Today is World Tuberculosis day. I know you must have heard about Tuberculosis at least once. We will like to tell you more about tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a Contagious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It can affect almost any part of the body. It has both Extrapulmonary and Pulmonary effects. Due to this, Tuberculosis isn’t just a respiratory disease but more like a systemic disease.

According to Cdc TB infection is one of the most common infections in the world. It is estimated that nearly 2 billion people (about one fourth of the world’s population) are infected with M. tuberculosis. Every year, about 10 million people develop TB disease and 1.6 million people die of it.

How is this tuberculosis spread? this is through Inhalation and Ingestion of the bacteria. It can also be through inoculation through the skin and transplacental route.

Due to this we should avoid crowded places especially where someone is coughing. Wear a mask when you’re in susceptible area. The most important one is Tuberculosis Vaccine.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis? Remember we said that this disease can be both extrapulmonary and pulmonary infection. Therefore, the symptoms will be determined by where the infection is located. Symtoms of Infection in one organ is different from that of another organ. With this said, we have some symptoms which are typical for every TB infection, They are a persistent cough which lasts more than 3 weeks and usually brings Phlegm, which maybe bloody, night sweats, fever, tiredness and malaise, loss of appetite etc.

Treatment of tuberculosis is done by antibiotics therapy of 6 months. You have to visit your physician to prescribe the best antibiotics that is suitable and specific for TB infection.

Information about TB Vaccination:

The vaccine is called BCG vaccine which is given as a means of prevention of TB infection and is recommended for babies, children and adults under the age of 35 who are considered to be at risk of catching TB. The BCG vaccine can offer a protection against Tuberculosis for 15-20 years after the vaccination.

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