Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs, which can be treated for free in the UK. Cases are being detected around the world but in England, Leicester has the highest number of cases.
There are two main kinds of TB infection:
- Active TB – TB germs are awake and multiplying in the body, causing TB disease. You will feel unwell and may become infectious.
- Latent TB (LTBI) – TB germs are ‘asleep’ (dormant) in the body. You need a blood or skin test to find out if you have it (chest x-rays cannot see LTBI). It does not make you unwell and you are not infectious to other people. The germ may remain dormant your whole life.
Symptoms of active TB include:
- Cough that does not get better, lasting three weeks or more.
- Unexplained and unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature or fever
- Night sweats (soaked bedsheets)
- Extreme tiredness or lack of energy
- Some people also have swollen glands or may cough up blood.
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to visit your GP.
How do you catch TB?
TB is not easily caught. You need to spend a lot of time in close contact, when you are at risk of inhaling the germ. The other person needs to have active TB in their lungs or throat, where it can be spread through coughing, sneezing, talking or even singing.
Who catches TB?
It is difficult to predict who will develop active TB, but people with the following conditions may be more vulnerable:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Complement disorders (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression (people whose immune system is not as effective as others)
In most cases, the immune system of someone closely exposed to TB will kill the germ, and they will not become ill. A very small number will become unwell with symptoms of active TB within a few months.
Some will go on to develop latent TB. About 1 in 10 people with latent TB will develop active TB disease at some point in the future (usually in the first 5 years following infection). You can be infected by TB more than once.
If you are worried that you may have symptoms of TB, or have any of the conditions above, you should talk to your family doctor (GP).
Can I be screened for TB?
The Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) screening programme is available free for new arrivals into the UK and those who meet the following criteria:
- Born in or lived for more than 6 months in a country with high TB rates (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa).
- Entered the UK within the last 5 years, even if arriving through other countries.
- Aged between 16 and 35 years.
- No previous history of TB or Latent TB.
- Have not been previously screened for Latent TB in the UK.
If you think you may be eligible for latent TB screening, contact your GP to learn more about the programme and register for free screening.
Treatment for TB
Completing the entire course of tuberculosis (TB) treatment is essential, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. TB bacteria can be resilient, and stopping treatment early allows the bacteria to survive and potentially develop resistance to medicines, making it harder to treat in the future.
Not completing or taking treatment can lead to more severe health issues and could even spread drug-resistant TB to others. Completing treatment ensures that all TB bacteria are eliminated, protecting your health, and reducing the risk to those around you.
Remember, completing TB treatment is a key step in controlling and eventually eliminating this disease.
Is there a TB vaccine?
The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine helps protect against severe types of TB. It is usually given to babies and young children who are more likely to get TB. Please contact your child’s healthcare visitor or GP if you require further information.
What to do if you suspect you/someone you know has TB?
Visit your GP if you feel like you or someone in your family has symptoms of TB to get checked or call 111 if you feel unwell. If you are very unwell call 999 or visit the A&E.
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