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Tuberculosis Travel Advice

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs, as well as other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person who’s infected sneezes or coughs.

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Even though TB isn’t common in many parts of the world, it’s still a significant public health issue in certain regions, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Naturally, traveling to countries with high cases of tuberculosis increases the risk of exposure.

If you’re planning to travel to a country where tuberculosis is prevalent, it’s highly advisable to take precautionary measures to protect yourself from infection, such as by talking to your healthcare provider and securing the right travel health insurance plan before your trip.

As one of the 14 Most Common Diseases to Watch Out for When Traveling Abroad, tuberculosis travel advice is essential to keep you safe and healthy during your time abroad.

This article takes a closer look at TB, including common symptoms, how it’s spread, treatment options, and travel restrictions.

With that said, let’s dive right into it.

Overview of Tuberculosis 

TB is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It can also affect the kidneys, spine, brain, and other parts of the body. Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which spreads via the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

The condition can be fatal if it goes untreated. However, most people can be cured with proper treatment. Tuberculosis is a global health concern, with an estimated 10.6 million cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2021 alone.

Tuberculosis is more common in developing countries with poor living conditions and limited healthcare access, though it’s still a concern for those visiting those areas.

Causes of Tuberculosis 

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, sings, and even speaks, this bacterium can spread to another. With that said, not all people who are exposed to the bacteria will develop tuberculosis.

There are a few factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tuberculosis, such as:

  • Close contact with an infected person
  • Weakened immune system
  • Living in overcrowded/unsanitary conditions
  • Malnutrition
  • Alcohol/drug abuse
  • Smoking

HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of developing the disease. It’s therefore imperative to address the aforementioned risk factors to minimize the spread of tuberculosis and promote healthy living.

Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis 

X-ray image of tuberculosis lungs

Tuberculosis symptoms can vary according to the stage of the disease, along with the part of the body that’s affected. A persistent cough that lasts over two weeks and is accompanied by thick, discolored phlegm is one of the most common symptoms of TB. Other common tuberculosis symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite

In some cases, tuberculosis can also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these symptoms (especially if you’ve been in contact with an infected individual or have recently traveled to an at-risk area), seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Early detection and treatment of tuberculosis can help prevent the disease from spreading and improve the chances of a full recovery.

Is Tuberculosis Contagious? 

TB is a highly contagious disease that spreads between people via the air. When a person with tuberculosis sneezes, coughs, sings, or speaks, it releases tiny droplets that contain the tuberculosis bacteria – though not everyone who is exposed to the disease will develop it.

The length of exposure, the strength of one’s immune system, and the proximity to a TB-infected person are some factors that increase the risk of infection. TB is the most contagious when a person has active tuberculosis, though it can still spread from a person with latent tuberculosis infection.

It’s important to take precautions to reduce the spread of tuberculosis, such as by covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with people with tuberculosis. Seek medical attention if you’ve been in close contact with a person who has tuberculosis or its symptoms.

Common Treatments for Tuberculosis 

Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug susceptibility test

Treating tuberculosis usually involves a combination of medications that need to be taken for several months. Ethambutol, isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide are some of the most commonly used tuberculosis drugs. 

The duration and choice of the medication regimen depend on two factors: the severity and type of tuberculosis infection.

The main goal of treatment is to kill the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium and prevent drug-resistant strains from developing.

Note: it’s crucial to complete the entire treatment course as prescribed, even if tuberculosis symptoms have improved. Failing to complete the full course of treatment can cause drug-resistant tuberculosis to develop, which can be much more difficult to treat and can even be life-threatening.

Along with medication, a healthy diet and diet can further support the immune system and help with recovery from tuberculosis.

Travel and Tuberculosis 

Tuberculosis is a global health issue that may be rare in certain parts of the world, but a significant concern in others. If you’re planning on traveling to areas where TB is prevalent, you may be putting yourself at risk of contracting the disease.

Consequently, it’s advisable to take steps to protect yourself from tuberculosis when traveling abroad. Here’s what you need to know about travel and TB.

Traveling to Which Country Puts a Person At a Higher Risk of Tuberculosis? 

Certain countries have higher incidences of TB than others. The risk of tuberculosis is especially high in countries with poverty and poor healthcare systems, as well as areas that are overcrowded.

