What is Tuberculosis (TBC)? - Feat. Indonesian Red Cross

Summary

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious and deadly disease caused by the *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* bacterium, primarily affecting the lungs but also other parts of the body. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include persistent cough, blood in sputum, night sweats, and weight loss. Risk factors include close contact with TB patients, smoking, living in crowded environments, and weakened immune systems. TB is treatable with a six-month course of medication. Preventive measures include BCG vaccination, good hygiene, and proper coughing etiquette. The video emphasizes the importance of prevention and community awareness.

Takeaways

• 😀 TB stands for Tuberculosis, a contagious and deadly disease caused by the bacterium 'Mycobacterium Tuberculosis'.
• 😀 TB primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, intestines, bones, and the lining of the brain.
• 😀 The disease spreads through airborne droplets of sputum and saliva when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs or sneezes.
• 😀 TB germs can survive in humid, low-sunlight environments, making such areas higher risk for transmission.
• 😀 Common symptoms of TB include persistent coughing (lasting more than two weeks), coughing up blood, night sweats, high fever (above 38°C), and significant weight loss.
• 😀 People at higher risk of contracting TB include those in close contact with TB sufferers, smokers, people in crowded or humid conditions, HIV/AIDS patients, alcohol drinkers, the elderly, and those with diabetes.
• 😀 TB can be cured with a six-month course of anti-Tuberculosis drugs.
• 😀 Prevention of TB transmission includes immunizing infants with the BCG vaccine, ensuring proper ventilation and sunlight in living areas, and practicing good hygiene (covering mouth when coughing or sneezing).
• 😀 Maintaining a clean environment, eating nutritious food, and avoiding careless spitting also contribute to preventing TB.
• 😀 In case of a TB outbreak, follow government announcements and health guidelines broadcast through TV, radio, and other media.
• 😀 If someone shows signs or symptoms of TB, it's important to refer them to a healthcare facility for testing and treatment.

Q & A

What does TB stand for?

TB stands for Tuberculosis, a contagious and potentially deadly disease caused by a bacterial infection called 'Mycobacterium Tuberculosis'.

What organs can TB affect besides the lungs?

Besides the lungs, TB can also affect the lymph nodes, intestines, bones, and even the lining of the brain.

How is TB transmitted?

TB is transmitted through airborne droplets of sputum and saliva when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs or sneezes.

What are the common signs and symptoms of TB?

Common symptoms include coughing for more than two weeks, coughing with blood, night sweats, fevers above 38°C, and drastic weight loss.

Who is at risk of contracting TB?

People at risk include those in close contact with TB sufferers, smokers, those living in crowded and humid environments, people with HIV or AIDS, alcohol drinkers, the elderly, and those with diabetes.

Can TB be cured?

Yes, TB can be cured with a six-month course of anti-Tuberculosis drugs. However, prevention is a better focus than treatment.

What are some ways to prevent TB transmission?

TB can be prevented by immunizing babies with the BCG vaccine, ensuring proper ventilation and sunlight, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, keeping your environment clean, eating nutritious meals, and avoiding careless spitting.

Why is it important to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing?

Covering your mouth helps prevent the spread of TB germs through airborne droplets, reducing the risk of transmission to others.

What should you do if you find someone showing signs and symptoms of TB?

If you find someone with TB symptoms, it's important to refer them to a health facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How can you stay informed about a TB outbreak?

In the case of a TB outbreak, government announcements will be made through TV, radio, and other media, advising the public on necessary actions.