Rotherham Hospital joins TB awareness drive

WORLD Stop Tuberculosis Day is  taking place today and NHS Rotherham is out to raise awareness of the disease.

Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, unexplained loss of weight, fever and coughing up blood.

Specialist nurse Tracey Turton said: “Many people in the high risk groups are not aware of TB and its symptoms so by raising awareness of the disease we hope it will lead to earlier diagnosis of cases and less onward transmission of TB in Rotherham.

“One of the most important parts of controlling TB is early identification of the disease to prevent the spread to others.

“Most cases of TB are curable but only if the full course of antibiotics is taken as prescribed for at least six months.”