THE MODERN LIVING PEACE TRAIN™

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Tuberculosis: essential context

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Contact a clinician or local public-health service for possible TB symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss. CDC lists a cough lasting three weeks or longer, but do not wait that long if another warning is present. After time near someone with active TB, ask about assessment even if you feel well. [TB-ABOUT] [TB-EXPOSURE]

Coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus needs urgent medical help. Seek emergency help for any of these separate patterns: a stiff neck together with a severe headache; pain looking at bright lights; a seizure; a change in behaviour such as sudden confusion; or weakness or loss of movement in part of the body. Do not wait for all signs. NHS uses urgent GP/111 for blood in sputum and 999/A&E for emergency signs; use local equivalents elsewhere and do not drive yourself to emergency care. [TB-NHS]

If taking TB medicines, contact your clinician immediately for possible serious reactions, including unexplained loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, brown urine or jaundice; persistent tingling, numbness or burning; weakness, fever or abdominal tenderness; easier bruising or bleeding; changed vision; or rash. Follow the urgent plan for your medicines. A clinician may instruct you to stop a medicine or attend for tests; this page does not decide that. Tell the team about other medicines, possible pregnancy or breastfeeding and problems taking treatment. [TB-ADVERSE]

Follow the prescribed course and public-health instructions, including clinician-directed or medicine-specific urgent changes. TB medicines can interact with other medicines, and alcohol can harm the liver during treatment. This page cannot determine when you are no longer infectious or safe to return to work or school. [TB-CARE] [TB-SPREAD]

Sources and review scope

These source notes explain the evidence consulted and its limits. Educational information does not replace individual medical care.

TB-ABOUT

CDC: About Tuberculosis

Overview; inactive TB; active TB; signs and symptoms; testing · Targeted supporting text checked; independent clinical review has not yet been completed.

Publisher date: 17 January 2025. Targeted sections read on 11 November 2026 (UTC). Targeted sections only; underlying studies, complete treatment guidelines and comparative effects were not comprehensively appraised.

TB-SPREAD

CDC: Tuberculosis — Causes and How It Spreads

How it spreads; prevention; infectiousness · Targeted supporting text checked; independent clinical review has not yet been completed.

Publisher date: Header 17 January 2025; repeated lower date 16 January 2025. Targeted sections read on 11 November 2026 (UTC). Targeted sections only; underlying studies, complete treatment guidelines and comparative effects were not comprehensively appraised.

TB-EXPOSURE

CDC: Exposure to Tuberculosis

Contact after exposure; contact investigations and support · Targeted supporting text checked; independent clinical review has not yet been completed.

Publisher date: 25 March 2024. Targeted sections read on 11 November 2026 (UTC). Targeted sections only; underlying studies, complete treatment guidelines and comparative effects were not comprehensively appraised.

TB-CARE

CDC: Treating Tuberculosis

Treatment overview; before treatment; serious effects; completing treatment and directly observed therapy · Targeted supporting text checked; independent clinical review has not yet been completed.

Publisher date: 17 April 2025. Targeted sections read on 11 November 2026 (UTC). Targeted sections only; underlying studies, complete treatment guidelines and comparative effects were not comprehensively appraised.

TB-ADVERSE

CDC: Adverse Events During TB Treatment

Patient education; possible adverse effects; drug interactions; patient monitoring · Targeted supporting text checked; independent clinical review has not yet been completed.

TB-NHS

NHS: Tuberculosis

When and where to get help; urgent blood in sputum; separate emergency neurological signs · Targeted supporting text checked; independent clinical review has not yet been completed.

Publisher date: Reviewed 10 September 2026; next review 10 September 2029. Targeted sections read on 11 November 2026 (UTC). Targeted sections only; underlying studies, complete treatment guidelines and comparative effects were not comprehensively appraised.

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