Tuberculosis

Why is it important to overcome the social stigma associated with TB?
It is important that people with TB be visible in their communities, not hidden away.

How bad is TB nowadays? Do we have an epidemic?
More people die from TB than any other curable infectious disease in the world.

Who gets TB?
Because the TB bacillis is breathed in it can infect anyone, both rich and poor.

How can I know for certain if I have TB?
Health workers will arrange for analysis of your sputum.

Can TB be cured?
Patients are put on a course of treatment for a period of 6 to 8 months as soon as TB is diagnosed.

How do you know if TB is cured?
The sputum (matter spat out after a deep cough) of the TB patient should be tested at 2 or 3 months and again at 5 or 7 months.

What are the barriers in the fight against TB?
Poverty, HIV/Aids and the large number of infectious people are serious barriers in the fight against TB.

What is TB?
TB stands for Tuberculosis Bacillus, the bacterium which causes the disease.

How does TB spread?
TB is caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when someone who has infectious TB coughs or sneezes.

When must I suspect TB?
The most important symptoms of TB of the lung are: A cough which produces sputum or phlegm, unexplained loss of weight, abnormal sweating at night and tiredness.

Is TB a serious illness?
TB is the biggest cause of death to infectious disease in South Africa.

What happens when a patient does not drink his/her tablets regularly?
If a patient doesn't take their medication regularly he/she stays ill and infectious.

What about immunisation against TB?
The BCG vaccine given at birth is not that effective in preventing TB but it can help to prevent some of the really complicated types of TB.

What is the role of the employer?
The employer should be aware about TB and its symptoms and share this knowledge with the employee who may not always be as well informed.