Can You Get TB? Find Out Who’s Most at Risk and What to Do

Tuberculosis (TB) is a dangerous infectious disease that not only affects lungs but can also spreads to various parts of the body.When an infected person coughs or sneezes,the bacteria is released and it spreads through air.If it is treated properly,TB can be cured.But it requires a long-term commitment to medication.

Who Is More Likely to Get TB?

TB does not affect everyone equally. Some people are at higher risk and they are mentioned below:

-People with diseases like HIV or diabetes generally have a weaker ability to fight against infections and make them more prone to TB.

-In addition to smoking,chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing TB.

-People who do not have a balanced diet or those who suffer from malnutrition are more prone to TB.

– Pregnant women & new mothers immunity is naturally weaker and has more chances of getting infected.

– Overcrowded spaces with poor ventilation allow TB bacteria to spread quickly.

How Does TB Spread?

As TB is an airborne disease,it spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even speaks.This bacteria are released into the air and is inhaled by others. Close contact with TB patients increases the risk of infection.

Some of common symptoms of TB are persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks),fever,unexplained weight loss,extreme Fatigue & weakness,loss of Appetite,sweating at night and coughing up blood (in severe cases).

Intestines, brain, lymph nodes and reproductive organs are the other parts of the body which gets affected by TB.Long-term fever as well as confusion and loss of consciousness are the effects when brain is affected by TB

How to Prevent TB?

– BCG Vaccine is given to newborns and this helps to reduce the severity of TB if contracted later in life.

– A healthy immune system can fight TB bacteria better.So try to maintain a balanced diet.

-Its better to avoid close contact with TB patients and ensure there is good ventilation at home.

– If a person is diagnosed with TB,take proper medications for the full duration, even if you feel better.

Depending on severity,TB treatment usually lasts six months to a year.Some patients stop taking medicine due to side effects.But discontinuing treatment can worsen the disease. So it is always advisable to complete the entire treatment to fully recover and thus prevent TB from returning.