Test to Protect Against:

What is TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria. It usually affects the lungs but can harm other parts of the body too. TB can be serious, but it can be cured with medicine if treated early.

TB can be passed through the air when a person with active TB coughs, releasing tiny droplets with the bacteria. If you spend a lot of time close to someone with active TB, you could catch it.

Some people have TB bacteria in their body but don’t feel sick—this is called latent TB. Latent TB doesn’t spread to others, but it can become active later. It’s best to get tested if you think you may be at risk.

Anyone can get TB, but some people are at higher risk.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get TB, but some people are at higher risk, including:
If you believe you may be at risk, you can have the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. This vaccine offers protection against TB for individuals at higher risk of infection. Contact your GP to find out more.
Anyone can get TB, but some people are at higher risk.

Understand your

RISK

Knowing if you are at risk for TB is important so you can take the right next steps.

Active TB

Active TB symptoms can come on slowly and may include:

If TB spreads to other parts of your body, other symptoms may occur, such as swollen glands, joint pain, headaches, or confusion.

If you have active TB, you can pass it on to family members, friends, and others in your community.

Please contact your GP to book a free test if you have symptoms of TB.

By getting tested for TB, you can:

Testing and treatment for TB is free of charge.

Latent TB

What is Latent TB?

Sometimes you can have TB in your body but will not have any symptoms this is known as latent TB.

Why get tested for Latent TB?

Latent TB infection (LTBI) has a small chance of developing into active TB at some point in your life. The only way to find out if you have latent TB, is to get tested.

Who should get tested for Latent TB?

Difference Between Active and Latent TB Tests

If you had a chest X-ray as part of your visa application process, it’s important to know that this screening only checks for active TB.

A latent TB test is different and screens for TB bacteria that are not active in your body and not causing symptoms. Sometimes, you will need to have both tests.

Free testing and support

If you have any questions, please contact your GP for free advice and support.

Get a free

TEST

Testing is free and confidential.

Contact your GP

You can contact your GP for a free, confidential TB test.

*If you are not registered with a GP or you are experiencing homelessness please contact Birmingham & Solihull TB service.

Contact the Birmingham & Solihull TB service

A simple test can protect you, your family and your community.

PROTECT

your community

TB can be prevented and treated, but it’s important to act quickly. If you think you might be at risk or have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. This helps protect your health, your loved ones, and your community.

BCG vaccine for TB

The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine can protect against TB. The BCG vaccine is not routinely given as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

It is only recommended for people at higher risk of getting TB, such as: