Every year, on March 24, people around the world come together to recognize World Tuberculosis Day. This day is important because it helps raise awareness about tuberculosis, a serious disease that affects millions of people. Even though TB has been around for a long time, it is still a big health problem in many places, including here in Nevada.
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body like the brain, kidneys, and spine. TB spreads through the air when someone with TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or laughs. If you are close to that person, you can breathe in the bacteria and become infected. However, just because you are exposed to TB does not mean you will get sick right away.
There are two types of TB:
• Latent TB infection: This means the TB bacteria are in your body, but they are not active. You do not feel sick, and you cannot spread TB to others. But if the bacteria become active later, you could get sick.
• Active TB disease: This happens when the bacteria are active and growing in your body. You will feel sick and can spread TB to other people.
What are the symptoms of TB? If someone has active TB, they might have:
• A cough that lasts more than three weeks
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or phlegm
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Feeling very tired
• Weight loss without trying
• Loss of appetite
If you have these symptoms, especially if you have been around someone with TB, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Why is TB still a problem?
You might think TB is a disease from the past, but it is still very common in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. In the U.S., TB cases are less common, but they still happen.
Some people are at higher risk, including:
• People with weakened immune systems (like those with HIV or diabetes)
• People who spend time in crowded places like shelters, jails, or hospitals
• People who have lived in or traveled to countries where TB is common
• Healthcare workers who are around sick patients often
Why is getting tested important?
The only way to know for sure if you have TB is to get tested. Even if you feel fine, you could have latent TB, which can turn into active TB later. Getting tested helps catch TB early so it can be treated before it spreads to others.
Here is why testing is so important:
• Protect yourself: If you have TB, early treatment can prevent serious health problems
• Protect your family and friends: TB spreads through the air, so untreated TB can make others sick
• Stop the spread: The more people who get tested and treated, the fewer people will get TB in the future
Where can you get tested in Carson City?
If you live in Carson City, you can get tested for TB at Carson City Health and Human Services. They offer simple tests that do not take much time. There are two main types of TB tests:
• TB skin test: A small amount of liquid is injected under your skin, usually on your arm. You will need to come back in two to three days to see if there is a reaction.
• TB blood test: A quick blood draw that can show if you have TB bacteria in your body
If your test is positive, do not panic. It does not always mean you have active TB. The doctors will do more tests, like a chest X-ray, to find out if you are sick or just carrying the bacteria.
How is TB treated?
The good news is that TB can be treated with medication. The treatment usually lasts six to nine months, and it is very important to take all the medicine, even if you start to feel better. Stopping treatment early can cause the TB bacteria to become resistant, making it harder to cure.
How can you prevent TB?
While TB is not as common in the U.S. as in some other countries, there are still ways to protect yourself:
• Get tested if you have been exposed to TB or are at risk
• Take your medicine as prescribed if you have TB
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs
• Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
What can you do on World TB Day?
World TB Day is a great time to learn more about TB and help spread awareness. Here is how you can make a difference:
• Talk to your family and friends about TB and the importance of getting tested
• Share information on social media to help others understand TB
• Get tested if you think you might be at risk
• Thank healthcare workers who are working hard to prevent and treat TB in our community
TB is a serious disease, but with the right care, it can be treated and even prevented. Getting tested is the first step to protecting yourself and the people around you. If you live in Carson City, reach out to Carson City Health and Human Services to schedule a TB test. It is quick, easy, and could save lives.
For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit gethealthycarsoncity.org, or call 775-887-2195. You can visit the CCHHS office at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City or follow CCHHS on Facebook at facebook.com/cchhs, or Instagram at GetHealthyCarsonCity.