TUBERCULOSIS
- iandmydoctors
- Oct 20, 2018
- 2 min read
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs. Compared with other diseases caused by a single infectious agent, tuberculosis is the second biggest killer, globally.
How Is It Spread?
Through the air, just like a cold or the flu. When someone who’s sick coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings, tiny droplets that contain the germs are released. If you breathe in these nasty germs, you get infected.
TB is contagious, but it’s not easy to catch. The germs grow slowly. You usually have to spend a lot of time around a person who has it. That’s why it’s often spread among co-workers, friends, and family members.
Tuberculosis germs don’t thrive on surfaces. You can’t get the disease from shaking hands with someone who has it, or by sharing their food or drink.
Who is at risk for tuberculosis?
According to WHO, more than 95 percent of all deaths related to TB cases occur in low- and middle-income countries.
People who use tobacco or misuse drugs or alcohol long term are more likely to get active TB, as are people diagnosed with HIV and other immune system issues. TB is the leading killer of people who are HIV-positive, according to WHO. Other risk factors for getting active TB disease include:
What Are the Symptoms of TB?
There aren’t any for latent TB. You’ll need to get a skin or blood test to find out if you’re infected.
But there are usually signs if you have active TB disease. They include:
A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Feeling tired all the time
Night sweats
Chills
Fever
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor to get tested. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain. Visit: www.iandmydoctor.com Call - 2813035678 Address : 2225 Williams Trace Blvd, Ste 109, Sugar Land, TX 77478 #tb #tbdoctor #doctornearme #familydoctor #physiciannearme #familyphysician #doctorinsugarland
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