Am I at Risk?
Should you be worried about getting TB? The answer for most people in the UK is “probably not.” TB is rare in the UK and most people don’t need to worry about it, particularly if their health is generally good.
TB can affect all parts of the body, not just the lungs. But only TB that is in the lungs or throat may be infectious.
If you live somewhere that has quite a few cases, your risk is higher but you are still very unlikely to develop TB. If you are close to people with TB in their throat and lungs, you are more at risk. This risk is higher if you are ill with something else, or if you are run down and less able to fight off infections.
- You need to be more aware of TB symptoms if:
- You live where tuberculosis is more common
- You know people with TB in their lungs or throat and you spend a lot of time with them
- You are not in good health
You need to keep an eye on your health and the health of your family and take action early.
Are you at risk from TB?
The main risk factor is spending a lot of time with someone who has active TB in their throat or lungs. There are other things that increase your risk, such as your country of origin or living in a country where TB is common; your general health and the strength of your immune system; and your living conditions.
Look out for TB symptoms
If you think you might be at higher risk of TB infection, look after yourself. Knowing more about TB lets you take control of your health. If you think you have TB symptoms, go and see your doctor. You can get TB tests that will set your mind at rest, or allow you to start TB treatment as early as possible. Read about the symptoms of TB here...
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Health & Immunity
If you are run down or have another illness, your immune system might not be strong enough to fight infections off easily, so you may be more susceptible to TB. Read more...
Living Conditions
TB can affect anybody. Anyone who breathes in enough TB bacteria for long enough can get ill with tuberculosis. But poor living conditions increase your risk. Read more...
Country of Origin
TB is not very common in the UK but it used to be. If you have lived in a country where TB is common, you are more likely to have been exposed to TB bacteria in the air. Read more...