Quote Originally Posted by Doc Alan View Post
I’m not sure why you find “ the whole thing infuriating “ or if you have had time to view the TB thread elsewhere on the forum ( http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....long-way-to-go ).


The Philippines is one of the countries with a high incidence of TB. Pre-entry screening, with treatment if needed, not only saves taxpayers’ money but also prevents spread of TB in the UK. None of us are guaranteed perfect health and we are lucky to have a health service with standards only affordable in the Philippines for a tiny minority of the population. But our own NHS is short of money !


Whether or not there is a “ EU loophole “ to “ get out of this test “ I’m sorry to say that if there’s a chance your fiancée has “ at least a little bit of latent TB “ she needs investigation.


In many otherwise healthy individuals exposed to TB infection their immune system kills the bugs. A few develop active TB ; or latent ( hidden ) TB, which may become active. If your fiancee’s brother ( and any other contacts ) have active TB, it needs treatment. The drugs should be appropriate ( no resistance ), reliable ( not fake ), and taken for at least 6 months.


The ( Mantoux ) skin test can be hard to interpret. It may be positive ( natural or BCG-induced immunity ), negative, or inconclusive. It may not rule out active TB. That’s why a chest X Ray, other tests ( sputum, blood ) may be needed in addition – and interpreted by a specialist TB doctor.


TB MUST be regarded – and treated – seriously. It’s true the certificate is only valid 6 months, which may cause inconvenience. However, it is surely worthwhile either to know a loved one does NOT have TB; or does, and is having the correct treatment.
Hear hear! well said.

Hopefully just a poor selection of words from J&G.
But your posted reply re-inforces the importance of actually having it done and getting treatment where needed.