Living With Tuberculosis: Learn The Facts Now!

Risk Factors

Those at risk of developing tuberculosis are patients who have HIV or another illness that weakens the immune system, individuals who have close contact with a patient with active TB such as those living in the same house as a patient, and individuals caring for a patient with active TB, such as doctors and nurses. Other risk factors include individuals who live or work in crowded places such as prisons, nursing homes, homeless shelters or wherever individuals may have active tuberculosis, as well as individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol. Individuals with poor access to health care, where it is commonly seen in the developing world, as well as homeless individuals and migrant farm workers. As well, traveling to places where untreated TB is common puts an individual at risk, such as Latin America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia. It is important to note individuals who are at a higher risk for developing tuberculosis should get tested once or twice a year.

Keep reading to discover how tuberculosis is diagnosed and the symptoms associated with it now.