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Facts About TB

( TB can be prevented and cured )

      Symptoms

Did you know?  

  • That Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that can be cured with the correct treatment.

  • It can easily be passed from one person to another.

  • That TB is caused by a germ.

  • That an unidentified case of TB or a patient not taking regular treatment spreads infection of TB to others.

  • That the TB germs in a patient who does not take regular treatment, become stronger and even more dangerous to the patient and those around the patient.

  • That all infected persons would not necessarily contract the disease – this depends on your bodily resistance to germs.

  • That an infected person spreads TB germs by coughing, sneezing or spitting carelessly. These germs spread in the air and can be breathed into the lungs of a healthy person who may then develop TB sores in the lungs.

  • That TB can also affect other parts of the body when they are carried from the lungs in the bloodstream. 

  • That a person on regular, supervised treatment does not spread germs.

  • That TB is 100% curable.

  • That treatment of TB does not stop you from pursuing your daily activities.

  • That you do not have to go into hospital for the treatment.

  • That treatment is free.


Can you recognise the symptoms of TB?  

  • A cough that does not get better after 3 weeks.

  • Sweating at night even when it is cold.

  • Loss of weight and appetite.

  • Tiredness and difficulty in breathing.

  • Pain in chest or upper back.

  • Blood in your urine.


How to stop the spread of TB  

  • NEVER spit.

  • NEVER cough without covering your mouth.

  • Always use a tissue or a handkerchief.

  • While on TB treatment, a person does not spread TB.

  • A person with untreated TB or interrupted treatment may infect 10 – 20 other people every year.

  • Be responsible and complete the treatment the first time. This is your best option.


IF YOU DO HAVE TB, YOU MUST  

  • Get treatment - it is free!

  • Finish your 6-month treatment even if you are feeling better.

  • If you move, make sure that you go to a clinic in your new area and continue your TB treatment.

  • Support the DOTS system and volunteer to become a DOTS worker yourself.


DANGER  

If you do not finish your treatment, you might get multiple drug TB and you may even die! Multi drug resistant TB costs the country a lot more to cure and up to 50% of these patients will die from TB. Complete your treatment the first time round.