Tuberculosis: What is it and how does it impact you?
Tuberculosis, TB, has made a significant impact on human history. Infections can be traced as far back as 9,000 years, and it has since infected millions of people all over the world (CDC). Mistakenly, we often consider TB to be a sickness of the past, but it remains one of the world’s top infectious diseases (WHO). Though infections have been declining worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, TB is still present in our society and can pose a serious threat to our health. TB testing can even be required for going to or volunteering at school or university, for many professions, and even travelers (CDC). So, what is Tuberculosis and should you be tested?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (CDC). Not all people that become infected with the TB bacteria get sick, and TB infections are categorized into two groups: Latent TB Infection and Active TB Disease (CDC).
Latent TB Infections vs. TB Disease
Latent TB infections and TB disease are both serious conditions and should be treated with the proper antibiotics. The major difference between the two is that with latent infections the body’s immune system is able to suppress the bacteria, while TB disease develops because the immune system cannot (CDC).
Latent TB infections begin in the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body like the abdomen, bones, glands, or nervous system (NHS.UK). Typically, latent TB infections do not present symptoms, and people cannot spread the bacteria to others. A person can develop TB disease from a latent infection, however, if not properly treated, so it is important to get tested if you have been exposed (CDC).
Active TB disease happens because the TB bacteria is present in the body and the immune system cannot kill it. When it is active in the body, you will likely feel sick (CDC). Symptoms of active TB disease can include:
weakness or fatigue
a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
pain in the chest
coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
chills
fever
sweating at night
weight loss
no appetite (CDC).
How does TB spread?
Only individuals with TB disease are able to spread the bacteria to others via air droplets when they are taking, laughing, sneezing, singing, etc (CDC). It only takes a few bacterium to become infected (WHO). Prolonged exposure increases your risk, so you are more likely to contract it in group settings like school, the workplace, or your own household.
Sameday Health is Taking Action
Sameday Health is excited to announce that we offer TB testing in-clinic. Our tests will be TB blood tests, otherwise known as Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) tests. These tests determine if you have been exposed to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria (NHS.UK). There are numerous advantages to the blood testing, including:
You do not need to come to the clinic to get your results. Sameday Health can send your results directly to you, your school, or workplace.
Results are faster and released in 3 - 5 business days.
Unlike a TB skin test, the BCG vaccine will not render false positives in a QuantiFERON TB Gold test.
Whether your are getting tested for school, to work, or to ensure that you do not have latent TB, Sameday Health is here to help fulfill all of your testing needs.
