Tuberculosis TB is a bacterial infection

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It is a serious condition but can be cured with proper treatment. TB mainly affects the lungs. However, it can affect any part of the body, including the bones and nervous system. Typical symptoms of TB include: having a persistent cough for more than three weeks that brings up phlegm, which may be bloody weight loss night sweats high temperature (fever) tiredness and fatigue loss of appetite.

Infectious disease

Every health care worker plays a vital part in helping to minimise the risk of cross infection – for example, by making certain that hands are properly washed, the clinical environment is as clean as possible, ensuring knowledge and skills are continually updated and by educating patients and visitors. Standard precautions (formerly known as universal precautions) underpin routine safe practice, protecting both staff and our residents from infection. By applying standard precautions at all times and to all residents, best practice becomes second nature and the risks of infection are minimised.