Tuberculosis: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and should you vaccinate?

What is tuberculosis?

• Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis bacterium that invades the body and is also called TB.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis involves an active focus of inflammation in the lungs. This is because an inhaled tuberculosis bacterium has settled in the lungs, causing inflammation. Sometimes cavities can develop in the lung tissue.
• There are two forms of pulmonary tuberculosis: the infectious or the non-infectious form.

How do you get tuberculosis?

• Coughing spreads the bacteria into the environment through small droplets.
• If someone inhales these droplets, the bacteria can cause inflammation in the lungs.

Where does tuberculosis occur?

• Tuberculosis occurs worldwide, with an increased risk in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
• The risk of infection in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe is minimal.

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

• After being infected with tuberculosis, you can become ill anywhere from eight weeks to years later.
• Most people who become infected with tuberculosis do not get sick. If you do, it usually happens within two years of infection.
• Some common symptoms include fever, weight loss, difficulty breathing, fatigue, night sweats, and loss of appetite.

Can tuberculosis be treated?

• Tuberculosis is easily treated with antibiotics.
• If you are treated for tuberculosis, you will no longer be contagious two to three weeks after the onset.

What can you do to prevent tuberculosis abroad?

• Tuberculosis is almost always spread through the air.
• You can reduce the risk of infection by turning your face away when near people who are coughing.

Are there vaccinations against tuberculosis?

• There is a vaccination against tuberculosis, called BCG. BCG cannot prevent tuberculosis, but it does reduce your risk of serious infections if you become infected.
• The vaccination is not given to everyone as a standard procedure. Whether you need one depends on your destination, the length of your trip, and what you plan to do during your trip.