In ancient times, many cities were protected by massive walls. Their security is at risk if enemies manage to breach even a small portion of the wall. 

Similarly, the human body resembles a city with walls. How well you take care of your defense system greatly influences how healthy you are.

The Department of Health (DOH) is committed to spreading information and awareness among people about the oldest infectious killer of humans – tuberculosis (TB).

According to the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) of the DOH, TB is caused by the bacteria called ‘Mycobacterium tuberculosis’ which affects the human lungs and even other organs such as the brain, kidneys, and the spine.

Eugenio Carlos Paragas, tuberculosis program manager at the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office, said in an interview that TB remains a serious threat to public health.

“Ang TB ay isa sa mga sakit na nakakahawa pa rin. Kapag ang isa ay nakalanghap ng mikrobyo galing sa isang tao na mayroong TB sa pamamagitan ng ubo (cough), bahing (sneeze), o dura (spit) nito ay pwede siyang magkaroon ng TB lalo na kung mababa ang kanyang resistensya,” he stated, adding that there are two types of TB conditions: Latent TB infection and TB disease.

Latent TB infection shows no symptoms and is not contagious. However, one may develop TB disease if he has poor nutrition – the germs will be active, and it can lead to death.

Paragas said that those with active TB can show any of the following symptoms:

·        Bad cough that lasts more than two weeks

·        Chest pain

·        Chills

·        Cough that puts out blood

·        Fever especially at night

·        Loss of appetite

·        Night sweats

·        Weakness or fatigue

·        Weight loss

Anyone may get TB but here is the good news, TB is curable and preventable.

A person with TB disease must strictly take the medicines directed and prescribed by his doctor to kill all the TB germs and prevent him from getting at risk or sick for a longer time.

“Sa TB ay may sinusunod tayong treatment protocol. Anim na buwan ang gamutan at kung araw-araw na nagti-take ‘yong pasyente ng gamot niya ay tuloy-tuloy din ang paggaling niya at may tendency na hindi na rin siya makapanghawa ng iba,” Paragas said, adding that drugs for TB can be availed of for free at an accredited TB-DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course) Centers.

Healthcare professionals advised the public that TB patients should not be discriminated. According to them, a person who has been receiving proper treatment for two weeks is no longer contagious.

To help protect yourself and others from TB infection and disease, Paragas shared infection prevention tips to follow:

·        Adopt proper ventilation at home or in the workplace.

·        Eat nutritious food and exercise regularly to keep your immune system strong.

·        Practice good hygiene.

·        Proper sanitation.

·        Simply cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Let us work together to beat this enemy. Following the above guidelines will help prevent the said disease. Extra precautions are needed not only for TB but also for other diseases.

Everyone can do a lot to safeguard themselves and others. Take care of your immune defenses and practice constant compliance not only for personal safety but also for the betterment of public health. (JCR/AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)