GOOD HEALTH
How to manage TB
World Tuberculosis Day is on 24 March – here ’ s what you need to know about this disease .
South Africa has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis ( TB ) in the world . According to the World Health Organization , around 454 000 South Africans were affected by TB in 2015 – but there are still a lot of myths about this disease .
What is TB ? TB is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body , such as the spine and the brain . It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The bacteria spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air when someone with the infection coughs and sneezes . However , remember that even though it ’ s contagious , it isn ’ t easy to catch . Most people will only get it after repeated contact with an infected person .
What is latent TB ? This is when you have a TB infection , but the bacteria aren ’ t active , so you don ’ t show any symptoms . At this stage the TB is not contagious . But it can turn into active TB , so it still needs to be treated .
Common symptoms
• Coughing that lasts three or more weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain , or pain when breathing or coughing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Loss of appetite . It ’ s crucial to see a doctor as soon as you notice that these symptoms are not getting better . It ’ s also important to know that people with a compromised immune system , like those with HIV , are more at risk of contracting TB .
Get help now
If you suspect you have TB or need any TBrelated advice , contact the South African National Tuberculosis Association at santa . org . za or call 011 454 0260 .