medication
What are the side effects of TB medication?
As with all drugs, TB medication can cause side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin itch and rash
- Yellow eyes
- Pain and or burning sensation of the hands and feet
- Vision problems
If you have any of these problems while on treatment for TB, visit the nearest health facility immediately.
What is Drug-Resistant TB?
This is the type of TB that does not respond to standard TB medication. It can also spread from an infected person to an uninfected person through the air when the person sneezes, coughs, laughs, sneezes or sings. Treatment for Drug-resistant TB involves the use of alternative TB medicines for a longer period and with more side effects. Drug-resistant TB is curable.
Those who are currently on the standard TB medication are advised to complete the full course of treatment as per the doctor’s instructions, to reduce their chances of developing resistance to the medication.