According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of decline of tuberculosis infections in the United States remains too slow to achieve elimination of this disease in the 21st century. In fact, there were a total of 9,105 tuberculosis cases reported across the U.S. in 2017.
Also known as TB, tuberculosis is one of the world’s most deadly communicable diseases, according to the CDC. It is caused by bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that spreads from person to person through the air. TB usually attacks the lungs, but it can also attack and damage any part of the body, such as the brain, kidneys or spine. Without proper treatment tuberculosis can be fatal. Older people and those with weakened immune systems living in long-term care are susceptible to TB infections.
Three kinds of infection
TB germs are introduced into the air when a person with tuberculosis of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes or speaks. These germs can stay in the air for several hours and people who breathe in the air containing the TB germs can become infected. This is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection have tuberculosis germs in their bodies, but they do not get sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of TB and cannot spread the germs to others. However, they may develop tuberculosis in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.
People with TB disease are sick from tuberculosis germs that are active. They usually have symptoms of tuberculosis. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. They are prescribed drugs that can treat TB disease infection. In some cases, Tuberculosis bacteria may become resistant to the treatment drugs. This is called drug-resistant TB and it poses a serious threat to the ability to treat and control tuberculosis.
Although TB is not on track to be eliminated any time soon, skilled nursing care professionals can prevent the spread of TB. Establishing stringent infection control programs and being vigilant about spotting the first signs of a possible TB infection can help protect residents, their loved ones, and staff.
Symptoms of tuberculosis
- Severe cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Night sweats
The Compliance Store has helpful, downloadable information sheets on tuberculosis and a number of other health conditions. To find out more about having The Compliance Store as your go-to resource, visit www.TheComplianceStore.com.