On 24th March the world will be celebrating World TB Day. So, what do we really know about this disease?

It started out as a simple chest pain and you felt a little tired. Before long you were coughing blood. If you knew the signs of the Tuberculosis virus, you would suspect early that you have been infected. However, it is difficult to know if you are sick unless you know the symptoms.

March is the month for creating awareness of TB. It is a month to teach people about this disease which has claimed many lives over the years.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a killer disease, but it can be treated and prevented. TB affects mainly the lungs. It is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium which destroys the soft tissue of the lungs causing ‘holes’ in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe.

Anyone can be at risk of contracting this virus as it is passed from one person to another. When a person who has TB coughs, sneezes or spits, the Mycobacterium germ is present in the sputum coughed up. This germ is released into the air and can be easily be inhaled.

The good news, however, is that TB testing is free and like any other disease it needs to be treated to prevent it resulting in death. So it is advisable that when you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, you seek help at the clinic or hospital.

The disease can be cured with no complications. Nevertheless, medication must be started as soon as possible and it must be taken regularly according to the instructions given at the clinic.

Even though TB treatment can take up to six months, within two weeks of starting treatment, the germ will no longer be able to spread the disease.

Unfortunately, many people stop taking their medication as soon as they feel better which has resulted in further complications and even death in some cases.

Medical advice that the full six-month course of medication is completed is very important. Inconsistency in taking the treatment could cause TB to resist the drugs and it will then become very difficult to treat. It will then usually need more than 18 months of treatment and a longer stay in hospital. Even worse, if the medication is stopped too soon, the disease may start all over again.

By Nontobeko Mthethwa

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