Think TB. Test TB.

This video provides information for health professionals on the signs, symptoms and risk factors for TB.

Transcript

You may not often think about tuberculosis when seeing patients in Canada. 

The reality is that TB is the leading cause of death for infectious diseases worldwide and still present in Canada.

While anyone can get TB, it disproportionately affects certain populations, including people born outside of Canada and Inuit and First Nations communities.

Pulmonary TB disease is transmitted to others through the air, usually through prolonged exposure.

It is treatable and curable.

But it can be difficult to detect and has similar symptoms to other diseases. Which is why sometimes it can be misdiagnosed or diagnosed at a late stage. 

Healthcare providers can help prevent TB by Thinking TB and Testing TB.

Think TB when you see the signs, symptoms, or work with people at higher risk.

Recognize TB symptoms like:

• Cough lasting over two weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Weakness, weight loss, chills, fever, and night sweats

Those most at risk include:

• Close contacts of a person with contagious TB disease 
• People who have spent a lot of time in regions with high rates of TB like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, or Southeast Asia
• Inuit and First Nations communities with high TB rates
• Immunocompromised individuals, such as those living with HIV, diabetes, undergoing dialysis, or transplant recipients
• People who inject drugs or consume a lot of alcohol
• People experiencing homelessness as well as those living or working in high-risk environments like prisons or healthcare settings

Early testing and detection saves lives and helps prevent the spread of TB. Together, we can work to eliminate TB in Canada.

If you identify a suspected or confirmed case of TB disease, contact your local public health authority.

For more information on TB testing and treatment, visit Canada.ca/tuberculosis.