What is Tuberculosis?

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria which produces an infection primarily in the lungs and sometimes in other organs. It is transmitted from the nose and throat by coughing and sneezing.

TB can be cured and prevented.

How do you get TB?

TB can be spread through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or laughs near other people. However, TB is not spread in food, clothing, plates or drinking glasses.

What is Active TB?

When you first catch TB, the bacteria is in your body, but it is not active. At this stage you cannot spread TB to other people. Some people can have TB bacteria in their bodies for many years and never get Active TB. If your immune system becomes weak and can no longer fight the TB bacteria, these bacteria begin to multiply and Active TB will occur. At this stage you will probably feel sick and may spread TB germs to others.

What are some of the symptoms I may experience with Active TB?

• fever
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• night sweats
• chest pain
• cough that will not go away
  
• coughing up blood

These may also be signs of other illness. Check with your doctor.

What can I do if I have TB?

If you have the TB infection, there is a medicine you can take to prevent if from becoming active. In Canada, TB medicine is free.

If you have Active TB, see you doctor right away and start taking TB medicine immediately. It takes at least 2 weeks for the medicine to start working, so avoid close contact with people and cover your mouth and nose completely when you cough, sneeze or laugh.

What is a TB test?

A TB test or Mantoux is a simple test to find out whether or not there are TB germs in your body. A harmless substance called Tuberculin is injected into the skin of the forearm. The arm is examined in 48-72 hours. If the area is swollen (at least 10mm or more) the person may have been in contact with someone who has TB. If there is no change, there is no TB in the body.

Who should have a TB Mantoux test?

• Some employers require new employees to be tested for TB.
• Anyone who has been in contact with a person with Active TB.
• People who live in crowded places like shelters, on reserves, in prisons or homes for seniors are at greater risk of getting TB.
• People who have HIV, diabetes, cancer, are elderly, abuse alcohol, take street drugs, take certain kinds of medical drugs and don't get enough healthy food.
• To have a TB Mantoux test contact the Health Unit or your doctor for an appointment.