Worldwide, millions of people die from tuberculosis (TB) every year. Philippines is one of the top seven countries with the most number of TB patients.
TB is caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria normally affect the lungs; however they can also affect other organs of the body.
When a person inhales air containing tiny particles of infected sputum, he or she can get tuberculosis infection.
When the infected person coughs, shouts, sneezes or spits, bacteria can mix with the air. Anyone who is nearby can inhale bacteria.
TB is not spread by shaking hands or touching the infected person. It is mainly transmitted by breathing the droplets during nearby contact.
Some individuals develop tuberculosis right after getting infected within a few days while others develop the disease after years, when their immunity becomes weak due to other causes.
Generally, around 5 to 10% of infected people get sick if they did not seek treatment for their TB infection.
People with weak immune systems like those with HIV infection are at high risk of developing TB than persons with normal immunity.
Mostly, people at high risk for developing TB disease can be divided into two groups:
This group refers to:
Infants and young children frequently have weak immunity. Others can have weak immunity too, specifically persons with any of these conditions:
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-Medical Observer
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