Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) mainly affects the lungs. However, it can affect any part of the body, including the glands, bones and nervous system. The symptoms of TB usually come on gradually, but can include:

• A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
• Coughing up mucus (phlegm) or even mucus with blood in it
• Feeling tired
• A high temperature or night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Feeling generally unwell

Further information about the symptoms of TB can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/tuberculosis-tb/

Although the number of people affected by TB in the UK is low, people who have moved from countries where the risk was higher, or those people who live and work closely with those from countries where there is a higher risk could also be more likely to be affected by TB.

TB is often linked to poorer areas and is more common in large urban areas.​

Anyone can get TB, but some people are more likely to get it or get more seriously ill from it, including people who:

• Spend a lot of time with someone who has active TB, such as people living in the same house
• Were born in or lived in an area where TB is more common
• Have a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV, a kidney transplant or who are having certain treatment like chemotherapy
• Are under 5 years of age
• Live in overcrowded or unhealthy conditions, such as people who are homeless
• Regularly smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs
• Have had TB before and it was not treated properly

Discover the areas in the world where TB is most common at www.who.int

There is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). This is called the BCG vaccine. The BCG vaccine is recommended for some people who are at higher risk of catching TB or those who are more likely to get seriously ill from it, including:

• Babies who live in areas of the UK where TB is more common
• Babies and children who live with someone who has TB
• Babies and children who were born or lived in a country where TB is more common
• Babies and children whose parents or grandparents were born in a country where TB is more common.

You can learn more about the BCG vaccine at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/bcg-vaccine-for-tuberculosis-tb/

If you do get diagnosed with TB you will be treated with a multi-dose of antibiotic tablets which you will have to take for 6months.