“Active tuberculosis usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body,” says Rubach. “Symptoms include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, chest pain, weight loss, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, a high temperature, swollen glands, headaches and body aches and pains.” Asthma + Lung UK also advises people to call 999 or go to A&E if they have a stiff neck and severe headache, it hurts to look at bright lights, you’ve had a fit (seizure), or your behaviour changes – for example, you become confused – and if you can’t move certain parts of your body.
Photo: Dr Colin Michie.
“There is a less common type of TB, Mycobacterium bovis, which is found in unpasteurised milk. Consuming this product can therefore put you at risk of contracting the infection, particularly if the cattle involved are not carefully screened.”
How do you treat it?
Rubach says both latent and active TB need to be treated with antibiotics, to help kill off the bacteria. “For latent TB, treatment usually lasts between three to six months, and in active TB, for at least six months,” she adds. “If the TB is affecting the brain or spinal cord, the treatment may last for 12 months.”
What are the symptoms and is it serious?
Tuberculosis is a serious infection, which can be fatal if not treated properly.
“The poet Keats, composer Chopin, and authors Bronte and Orwell are just some of the people throughout history who have died from tuberculosis,” notes Michie. Rubach says some people may be more at risk of suffering serious symptoms, such as those with weak immune systems, malnourishment, diabetes, people who regularly smoke, drink or take drugs, as well as children under five.
Photo: Emma Rubach.
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 101
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting