Tuberculosis Community Program
Your Health Keeps Others Healthy
Tuberculosis is a Threat in the NCN Community
It is a Deadly Disease, but it is Preventable
Not enough NCN Citizens understand how it is spread or the dangers of its effects. Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that generally affects the lungs, but can also affect the brain, kidneys and spine.
It is a potentially life-threatening disease that is spread through close, continuing contact with someone who has active TB. Germs from coughing and sneezing can stay in the air for hours, which means TB can take hold in conditions where there is inadequate housing, malnutrition and poverty.
Your risk of getting tuberculosis increases if you are dealing with:
- chronic disease such as diabetes or HIV
- poor nutrition or food insecurity
- overcrowded, poorly ventilated homes
- someone with untreated TB in your life
- a smoking habit
When first infected with the TB germ, people do not usually feel sick or show symptoms, which is why it is a dangerous disease and difficult to contain.
Screening and antibiotic treatment are crucial in containing TB numbers in our community, with the goal of wiping out the disease entirely.
Goals & Objectives
- To reduce the high incidence of tuberculosis & latent TB infection
- To work with the community & social services to improve conditions that influence health & wellbeing
- To increase knowledge & understanding of tuberculosis and its effects within families & the community
- To encourage clients to take medication regularly as instructed & to complete their regimes
- To support NCN Citizens living with tuberculosis & improve their health status
There are two types of Tuberculosis:
Latent TB
Latent (sleeping) TB is when the bacteria lives in the body, but does not produce symptoms. It’s not contagious, but can turn into active TB.
Active TB
Active TB causes symptoms in the body, and can be fatal if left untreated. It is contagious and can be spread to other people. Medication can cure active TB and immunization can prevent it from ever occurring in the first place.
What are the symptoms of TB?
You must contact the FCWC if you or a family member have tuberculosis symptoms, such as:
- Coughing that lasts longer than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats & fever
- Weakness and lack of energy
What is the Tuberculosis program?
Our public health team delivers education and screenings to help everyone avoid tuberculosis, and medication programs to stop the disease if you become infected.
Because Tuberculosis is a transmitted disease, it is always a concern in our community.
The good news is you can cure active tuberculosis with a consistent and complete course of medication of usually 6 to 9 months. This is also the best way to prevent TB from spreading.
How does it work?
When you come to see us, you’ll tell us about your current health and habits, and we’ll determine together how to deal with your TB. The treatment and care we offer is in accordance with Manitoba Tuberculosis guidelines.
Becoming healthy depends on two things:
- Open and honest communication with your health care team
- Consistent & complete course of medication
If you need help with transportation, let us know. If you are caring for a family member with TB, we can support you, and provide education in Cree as required.
Health care professionals are on your team. You don’t need to be shy, scared or embarrassed with us. We are proud of you for taking the steps to get healthy, and to prevent tuberculosis from affecting more of our community. Thank you!
Why do I need help with my TB?
Your tuberculosis is not going to go away without medication. TB can cause many difficulties, and even death. And without proper treatment, you could pass this infectious disease on to someone you love.
But with our help, you can complete your medication and enjoy a happy, healthy life. We’ll teach you what’s happening in your body, and how strictly following your medication regime is the key to beating TB. You’ll learn about nutritional food, exercise and proper sleep while you get healthy again.
TB is curable. Let us help you.
This program currently operates in Nelson House. If you are in a different community, contact your local sub-office to ask about similar opportunities.