24/08/2026
Tuberculosis
*1. What it is*: TB is a bacterial infection caused by _Mycobacterium tuberculosis_. It usually attacks the lungs but can affect brain, spine, kidneys too.
*2. How it spreads*: Airborne. When a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, bacteria spread through tiny droplets. You need prolonged close contact to catch it.
*You can’t get it from*: Sharing food, shaking hands, toilets, or touching surfaces.
*3. Latent vs Active TB*:
- *Latent TB*: Bacteria “sleeping” in your body. No symptoms, not contagious. 1 in 4 people worldwide have it.
- *Active TB*: Bacteria multiply + make you sick. This type is contagious.
*4. Symptoms of active TB*:
- *Lung TB*: Cough >2 weeks, often with blood, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite
- *Other organs*: Depends on location. TB meningitis = headache + confusion
See a clinic if cough lasts >2 weeks.
*5. Testing*:
1. *Sputum test* - cough sample checked for bacteria. GeneXpert test gives results in hours
2. *Chest X-ray* - looks for lung damage
3. *Skin test TST / Blood test IGRA* - mainly for latent TB
Test is free at most government clinics.
*6. Treatment*: *Must be prescribed. Must finish full course.*
- *Standard course*: 4-drug combo for 2 months, then 2 drugs for 4 months = 6 months total
- *Drugs*: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol
- *Critical rule*: Take every dose. Stopping early causes drug-resistant TB, which is harder + longer to treat
- *Drug-resistant TB*: Needs 9-24 months of stronger meds
*7. Prevention*:
1. *BCG vaccine* - given to babies. Prevents severe TB in kids but doesn’t always prevent lung TB in adults
2. *Ventilation*: Open windows. TB spreads less in fresh air + sunlight
3. *Treat latent TB*: Preventive pills for people exposed or at high risk
4. *Cover coughs* + wear a mask if you have active TB. Stay home first 2 weeks of treatment
5. *Get tested* if you’ve been around someone with TB
*8. High risk groups*: People with HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, smokers, close contacts of TB patients, healthcare workers
*9. Key facts*:
- TB is curable and preventable
- Not a “curse” or “spiritual attack” - it’s bacteria
- Treatment is free at government clinics in most countries
- You stop being contagious after ∼2 weeks of proper treatment
*Bottom line*: Cough >2 weeks + weight loss + night sweats? Test for TB. Take all your meds for 6 months. Open windows and cover coughs to protect others.
