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You are here: Home › About TB

About TB

TB is an infectious illness caused by airborne bacteria. It can cause serious health problems – particularly if it is not caught early. But TB is curable, and testing and treatment are free in the UK.

For specific information about TB in the UK, please visit our sister site The Truth About TB.

What is TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria are released into the air when someone with infectious TB coughs or sneezes.

Global TB challenges

Of the nine million people who become ill with TB every year, three million of them don’t get the care they need.

TB in time

TB has been with us for thousands of years. Evidence of TB has been found in Egyptian mummies, and the disease was thought to be common in both ancient Greece and Imperial Rome.

TB dictionary

Our handy TB dictionary can help you find out the meaning of all those terms you may hear if you’re being treated for TB or supporting someone through their treatment.

 

  • About TB
    • What is TB?
    • Global TB challenges
    • TB in time
    • TB dictionary
    • TB resources

Last Tweets

  • This is an excellent way to get money directly to the people of Ukraine to help with medical supplies. TB Alert's sister organisation is in Kyiiv, so we can personally guarantee that the money will go to trustworthy people working in the conflict zone: https://t.co/JO5queZrK8, Apr 24
  • Infectious diseases thrive in conflict - as people with weakened immune systems crowd in makeshift shelters and health services fail. They also know no borders - and the refugees that we welcome with open arms will bring with them the burdens of conflict https://t.co/Ia7dm3NXVI, Apr 22
  • TB symptoms begin slowly and get worse over time as bacteria multiply in the body. This is in contrast to COVID-19, the immune system gets rid of the virus within 1-2 weeks in the majority of people. https://t.co/VxgdS3HVlX
    , Mar 24
  • Like COVID-19, TB can affect anyone. If you have symptoms that aren’t getting better speak to your doctor and ask them to Think TB! Find out more at: https://t.co/tE41ixaAOR https://t.co/hIVniLGtiM
    , Mar 24
  • Not getting better? TB symptoms are easy to confuse with COVID-19 but they get worse over time. Early diagnosis is crucial so ask your doctor to Think TB! Find out more at: https://t.co/Knxf7GIMVK https://t.co/Fi2MCWckhH
    , Mar 24

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