Do your CNAs know that one third of the world’s population is infected with tuberculosis? Although TB rates have fallen in the US, tuberculosis is still a serious problem. By sharing the following information and tips at your next CNA training meeting, you’ll give your attendees the knowledge they need to continue the fight against TB.
What’s the deal with tuberculosis?
One hundred years ago, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the United States. But who cares? That was a hundred years ago! We’ve come a long way in TB control since then, right? Well yes… and no.
Yes, we have tests to find out if people have TB and we have medicines to treat the disease. And we have learned how to protect health workers from getting infected and how to keep other patients in a hospital safe from a TB patient.
But the bacteria that cause TB aren’t giving up! Still, nearly 14,000 new TB cases are reported in the United States each year. The TB bacteria have learned to outsmart our best drugs. And they like to attack people who have weak immune systems, like people with AIDS.
These tiny bacteria cause a serious disease that usually attacks and damages the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
One third of the world’s population (about 2 billion people) is infected with the TB bacterium. And, one in ten of those people will get active TB.
Therefore, it has never been more important to practice proper infection control measures against TB. In fact, our government has “declared war” on TB. The goal is to get rid of the TB bacteria in the United States by the year 2010! Reaching this goal will require your help; read on to find out how you you can become part of the solution!
Tuberculosis Terms You Should Know
EXPOSED: People are exposed to tuberculosis when they share the same air as a person who has infectious tuberculosis.
TB SKIN TEST: There is a skin test for TB infection in which a small amount of test fluid is injected just under the skin in the lower arm. After two to three days, a health worker checks for a positive reaction at the injection site. You may hear this test called a “Mantoux” test or a “PPD” test.
LATENT TB INFECTION: People with latent TB infection has no symptoms, you don’t feel sick, you can’t spread TB to other people, and you usually have a positive skin test reaction. But they Can develop TB disease later in life if they do not receive treatment for latent TB infection.
TB DISEASE: People who show signs of being sick from the tuberculosis bacteria are said to have TB disease. Have active or infectious tuberculosis disease and can transmit it to others. People with TB disease show signs of having TB when doctors review their chest X-rays and look at their sputum under a microscope.
MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT TB (MDR-TB): A TB disease caused by bacteria that is resistant to more than one drug that is often used to treat TB.
QUARANTINE: Quarantining people who have active TB disease means they must stay in a hospital or at home until they are no longer infectious.
DIRECTLY OBSERVED THERAPY (DOT): Because many people do not take their TB medications correctly, Directly Observed Therapy was developed. This is the name for TB treatment where health professionals or other people actually watch how people take their TB drugs.
Signs and symptoms of tuberculosis
- A productive cough that lasts for more than two weeks.
- brisket bread
- coughing up blood
- Fever and chills
- sweating at night
- loss of appetite
- weightloss
- constant tiredness
How is tuberculosis spread?
- The germs that cause TB are spread through the air.
- Tuberculosis can be passed from one person to another by coughing, laughing, sneezing, singing, or even talking.
- Tuberculosis is usually spread between family members, close friends, and people who spend time together in crowded places for long periods of time, such as jails and homeless shelters.
The tip Five ways you can help stop TB!
1. KNOW THE SIGNS OF TUBERCULOSIS.
Remember that the symptoms of active tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Monitor your clients for these signs, especially if they are over 65, are HIV+, have other chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney failure, or have been exposed to another person with TB.
2. INFORM YOUR SUPERVISOR IF ANY OF YOUR CLIENTS SHOWS SIGNS OF TB.
It is not up to you, or your supervisor, to diagnose TB. But you must report changes in your clients that could mean they have TB. And the sooner the better!
Your supervisor will ensure that the client is tested and that everyone who works with the client is protected from possible infection.
3. HELP YOUR CLIENTS WITH TB PRACTICE GOOD INFECTION CONTROL.
Ask your customers to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Then, throw the tissue in the trash.
If possible, ventilate their rooms (unless they are in a special isolation room). TB spreads in small enclosed spaces where air cannot move. Open a window if it’s not too cold. Consider using a fan to draw air out of the room through the window.
Remind your clients how important it is that they take their TB medicines. Don’t let them forget it, especially when they start to feel better.
4. WEAR A PERSONAL RESPIRATOR MASK.
Whenever you work with clients who have active TB, or who may have it, you should wear a personal respirator. Remember that a paper mask will not do any good. (TB bacteria are small enough to fit through the fabric of a paper mask.)
Make sure the mask has been fitted to the correct size and is donned before entering the client area. Wear it the entire time you are with the client and remove it only after you leave!
5. GET YOUR TB SKIN TEST AND/OR CHEST X-RAY ON TIME.
Don’t ignore these important tests. If you don’t know when another TB test is due, ask your supervisor. Then make sure you get it on time, don’t wait for someone to remind you. Getting tested early could make all the difference for you, your clients, your co-workers, and your family.
