Every year on 24^th March, the world aims to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB). TB is an infectious disease caused by a germ called “Mycobacterium tuberculosis” which spreads through air when people cough or sneeze. This contagious disease primarily infects the lungs but, might affect other organs such as the kidneys, spine, or brain. This disease is present from centuries and is considered one of the worst infectious and deadly diseases in the world. Worldwide, thousands of people are infected by it and millions die, particularly in developing countries. Despite these challenges, we have to bear in mind that TB is treatable and TB-related deaths are preventable in most patients. This is why, it is important to understand a few facts about TB to help to cure and avoid it.

Before that, we would be discussing about the stages of TB to understand if one is infected with TB bacteria or has active TB disease. Following are the stages:

1. Exposure: When you have been in contact or exposed to a TB patient. You will have no signs or symptoms of the disease.
2. Latent TB Infection: You will again have no sings and symptoms of the disease but, you will be infected with the bacteria. If you have a strong immune system, it will fight back and become a barrier for the bacteria.
3. TB Disease:  When you have signs and symptoms of active TB infection in your body and you will have a positive X-ray test.

Let’s come to the facts about Tuberculosis:

Airborne

TB is airborne which means it spreads through air from one person to other. The bacteria comes in the air when people cough, sneeze or spit. People who are standing close may breathe in the bacteria and become infected.

Just to clear some misconceptions, TB is not spread by physical contact like shaking hands, sharing food, touching personal items of TB patients or even kissing.

Symptoms

The symptoms of TB might not be noticeable sometimes but, if you have persistent cough, fever, weight loss, chest pain and breathlessness then you should see a doctor immediately. The doctor will do a physical examination of the lungs and might order a skin or blood test. The sooner you are treated for TB disease, the sooner you will be cured.

Curable & Preventable

According to WHO, about one quarter of the world’s population is infected with Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Only a small proportion of those infected will become sick with TB.

People who are vulnerable to the disease are the ones who have a weak immune system like elderly, malnourished people, babies and young children and people who are HIV positive. One should be aware that, if you are early diagnosed with this disease, it is curable and preventable through medicine. The medication will be prescribed by the doctor according to the condition of the patient.

Living with TB

Diagnosing with TB doesn’t mean you cannot lead a normal life. The doctor will prescribe you some medicines which are to be taken on time. The doctor will ask you to stay at home so that you don’t spread the disease to other people.

During your TB treatment, you will require regular checkups to make sure the medication is working and to check any sort of side-effects associated with taking the medications. 

Treatment

TB is treatable but the bacteria dies very slowly from the body which approximately takes 6 months or so. If you are feeling well after taking medicines, it is good news! But you should continue to take the medication as prescribed the doctor. The reason for this is the bacteria might get alive in the body.

If you discontinue the medicine for any reason, the bacteria will grow and the disease may become serious and untreatable. Also, you will become infectious and spread the disease to other people.

Tuberculosis or COVID-19

Both TB and Covid-19 are airborne and infectious diseases and have the same symptoms like cough, fever and shortness of breath. Tuberculosis will have additional symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweat and fatigue. However, TB has a longer incubation period and the symptoms of TBappear gradually over the course of several weeks and persist if they are not treated. 

Conclusion

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has made people learn a lot of ways to protect themselves from getting infected by the virus. The precautionary measures will not only help to prevent Covid-19 but, also help to avoid other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis.

People should take some effective measures to protect themselves from these contagious diseases like washing hands frequently, using tissues while coughing or sneezing, using hand sanitizers, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and keeping a distance with people. These are all the SoPs already being followed in the recent times but we need to follow them rigorously.

The key is to practice a healthy lifestyle to build a strong immune system by following a vigorous regime of a balanced diet, regular exercise and proper rest so that your body fight backs with every kind of infection or virus and reduces the risk of any illness.