New Delhi, June 7 (IANS). Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the major infectious diseases in the country. This disease mainly affects the lungs and can become a serious problem if not identified and treated in time. Health experts say that some people have a higher risk of getting TB than the general population. Such people should take special precautions and keep getting tested from time to time.
According to the National Health Mission (NHM), the risk of TB infection in certain categories of people is much higher than the general population. In such a situation, these people should take special care and get screened from time to time so that the disease can be caught in its early stages. TB is a completely curable disease, but early detection is very important.
Danger to a person who is in contact with a TB patient:- If there is a TB patient in the house or nearby, then the risk of infection increases greatly.
People suffering from malnutrition:- Due to weak immunity and lack of nutrients in the body, TB can spread easily among them.
Patients who have recovered from TB in the last 5 years: – The old disease may return again.
People suffering from HIV:- Due to weak immunity, TB can prove fatal for them.
Diabetic patients: The risk of TB increases if blood sugar is not controlled.
Persons above 60 years of age:- With increasing age the body’s immunity weakens. In such a situation, this risk increases with increasing age.
People who smoke or consume alcohol for a long time:- Consumption of cigarette or beedi makes the lungs weak. At the same time, both the liver and immunity of people who consume alcohol for a long time get damaged.
People living in crowded places or slum areas: People living in prisons, orphanages, old age homes etc. as well as people living in slum areas are at greater risk due to poor sanitation and living conditions.
The National Health Mission says that the above mentioned categories should be cautious as they are at higher risk of TB infection. Contact a doctor immediately if symptoms like cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue appear.
At the same time, for prevention, get regular health checkups done, eat good and nutritious food, stay away from smoking and alcohol. If you come in contact with a TB patient, start taking the medicine as per the doctor’s advice and take special care of hygiene.
–IANS
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