TB patient’s family must take precaution to avoid cross-infection: Doc
Precaution and medication can ensure none in the family of a tuberculosis patient catches the infection, said Dr Rajendra Prasad, HoD pulmonary medicine at Era’s Lucknow Medical College and former director, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, New Delhi.
Precaution and medication can ensure none in the family of a tuberculosis patient catches the infection, said Dr Rajendra Prasad, HoD pulmonary medicine at Era’s Lucknow Medical College and former director, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, New Delhi.
“With regular medication, TB bacteria becomes weak in two to three weeks after which the patient won’t infect any other person. Till then, the family members need to take precautions,” said Dr Prasad.
“Family members, particularly those with weak immunity, those who have had some illness in recent past and people above 60 years of age are vulnerable to cross-infection,” said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general, Association of International Doctors.
Sharing tips he said, patients should use a mask inside house also at least for two weeks while family members can go for preventive medication, after clinically confirming that they do not suffer from TB. “The preventive medicine is available for family members and close contact of a TB patient,” said Dr Prasad.
Dr Surya Kant, HoD, pulmonary medicine at the King George’s Medical University said, “Every year, 5 lakh people die due to TB infection and this happens as TB makes the immunity weak and other ailments too grip the patients including diabetes.”
Dr Surya Kant who is chairperson of the north zone task force for TB elimination programme said, “Along with TB, other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, poor nutrition, swelling in legs, disturbed pulse rate and body mass index can create greater trouble.”
Meanwhile, sharing a case of courage and determination, Dr Surya kant said, a 37-year-old man was diagnosed with extensively-drug resistant TB or XDR-TB five years ago but today he has been given tag of TB champion for Chandauli district. It took 65 months for the man to recover fully though his family had lost all hope as he was suffering from eight other illnesses apart from TB. “Today he is helping other TB patients,” said Dr Surya Kant.