2022-11-25
Tuberculosis - The Comeback Kid?
When you think of tuberculosis, you might picture an old-timey disease that only affects people in developing countries. You might be surprised to learn that Tuberculosis (or TB, as it's often called) is making a comeback in developed countries like the United States. The number of TB cases in the US has been increasing since 1985.
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Why is this? There are a few reasons. First of all, TB is a disease that primarily affects people with weakened immune systems. And thanks to advances in medicine, people with HIV/AIDS and other conditions that weaken the immune system are living longer than ever before. That means there are more people out there who are susceptible to TB.
Another reason for the resurgence of TB is increased travel. With more people flying to different parts of the world for work and pleasure, it's easier for diseases to spread. And finally, there is a growing population of people who were born in countries where TB is common and then moved to the US.
So what can you do to protect yourself from this disease? Keep reading to find out!
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The symptoms of TB can vary depending on where in your body the infection is located. But some common symptoms include:
- A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
- Pain in your chest
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- No appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Sweating at night
If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. They can perform some tests to see if you have TB and, if so, prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for TuberculosisTuberculosis is treated with a combination of drugs that attack the bacteria causing the infection. It's important to take all of the drugs prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better after a few weeks. If you stop taking your medication too soon, the bacteria can become resistant to treatment and become even harder to get rid of. The good news is that most people who follow their treatment plan recover from TB completely. However, it can take several months for all traces of the infection to clear from your body. How You Can Prevent TuberculosisAlthough there is no vaccine for TB, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of getting infected: Get tested and treated for latent TB if you have it Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations Practice good hygiene habits like washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough Don't share food, drinks, cigarettes, or anything else that could transmit saliva Avoid close contact with anyone who has active TB If You Think You Have TuberculosisIf you think you might have TB, don't panic! The sooner you see a doctor and start treatment, the better. With proper medical care, you should make a full recovery and be able to live a healthy life.