August 19, 2022 is the National Tuberculosis Awareness Day. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a species of bacteria that causes the infectious illness tuberculosis (TB). When TB affects another organ of the body except for the lungs, it is referred to as extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. TB most frequently affects the lungs, which is known as pulmonary tuberculosis.
To significantly reduce the TB problem, the Department of Health will work with various sectors to develop and implement a comprehensive national strategic plan. This plan will include plans for high-risk groups, increase the current TB control workforce, and offer technical and logistical support to LGUs and the private sector.
The Department of Education, Culture, and Sports will step up a campaign designed to raise awareness of TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment among students and their families.
The Comprehensive Health Care Agreement with DOH calls on the local government units to guarantee that people with TB symptoms have access to diagnostic services, including sputum examination, and, most critically, anti-TB drugs mechanism to assure completion of treatment.
A bacterial infection caused TB. Pulmonary TB, the most contagious type of TB, typically only spreads after extensive contact with an infected person. The immune system, the body's natural defense against infection and disease, kills the germs in the majority of healthy people, and no symptoms appear.
Active TB symptoms and signs include:
- Coughing for three weeks or longer
- bleeding or mucous when coughing
- Chest pain, breathing difficulty, or coughing pain
- unintentional loss of weight
- Fatigue
- Fever
- sweats at night
- Chills
- decreased appetite
You can protect your health and help in preventing the spread of TB by following to medical recommendations regarding TB testing and treatment.
PDO I Kimberly Tanador, RND
References:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1996/07/30/proclamation-no-840-s-1996/
Tuberculosis
https://www.healthline.com/health/tuberculosis#symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250
