No, It Is Not Genetic
Then dr. Erlina went on to emphasize the need of constantly educating the people that TBC is a communicable disease, not genetic, and that anyone can catch it. Who has the highest risk of infection then?
“That would be people who have close physical contact with a patient – people living in the same house, family members, health workers handling them. Next would be people near them who suffer from HIV, are advanced in age, suffer from diabetes mellitus, are smokers, or are children. 85% of the bacteria attack the lungs, while the remaining 15% may attack the intestines, glands, brains, or the skin. Initial symptoms include a fever with a slight temperature, listlessness, getting tired easily, night sweats, and most importantly, a cough that persists for at least two weeks.
As the bacteria causes holes in the blood vessel network in the lungs, they may cough out phlegm mixed with blood. Do not hesitate or be embarrassed, this is literally a matter of life and death: go to the doctor immediately to get treatment. If you take your medication properly every day for six consecutive months, you will kill off all the bacteria, and consequently will stop being an infection risk to the people around you,” dr. Erlina answered.
With the average duration of medication being at least six consecutive months of consuming the drug daily, repeating from scratch if you miss a day, and multiple side effects, patients tend to stop complying with the regime in the middle. Possible anti-TBC drug side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, joint pains; a sensation of persistent throbbing or burning in the feet, urine turning red, skin becoming red, dry, and itching, balance disorder; sight and hearing disorders.
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“Usually, the patient will feel better – appetite returned, weight regained – after two months of obedient medication. They will mistakenly think that they are cured, then stop the regime. This is the time for the family to give extra support – to make sure that the patient finishes their medication regime and not allow it to degenerate into drug-resistant TBC. Once you become resistant to medication, you will have to consume more types of drug for a longer time – even as long as two years,” dr. Erlina said.
Complying with the medication regime if you should be infected is a tiresome hassle. It’s best that you prevent getting TBC infection by strengthening your immune system and wear filter masks when going out, especially in public areas. Avoid crowds and keep a safe distance too. (est)