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Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program |
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What is TB?
TB (Tuberculosis) is a bacterial infection that can cause disease in any part of the body, but usually affects the lungs.
How is TB spread?
TB is spread through the air. When a person with infectious (active) TB disease coughs
or sneezes, tiny TB bacteria may spray into the air. People who have close, prolonged
or frequent contact with this person may breathe in the TB bacteria into their lungs
and get TB infection.
What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease?
TB Infection:
Most people who breathe in the TB bacteria are able to stop it from growing because their body's immune system fights it. TB infection does not cause a person to feel sick, there are no symptoms and it cannot be spread to other people.
People at risk for TB Infection:
- People who have lived or travelled where TB is common (Asia, Africa, Central/South America, Caribbean, Eastern Europe)
- Seniors
- People who have lived on a reserve
- People who are homeless or underhoused
- People who live or work in residential settings (jails, nursing homes, shelters)
- People who have HIV/AIDS
People who stay at Out of the Cold shelters will often move from one shelter to the next each night, increasing their chance of exposure to someone who has TB disease.
TB Disease:
About 10% of people who have TB infection will develop TB disease at some point in their lives. Only TB disease of the lungs can be spread to other people. Some symptoms of active TB disease are:
Only if TB disease is in the lungs
- Cough for longer than 3 weeks
- Coughing up mucus or blood
- Chest pain
Associated with all types of TB
- Weight loss / loss of appetite
- Fever / chills
- Tiredness
- Night sweats
Who is at higher risk for developing TB disease?
- Those who are recently infected with the TB bacteria (less than two years ago)
- People who have medical conditions that affect their immune system such as diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS or kidney problems
Why are the people who are homeless at greater risk for TB disease?
The people who are homeless are more likely than the general population to develop TB disease because some risk factors for TB are common among this group. These risk factors include:
- Contact with other people who are homeless and have untreated TB disease
- Poor access to nutritious food
- Poor access to healthcare
- Difficulty keeping medical appointments or completing TB drug treatment
- Difficulty for close follow-up by health care providers after exposure to TB
- Increased likelihood of having chronic health conditions
- Substance use, especially injection drug use and alcohol
- Limited access to HIV education and prevention measures, increasing the risk of HIV infection
Why should you be aware of TB in homeless shelters?
The characteristics of shelter environments often increase the chances of spreading TB. For example, building ventilation is often inadequate and clients are crowded into close quarters, typically for 8-12 hours per night.
How can you prevent the spread of TB at your Out of the Cold site?
- Encourage guests to cover their coughs and sneezes and make disposable tissue available for this purpose
- Improve ventilation by opening a door or window
- Know the signs and symptoms of TB disease
- If you suspect TB disease in a client, consult with your co-ordinator and refer to medical care
- Place each mat or cot as far from neighbouring mats or cots as possible, with head to foot, instead of head to head arrangement
What do you do if you think you are exposed to TB disease?
DO NOT PANIC - TB IS TREATABLE AND CURABLE.
If you are a contact of an active case of TB, you will be notified by Toronto Public Health and instructed on what to do next. Usually this will involve getting a TB skin test.
The TB Skin Test
The TB skin test is used to see if there is TB infection. A positive test requires further follow-up with a doctor. If you have never had a TB skin test done before, you can ask your family doctor
for one. Keep in mind that there may be a fee if documentation is required for employment/volunteer purposes. If you are volunteering for more than 8
hours a week and have a direct contact with your guests, you should have a TB skin test within 30 days of starting volunteer work.
For information about TB, telephone Toronto Public Health TB Prevention Team 416-338-7600 or e-mail targettb@toronto.ca
For information about other communicable diseases, telephone Communicable Disease & Infection Control:
| South Region | |
416-338-7790 |
| North Region | | 416-338-8400 |
| East Region | | 416-338-7492 |
| West Region | | 416-338-1521 |
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