Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Tuberculosis commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in India.

The country has the largest number of TB cases in the world — over a quarter of the global TB burden. In 2016, 2.79 million people became ill from TB, and 435,000 died from it. India has the greatest number of new cases of TB.

There are more than 850,000 cases of TB each year in India that are either undetected or undertreated.

Early detection of TB, as in other infections is the key to proper treatment.

Following are the key symptoms of TB which should ring an alarm and the afflicted must immediately contact a doctor –

• Bad cough (lasting longer than 2 weeks)

• Pain in the chest.

• Coughing up blood or sputum (mucus)

• Fatigue or weakness.

• Loss of appetite.

• Weight loss.

• Chills.

• Fever.

A person who has an active disease in their lungs can spread it through the air. “Active” means the TB germs are multiplying and spreading in your body. If you’re in close contact with someone, who has it, you can get it. That’s why doctors advise those who have active TB disease to stay home and away from other people as much as possible until they are no longer infectious.

If you have active TB disease, you must get treated right away. This might involve taking a number of medications for 6 to 12 months. It’s important to take all of your meds, as they’re prescribed, the entire time --

even if you feel better. If not, you can get sick again. If you have TB germs in your body but they haven’t become active, you have what doctors call “latent TB.” You can’t spread the disease to others. But your doctor may still recommend that you take medications to keep the germs from becoming active. 

Remember, While TB is highly infectious, proper medical care can cure it.

However, the onus of halting its spread lies not only on healthcare professionals but also on the general public who can help by acting in a responsible manner and heeding professional advice.