Purpose
Use this article in newsletters or other channels to introduce the Think. Test. Treat TB campaign to health care providers, staff, provider networks, associations, and community-based organizations.
Think. Test. Treat TB. Together we can end tuberculosis (TB)
Testing and treating latent TB infection is a critical step to protecting your community and reducing the spread of TB in the United States.
As a trusted source of health information, it's important to initiate a conversation about latent TB infection and TB disease with your patients at risk for TB, since there may be a lack of awareness about or stigma associated with these conditions. Testing for TB infection should be part of their regular medical care.
Here are 4 tips for starting the conversation:
1. Introduce TB and address potential misinformation
- Explain that people with latent TB infection do not have signs and symptoms of TB disease and cannot spread TB bacteria to others, but these bacteria could become active and multiply, developing into TB disease.
- Explain that once active, people with TB disease can feel sick and spread it through the air to family, friends, and other people they spend time with.
2. Discuss your patient's risk
- There are several risk factors for TB, so it's important to talk with your patients about their risk based on if they:
- Were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common, including some countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or jails
- Recently spent time with someone who has active TB disease
- Have a weaker immune system because of certain medications or health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV
- Work in places where TB is more likely to spread, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes
- Were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common, including some countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
3. Explain the testing process
- There are two types of tests for latent TB infection: the TB blood test and the TB skin test.
- Explain that the blood test is preferred because it can be done in one visit, and it's the most accurate if you've been vaccinated for TB in the past.
4. Discuss treatment options
- If your patient is diagnosed with latent TB infection, consider recommending shorter and more convenient treatments. While all the regimens are safe and effective, short course, rifamycin-based regimens are the preferred treatment options for latent TB infection because they have higher completion rates.
- Support your patients to help them complete treatment for latent TB infection.
Without treatment, 1 in 10 people with latent TB infection will get sick with TB disease in the future. You play a critical role in eliminating TB in your community and the United States. Together we can Think. Test. Treat TB.
For more information on tuberculosis or the #ThinkTestTreatTB campaign visit the website.