TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. People with HIV, however, often develop TB in other parts of their body as well. There are two phases of TB: latent TB infection and active TB disease. It is estimated that 10% of the U.S. population has latent TB infection, meaning they have breathed in the TB germ at some point in their life and the body has walled off the germ. With latent infection the person is not sick and cannot spread TB to anyone else.
However, latent TB infection can progress to active TB disease. Individuals with a healthy immune system have a 5-10% chance of progressing to TB disease at some point in their lives. But individuals with a compromised immune system from HIV have a 5-10% chance of progression per year (equivalent to almost 100% chance throughout their lives) when they have TB infection. Medication to treat TB infection greatly reduces this risk of progression. It is strongly recommended that people with HIV get a TB skin test and medical evaluation to know their TB status and options for treatment.
For those that develop active TB disease, recognizing the symptoms is extremely important. These symptoms include: persistent cough, coughing up blood or sputum, persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, chest pains, and night sweats. Please contact your private physician or San Diego County's TB Control Program at 619-692-8610 if you are experiencing any TB-like symptoms.
Education/Information/Prevention
Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program
3851 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92186
(619) 692-8245 Phone
(619) 692-5650 Fax
www.sandiegotbcontrol.org - Offers education, information and literature about TB. Includes TB's relation to HIV/AIDS, and its effect on San Diego County. Contact: Diana Lobo at diana.lobo@sdcounty.ca.gov
