How To Prevent The Spread Of Tuberculosis

By Chinelo Eze

25 March 2022   |  
9:40 am

What do you know about the disease tuberculosis?  The World Health Organisation report, of 2020 witnessed a total surge of 1.5 million TB deaths. Tuberculosis has become the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. It is also the second ranking infectious killer after Covid-19,  above HIV/AIDS. Therefore this raises concerns  on the need to tackle…

Tuberculosis Photo CDC

What do you know about the disease tuberculosis? 

The World Health Organisation report, of 2020 witnessed a total surge of 1.5 million TB deaths. Tuberculosis has become the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. It is also the second ranking infectious killer after Covid-19,  above HIV/AIDS. Therefore this raises concerns  on the need to tackle this disease. 

Crucially, in order to limit the infectious nature of TB, people who are already infected need to take their medication diligently as directed. This will be followed by regular check-ups, sputum tests and X-rays and this is to get one fact clear, which is are the drugs working? Is TB still contagious through me?

Then if the tests show that the bacteria still lingers in your sputum despite the diligent treatments and drugs consumed, it might be plausible to change your medication, or even add some extra drugs to what you already have.

How do you protect yourself and particularly others around you from TB?

• After regular habits like coughing, sneezing, or touching your mouth or nose with your hands, wash your hands.
• Sleep in a room that is distant from other family members
• Always avoid coming in close contact with people
• While sneezing or coughing use a tissue to cover up and toss away the tissue in a sealed plastic bag and throwaway.
• Make sure to ventilate your room because TB can thrive in enclosed spaces. Put a fan in the window to blow away the air that might be contacted.

Vaccine 

Countries with high rates of TB often give TB vaccines  and BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) to babies and children, however arguments persist on the strength against TB. But it is believed that heightens protection from being exposed to TB in some parts of the body asides the lungs.  The strength of the vaccines could be different depending on where one is. 

However, BCG is not frequently given after the rate of TB in countries with low cases. Globally, palaces with high cases BCG are given to children from birth as part of the vaccine routines. It could be given at three months, while entering school and while leaving school. Although BCG should not be administered to an individual with Tuberculosis.

What are the positive reactions to a TB test for those with BCG vaccination?

• An individual in the family has tuberculosis 
• You may have been exposed to someone with TB
• It’s been a long time since your BCG vaccination
• Your skin reaction is large 

The vaccine has little or no side effects but it can cause a reaction in individuals who are sensitive and could last about three days. Another precaution to take with children going to TB high risk zones is taking the skin test and then the BCG vaccination if the test is negative.