In a recent report, WHO claimed that TB infections now rival HIV/AIDS as leading cause of death from infectious diseases. The report found that during 2014, 1.1 million people died of TB in 2014. During the same period, HIV/AIDS killed 1.2 million people globally, including 400,000 who were infected with both HIV and TB. “The good news is that TB intervention has saved some 43 million lives since 2000,” the director of the WHO TB program, Dr Mario Raviglione, told Reuters. Raviglione insisted that it is time to start funding TB at a level that can make even more of a difference in curbing global deaths.Although you may feel better, if you don’t finish treatment the TB bacteria are still in your body. You could become seriously ill, develop drug-resistant TB or pass TB on to others. Remember – TB can be fatal. Finishing treatment is the only way to cure tuberculosis completely. However, during treatment for TB, eat healthy foods and get enough sleep and some exercise to help your body fight the infection. If you are losing too much weight, eat balanced meals with enough protein and calories to help you keep weight on. If you need help, ask to talk with a registered dietician. If you do not feel like eating, eat your favourite foods. Eat smaller meals several times a day instead of a few large ones.
Drink high-calorie protein shakes between meals. Or try nutritious drinks, such as Ensure. If you feel sick to your stomach, try drinking peppermint or ginger tea. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to exercise. When you can go outside, walking is good way to get exercise. Start slowly if you have not been active. Try one 20-minute or two 10-minute walks to start. Slowly increase your time. Try to walk as often as you can. Also, because TB treatment takes so long, it is normal to have emotional issues, hence, don not be: Embarrassed about having TB and worried that other people will find out about it. Feel bad because people have to wear a mask to keep from getting infected when they are near you.
Feel isolated and alone because you cannot go to work, school, or public places until you can no longer infect other people. Be worried about losing income or losing your job during treatment. You may also worry about paying for your medicines and doctor visits. Feel guilty about the stress this is causing to family members or friends who are worried about getting TB or already have it. On a final note if you feel depressed, your doctor can help you find a counsellor or social worker to help you cope with your feelings. If you cannot afford counselling or treatment, there may be places that offer free or less costly help.
To protect others: Don’t go to work or school while you can spread the TB infection. Sleep in a bedroom by yourself until you can no longer infect other people. Open windows in a room where you must stay for a while, if the weather allows it. This can help get rid of TB bacteria from the air in the room. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Until you have been on antibiotics for about 2 weeks, you can easily spread the disease to others. After coughing, dispose of the soiled tissue in a covered container. Talk with your doctor about other precautions you can take to prevent the spread of TB.
Source:Leadership Online
