TB awareness on World TB Day
JOBURG – TB is a commonly misunderstood disease, Netcare shares some valuable informative information.
Tuberculosis is one the most misunderstood bacterial diseases. On World TB Day, the disease and how it can be combated, is highlighted.
TB is an airborne bacterial disease that may be present in your body without you necessarily feeling ill, and can manifest in different ways, affecting various parts of the body.
Dr Caroline Maslo, medical advisor at Prime Cure, which is part of Netcare’s Primary Division, says TB can affect anyone, irrespective of age, socio-economic class, race or gender. “It takes the awareness, compassion and united efforts of the entire community to ensure that people who have TB get the treatment they need, adhere to their treatment plan and prevent the spread of the disease. There can be no clearer expression of Ubuntu and community-mindedness than working together to stop TB from claiming more lives and causing more suffering,” said Maslo.
TB is spread when a person who is infected with the disease coughs, laughs, speaks, sneezes, sings or spits, causing invisible droplets of sputum to spray into the air. Other people then breathe in the TB bacteria and may in turn be infected with the disease, particularly in confined spaces without sufficient flow of fresh air, such as crowded rooms without open windows or on public transportation.
Prevent the spread of TB:
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Open windows wide to allow fresh air to circulate
- Quit smoking and limit your intake of alcohol, as these make you more susceptible to TB
- Follow a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables
- Wash your hands regularly, preferably with antibacterial soap
- Get tested for TB, and adhere to the prescription for the full course of medication
- Learn about TB and ensure your friends and family are informed about the disease.
Maslo concluded that above all, it is vital that the public understand that anyone can be infected with TB and there is certainly no shame in being diagnosed with this condition. “Do not shun people who have TB, as you too may have latent TB without realising it or may yourself contract it.”
Details: Netcare Olivedale Hospital 011 777 2000
