Tuberculosis (Active TB) in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It usually occurs in the lungs, but it can spread to other parts of the body. TB spreads to other people through the air. When someone with TB breathes out or coughs, the bacteria can be breathed in by people who are nearby. Your child should not go to day care or school while they can infect other people.

Symptoms of TB include a cough, weight loss, night sweats, and a fever. Your child may feel tired and weak. And your child may not feel like eating.

Treatment involves taking antibiotic medicines. It's very important to give your child the medicine as your doctor tells you to. It takes a long time to kill the TB bacteria. Treatment can last several months or longer. During treatment, your child will see a doctor for tests to see how the medicine is working. The doctor will help guide you through this long process.

Your child may have directly observed therapy (DOT). This means that you meet with a health care worker in person or on a video call (vDOT) when your child takes medicine. DOT helps with taking the medicine on schedule. And it helps your child complete treatment as soon as possible. The doctor will let you know if your child needs DOT.

Your child will start to feel better after taking the medicines for a few weeks. And they may not be able to infect others at this point. But don't send your child to school until your doctor tells you that it's okay.

Other people living in the home should be tested for TB. A positive TB test means that the person needs treatment to prevent active TB.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give your child antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Give the medicines with food to help avoid an upset stomach.
• Teach your child to cover their mouth for a sneeze or cough. After coughs, throw the tissue away in a covered container. Be sure to have them wash their hands afterward to prevent spreading TB.
• Keep your child away from public areas such as buses, subways, and other closed spaces until you have been told that your child cannot spread TB.
• If your child is over age 2 and is around other people, have your child wear a mask.
• If your child doesn't have directly observed therapy (DOT) or video call DOT, there are things you can do to help remind yourself to give the medicine.
  • Give the medicines at the same time every day.
  • Set a reminder alarm.
  • Use a pillbox.
  • Put a reminder note on your mirror or refrigerator.
  • Mark a calendar after you give the medicine.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child has severe trouble breathing.
• Your child coughs up a lot of blood.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child is short of breath.
• Your child is dizzy or lightheaded, or feels about to faint.
• Your child has a new or worse cough.
• Your child coughs up a small amount of blood.
• Your child has new or worse diarrhea.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child loses weight.
• Your child has night sweats.
• Your child does not get better as expected.