T b l i ATuberculosis Awareness 5th May

Overview

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Transmission Treatment

(TB)? Who is at

risk? Symptoms

Services Stigma

What is Tuberculosis?

Caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB)Tuberculosis (MTB)

Can affect whole body the lungs, lymph glands, bones, joints and kidneys.

Latent vs active TB

Infected with bacteria

I t I t B t i lti lImmune system expels

bacteria

Immune system renders the bacteria

inactive

Bacteria multiply

Latent TB-no symptoms -not infectious

Active TB10%

Remain healthy

90%

Who is at risk? Anyone can get TB High risk groups: Those in very close contact with infectious

d ldisease people People who are from or who have visited

areas with a high prevalence of TB People with weak immune system/poor

health People in overcrowded, poor housing

Symptoms?Symptoms?

Site specific symptoms

Depending on which part of the body is infected with the TB bacteria you can also get other symptoms. Eg:also get other symptoms. Eg:

Bone/spinal TB – pain in affected area and mobility can be affected

TB meningitis – seizures, headaches, confusion

Transmission

From droplets coughed or breathed out of the lungs of an infectious person.

Usually requires prolonged, close contact. Not everyone with TB is infectious.

TransmissionTransmission

Treatment

TB is curable TB treatment is free Minimum 6 months treatmentMinimum 6 months treatment First 2 months – 4 antibiotics Continue with 2 antibiotics for further 4

months Very important to finish the course Directly observed therapy -DOT

Services

GP is first point of contact Patients with no GP can visit A & E Referral will be made to TB clinic – WestReferral will be made to TB clinic West

Middlesex Hospital Team of healthcare professionals specialising

in TB Outreach Worker to help and support patients Nationally – TB Alert – www.tbalert.org

Stigma and perceptions of TB

What is stigma? Collins English dictionary definition:

“a mark of social disgrace”a mark of social disgrace 'stigma exists when a person is identified by a

label that sets the person apart and links the person to undesirable stereotypes that result in unfair treatment and discrimination'. –Links and Phelan

Stigma is often based on myths and miseducation

Myths Myths can exist about: The WAY you can catch TB WHO is affected by TB WHY people get TB Examples of myths: “I can catch TB by sharing utensils” “TB treatment kills you” “It is my own fault I have TB"

Useful Links

www.tbalert.org Downloadable leaflets in 19 languages

www hpa org uk www.hpa.org.uk Health Protection Agency

www.homeless.org.uk Free information pack tailored for staff and

volunteers working with homeless people