What to do if you come into contact with a tuberculosis patient

What to do if you come into contact with a tuberculosis patient

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. If you have been in close contact with someone with TB, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from infection.

1. Get tested for TB

The first step is to get tested for TB so you can determine if you have been infected. There are two types of TB tests: a skin test and a blood test. The skin test involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin under the skin. If you have been infected with TB, the injection site will become raised and red within 48-72 hours. The blood test looks for antibodies to the TB bacteria in your blood.

2. Start treatment if you are infected

If you test positive for TB, you will need to start treatment immediately. TB treatment typically involves taking antibiotics for 6-9 months. It is important to take all of your medication as prescribed and to finish the entire course of treatment, even if you start to feel better.

3. Prevent the spread of TB

While you are being treated for TB, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the infection to others. This includes:

Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

Staying home from work or school when you are sick

Getting regular chest X-rays to monitor your progress

4. Get vaccinated against TB

If you have been in close contact with someone with TB, you may be able to get vaccinated against the infection. The TB vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can help to reduce your risk of developing TB if you are exposed to the bacteria.

5. Talk to your doctor

If you have any questions about TB or its treatment, talk to your doctor. They can answer your questions and help you develop a plan to protect yourself and others from the infection.

Symptoms of TB

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, people with TB may not have any symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms of TB include:

Persistent cough

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Weight loss

Night sweats

Fever

Chills

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. TB can be a serious infection, but it is treatable if it is diagnosed and treated early on.

Risk factors for TB

Anyone can get TB, but some people are at a higher risk of developing the infection than others. These risk factors include:

Close contact with someone with TB

Living in or traveling to an area where TB is common

Having a weakened immune system

Being HIV-positive

Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease

Taking certain medications, such as steroids or cancer chemotherapy drugs

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from TB.

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