Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Sometimes TB causes no immediate illness, but can remain dormant in the body before developing, possibly many years later. This is more likely if the body is weakened by other medical problems.
People most at risk are those with damaged immune systems. It most commonly affects the lungs, and is caught from other people. Typical symptoms include:
- chest pains
- coughing
- fever and sweating, particularly at night
- weight and appetite loss
TB can be completely cured by treatment with a course of tablets.