Table of contents:
- Diagnosing tuberculosis
- Initial TB infection
- Latent TB Infection (latent or latent TB infection)
- Active tuberculosis
- Avoid and prevent the spread of TB
- 1. Stay home
- 2. Maintain air circulation
- 3. Cover mouth when coughing
- 4. Use a mask
Tuberculosis or better known as tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria from this disease spreads through the air from one person to another and mostly attacks the lungs, but does not rule out the possibility of invading other parts of the body. Then, is there a way to prevent TB?
Diagnosing tuberculosis
Of course, the first thing that must be done before preventing TB is to recognize the signs or symptoms of the person affected by the infection. Many do not realize that their bodies have the TB virus because they have not been tested. This is because there are no symptoms from latent Tuberculosis or latent tuberculosis.
Before going further and knowing how to prevent tuberculosis, let's first understand the three stages of this disease. The stages are as follows:
Initial TB infection
This stage occurs when bacteria first enter the body. Most people don't feel any symptoms. However, some people may experience fever or symptoms that occur in the lungs.
In general, a good immune system can beat TB infection. However, in some people, the bacteria remain in the body.
Latent TB Infection (latent or latent TB infection)
TB bacteria have entered the body and can be found through tests. However, these bacteria are inactive. When you are at this stage, you will not feel the symptoms and the bacteria will not spread to other people.
Active tuberculosis
TB bacteria are active and spreading. You will feel sick and can transmit this disease. It is important to seek treatment immediately to avoid complications and not spread to other people.
When you are in this third stage (active TB), you will begin to feel the symptoms. However, the symptoms you feel will not come immediately at the same time.
The first thing you may feel is a persistent cough or chest pain. In addition, the symptoms of active tuberculosis include:
- Feeling unwell
- Cough
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Chest pain
- Constrained breathing
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Easy fever
- Pain all over the body
- Fatigue
Avoid and prevent the spread of TB
A person with active TB in their lungs can transmit the disease through the air. That's why doctors advise people with tuberculosis to stay at home and stay away from the crowd as much as possible, until they are no longer infected.
If you have entered the active TB stage, anyone should immediately take medication. This process may include taking medications that can last 6 to 9 months.
To prevent TB from spreading or spreading, people around you can remind people with the following things:
1. Stay home
Try not to work or go to school and sleep in the same room with other people during the first few weeks of active TB treatment.
2. Maintain air circulation
Tuberculosis germs are more easily spread in small, closed rooms and air is not circulating.
3. Cover mouth when coughing
Use a tissue to cover your mouth whenever you laugh, sneeze, or cough. Put the used tissue in a plastic bag or trash can, then throw it away.
4. Use a mask
Using a mask when around people in the early weeks of treatment can reduce the risk of transmission.
