TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria (mycobacterium tuberculosis) and most often affect the lungs.
TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.
TB can also affect other parts of the body but it starts off in the lungs and can then pass into the body via the blood. It is very important for people to know the signs and symptoms of TB so that they can get screened and treated early.
The signs and symptoms of TB include coughing for more than two weeks, chest pains, coughing up blood, feeling tired and weak, loss of appetite, weight loss and night sweats. TB testing is free at any government clinic or hospital.
When a person develops active TB, the symptoms may be mild for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care and results in transmission of the bacteria to others. People who have TB can infect up to 10-15 other people through close contact over the course of a year.
People with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who smoke are at increased risk of contracting TB.
Elderly people and young children are also at risk because they have vulnerable immune systems. People are at risk if a family member or friend has TB but is not on treatment.
