Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It usually occurs in the lungs, but it can spread to other parts of the body. TB spreads to other people through the air. When someone with TB breathes out or coughs, the bacteria can be breathed in by people who are nearby.
Symptoms of TB include a cough and a fever. Your child may feel tired and weak. And your child may not feel like eating.
Treatment involves taking antibiotic medicines. It's very important to give your child the medicine as your doctor tells you to. It takes a long time to kill the TB bacteria. Treatment can last 4 to 9 months or longer. During treatment, your child will see a doctor for tests to see how the medicine is working. The doctor will help guide you through this long process.
Your child may have directly observed therapy (DOT). DOT ensures that your child gets the needed medicines on schedule. That's the best way to make sure that your child will be cured of TB. A public health official may be involved with your child's care.
Your child will start to feel better after taking the medicines for a few weeks. And they may not be able to infect others at this point. But don't send your child to school until your doctor tells you that it's okay.
Other people living in the home should be tested for TB. A positive TB test means that the person needs treatment to prevent active TB.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter F217 in the search box to learn more about "Tuberculosis (Active TB) in Children: Care Instructions".