World Tuberculosis Day March 24

Who is at Risk?

Anybody can be infected, but those at high risk for developing active TB include:

> People who are sick with other diseases like diabetes and have a weakened immune system

> Babies and young children

> People who take injectable illegal drugs

> Elderly people

Tips to Avoid Getting Sick.

* Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly to avoid the spread of bacteria and viruses.

* Use a tissue or a handkerchief. Don’t cover your mouth with your hand when sneezing or coughing. Germs and viruses cling to bare hands when muffling coughs and sneezes, and often result in passing along the germs to others.

* A warm salt water gargle can temporarily relieve a scratchy throat.

* Drink warm milk. Milk does not cause mucus build-up. In fact, milk makes you strong.

* Decaffeinated tea or warm beverages can be soothing and can help break up the mucus.

* Getting enough sleep is vital for a healthy immune system. Taking rest when you first come down with a cold helps your body direct its energy toward the immune battle.

* Ventilate the room, TB bacteria spread easily in small closed rooms where the air doesn’t move. If it’s not too cold outside, open the windows and use a fan to blow the indoor air outside.

* If you have a cough that lasts for more than a week a surgical mask when you’re outside and around people.