What is TB?
"TB" is short for a disease called tuberculosis.
TB is spread by tiny germs that can float in the air. The TB germs
may spray into the air if a person with TB disease of the
lungs or throat coughs, shouts, or sneezes. Anyone nearby can
breathe TB germs into the lungs.
TB germs can live in your body without making you
sick. This is called TB infection. Your immune system traps
TB germs with special germ fighters. Your germ fighters keep TB
germs from making you sick.
But sometimes, the TB germs can break away and multiply.
Then they cause TB disease. The germs can attack the lungs
or other parts of the body. They can go to the kidneys, the brain,
or the spine. If people have TB disease, they need medical
help. If they don’t get help, they can die.
How was I exposed to TB?
You may have been exposed to TB if you spent time
near someone with TB disease of the lungs or throat. You
can only get infected by breathing in TB germs that person coughs
into the air. You cannot get TB from someone’s clothes, drinking
glass, handshake, or toilet.
How do I know if I have TB infection?
If you have been exposed to TB germs, you will be
given a TB skin test. If it is "positive," you probably
have TB infection. If it is "negative," you may
be retested in a few weeks, just to be sure. If you do have TB
infection, you may need medication.
