Tuberculosis With March being TB Awareness Month, ER24 advises people who suspect they have developed TB to seek medical attention. People diagnosed with the illness are urged to take their medication as prescribed by their medical practitioner.
Healthcare workers are reminded to take special care when attending to patients. Due to the nature of their work, healthcare workers are more at risk of developing infections than the general population. Any patient could potentially have untreated TB. It is standard practice for healthcare workers to wear an N95 or FFP2 mask when treating TB patients, especially if the patient’s response to treatment is unknown. Dr Vernon Wessels, from ER24, said that if a patient does not require oxygen therapy, it is practical for the patient to wear an N95 mask when in close contact with people while still infectious as it contains the TB germ and prevents spread to
other people. “Some N95 masks are fitted with an expiration valve to make it more comfortable for wearers as a person does not have to exhale through the filter
Latent TB
Many people have latent TB. They have the TB germ but their immune system prevents it from turning into active TB. You will not have symptoms and it is not infectious. Latent TB can however, change to active TB if your immune system weakens.
material. “This type of mask will not work if a TB patient wears it as their expired air with the TB germs would exit through the valve and into the atmosphere,” said Dr Wessels. Remember that there is a greater chance of TB spreading in small spaces, overcrowded and poorly ventilated areas. If it is suspected that a patient has untreated TB, take them to an area where they will not be in close contact with other people if possible. It is vital for healthcare workers to go for testing if they experience symptoms. If test results are positive, it is important that healthcare workers start treatment immediately and continue taking their medication until the treatment is completed.
Symptoms Prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, weight and appetite loss, tiredness, weakness, chest pain and coughing up blood.
Below are some facts about TB that people should take note of: • TB, an infectious disease that is spread through the air, is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Respiratory spread occurs when a person who has active TB coughs, sneezes or spits. • TB usually affects the lungs however, it can affect other parts of the body such as the brain and kidneys. • People who are HIV
According to the World Health Organization, TB is a top infectious disease killer worldwide. Sadly, South Africa is said to be among the countries with the highest burden of TB in the world. positive, diabetic or smokers have a higher chance of developing TB. • There is a greater chance of TB spreading in small spaces, overcrowded and poorly ventilated areas. • A person only contracts the illness if they inhale TB germs. It cannot be
contracted by shaking hands, touching toilet seats or sharing food. • To prevent the spread of TB, always turn away from others and cough into your arm or into a tissue. Dispose off the tissue immediately. • Although TB is contagious, it is not easy to catch. A person is more
likely to get TB from someone they live or work rather than from a stranger. • Most people with active TB are no longer contagious if they had appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks. Hence the importance of taking the medication as prescribed.