TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. 

                           An affected lung

Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes or sings.This can put tiny droplets with the germs into the air. Another person can then breathe in the droplets, and the germs enter the lungs and become infected; this is called latent TB infection.

The general symptoms of TB include; weight loss, feelings of sickness or weakness, loss of appetite, feeling tired or exhausted, fever, night sweats and feeling generally unwell. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood. 

 If TB has spread to another part of your body such as your glands (lymph nodes), bones or brain, you may also have other symptoms, including:swollen glands, body aches and pains, swollen joints or ankles, tummy or pelvic pain,constipation, dark or cloudy pee, a headache, being sick, feeling confused, a stiff neck and a rash on the legs, face or other part of the body.

The main treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months. If TB has spread to your brain, spinal cord or the area around your heart, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks. If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB) you usually need to take antibiotics for 3 to 6 months.

There is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) called the BCG vaccine. The (BCG) vaccine protects against TB. The BCG vaccine is commonly given to infants and children in countries with high rates of TB infections. It's recommended for some people who are at higher risk of catching TB or getting seriously ill from it.

Also having a healthy immune system is an important part of being able to fight off a TB infection. 

Individuals with active TB must quarantine at home to keep the disease from spreading. TB can spread through a community quickly. It is essential to stop the spread by strictly following quarantine recommendations.

Getting an early diagnosis of TB is the best way to prevent its spread. Screening for latent TB is recommended for anyone at greater risk of exposure to TB. 

Simple hygiene measures can help prevent the spread of TB. People with active TB need to cough or sneeze into disposable tissues to lower the risk of spreading the disease. Used tissues must be disposed of right away. Handwashing is important for individuals with TB and anyone who comes in close contact with them.