Latent TB Treatment during Coronavirus scare?

[Coro-viro]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with latent TB a while ago but now with Coronavirus spreading worldwide, I am worried about them interacting if I potentially get it. Should I look to start treatment for TB preemptively or would that put me in a worst place? I am in my 20s, had recent bouts of bronchitis, have asthma, but healthy otherwise.

[hottchoc]

Hi Coro-viro

Being latent and having to make a decision on whether or not to have treatment is a difficult one. On one side you avoid it becoming active and causing lung damage (and potentially spreading it to others) but on the other, the side effects can cause their own problems.

I think this is a discussion that should be had with the TB nurse at your local hospital (everyone has one). You then have informed consent. Not an easy one to decide on. Good luck xx

[Moomoom]

I’m in exactly this situation with my daughter. Her first appointment is in a couple of weeks so I’ll post any advice given.

[Deniseelk]

I guess the point is when you were tested positive for latent TB was the advice for you to start the antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria? If so, why did you wait?.Without understanding any underlying issues that prevents you from starting I personally would want peace of mind and eradicate the TB bacteria in this climate of a serious respiratory virus doing the rounds. I would urge you to obtain immediate advice from your TB specialist. I was on Rifinah for 3 months with no problem at all and now have peace of mind that I am not leaving myself at risk of the latent TB turning active! Good luck.

[Soul01]

I would advise you to discuss the risks and benefits with a TB specialist. I would ask if you were to contract Covid19, might it cause latent TB to become active. Once you have a professional opinion, you can decide what the best thing is for you.

[SadieR]

Hello Coro-Vito.

I was diagnosed with Latent TB in 2017 & opted to have the treatment as I wanted to know (hopefully) that I'd busted the bacteria sleeping within. I have wondered recently in light of Coronavirus if I hadn't of had the treatment woukd I have been at greater risk of the TB bacteria waking up.

You make the decision at the time of diagnosis on the basis of what feels right for you at that time so don't doubt yourself now for the rights & wrongs of not having had treatment at then. Have a discussions with your TB specialists, they are always there so you can make an informed decision. Good luck with whatever you decide x

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Coro-viro,

It is certainly not a bad idea to get treated for latent TB now. Although latent TB does not make you more vulnerable to COVID-19, if you fall ill with COVID-19 it increases the risk that the latent TB will become active. This would be most likely in severe cases of COVID-19.

As you also have asthma, which could make COVID-19 more severe, it seems it would be a good idea to take TB out of the equation altogether by getting it treated.

TB Alert has recently uploaded some advice on TB and COVID-19, which you can read here: thetruthabouttb.org/coronav...

I hope this helps?

Best wishes,

Helen