New NICE TB guidance combines social and clinical aspects

NICE – the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – has published updated guidance to better treat and prevent tuberculosis.

For the first time, the guidance combines clinical advice and public health guidance in recognition of the importance of tackling the social aspects of TB alongside the clinical aspects of the illness. The guidance includes recommendations for health professionals, public health workers and the voluntary sector.

The guidance focuses on three key areas:

• education to increase TB awareness
• TB prevention, including through the extension of treatment for latent TB infection from 35 years-and-under to 65 years-and-under
• improved treatment support to avoid drug resistance and limit onward infection.

Access the guidance through the NICE website