A bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis causes the disease tuberculosis (TB). The bacterium mostly affects the lungs, but via the bloodstream, it may go to other body organs to colonise and infect. Other body organs where TB bacterium infects are the liver, gastrointestinal (GI) system, musculoskeletal system, lymphoreticular system (lymphoid and phagocytic system), skin, central nervous system, reproductive system, and respiratory system. TB is still a major cause of death on a global scale. Prevention plays a vital role in decreasing the spread of TB.
Ways to prevent tuberculosis
TB mainly spreads through the inhalation of infected aerosol droplets.
The following measures can prevent tuberculosis —
Conclusion
TB is a preventable and curable disease. Good hygiene practices, vaccination, proper ventilation, and exposure to natural light reduce the spread of TB. Less awareness about TB and its spread, delayed diagnosis, and reduced accessibility to the right medicines can be detrimental. However, proper treatment at the right time can get expensive. This is where health insurance can swoop in like a superhero and save the day.