Learn more about the symptoms and prevention measures against TB disease 

At the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), we work every day with clients, nurses, physicians, partners and community to provide Tuberculosis (TB) care for those affected by the disease. March 24 is World TB Day, an opportunity to remind people of the devastating health, social and economic consequences TB can have.

With Canada having some of the lowest rates of TB in the world, people may not think about TB as a risk. However, there are people in First Nations communities who still develop TB disease and many more that who carry the TB infection (an inactive state of the disease).

Prevention efforts to reduce the incidence of TB is multifaceted; it takes early diagnosis of TB disease to reduce transmission, and passing it on to others (TB infection), prompt prescription of medication to cure it, and quick follow up and screening of at-risk contacts to the person with TB disease. TB care requires a holistic approach with many partners.

One of the best defenses to TB is early prevention education and awareness and preventative medication. There is also a historical connection to higher TB rates and the social determinants of health; better housing, nutrition and access to health care services can lower incidence of TB.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a bacterium that has been around for thousands of years! It is a reportable serious communicable disease, but it is also treatable and preventable. It is only transmitted through the air (i.e. coughing, sneezing, or singing) from the lungs of a person sick with TB disease. A person close by and with prolonged exposure can inhale these tiny bacteria and become infected.

It remains present in many populations who have higher incidence rates of TB, including foreign born individuals and First Nations populations.

While treatment for TB disease is compulsory, those with TB infection (positive TB skin test) have a choice, and can also take preventative medication to cure and kill the TB bacteria that are dormant in the lung. This can prevent the chance of the inactive TB infection becoming active years later and making the person sick with TB disease. Treatment of the TB infection can vary depending on the person and can be anywhere from three to nine months. Most people prefer the shorter three  or four-month treatment plan.

If a person has a positive TB skin test, and any risk factors for progression to TB disease, we recommend checking in with your community health nurse or physician about treatment options.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of TB Infection developing into TB disease:

Very high risk

• Individuals with HIV
• Individuals with exposure to silicosis
• Adults and children who have had contact with TB
  

High risk

• Kidney disease
• Transplant recipients
• Some cancers
• Immunosuppressing medication
  

Moderate risk

• Diabetes
• Heavy tobacco use (one pack a day)
• Alcohol use (three drinks a day)
• Underweight
  

Symptoms of TB

Anybody who experiencing one of these symptoms should visit their community health nurse or physician:

• Coughing for two weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood
• Lump(s) in the neck
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Feeling tired or weak
• Night sweats
• Fever
  

Our many thanks and kudo's go out to all the amazing hard work by community health nurses, physicians, lay workers, and community and clients themselves, for doing the heavy work of prevention, safe treatment, and surveillance efforts of TB!

Find more information on FNHA's TB Services webpage or email FNHATB@fnha.ca​.