Tuberculosis awareness

Click the Anatomy of Health Banner to go back to the Main page.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs.

TB is airborne and spreads via droplets, of infected people, when they sneeze, cough, talk laugh or spit.

Visit your doctor or clinic as soon as possible if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:

Persistent cough longer than two weeks.
A lot of sputum which may be blood stained.
Chest pain. Night sweats.
Loss of appetite.
Loss of energy.
Coughing up blood.
Severe unintentional weight loss.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Shortness of breath.

Prevention:

Place your hand in front of your mouth when you cough.
Do not spit.
Use tissues once and discard into a dustbin.
Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
Houses should be properly ventilated.
Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation.

* Information courtesy of Netcare Mulbarton Hospital, 25 True North Road, 011 682 4300.