Be a Leader for TB-free world

1. Vaccination:

The vaccine called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) was first developed in the 1920s. It is routine practice in India to give BCG vaccine at birth. It is also recommended by Indian Academy of Pediatrics.  It is a part of the national childhood immunization programme in India.

The BCG vaccine provides excellent protection against the disseminated forms of TB in children. However, protection against pulmonary TB in adults is variable. Since most transmission originates from adult cases of pulmonary TB, the BCG vaccine is generally used to protect children, rather than to interrupt transmission among adults. So it is more useful to protect children against the severe form of TB. 

So, Vaccinate all children with BCG vaccine at birth in India.

2. Education:

Educate all general population regarding TB symptoms, diagnostic methods and to take proper and full treatment.

a) Symptoms of pulmonary TB:

  • A cough more than two weeks
  • Fever, body ache
  • A decrease in appetite and weight loss
  • Sweating at night times
  • Sometimes blood in a cough
  • Sometimes breathlessness

b) Diagnosis:

  • Diagnosis of choice for TB is Sputum test for Smear or culture or any respiratory sample
  • X-ray or CT scan help to differentiate other disease or to help in the diagnosis of TB
  • Other blood tests are non-specific and generally should be avoided.

c) Treatment:

  • Proper treatment from 6 to 9 months should be taken as per doctors/pulmonologist guidance without any interruptions
  • Full dose with quality medicines should be taken.

3. Preventing TB transmission in households:

In order to reduce exposure in households where someone has infectious TB, the following actions should be taken:

  • Houses should be adequately ventilated;
  • Anyone who coughs should be educated on cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene, and should follow such practice at all times;
    • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. 
    • This can be done with a tissue, or if the person doesn’t have a tissue they can cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow, but they should not cough or sneeze into their hands. The tissue should then be safely disposed of.
  • While smearing positive, TB patients should: Spend as much time as possible outdoors;
    • If possible, sleep alone in a separate, adequately ventilated room;
    • Spend as little time as possible on public transport;
    • Spend as little time as possible in places where large numbers of people gather together.

4. Diet and Lifestyle Modification:

  • Eat healthy, Protein and green leafy vegetables rich diet.
  • Maintain proper hygiene. Wash hands frequently and after coming back home.
  • Avoid all type of tobacco and avoid tobacco smoking
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