FAQs
- Harrow residents
- Community and voluntary organisations
- Faith groups
- Healthcare professionals
- Local services supporting Harrow communities
- awareness and understanding of TB
- access to testing and treatment
- barriers to support or services
- experiences of TB services and information
- how support and awareness could be improved locally
- awareness and prevention work
- access to testing and treatment
- community engagement
- support services
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria. TB spreads from person to person through the air when someone who has TB infection in their lungs and is coughing. It usually affects the lungs, but it can affect other parts of the body.
What is the difference between latent TB and active TB?
Active TB
What is Active TB?
Active TB is when a patient has been infected with TB bacteria and it is making them unwell. Common symptoms can include cough which is not getting better, fever, night sweats and weight loss. If you have had any of these symptoms for more than 3 weeks its important to see a doctor.
Latent TB
What is Latent TB?
Patients with latent TB feel well, don't have symptoms and cannot pass on TB. They do however have TB bacteria in their body and there is a risk of the TB "waking up" and making them sick. We can test for Latent TB with a skin or blood test. If you have Latent TB you can take TB medication to prevent the bacteria "waking up" and causing active TB.
Why is Harrow carrying out this needs assessment?
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health issue in London and across some boroughs, including Harrow.
Understanding local awareness, experiences and barriers to support will help improve prevention work, testing, treatment and community support services.
The findings from this survey will help shape Harrow’s future TB Action Plan and ensure local services reflect the needs of residents and communities.
Who can complete the survey?
We welcome responses from:
Will my responses be confidential?
Yes. All responses will be kept confidential and used only for public health planning and improving local support and services.
How long does the survey take?
The survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
What kind of questions will I be asked?
The survey includes questions about:
What will happen with the survey results?
The findings will be reviewed by Harrow Public Health and local NHS partners.
The survey results will help inform our TB Health Needs Assessment, including:
Where can I find more information about TB?
You can find more information about tuberculosis on the NHS website.
If you are worried or concerned you may have symptoms of TB please contact your GP.