Each of us can be infected with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease that continues around the world. From time to time we can hear about new cases of tuberculosis in the media. How to protect yourself against this disease and minimize the risk of contracting tuberculosis?

Getting infected with tuberculosisis fairly easy, but not as easy as catching a cold. According to experts , the risk of contracting TBis 50 percent when you work with a tuberculosis person 8 hours a day for half a year or 24 hours a day for 2 months. However, tuberculosis develops only in approx. 10 percent. people who have entered the body of tuberculosis bacilli, other people may be carriers of tuberculosis and not get sick with it throughout their lives.

How do you catch tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is caused by aerobic gram-positive bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) called bacilli or mycobacteria. After the bacteria enter the body, the disease develops in about 10 percent. infected. Tuberculosis is usually spread by airborne droplets, although infection can also occur through the ingestion and touch.

Three ways of transmitting Mycobacterium tuberculosis

  • droplet route- a sick person spreads bacteria when coughing or sneezing, which makes it easier for mycobacteria to enter the new organism
  • Ingestion- you get infected e.g. by drinking contaminated water or unboiled milk from cows infected with tuberculosis - mycobacteria in water, milk and meat die during cooking and pasteurization
  • through the skin- people who injure themselves while working, e.g. in mortuary or slaughterhouses, are at risk of such infection

Will the TB epidemic come back?

How CANNOT become infected with tuberculosis?

You cannot catch tuberculosis by shaking your hand, or - if you scrupulously follow the rules of hygiene (you scald the dishes, boil underwear and towels, disinfect items with which the patient has had direct contact). Always remember that mycobacteria are extremely resistant, they can survive several years in dust or soil. However, they quickly die under the influence of the sun.

How to avoid contracting tuberculosis?

To reduce the chance of contracting tuberculosis, avoid coughing and sneezing people, as well as poorly ventilated rooms. You have to avoid buying dairy products and meat at the bazaar, if they comefrom unknown manufacturers. You should also strengthen your general immunity, because getting sick to a large extent depends on your he alth and diet.

Who is at risk of developing tuberculosis?

The group of people exposed to tuberculosis especially includes children between the ages of 10 and 15, the elderly, malnourished or frequently slimming, abusing alcohol, drugs, diabetics, ulcers, smokers and the homeless.

Category:

Infectious diseases