It’s time to end Tuberculosis
By: Umair Shafiq Khanday
The Incidence of TB is quite high across the world with more than 26% of the total cases being reported from India. Caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB spreads through the infected air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit.
Mostly, people get TB disease if their immune system is weak and fails to stop the bacteria from growing, causing symptoms of the disease.
TB Bacteria versus TB Disease
More than 40% of the population in India carry the TB bacteria in their body!! but they may not suffer from TB disease. There is only a 10% chance that someone infected with TB bacteria will develop TB disease. It usually attacks the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body except for enamel, nails and hair.
Remember: TB spreads only when you breathe the TB bacteria. It does not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes, or kissing.
Symptoms of TB disease
Cough lasting for over 2 weeks, Fever, Blood in sputum, Chest pain, Weakness or fatigue, Night sweats, Significant weight loss and no appetite.
Five things to remember about TB
1.TB is treatable and curable
Early diagnosis can help cure TB and prevent its spread. By leaving it untreated, you can infect up to 10-15 other people every year.
Most of the people become non-infectious within 2 weeks of starting the TB treatment.
- BCG Vaccine is not enough
Infants receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine as it prevents severe tuberculosis. However, it’s pediatric/ adinesce effectiveness is limited.
Hence, it is important that a person gets tested if he or she has come in contact with a person having active TB disease.
- Complete the course suggested for medicines
Never skip doses or stop your treatment in between. By doing so, you’ll be giving the TB bacteria a chance to change and develop resistance against the medicines you’re taking. Such mutated strains are deadlier and harder to treat.
- Take precautions
If you or anyone in your family has TB, don’t stigmatize them. Instead, follow precautions. Reduce the risk of spread of infection by maintaining good ventilation and good hygiene like hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc
- Immunity is your best friend
60% of adults with a healthy immune system can completely kill TB bacteria. Make sure to keep yourself safe against diseases like HIV/AIDS by practicing safe sex. People with HIV are 20 times more likely to get active TB.
(The author is a staff nurse at PIMS Hospital Udaipur)
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