Raising awareness of Tuberculosis (TB) in Kirklees
Each year we commemorate World TB Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic impact of tuberculosis (TB) and urge acceleration of efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
Despite significant progress over the last decades, TB continues to be the top infectious killer worldwide, claiming over 4,500 lives a day.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
TB is a fully treatable disease and TB control can prevent further cases through early diagnosis, treatment completion and contact tracing.
What are the symptoms?
Typical symptoms of TB include:
• a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm, which may be bloody
• weight loss
• night sweats
• high temperature (fever)
• tiredness and fatigue
• loss of appetite
• swellings in the neck
Read more about the symptoms of TB.
How is Tuberculosis treated?
TB is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. However, deaths are rare if treatment is completed. Treatment for tuberculosis (TB) usually involves taking antibiotics for several months and most people don’t need to be admitted to hospital during treatment.
How are we supporting the campaign?
Together we need to identify who may be at risk of developing TB, if you, friends or family members are concerned you can get support, screening and advice at one of our local clinics.
As part of WORLD TB DAY our public health team will also be visiting Dewsbury and Huddersfield in our health van, so if you have any concerns or queries pop along to see us.
• Macaulay Street Huddersfield on Tuesday 26th March, 08:00 – 17:30.
• Market Street, Dewsbury on Wednesday 27 March, 08:00 – 17:30.
We’ll also be lighting up our towns on the 24th March! Keep an eye out for some local illuminated landmarks, post and tag us @kirkleescouncil #ItsTimeToEndTB #WorldTBDay2019.
You can also support the national campaign by taking a Time Selfie with a clock or watch, and post it with #ItsTimeToEndTB #WorldTBDay2019
Pamela – I used to work as a registered nurse in the NHS and I know that the Vaccine stopped being given around that time as the rates of people carrying TB dropped dramatically. The chances of contracting TB in 2004 were very low and my children also missed being vaccinated against it too because of this. It has however being rising steadily and this is why (I believe) that the vaccination programme should recommence and perhaps as you say, we should be screening people for it when entering the UK.
If it’s so bad why not ensure that people coming in to the country from countries where this is prevalent have been vaccinated . We have inoculations when we go to certain countries. Treating people for TB must cost the NHS millions, which it can’t afford.
Why did they stop giving the tb vaccination in schools if it’s such a devastating illness. My daughter would have had the vaccination in 2004 but for some reason they have stopped.