Symptoms of TB
The disease is spread from person to person when someone who has TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes.
TB is not easily spread; close and prolonged contact is required for someone to even be at risk of being infected. Because of this, the greatest risk is to people who live in the same household.
Only some people with TB in the lungs are infectious to other people.
With new drug-resistant types of TB evolving it is essential to be alert and know what to look out for.
The symptoms of active TB of the lung are:
- persistent and prolonged coughing
- fever and night sweats
- unexplained weight loss
- blood in your sputum (phlegm or spit) at any time
- a lack of appetite
- fatigue
- a general sense of feeling unwell
If anyone is concerned about their symptoms, they should contact their GP.
You can find out more information at the following link:
World TB Day is held on 24 March each year to raise awareness of the disease and the efforts to eliminate it.