Be mindful! – Tuberculosis is still very much alive in our midst! COVID and Tuberculosis seem to have similar symptoms, and because of the current impact of COVID’s sting on society worldwide, a tendency to overlook TB’s nature and effect may prevail.
Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness
Let us remember TB infection has affected one-quarter of the world’s population. This number shows that many people have TB bacteria. They have the disease and cannot transfer it. The bacteria usually invade the lungs and not the kidney, spine, and brain. So, not everyone with TB bacteria becomes sick, but if not treated properly, this disease can be fatal.
A compromised immune system most likely has a 5-10% lifetime risk of falling ill. Those who have been using tobacco, malnourished, diabetes, or people living with HIV have a higher risk. Many seem to delay seeking help because symptoms such as cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss are mild in the early months.
It results in the transmission of the bacteria to others. Anyone with active TB can transmit to 5-15 other people by close contact in a year. Without proper treatment, 45% of HIV-negative people are at risk, and HIV-positive people will die with TB.
Let’s #EndTB Now!
TB is a treatable and curable disease, but people need to give proper care and prompt attention. The key is consistent health interventions through medicine, nutrition, and enough rest. Let us continue to fight this disease. When we focus on getting free from the TB virus, we focus on living a healthy life.
A healthy life leads to less risk of being infected by a virus or any disease. Healthy life practices a healthful lifestyle – which in turn makes us more productive. A healthy life of one person makes a productive nation. Be aware of TB and its nature for a better life ahead.
Thank You Johnson & Johnson Philippines for sending this care package. Let us all #EndTB now and join #JNJPhilippines in raising awareness and help extend our support to health workers and patients as they reach more milestones in their journey to a happier, healthier life.
I honestly don’t know much about TB. I do know I’ve been asked before if I’ve been tested and have to fill out a risk factor form at my kids pediatrician now and then. So, obviously, there’s a need here to raise awareness!
Author
Most of us are not really aware of what TB can cause us and our loved ones. This awareness campaign is really helpful.
It’s so important to know what can effect you, this is really helpful.
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Yes. Being well informed pays off!
This information is sobering! As a Doctor of Physical Therapy practicing for over 40 years, I can say that I TB is very much front-of-mind. Thanks for sharing this important public health information!!
Author
Thank you and you’re welcome Didi!
I had no idea that TB and Covid had similar symptoms! I’ll have to look into that more.
Author
Most of the times, infections have the similar symptoms unless tested. By then, we will know what in particular we have.
TB is pretty real here, so there is a lot of information available. Thankfully it can be managed easier now than it could be.
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At some locations, they don’t take this seriously. Glad to know you have many information available for you and this is curable.
It’s great you are raising awareness about this. Rest and nutrition can help with so many different conditions and are always a good idea.
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That is true! Being cautious about our health and nutrition is a good step to a longer life.
In early 2020 my mum came down with Whooping cough that is very similar, you forget that there illnesses are still about.
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I hope your mom is better now
I had pneumonia as a kid and I have asthma my whole life so I’m really terrified of lung-related diseases. You’re right, we can end TB with a healthy lifestyle. I’m lucky that I’m already implementing healthy habits into my lifestyle. Thanks for the reminder that we can never be too careful! 🙂
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Happy to know that Gail! I have friends who has the same condition with yours and shifted to health living too!
TB is still very much a threat especially these days. I just hope that people would stop the stigma when it comes to people with TB so that they can seek treatment without feeling prejudiced.
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I share the same sentiment Ivan
Thanks for this post. TB is not even on my radar so really appreciate this.
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Glad to share this with all of you Laura
So important to raise awareness on. You’ve made a great point with COVID being so prevalent that TB diagnosis can go overlooked. Thank you for sharing!
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Glad to share this awareness to everyone. You’re welcome Catherine!
I think with the pandemic we’re all going to be more conscious of catching things from others when out and about. But I had no idea it could be that fatal x
Author
This pandemic made us more cautious and that’s one good thing that happened.
This information is really helpful. I must admit I did not know much about TB and did not know it had similar symptoms to Covid – that’s very handy to know!
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Happy to share this information!
I can’t say I am familiar with TB, as I am unaware of any cases in anyone I have known. It is interesting to learn some more. I remember getting TB tests as a kid though!
It’s surprising that TB is still a topic of discussion. This is an eye opener.
Those lung plushies are so cute! Thank you for sharing such an important topic.
I wish we were taught more about TB. Thanks for this enlightening post.
I agree TB awareness is important, especially now that we’re facing the COVID pandemic.
I really didn’t know much about TB. Your article shared great information about it.