Looking for a TB test in Los Angeles?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that is spread through the air from coughs and sneezes and affects the function of the lungs. In recent decades, the disease has seen a resurgence due to the emergence of HIV. Moreover, the weakened immune systems that are a direct result of HIV make it difficult for the infected to fend off TB germs.
Those with tuberculosis must take the necessary precautions to guarantee healthy living for themselves and those around them. Many strains of TB have become resistant to the drugs used to treat the disease. As a result, individuals with active tuberculosis must be on several types of medications over the course of many months to be rid of the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance from developing.
A healthy immune system is able to fend off tuberculosis bacteria. However, individuals could be unaware they are infected. There is a distinction between the two types of carriers of the disease.
- Latent Tuberculosis. In Latent TB, you have the infection but the bacteria in your body are inactive and have no outward symptoms. Furthermore, those with Latent TB, or Inactive TB, are not contagious. However, the disease can become active.
- Active Tuberculosis. In this state, infected persons are sick and highly contagious. Active TB can occur within weeks of contraction or may appear years later.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis?
- Coughing that persists three + weeks
- Chest pain, or pain when breathing or coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Fatigue
- Night Swears
- Fever
- Chills
- Appetite Loss
Other parts of your body, including the kidneys, spine, or brain can potentially be affected by Tuberculosis. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of TB affecting other body parts may vary and pain or difficulties specific to that body part may arise.
Do I Need To See A Doctor?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those with an increased risk of tuberculosis be checked for latent TB. This recommendation extends to:
- People with HIV/AIDS
- IV drug users
- Those in contact with infected
- Health care workers
Contact a doctor if you have a fever, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or unusual night sweats. These are often tell-tale signs you’ve contracted tuberculosis. Correspondingly, our clinic offers a cheap TB test in Los Angeles to determine the cause of your symptoms. Schedule an appointment for our TB test in Los Angeles today!
Risk Factors
An increased risk for tuberculosis contraction can come from a number of factors. These include:
Weakened Immune Systems
Certain diseases and medications come with the side effect of weakening your immune system thus increasing the likelihood that your body is unable to resist the tuberculosis bacteria. Usual causes are:
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetes
- Severe kidney disease
- Drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Certain cancers and cancer treatments/chemotherapy
- Drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis treatment
- Malnutrition
Additionally, youths and elderly are also extremely susceptible to tuberculosis and wary when in contact with those infected.
Exposed In Certain Areas
Tuberculosis contraction is higher if you are living in or traveling to these countries identified as having high rates of infected tuberculosis carriers.
- Africa
- Asia
- Russia
- Latin America
- Eastern Europe
- Caribbean Islands
Home and Work Life
- Healthcare workers. Those working in medical facilities have increased chances of exposure to the TB bacteria. Frequent hand washing and the use of face masks are effective preventative measures.
- Living or working in residential care. People living or working in prisons, immigration centers, or nursing homes are at high risk. Overcrowding and poor ventilation in these facilities contribute to the greater potential for contraction.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Tuberculosis?
If you or a loved one has tested positive for latent tuberculosis, a healthcare professional may advise medication be taken to reduce the risk of it developing into active tuberculosis. Preventing your infection from becoming active removes the risk of your TB being contagious to others. However, If you have active TB you should follow these necessary precautions to ensure those around you are safe from infection before your infection is back in remission.
- Limit contact. The first few weeks of treatment for active TB should mean limiting contact with other individuals. This means staying home from work or school and sleeping in a room away from those in your household.
- Proper Ventilation. TB germs are spread easily in small spaces without constant airflow. If possible, any windows should be open and a fan is used to blow air out.
- Cover your mouth. Covering your mouth during laughs, sneezes, or coughs keep the germs from spreading into the air. Always use a tissue or mask and make sure to seal infected items after use and dispose of properly.
Medication
Finishing your entire prescribed course of medications is vital in protecting yourself and others from your infection. Skipping doses or poorly managing your treatment may result in mutated TB bacteria with a powerful resistance to your drugs. As a result, these stronger strains could complicate further treatment and may be fatal.
Visit Us For Our TB Test Los Angeles Service
Vermont Urgent Care is here to provide you the best in affordable healthcare services. Be proactive in ensuring you live your best and healthiest life. For inquiries give us a call during our regular hours of operation. We are open from Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. (213) 386-2511
