When a person coughs, sneezes or talks, they are most likely to have Tuberculosis.If you have a weakened immune system or are in close contact with someone who is sick, you are more likely to get Tuberculosis.Tuberculosis is a serious condition, so it's a good idea to try to prevent it.
Step 1: Don't expose yourself to people with active Tuberculosis.
If you have already tested positive for Tuberculosis, it's important that you avoid being around people who are active in the disease.If someone is receiving treatment for less than two weeks, don't spend long periods of time with them.It's important to avoid spending time with patients in warm rooms.If you have to be around patients who are being treated for Tuberculosis, you will need to wear a face mask to avoid breathing in the disease.If a friend or family member has active Tuberculosis, you can help to rid them of the disease and reduce your own risk of contracting it by making sure that they follow treatment instructions.
Step 2: Do you know if you are at risk?
Some groups of people are more likely to develop Tuberculosis than others.If you are a member of one of these groups, you need to be aware of the risks of being exposed to Tuberculosis.People with weakened immune system, such as those with HIV or AIDs, are some of the main at-risk groups.There are people who live with or care for someone with active Tuberculosis.People who are homeless are served by healthcare and social workers.People born in areas with a high rate of Tuberculosis are included, as are people who have migrated within the last five years.People living in crowded, confined spaces include prisons, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.People who abuse drugs or have little or no access to health care.There are countries in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia that have active Tuberculosis.
Step 3: It's important to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The disease resistance of people in poor health is lower than that of healthy people.It's important to lead a healthy lifestyle.A balanced diet includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat.Fat, sugar and processed foods are not good for you.At least three to four times a week.Try to incorporate some cardiovascular exercise into your workouts.Don't smoke or take drugs if you cut down on alcohol consumption.It's best to get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night.Try to spend as much time outdoors as possible and keep good personal hygiene.
Step 4: The vaccine is needed to prevent Tuberculosis.
The vaccine helps prevent the spread of Tuberculosis among small children.The vaccine is not usually used in the US because of the low rates of infections.The vaccine isn't recommended as a routine immunization by the CDC.The CDC only recommends the vaccine for U.S. citizens in certain situations, such as when a child has been tested negative for Tuberculosis but will continue to be exposed to the disease, especially strains that are resistant to treatment.Tuberculosis strains that are resistant to treatment are more likely to be exposed to a healthcare worker.Tuberculosis is prevalent in another country.
Step 5: If you have been exposed to someone with Tuberculosis, schedule a test.
If you have recently been exposed to someone with active Tuberculosis, it is important to get in touch with your health care provider as soon as possible.The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) requires an injection of a solution between 8 and 10 weeks after contact with an infectious person.The patient needs to come back to the medical provider two or three days later.Although it's not as common as the skin test, the Tuberculosis blood test requires a single doctor visit and is less likely to result in misinterpretation by a medical professional.The vaccine can interfere with the tuberculin skin test, so it is necessary for anyone who has received the vaccine.You will need to have more testing if your test is positive.Health professionals will need to determine if you have a disease that is not infectious before starting treatment.A chest x-ray and a sputum test can be included in a test.
Step 6: Immediately begin treatment for Tuberculosis.
If you test positive, you should talk to your doctor about the best course of action.Although you don't feel sick with a latent Tuberculosis, you will probably be prescribed antibiotics to kill the inactive germs and prevent it from turning into an active disease.Taking isoniazid daily or twice a week is the most common treatment.Six or nine months is the length of the treatment.For those who can't tolerate isoniazid, taking rifampin for four months.
Step 7: Immediately begin treatment for active Tuberculosis.
If you test positive for active Tuberculosis, you need to begin treatment as soon as possible.Symptoms of active Tuberculosis include cough, sputum production, fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, chills, and a loss of appetite.Treatment for active Tuberculosis can last between six to twelve months with a combination of antibiotics.Isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide are some of the most common drugs used to treat Tuberculosis.If you have a drug-resistant strain, you will need to take a combination of these drugs.Resistance to isoniazid and rifampin should be monitored for two years after treatment.If you follow your treatment plan, you should feel better in a matter of weeks.If you don't finish your course of treatment, the Tuberculosis will remain in your system and become more resistant to drugs.
Step 8: Stay at home.
You need to take precautions if you have active Tuberculosis.You will need to stay at home from work or school for several weeks after your diagnoses to avoid sleeping or spending long periods of time in a room with other people.You shouldn't have visitors in the home until you're no longer infectious.
Step 9: Take out the room.
In enclosed spaces with stagnant air, the disease can be spread more easily.You should open any windows or doors to let fresh air in.You should not sleep in the same room with other members of the household.
Step 10: Take care of your mouth.
If you cough, sneeze or laugh, you need to cover your mouth.If you have to use your hand, use a tissue.
Step 11: The person is wearing a mask.
If you have to be around people, it's a good idea to wear a surgical mask that protects your mouth and nose for at least the first three weeks.The risk of you passing thebacteria to someone else is lessened by this.
Step 12: You need to finish your course of medication.
You have to finish whatever your doctor prescribes.Failing to do so gives the disease a chance to evolve and become more deadly.It is the safest option for you and those around you.