So ... TB. My sister has just been diagnosed. Should I get myself (and DS) vaccinated?

[SCARYspicemonster]

I haven't had the BCG and my DS hasn't been vaccinated either (he's 2). Should I contact my GP? We spent Sunday with her and have seen her a few times since she's been unwell (this has been going on for ages but it's taken them a while to figure out what's wrong).

Any advice?

[BonsoirAnna]

Yes, you should definitely talk to your GP ASAP.

[BiteOfFun]

Contact your GP, definitely. Then languish on a sofa looking glittery-eyed and consumptive and get everyone else to do the chores...

[SofiaAmes]

You should get tested, NOT vaccinated. The vaccine is not very effective and in any case, if you have it already, the vaccine will not be helpful.

[stressedbutluvem]

A lot will depend on what type of TB she has,if its glandular or in an organ etc then there is no route of cross infection if she has active pulmonary TB however, i.e on her lungs and she is coughing then a list will be made of her close contacts and you should get screened. But of course contact your GP.

[SCARYspicemonster]

it's active pulmonary as far as I know - she's having a tube stuck down her lungs tomorrow so I assume that's where the infection is

[Jux]

[sends Scary some Camellias]

Get thee to a doc.

[SCARYspicemonster]

You will be pleased to know that, as we don't live in the same house as my sister, we don't have to be tested or vaccinated or anything.

Phew! Can concentrate on getting her better now. She has to take ABs for six months apparently Grim

[SofiaAmes]

Some year ago my brother was diagnosed with possible tb (contracted either in india or new york city). It was recommended that I get myself tested and we hadn't lived in the same household (or even the same end of the country) for at least 15 years at that point.

[mangosTrickyrice]

Are you sure you don't want to get yourselves tested? Just to be on the safe side? And have you been advised to avoid going round for a little bit,until the infection is no longer active?