In advanced cases coughing of blood Lung TB is the most common Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria that needs medical attention Common sites for TB SYMPTOMS OF TB Persistent cough Weight Loss Fatigue and tiredness Loss of breath Loss of appetite In advanced cases coughing of blood Lung TB is the most common Normal person breathing the germs from infected person Person with TB who is not getting treatment How is TB spread? TB germs are spread through the air. A person with untreated TB germs can spread it into the air by coughing, sneezing or speaking. People who breathe these germs can become affected. But they usually contract TB only after prolonged contact with the person with TB. But if this infected person starts taking treatment for TB then he/she will stop spreading the TB germs within a week of taking the proper medicines. So it is very crucial that people with TB start their treatment at the earliest – not only do they get cured easily but they also prevent the spread of the disease to other people Talk to your Village health worker immediately and see a doctor. TB treatment is free in the Government health centers and clinics What do I do if I think I have TB? Will I be able to afford treatment?

Treating TB Tests done for TB Medicines and duration of treatment Some of the common tests for TB are Skin test called Mantoux test where a needle is pricked on the skin. If after 24 to 48 hours there is a swelling then there is a chance that the person is infected with TB X-Ray of the lung is the most widely used method to determine damage to the lungs due to TB Sputum test shows if TB germs are present in the thick liquid a patient coughs up. Medicines and duration of treatment Most people start with 4 pills for TB. These pills have to be taken every day. At the end of 2 months the pills are sometimes reduced to 2 The duration of treatment varies from 4 to 6 months TB germs are very strong and you need 6 months for ALL TB germs to be completely destroyed from the body. So although you might feel better in 2 weeks, it is very critical to finish the treatment for the entire 6 months! Side effects TB medicines are quite safe and most people do not have any side effects. But in some case there might be side effects like Nausea/ Vomitting Dark urine (Orange color urine is normal with some medicines) Unexplained fever Stomach cramps Loss of appetite Problems with eyesight Unexplained fatigue When you notice any such changes, notify your health worker. The health worker/doctor might suggest a change in how you take the medicines Diet for a TB patient A TB patient needs to get a lot of rest and should eat good, healthy food. No special diet is needed, but nutritious diet based on what is available is essential Avoid smoking and alcohol 6 months! That is a long time. I am already feeling better in 2 weeks. Should I still take my medicines? Chest X-Ray Mantoux test

Myths about TB and the truths Oh I am sick with TB! Now I am certainly going to die THE TRUTH TB is no longer a killer disease. While it is still a serious illness these days TB is easily curable. It is important to get medical attention so that it can be treated at the earliest. I don’t have to worry about TB. It affects only the poor! THE TRUTH TB can affect anyone – rich or poor and is not something exclusive to the poor as it is commonly believed. It is true that the number of poor people with TB is more than the rich. This is very often because of their low level of nutrition which leads to a weak immune system. I am so afraid of catching TB. Maybe I should avoid crowded areas and stop using the bus! THE TRUTH While TB is certainly spread through germs in the air from an untreated person, occasional contact like in the bus or in the road will not cause the spread. Prolonged contact with an infected person is very often the main reason for catching TB Now that I have TB, no one will come near me and I have to live alone and away from my family THE TRUTH TB patients do NOT need to be isolated from others provided they start taking their medicines. TB can spread only if the patient does not take the necessary medicines. TB does not spread by touching or using the same utensils. Except for small babies, friends and families of the patient can live in the same house as the patient and lend their support in every way they can. The patient should cover his mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing as a precaution

What to do if someone in your family has TB? Why do I need to see the doctor/health worker regularly during treatment for TB? It is important to see the doctor or the health worker regularly because They will confirm if the medicines are working and the disease is not spreading They will check you for any possible side effects In some towns and villages you might have to see the health worker on a daily basis as she will make sure you take your medicines every day without fail. Frequently forgetting to take the TB medicines is one of the main reasons that people do not get cured of TB. Remember the medicines have to be taken EVERY DAY FOR 6 MONTHS!! What to do if someone in your family has TB? Take the person to the Government health center soon and make sure he/she starts taking the medicines immediately and continues to take the medicine regularly Make sure that the person with TB always closes his nose and mouth when sneezing, or coughing If there is a small baby in your family, make sure that the baby does not come in contact with the person with TB Make sure that the rest of the family is eating well and staying healthy. You don’t have to separate yourself from the patient as long as the patient is taking his medicines regularly. Preventing TB The only way to avoid TB is by making sure you have a good immune system which is usually developed by eating healthy balanced food. People with AIDS have very weak immune systems so they are very prone to TB. Avoiding AIDS is one of the easiest way to avoid TB