Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ
From Patients
Can I get TB by kissing someone? What about sharing a cup or bowl? What about shaking hands?
Can someone get TB again?
Can I keep taking my current medication while I’m on TB antibiotics?
It is possible. The nurse, doctor or pharmacist should check. Let’s ask them to be sure.
Why do I have to wear a mask?
Masks are only needed when indoors and around other people, this includes in a shack or in a car. A patient only needs to wear a medical mask when their breath still has TB germs that could give TB to other people. Usually after some weeks of taking active TB medication a patient doesn’t need a mask anymore.
Why am I being asked to come?
There are many reasons why someone might be asked to come to the clinic for something to do with TB. If you don’t know why the person is being asked to come, it is best to check with the nurse.
Trail Finding (Blue Book pg. 1)
Why do I need to finish my treatment?
For Active TB only:
Why is the nurse asking about alcohol (or smoking cigarettes or taking drugs)?
What can I do if I’m worried I have TB?
What can I do when I’m waiting for my results?
Intro to TB Tests, “What can someone do while they wait for test results?”
What happens if I don’t take treatment (Active TB)?
It is very important for someone with Active TB to take and complete their treatment. Without treatment, Active TB can cause serious harm to the body. Without treatment, TB can be deadly. Taking treatment helps stop TB from spreading to other people.
Intro to TB Germ Go to “Curable”
Active TB, “Antibiotics & Isolation”
How TB Spreads in the Community (Red Book pg. 13)
What happens if I don’t take treatment (Latent TB)?
Latent TB, “So why is Sleeping TB a problem?” and “Treatment”
Finding & Treating TB Early: Benefits for You (Red Book pg. 10)
Finding & Treating TB Early: Benefits for Loved Ones (Red Book pg. 12)
What happens if I miss a day taking my antibiotics (Active TB)?
It is generally not a big deal if someone misses a day of their antibiotics but as PHOs, we want to encourage our patients to come as consistently as possible.
What happens if I miss a day taking my antibiotics (Latent TB)?
Latent TB, “RIF ‘Standard’ Latent TB Antibiotic Treatment” or “3HP ‘Standard’ Latent TB Antibiotic Treatment”
I’m going to be away for a few days (ex: camping, another village, Montreal), what can I do about my treatment?
For all situations, thank the person for letting you know ahead of time. It is best to discuss with the TB Team before saying more as each team has different ways of handling this. In some situations, it might be possible for the person to bring a few days of antibiotics with them or to get their antibiotics from another CLSC (in another village or Montreal).
How long is isolation?
Intro to Isolation “Key Points”
How long is Active TB treatment?
Active TB Treatment “Active TB Antibiotic Treatment – 2 Phases”
How long is Latent TB treatment?
Latent TB “RIF ‘Standard’ Latent TB Antibiotic Treatment” or “3HP ‘Standard’ Latent TB Antibiotic Treatment”
Will TB permanently damage my body?
With treatment:
Most people’s bodies heal the damage done by the TB bacteria. Sometimes there are scars left in the lungs. The scars do not often cause difficulties. In some people who had a lot of TB in the lungs and were very sick, the scars could make them get tired more easily.
Without treatment:
Latent TB can ‘sleep’ in the body for life and ‘wake up’ at any time and become Active TB.
Latent TB “So why is Sleeping TB a problem?”
Without treatment:
Active TB can cause serious harm to the body. Without treatment, TB can be deadly. Taking treatment helps stop TB from spreading to other people.
Intro to TB Germ “Curable”
Active TB “Antibiotics & Isolation”
How TB Spreads in the Community (Red Book pg. 14)
Will the antibiotics make me sick?
Will the clinic call the cops?
Is it safe for me to take TB antibiotics if I’m pregnant?
Is it safe for my child to take TB antibiotics?