Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that most often affect the lungs but can also damage other parts of the body. It can spread through the air when an individual with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms may include bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer, weight loss, loss of appetite, coughing up blood or mucus, weakness or fatigue, fever or night sweats.
In Asia, Philippines had the highest TB incidence in 2019 with 554 cases per 100,000 people, according to World Health Organization (WHO) report. Roughly, TB caused 74 Filipinos to die every day and is among the top 10 causes of death in the country.
March 24 of every year is World TB day to educate the public about the impact of the global epidemic of tuberculosis around the world and raise awareness on TB prevention and control of this devastating disease. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘The Clock is Ticking’ which prompts global leaders that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments made to end TB.
TB is curable and preventable. Skin tests, blood tests, x-rays, and other tests can tell if you have TB. Health professionals advised people with TB to take the prescribed medicines for a period of time to kill the bacteria and prevents it from coming back.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unfortunately taking away our attention in providing the needed diagnosis, medication, and care to people suffering from TB. Providing attention to your nutrition wellness will play an important part of your TB treatment. The nutrients you get from the food you eat helps rebuild your muscle tissue, increase your strength and make your body recover faster. The Pinggang Pinoy is a healthy plate that identifies three basic food groups from which consumers can choose a variety of healthy foods to get all the nutrients needed to support recovery. The 10 Kumainments is composed of messages to help encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyle.
It is likewise important to drink sufficient amount of fluids to flush away toxins and body waste from the disease and medicines. Taking a lot of rest is also encourage for faster recovery of your body.
Let’s involve ourselves for a positive and effective global campaign to end TB. (NOI Laurito/OIC-NPC Flores)
#TheClockIsTicking #TBTargets2022 #WorldTBDay
