Tuberculosis remains a global health concern, affecting millions of people every year. India contributes to 25% of global tuberculosis cases. In 2024, more than 26 lakh tuberculosis cases were reported in the country. Now, it is imperative to control the spread of the disease to safeguard individual and public health before it turns into an epidemic. TB, an airborne disease, spreads in the air through a patient’s cough and sneeze.
To eradicate the disease, people must know how to prevent tuberculosis from spreading among individuals and communities. At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, we have a specialised medical team to provide complete treatment to the patients. They counsel the families on the treatment procedures and share preventive measures to stop further transmission.
Understanding Tuberculosis: An Overview
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily damages the lungs but can spread to other parts of the human body. Common symptoms are:
- Persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks)
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
The sneeze and cough droplets of an infected person, when inhaled by others, spread the disease. Left untreated, TB can be fatal. Hence, it is essential to know how to prevent tuberculosis disease. TB continues to be a global threat, especially in densely populated or resource-limited areas, underscoring the need for widespread prevention efforts.
How to Prevent Tuberculosis: Key Measures
Preventing the spread of tuberculosis is easy now that we have survived through COVID-19 epidemic. We must adopt practical strategies that lower the risk of exposure and transmission. Some of the key measures include:
- Maintain Good Personal Hygiene: wash hands regularly with soap and water to lower the risk of spreading germs.
- Wear Masks: While living and working in high-risk environments or surrounded by TB-infected people, wear a mask. It will prevent the spread of the disease.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Allow circulation of fresh air by opening windows of your living space. It will lower the airborne disease particle concentration.
- Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Maintain a safe distance from people diagnosed with TB, especially during the first few weeks of the treatment.
By following these preventive measures people can lower the chance of the spread of tuberculosis infection and spread. Recognising how to prevent tuberculosis is essential to safeguard both individual and community health.
Vaccination: The BCG Vaccine
The best way to prevent the occurrence and spread of TB is through vaccination. In countries where the prevalence of TB is high, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is commonly given to infants. It protects against the intense form of the disease in children, including TB meningitis. However, the vaccination is not highly effective against contracting TB in adulthood. It specifically includes pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs.
Government and local bodies must ensure that people in high-risk regions get the BCG vaccine. While there are various opinions about the effectiveness of the vaccine in adults, the vaccine is essential for prevention in childhood.
Preventing Tuberculosis from Spreading: Key Steps
To prevent the spread of tuberculosis, people must take active steps, specifically for people diagnosed with the disease.
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Timely detection of TB is the initial step to stop the spread of the disease. Take medical assistance if symptoms of TB appear.
- Strict Treatment Compliance: TB patients must adhere to the doctor’s treatment plan to avoid developing strains of drug resistance.
- Isolation: Patients should not come in touch with others in the first few weeks of treatment. They are most contagious at that time.
- Educate Family members: Family members and caregivers must learn how to prevent tuberculosis from spreading inside the household by maintaining hygiene and ensuring proper ventilation.
Following these precautionary steps helps control the spread of TB, both in domestic and public spaces.
Treatment Compliance: Stopping the Spread of TB
Follow the complete medical care prescribed for TB treatment. It is essential to prevent transmission of the disease. When people stop taking medicines at the initial stage of their treatment, they have a high chance of developing multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). It is difficult to treat and poses a greater risk to the public. Here are some tips to ensure treatment compliance:
- Ask someone to remind you about medication or set reminders for that.
- Use a pill organiser to monitor the doses.
- Follow-up with a medical practitioner for proper care
At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, TB patients get complete support. It helps them complete their treatment and assist in stopping the spread of the disease.
Strengthening the Immune System to Prevent TB Disease
A healthy immune system is essential for preventing the spread of TB infections. People who have a strong immune system can fight against the disease easily. Take the following measures to maintain a healthy immune system:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
People with low immune systems, like those who are HIV-positive, have a higher risk of developing TB. Strengthening immunity can help prevent the progression of the disease.
Why Choose Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre for TB Support?
At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, we provide holistic care and support to tuberculosis patients and their families. We offer personalised treatment programs that suit the physical requirements of each patient. Our team helps to teach people how to prevent tuberculosis and ensure that they comply with the treatment procedures. Jagruti Rehab assists patients recovering from the disease and managing the disease effectively by focusing on the following:
- Timely medical intervention
- mental health support
- patient education
Looking for expert TB care and support? Connect with us for comprehensive support, from diagnosis to recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Most people do not know how to prevent tuberculosis effectively. The best measures include regular hand washing, wearing masks, keeping the living areas well-ventilated and staying clear of contact with infected patients.
Keep the infected person isolated from other members of the household, wear masks, and keep doors and windows open to let fresh air enter the house. It helps to control the spread of the disease.
During the first few weeks of treatment, TB patients are very contagious. With the progress of the treatment, the risk of spreading the disease is reduced.
A strong immune system does not let TB become active. It reduces the chance of developing the disease.
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Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.
