Was not this an issue a year so back as well? The BCG vaccine was rolled out at the time. I had my little ones done at that time.
Anyways, for anyone concerned:
How do people get TB?
TB is usually spread by droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You need to have close and prolonged contact an infected person to catch T.B. such as sharing a house, in schools, close contact with a child minder, friend or co-worker.
Who are most at risk of catching TB?
The following people have a greater chance of becoming ill with TB, if exposed to it:
* Those in very close contact with infectious people
* Children
* Elderly people
* Diabetics
* People on steroids
* People on other drugs affecting the body’s immune system
* People who are HIV positive
* People in overcrowded, poor housing
* People with chronic poor health
What are the symptoms of TB?
Symptoms of TB can include any of the following:
* Fever and Night sweats
* Cough (generally lasting more than 2 weeks)
* Weight loss
* Blood in the sputum (phlegm) at any time
* Swollen glands
* Tiredness
* loss of appetite
How serious is TB?
TB is a serious illness. The most serious complications are
* Major bleeding from the lungs (Rare)
* Death (this occurs in 7% of cases, usually elderly people)
How common is T.B.?
The combination of better living conditions, antibiotics against TB, and BCG vaccine has dramatically reduced the number of cases of TB in Ireland.
What is the treatment for T.B.?
With effective treatment it is possible to make a full recovery from T.B. It is treated with tablets, which must be taken for about 6 months. Without treatment, many people used to die from TB. It is essential to take the treatment regularly and to complete the course as prescribed.
What is in the BCG vaccine?
The vaccine contains a weakened (“attenuated”) form of a bacteria related to the one that causes tuberculosis. This stimulates the immune system to protect against tuberculosis.
Is BCG Vaccine safe?
Yes BCG vaccine is safe. Of the people who are immunised:
* Most people will get a blister and scarring on the arm where the BCG injection was given
* 1 in 100 may get small swollen glands under the arm
* Up to 1 in 1000 may get an infection, which responds to treatment.
Where can I find out more?
You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or local HSE clinic
See the National Immunisation Guidelines of Ireland 2002, Chapter 16 for more detailed information on Tuberculosis at
http://www.ndsc.ie
See the Health Protection Surveillance Centre web site for more detailed information on BCG(Available on
http://www.ndsc.ie
See the Health Protection Surveillance Centre web site for more detailed information on Tuberculosis (Available on
http://www.ndsc.ie
no. i'm just asking.