Here is a good summary of why tuberculosis is something that doctors need to consider regardless of where you live, when you are feeling ill for a period of time, and experiencing any or all of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, persistent cough, night sweats, fever, weight loss. This is why the doctors were all over me recently when I developed lung problems along with these symptoms.
http://news.yahoo.com/drug-resistant-white-plague-lurks-among-rich-poor-113851688.html (http://news.yahoo.com/drug-resistant-white-plague-lurks-among-rich-poor-113851688.html)
We Sjoggies need to be extra careful, especially with all the immunosuppressants we are taking, about contracting serious illnesses. Pay attention to your body, be assertive with the doctors, and don't let things go too long, hoping they will resolve on their own.
Take care,
Genko
genko, This is so true. Also, be aware that there are other forms of TB that are noncontagious and can be quite serious. I had mycobacterium kansasii back in 2005 and had to be on the TB medications for one year. They still check me periodically by doing the acid fast sputum tests.
I grew out another type of mycobacterium a couple of years ago that they felt did not need treatment at the time. Most of these mycobacterium are found in the air, soil and water. Be aware that fish aquariums can also carry a type of mycobacterium that people on immunosuppressants or people witih compromised immune systems can get.
This is one of the reasons that irrigating our nose with tap water is a no-no. We are to use the distilled water that is boiled for irrigations. Tap water can habor a lot of bugs that can do harm to people with chronic disease.
It is such a pain to keep the distilled water on hand and to boil it up, cool it and store it in the refrig but that is what I have done for many years and will keep on doing it until I can't anymore. Irish ;D