Things to Know About Tuberculosis and Its Prevention

by Aisha Kapoor Medical Laboratory Professional

Still a major concern, Tuberculosis (TB) disease caused by TB bacteria. The most crucial aspect is that it spreads from one person to others through air. This disease may affect the lungs and other body parts such as bones, kidneys, and brain. It can turn out to be fatal in case of negligence. There are two types of TB that include TB disease and TB infection. As with many other health conditions, TB prevention is the best treatment and cure. Though there is no certain way to completely avoid the spread of TB at present, there are a few measures that can be taken to decrease the spread of this disease.

The BCG vaccination

Also called as Bacille Calmette-Guérin, BCG is an active and live vaccine against TB. It is around 80% effective in preventing TB for 15 years. The BCG vaccination is also active against difficult types of TB in kids, with limited efficiency in adults over 35 age groups.

Initial stage diagnosis

Early diagnosis through tuberculosis test and cure is the best way to prevent the spread of tuberculosis disease. An individual with contagious tuberculosis can infect more than 12 other people every year. However, once diagnosed with TB at an early stage, and started the treatment, most people are no longer infected after just 15 days of taking the medicines.

Awareness

By finding and curing individuals with TB, one can prevent TB from passing it on to others. It is vital to raise awareness of TB, so patients with TB symptoms know about seeking the treatment.

Managing environment

Since TB is an airborne infection, bacteria are spread into the air whenever an infected person sneezes or coughs. The risk can be decreased by using natural lights, good ventilation, and good hygiene. In hospitals and other medical settings, TB spread is decreased using preventive masks and keeping infectious patients away from other individuals.

A tuberculosis test is also recommended for people to get early detection of the disease.