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TB is an infectious disease that affects the lungs and several organs of the human body like the brain, kidneys and bones. When the body is weak and the immune system is low due to illness or poor nutrition, the TB germ multiplies and causes sores or holes in the lungs.

TB has become a very common infection in patients with AIDS.

Symptoms to watch out for are :

• Persistent dry cough
• Tiredness, weakness of the whole body
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Night sweats, even when its cold
• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood

At first, the disease may be symptom free, but once the lungs are infected, it becomes contagious - and is easily spread to others through coughing or sneezing.

How does TB spread?

The TB germ is carried in the air and when a TB patient coughs, sneezes or spits these germs are breathed in by a healthy person who may then develop TB. TB can also affect other parts of the body when the germ is carried from the lungs by the bloodstream.

Treatment

There are many injections and pills that are used to treat TB, all of which are supplied free of charge to patients by health clinics. Once diagnosed, regular treatment is an absolute must and the patient must continue with the treatment for as long as the doctor, nurse or clinic advises.

Prevention is better than cure!

Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

Do not spit - spitting spreads TB.

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