but needs to get an x-ray done on his lungs. does anyone know about TB and how do u know when the bacteria is active or inactive?
2006-12-31 09:59:35 · 10 answers · asked by broctune 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
The TB skin test does not say whether or not somebody has TB, it only says that their immune system was exposed to it at some point and recognizes it. A chest x-ray which is clean will confirm that he does not have active TB. (also somebody young and healthy getting active TB would be extremely rare).
Some countries give out shots that cross react with the TB skin test, so if he is from asia or anywhere overseas, that is a reason. My mother is from Peru, always tests positive on the skin test ever since she came the USA, but her chest x-ray is negative and she has never had TB or needed medicine for it.
2006-12-31 10:05:11 · answer #1 · answered by Sam 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A positive TB test simply shows that at some time your friend was exposed to the Tuberculosis. It may or may not be an active infection, which is why they are doing a chest xray. If it shows consolidation in the lungs they will do a sputum culture which is the only way to accurately diagnose an active infection. Chances are that at some point this person was exposed and once you are exposed you will always test positive on the PPD skin test. IF your friend is diagnosed with active TB anyone who has been in close contact may be given a prescription to take as a precaution. Good luck.
2006-12-31 10:57:00 · answer #2 · answered by aligal8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people test positive for tb, but the bacteria is inactive. You can live a long normal life and be non-contagious if you fall into this bracket. Active tuberculosis is a different issue. It's killed many and is quite contagious. I think poor conditions are the trip wire for the disease - cold, damp environment, and excessive fatigue.
2006-12-31 10:08:12 · answer #3 · answered by Scott K 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both my grandmother and my aunt died from TB - my mother has tested positive her entire life but has never been contagious!
2007-01-01 01:24:36 · answer #4 · answered by Yankee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is.
Contagiousness properties for Tuberculosis:
Contagious overall?: Yes
Contagious by droplet?: Yes
Contagious airborne?: Yes
Contagious from food?: Yes, rarely.
Contagious by physical contact (non-sexual)?: No
Contagious by handshake?: No
Contagious from bedding?: No
Contagious from clothing?: No
Contagious from toilet seats?: No
2006-12-31 10:02:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a communicable disease infects lungs..... easy to catch
Many years they would quarantine people with TB
2006-12-31 10:12:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
TB is HIGHLY contagious.
2006-12-31 10:14:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had ur same experience wen my best frn was diagnosed with TB and the world seemed darker to me too... i cried a lot...many even said that she may die!!! but here is wat happened!!! i moved as usual to her..i did not care that i may get infected too...i made her eat daily..with two eggs a day!!! she developed weight and with other medications in hospital now.....BELIEVE ME ...its two years after that...she doesn't even have any symptom or sign of TB and is completely good!!! so hope u do wat i did to ur frn... everything will be fine..its completely curable...
2006-12-31 19:19:37 · answer #8 · answered by rohini 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would listen to Sam if I were you, he is the only one that gave you the correct info for your particular question although the others are correct as well.
2006-12-31 13:29:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is soooo contagious!!!!
2006-12-31 10:02:04 · answer #10 · answered by jabbergirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