Historically, tuberculosis was called consumption as weight loss was – and still is – such a common symptom. Unfortunately, tuberculosis is a disease still very much alive in the present and one which needs testing and treatment, fast. What is tuberculosis (TB)? The NHS says tuberculosis is a bacterial infection. How is tuberculosis spread? By inhaling the tiny droplets present in the air from the coughs or sneezes of someone infected with active TB, over time. Tuberculosis centres on the lungs but can impact the tummy, glands, bones and nervous system. Tuberculosis is potentially serious but usually curable if treated with the correct antibiotics. Is tuberculosis contagious? TB spreads just like colds and flu, but it is not as contagious. Tuberculosis doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Some people’s immune system kills the bacteria without causing symptoms. For others, the bacteria is not always successfully eliminated and so remains but it does not spread. This is latent TB. If you have latent TB, you are not infectious to others at this time. If your immune system cannot kill the bacteria or stop its spread, it gets to the lungs and other areas with symptoms showing in a few weeks or months – active TB. Latent TB can turn into active TB in time, especially with an already weakened immune system. If tuberculosis concerns you, Pall Mall can offer you all the tests, scans and diagnostics you may need to determine both your diagnosis and your best route to recovery.