Better TB Awareness
posted: 04/05/2011
People living with HIV have a higher risk of getting TB (tuberculosis) and there is now a rapid rise in the number of people getting TB in this country.
When people have HIV, TB is harder to diagnose, develops faster and, if it is not diagnosed or treated properly, people are more likely to die. But TB can be cured with a course of antibiotics. There were over 9000 new cases of TB in 2009 in the UK – more than the number of new HIV cases.
Know the risks and what to do
People with HIV need to understand the risks of getting TB and the need for early diagnosis and treatment. However many people don’t realise the risks and the stigma linked with both HIV and TB means people often put off seeking help.
TB Alert has joined with the African Health Policy Network (AHPN) to raise awareness of TB among people with HIV, particularly in the UK's African community, which is the most affected.
There’s a new leaflet for people with HIV which explains TB, what it is, how it is passed on, the risk factors, common symptoms and the relationship between TB and HIV. The leaflet tells people what to do if they are concerned about TB or HIV, and provides a full list of sources of advice and information.
TB Alert's The Truth About TB programme has lots of other resources. The TB programme brings together primary care trusts (PCTs), local authorities and the community sector to work together and raise TB awareness among the most vulnerable communities.
About TB
TB is caused by bacteria transmitted through the air when someone with TB in the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. TB is quite hard to catch and pass on - you have to be in close contact with someone for many hours.
TB can affect any part of the body. Symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected, but the most common are:
- a cough lasting more than three weeks
- unexplained weight loss
- loss of appetite
- fever
- night sweats
- extreme tiredness.
Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor.
TB is curable with a course of antibiotics and all TB treatment is always free for everyone living in the UK.
TB Alert website
This includes guidance and posters, including for asylum seekers, homeless people, drug users and people in prison, as well as videos.
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