TB: A Special Risk for People with HIV

Ten years ago, the number of Americans who had TB was going down. But today, TB is on the rise again. People with HIV are at special risk for TB, but most kinds of TB can be cured. This booklet explains what TB is and how it spreads. It also shows what you can do to help yourself against TB--and to help stop its spread.

What is TB?

TB is short for tuberculosis, the medical name for the disease. TB can harm the lungs, brain, or spine. TB germs do not always make you sick, but if you have HIV, you are more likely to become sick with TB disease. People with TB disease may have some or all of the problems below. Symptoms of TB Disease weakness weight loss fever night sweats cough chest pain coughing up blood

How You Get TB

People can get TB by breathing in TB germs over a long period of time. If you become sick with TB disease, you can pass the TB germs on to others by coughing or sneezing. You should always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Because TB is spread by germs in the air, close friends and family members of a person with TD>

Research: Hope for the Future

Scientists are studying better ways to check if you have TB and to prevent and treat TB in people with HIV. They want to make it easier to fight TB and keep you healthy longer. You may be able to take part in one of these studies. You may help yourself and others with HIV. If you are interested, talk to your doctor or clinic nurse. Or call the numbers below to find out more. Remember: TB disease is a very serious illness that must be treated. If you have fever, cough, weight loss, chest pain, or cough up blood, call your doctor or clinic right away. If you have TB disease, be sure to ask your doctor or clinic nurse how to avoid giving it to others. Take your medicine as directed, and for as long as your doctor tells you to even if you do not feel sick.

To Find Out More

Here are some numbers to call to learn more about TB: 1-800-342-AIDS (1-800-342-2437) You can ask questions about TB and get more information. They can also tell you where to get treatment. 1-800-TRIALS-A (1-800-874-2572) You can find out about research on TB and HIV -- what studies are going on and where they are.