What is the biggest risk factor for contracting tuberculosis?

HIV coinfection is the most important and potent risk factor for TB infection and disease.

What can cause reactivation of TB?

Reactivation TB may occur if the individual’s immune system becomes weakened and no longer is able to contain the latent bacteria. The bacteria then become active; they overwhelm the immune process and make the person sick with TB. This also is called TB disease.

How can you tell if a person has TB?

Signs and symptoms of active TB include:

  • Coughing for three or more weeks.
  • Coughing up blood or mucus.
  • Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing.
  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Night sweats.
  • Chills.

How can you prevent TB from spreading?

  1. Take all of your medicines as they’re prescribed, until your doctor takes you off them.
  2. Keep all your doctor appointments.
  3. Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  4. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  5. Don’t visit other people and don’t invite them to visit you.

Can TB leave permanent damage?

New Delhi: Tuberculosis (TB) can cause permanent lung damage, even after successful treatment, a new study published in Lancet Global Health has revealed.

Who is most at risk for HIV and TB?

TB and HIV Coinfection. Tuberculosis is a serious health threat, especially for people living with HIV. People living with HIV are more likely than others to become sick with TB. Worldwide, TB is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV.

What are some of the risk factors for TB?

HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) Substance abuse. Silicosis. Diabetes mellitus. Severe kidney disease. Low body weight. Organ transplants. Head and neck cancer.

Can a person with HIV be infected with TB?

People infected with HIV who also have either latent TB infection or TB disease can be effectively treated. The first step is to ensure that people living with HIV are tested for TB infection. If found to have TB infection, further tests are needed to rule out TB disease.

What’s the difference between latent TB and HIV?

The next step is to start treatment for latent TB infection or TB disease based on test results. Untreated latent TB infection can quickly progress to TB disease in people living with HIV since the immune system is already weakened. And without treatment, TB disease can progress from sickness to death.

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