What is tuberculosis? How can it be prevented?

March 24, 2024 is the 29th World Tuberculosis Day. The theme of this year is "You and I work together to end the tuberculosis epidemic", which aims to advocate that the whole society pay attention to tuberculosis prevention and control, continuously improve health awareness, and jointly end the tuberculosis epidemic.

01.What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common form. The general population is susceptible to tuberculosis, and key groups such as the elderly and students are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.

02.How is tuberculosis transmitted?

Pulmonary tuberculosis is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract. When a tuberculosis patient coughs, sneezes or speaks loudly, Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads into the air, and healthy people may be infected by inhaling droplets carrying bacteria. When the body's resistance is reduced, it may develop into a tuberculosis patient. People who live, work or study with tuberculosis patients are close contacts of tuberculosis patients and may be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They should go to the hospital for examination and elimination in time.

03. What are the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis? Coughing and expectoration for more than 2 weeks, hemoptysis or blood in sputum are the main symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, chest pain, low-grade fever in the afternoon, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite or weight loss are also common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis.

04. What should I do if I have tuberculosis? If you have tuberculosis, you should take the initiative to report it to the school and contact the counselor in time. Never hide your illness in class. At the same time, receive standardized treatment and go through the procedures for taking a leave of absence (returning to school) in accordance with relevant regulations. Be sure to take medicine on time and go to the hospital in time if adverse reactions occur. Never stop taking medicine at will. If tuberculosis patients are not treated in a standardized manner, they are prone to drug-resistant tuberculosis. Once the patient is drug-resistant, the cure rate is low, the cost of treatment is high, and the social harm is great. Tuberculosis is not terrible. We must use an optimistic and positive attitude to build confidence in treatment. As long as we adhere to standardized treatment, most tuberculosis can be cured.

05.How to prevent tuberculosis?

The "Guidelines for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in Chinese Schools (2020 Edition)" jointly issued by the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Education explains 9 core information on school tuberculosis prevention and control, covering the key points of tuberculosis prevention and control on campus.

1. Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that seriously endangers the health of the people over a long period of time.

2. Tuberculosis is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, and anyone can be infected.

3. If you have cough and sputum for more than 2 weeks, you should suspect that you have tuberculosis and seek medical attention promptly.

4. Do not spit anywhere, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wear a mask to reduce the spread of tuberculosis.

5. If you have suspected symptoms of tuberculosis or are diagnosed with tuberculosis, you should actively report it to the school, not conceal your illness or attend classes while sick.

6. When visiting the hospital, you should tell the doctor your true information truthfully.

7. After undergoing standardized and comprehensive treatment, the vast majority of tuberculosis patients can be cured and avoid infecting others.

8. Develop the habit of opening windows frequently for ventilation.

9. Ensure adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and increased physical exercise to improve your ability to resist disease.