Tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
What it is
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread through the air by coughing. The disease may develop shortly after contact with the bacteria or several years later. It mainly affects the lungs and may cause coughing, fever, blood in the phlegm, and night sweats.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Rest.
Medical follow-up and medication
- Follow the healthcare professional’s recommendations.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
- Take medication as prescribed.
- Complete the full course of medication, even if the person's condition improves.
- If medication causes side effects, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Avoid
- Éviter de fumer ou de vapoter.
- Éviter de consommer de l’alcool.
When to seek medical attention
Difficulty taking the medication as prescribed or taking it incorrectly
Close contact with someone who has tuberculosis
If medication causes side effects, ask a pharmacist for advice
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Rapid changes in the person’s condition:
- unusual fatigue (drowsiness) or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness to what is happening around them
- confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities