The Blair County Respiratory Disease Society

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.

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.

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.

Where/when can I get tested?

The Respiratory Disease Society offers TB clinics held the 2^{nd 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 $20.00. 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 2011; employers please call and register your employees in advance:

^{March 14, 2011}

^{June 13}^{, 2011}

^{September 12}^{, 2011}

^{December 12}^{, 2011}