What you need to know about Tuberculosis (TB)

 

What is TB and how do you get it?

It’s a disease caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs. The germs are put into the air when a person with TB coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as kidneys, the brain, or the spine.

 

Common Symptoms: Cough for over 3 weeks, Fever, night sweats, unintentional weight loss, chest pain loss of appetite, fatigue (or feeling tired), and coughing up blood.

 

What is the difference between latent and active TB?

People that have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others.  Some people with latent TB infection go on to get active TB disease.  People with latent TB can take medicine so that they will not develop active TB.

TB bacteria become active if the immune system can’t stop them from growing.  The bacteria attack the body and destroy tissue.  If this occurs in the lungs, the bacteria can create a hole in the lung.  Some people develop active TB disease soon after becoming infected; other people may get sick later.  People with active TB are most likely to spread it to others who they spend time with every day.  Active TB can be treated and cured if people seek medical help. 

 

How do I know if I have it?

Get a TB skin test, if it is positive you will have further testing done to see if you have latent TB or active TB.  Other test may include, chest x-rays, or a blood test. 

 

Tell me about the testing?

A small needle is used to put some testing material, called tuberculin, just under the skin, usually on the underside of the forearm. The person getting the test must return in 48 to 72 hours to see if there is a reaction to the test. If there is a reaction the size of the reaction is then measured.  See the Center for Disease Control and Preventions Fact Sheet on TB Testing.

 

Where do I get tested?

Kennewick Office

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

8-11 and 1-4

**Call and Make an Apt** 509-460-4200

Pasco Office

Monday and Tuesday

8-11 and 1-4

How much does it cost?

Cost of the office visit is $20.00

Cost of the test is $10.00

TB read is Free

 

Resources:

 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Washington State Department of Health

 

**Interpreters may be available upon request**