TUBERCULOSIS/TB PROGRAM

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The germs that cause tuberculosis are a type of bacteria.

Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes or sings. This can put tiny droplets with the germs into the air. Another person can then breathe in the droplets, and the germs enter the lungs.

Tuberculosis spreads easily where people gather in crowds or where people live in crowded conditions. People with HIV/AIDS and other people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of catching tuberculosis than people with typical immune systems.

Drugs called antibiotics can treat tuberculosis. But some forms of the bacteria no longer respond well to treatments.

SYMPTOMS OF TUBERCULOSIS

TB symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the part of the body affected. Common symptoms include a persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm, fatigue, weight loss, fever and night sweats. In some cases, TB can spread to other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and neurological problems.

TESTING FOR TUBERCULOSIS

We offer 2 types of testing:

• Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST)
• QuantiFERON Gold blood TB test

We offer TB skin tests on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during normal business hours. Please note that TB skin tests are not administered on Thursdays, during clinic closures due to holidays or inclement weather.

We provide TB skin tests to individuals needing it for employment, school/clinicals, or other reasons.

**It is required to return to our office to read the test 48-72 hours after it is administered.

Please call our office at 660-747-6121 to schedule your appointment.