Vaccination
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the microbe Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can develop quickly after initial contact with the microbe. It can also appear several years later. This disease has declined in Quebec thanks to treatment and monitoring of those affected.
Tuberculosis can take two (2) forms.
Latent tuberculosis infection
Latent tuberculosis infection is a condition in which a person is infected with the tuberculosis microbe, but it is dormant. The infected person has no symptoms and is not contagious. In 90% of infected people, the infection will remain latent and will not develop into active tuberculosis.
Active tuberculosis
Active tuberculosis is a condition in which tuberculosis microbes are active and cause symptoms. This indicates that the immune system of a person infected with the tuberculosis microbe has been unable to defend itself adequately against it. The disease most often develops in the lungs, but other organs such as the lymph nodes, kidneys, and bones can also be affected.
Anyone can contract tuberculosis. In Quebec, most cases of tuberculosis are detected in people who have lived in or traveled to regions of the world where tuberculosis is still very common, such as certain countries in Asia and Africa.
The regions of Quebec with the highest number of tuberculosis cases are Montreal, Montérégie, and Laval, and it is a reportable disease (MADO).
Active tuberculosis
Symptoms
The symptoms of active tuberculosis depend on the part of the body that is infected. When tuberculosis affects the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis), the main symptoms are:
- Cough lasting more than three (3) weeks, often accompanied by sputum
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
Complications
- Active tuberculosis
- Hospitalization
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Transmission
Latent tuberculosis infection is not contagious.
However, active tuberculosis can be contagious, depending on the part of the body affected, such as the lungs. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread germs into the air, and other people can become infected by breathing in these germs. The disease is not contagious when other organs or tissues, such as the kidneys or bones, are infected.
People being treated for tuberculosis usually stop being contagious a few weeks after starting treatment.
Certain situations increase exposure to tuberculosis microbes, such as:
- Living under the same roof as someone with the disease.
- People who are in frequent and prolonged contact with someone who has TB, such as coworkers, are also at greater risk of becoming infected with TB.
- Being homeless.
- Having been in a detention facility.
- In people who have already been exposed to tuberculosis and have a latent tuberculosis infection, a weakened immune system can promote progression to active tuberculosis. This is the case, for example, in people with HIV infection.
Prevention
Screening for latent tuberculosis infection
Two (2) tests can detect latent tuberculosis infection. The one we use at Accès Infirmières is the most common, known as the tuberculin skin test, or TST, which involves an injection under the skin.
The TCT can be used to determine:
- If you have ever been in contact with the tuberculosis microbe
- If you are at risk of developing the disease later in life
The TCT requires two (2) medical visits
- A healthcare professional injects a small amount of a substance called tuberculin under the skin of your arm.
- After 48 to 72 hours, the healthcare professional will analyze the reaction on your arm to determine whether the reaction is positive or negative.
When the healthcare professional determines that the reaction is positive, they may recommend additional tests such as a chest X-ray and a medical examination. Preventive treatment may also be recommended.
Pricing
TCT | Tuberculin skin test
The vaccination schedule
| Clientele | Number of doses | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| TCT | Depending on the test result | Reading: 48 to 72 hours later | Depending on the situation |
Our services are offered in our clinic and satellite clinic as well as in your home. Appointments preferred.
For more information, please contact us.
Accès Infirmières | New clinic
82, Route 338
Les Coteaux, QC J7X 1A2
Accès Infirmières
287, boulevard D'Anjou
Châteauguay, QC J6J 2R4