World TB Day takes place next week on March 24th. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness and share the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis (TB).
TB is an infection caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including lymph nodes (glands), bones and the brain causing meningitis. TB is spread when a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes.
TB rates in England have increased by 13%. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms!
Common symptoms include:
- a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks – you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it.
- a high temperature
- drenching night sweats
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- feeling tired or exhausted
- In children, difficulty gaining weight or growing may indicate TB
TB is curable if it’s diagnosed early and treated promptly with the right combination of specific antibiotics.
Find out more about TB on the NHS website. If you think you could be at risk, don’t hesitate to contact your GP.
