Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through the air when a patient with active TB disease coughs, sneezes or speaks. Because it is airborne, it is especially important for those living in or traveling to areas where TB is common to be aware of the risk, know the symptoms and to get tested if they think they have been exposed.
Most people who are infected with the TB germ do not have the active form of the disease. They have no symptoms and are not infectious. However, they carry the germ, which may grow and lead to the active, infectious disease at some time in the future.
World TB Day
What are the symptoms of TB?
Symptoms of TB disease typically include a cough, lasting more than three weeks, accompanied by unintentional weight loss of at least 10 pounds, fevers and night sweats. Anyone with TB symptoms should consult a health care provider to find out if they have the active disease.
How do you know if you have TB?
TB can be diagnosed with skin or blood tests. We recommend a blood test for anyone who has had a tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination. If someone has TB infection, but not active disease, it can be treated with medicine taken for 9 months. Consult your healthcare provider about whether you should have a TB test.
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Call Contra Costa Public Health at 925-313-6740 for more information about TB, or how to get tested or see a doctor.
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