HIV, AIDS, and Tuberculosis
HIV, AIDS, and Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that spreads through the air. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs. However, it can affect other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system. About 10-15 million Americans are infected with tuberculosis. For most people with healthy immune systems, this is not a problem. Nine out of 10 of them won't develop active disease with symptoms.
The risk is great, however, for people who are HIV-positive. That's because tuberculosis takes advantage of a weakened immune system, which is why it's called an opportunistic infection. Worldwide, tuberculosis is the leading cause of death for people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency syndrome). If you are HIV-positive, you should be tested for tuberculosis. Prevention and treatment not only help control tuberculosis, but also help prevent greater damage to your immune system.
Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Prevention
The most common way people are infected with HIV is by having sex with an infected person. You can't tell by looking at a person whether they have HIV, so you have to protect yourself -- and your sex partner. Safe Sex and HIV Prevention Don't have unprotected sex outside marriage or a committed relationship. If you or your partner has ever had unprotected sex -- or if either of you uses injected drugs -- the only way to be sure you don't have HIV is to get tested. Have two HIV tests...
Read the Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Prevention article > >
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis travel through the air, such as in a cough or sneeze. But you are not likely to get the disease through a single exposure. And you can't get it from sharing dishes or utensils, or through touching someone who has it.
You are more likely to get tuberculosis from constant exposure to an infected person, such as someone with whom you work or live. You are likely to get tuberculosis in places with poor ventilation or crowded conditions. If you are HIV-positive, discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to continue working in places like:
The risk is great, however, for people who are HIV-positive. That's because tuberculosis takes advantage of a weakened immune system, which is why it's called an opportunistic infection. Worldwide, tuberculosis is the leading cause of death for people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency syndrome). If you are HIV-positive, you should be tested for tuberculosis. Prevention and treatment not only help control tuberculosis, but also help prevent greater damage to your immune system.
Recommended Related to HIV/AIDS
Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Prevention
The most common way people are infected with HIV is by having sex with an infected person. You can't tell by looking at a person whether they have HIV, so you have to protect yourself -- and your sex partner. Safe Sex and HIV Prevention Don't have unprotected sex outside marriage or a committed relationship. If you or your partner has ever had unprotected sex -- or if either of you uses injected drugs -- the only way to be sure you don't have HIV is to get tested. Have two HIV tests...
Read the Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Prevention article > >
How You Can Get Tuberculosis With HIV
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis travel through the air, such as in a cough or sneeze. But you are not likely to get the disease through a single exposure. And you can't get it from sharing dishes or utensils, or through touching someone who has it.
You are more likely to get tuberculosis from constant exposure to an infected person, such as someone with whom you work or live. You are likely to get tuberculosis in places with poor ventilation or crowded conditions. If you are HIV-positive, discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to continue working in places like:
- A hospital, clinic, or doctor's office
- A nursing home
- A jail or prison
- A shelter for homeless people
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