In June 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) released an updated global list of high-burden countries for TB. Some of the countries with the highest tuberculosis rates include Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

People who travel to high-burden countries for tuberculosis like these for extended periods, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated settings, have a higher chance of contracting the disease – making vaccination and good hygiene practices essential.

Tuberculosis Travel Restrictions 

Since tuberculosis is a contagious disease that can spread from person to person through the air, some countries have travel restrictions in place for people who are either suspected or confirmed to have it. Fortunately, the CDC Travel Health Notices website allows you to search by country name or disease.

TB travel restrictions are established to protect public health as well as prevent the disease from spreading. If you’re planning a trip to a country with tuberculosis travel restrictions, you may have to provide documentation regarding your TB status (e.g.a negative TB test).

In some cases, travelers may be denied entry into the country or required to undergo medical examination/treatment. It’s recommended to be aware of any tuberculosis travel restrictions before heading abroad and to comply with the requirements to avoid complications or delays during your travels.

Travel Vaccine for Tuberculosis 

Gloved hand injecting needle with tuberculosis vaccine into arm

There is no vaccine available that offers complete protection against TB at present, though several countries use the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to prevent severe types of TB in children (e.g. tuberculosis meningitis and miliary tuberculosis).

However, the BCG vaccine isn’t routinely recommended for adults due to its variable effectiveness in treating pulmonary tuberculosis, which is the most common form of TB.

The BCG vaccine can also present false positive results on tuberculosis skin tests, making it difficult to diagnose tuberculosis infection or disease in those who are vaccinated.

How to Avoid Tuberculosis While Traveling Abroad

If you’re going to travel abroad, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of contracting tuberculosis. Firstly, research the tuberculosis incidence rate in the areas you’ll be visiting and stay away from high-risk areas if you can.

Additionally, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing or seems sick. Be sure to practice good hygiene when traveling to areas with TB, such as by washing your hands regularly with soap and water and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing.

If you’ll be in a high-risk area for a lengthy period, it’s a good idea to get a tuberculosis test before and after your trip. Lastly, it’s best to seek medical care immediately if you experience any TB symptoms like cough, fatigue, or fever following your trip.

Conclusion 

Tuberculosis is a serious disease that travelers need to be aware of, especially when traveling to areas with high TB incidence rates. As a traveler, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take precautionary measures to protect yourself, such as by practicing good hygiene.

What’s more, you should be aware of any tuberculosis travel restrictions that the country you’re traveling to may have in place, and comply with any requirements for a smooth trip without complications or delays.

Taking these precautions not only helps prevent the spread of tuberculosis, but also protects your own health while traveling.

Whether you travel occasionally or frequently, understanding the most common diseases to watch out for when traveling abroad is a must. You can read our article on Japanese Encephalitis Travel Advice next.

Regardless of your destination, it’s advisable to secure an international health insurance plan that meets your requirements. Our expert advisors are here to help you find the ideal coverage for your needs and budget and offer impartial insurance advice to make the process that much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the quarantine duration for tuberculosis?

A person who is diagnosed with TB will have to quarantine for a certain period to avoid spreading the disease to others. The exact length of quarantine can vary, though it is usually between several weeks to a few months.

What advice is important for tuberculosis patients?

If you’ve been diagnosed with TB, it’s imperative to follow your doctor’s advice if you wish to treat the infection and prevent spreading it to other people. For example, you may have to take medication for several months, avoid close contact with others, and get regular health check-ups.

What should I avoid if I have TB? 

Avoiding close contact with others is essential if you have tuberculosis, especially in poorly ventilated areas since the bacteria can spread via the air. Also, avoid sharing cups, utensils, and other personal items with others.

How does tuberculosis spread during travel?

TB spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs and sneezes, so it’s best to be cautious when traveling. Wear a mask and avoid crowded areas to take extra steps towards protecting your health.

Senior Copywriter at Pacific Prime
Jantra Jacobs is a Senior Copywriter at Pacific Prime with over 10 years of writing and editing experience. She writes and edits a diverse variety of online and offline copy, including sales and marketing materials ranging from articles and advertising copy to reports, guides, RFPs, and more.

Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.

Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
Jantra Jacobs
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