What is latent TB?
People with latent TB infection do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms. They are infected with the TB bacteria, but do not have TB disease. TB bacteria can sleep in your body for years.
The risk is that latent TB can become active and make you ill and infectious to other people.
You are at risk of latent TB if:
- You were born or lived in a high risk country for more than six months.
- Anyone who has arrived in the UK from one of these countries within the past five years can be tested.
Please see link for high risk countries:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/tuberculosis/documents/countries-incidence.pdf
Please see map of high risk countries:
How can I find out if I have latent TB?
You will need a simple blood test or skin test which is FREE from your local TB service.
If your test shows you have sleeping TB we will give you FREE treatment to reduce the risk of it becoming active.
You are at risk even if:
• Your chest x-ray was clear – sleeping TB does not show on x-rays
• You have had a BCG vaccination – the vaccination does not protect you for life
How can I get a blood test?
Slough, Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead or Bracknell: Call 01753 63 6089 to book your test at our new entrant screening clinic (King Edward VII Hospital St. Leonard’s Rd, Windsor SL4 3DP)
Patients from Aldershot, Farnborough, Camberley and Sandhurst areas should contact their GP if they wish to have a blood test to check for latent TB. They will then be seen at Frimley if the test is positive.
Protect yourself, your family and your friends - get tested now!
Tests are confidential and do not affect your right to remain in the UK.
Where can I get more information about sleeping TB?