| What is TB? |
“TB” is short for a disease called Tuberculosis. TB germs
may spray into the air through coughing, sneezing or even talking. Anyone
nearby can breathe TB germs into their lungs.
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| What is the Tuberculin Test
(Mantoux)? |
Tuberculin, an extract of the Tuberculosis germs, is injected into
the skin. If a person has been infected with Tuberculosis, a lump forms
at the injection site and persists for a few days or longer. This is
called a positive tuberculin test. It generally means that TB germs
have invaded the body. It does not necessarily mean that the active
Tuberculosis disease is present. TB germs can live in your body without
making you sick. This is called TB infection. In fact,
the vast majority of subjects with a positive TB test have only latent
infection and no disease. Your immune system traps the germs and prevents
you from getting sick; however, sometimes the TB germs can break away
and spread, which will then cause TB disease. The germs
attack the lungs or other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, brain
or spine. If anyone has TB disease, medical treatment
is absolutely necessary.
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| What treatments are
there for TB? |
| Since the advent of anti-Tuberculosis drugs in the 1940s, the treatment
of TB has steadily improved. No longer does treatment call for prolonged
hospitalization. In many cases, a patient with a fresh case of TB can
be treated at home. Others will enter the hospital to be placed on a medication
program and to be isolated until the disease begins to come under control.
When the person is no longer infectious, he or she can leave the hospital
and continue on medication at home. Hospitalization in such cases may
be a few weeks to several months.
In most cases, a treatment program involves the administration of 2
or 3 drugs for a time period ranging from 6 to 9 months. It is necessary
to take multiple drugs because all of the TB germs cannot be destroyed
by 1 drug. Given the many effective medications available today, the
chances are excellent that Tuberculosis can be cured. It is important,
though, for the patient to understand the disease and to cooperate fully
in the therapy program.
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| Where/when can I get tested? |
|
The Respiratory Disease Society offers TB clinics
held the 2nd Monday on a quarterly basis. The read day will be Thursday
following the date of testing. Clinics are held from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.
The charge for a TB test is $10.00. All persons under the age of 18 must
have a parent/guardian signature before testing can be given. Please
note that our testing will take place at our location 159 Lakemont
Park Blvd.
The following are the dates for TB clinics in 2010; employers please
call and register your employees in advance:
February 8, 2010
May 10, 2010
August 9, 2010
November 8, 2010
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