Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : October 26, 2014 12:49 PM IST
Tuberculosis is a deadly disease that accounts for half a million deaths in South East Asia every year. Tuberculosis is an air-borne disease that affects people whose immunity is compromised. eg: Infants, old people, pregnant women, women who have recently delivered, people living in unsanitary conditions, uncontrolled diabetes patients, cancer patients, HIV positive people. Another mode of transportation is through close contact with a patient suffering from TB (living together/working together). Apart from that, alcoholics, people using illegal drugs and narcotics and people who weigh 10% lower than the recommended body weight are also predisposed to develop TB. But with the rising cases of this disease, here are ways you can stay safe from it.
Avoid contact with people suffering from TB: It is essential that you avoid close contact with people affected with TB. If you cannot avoid contact with them, wear protective masks and gloves. If you work at a hospital, wear good-quality microfilteration masks. Wash your hands with a disinfectant cleanser after contact with the patient. Here is how you should wash your hands the right way.
Avoid crowded, stuffy and unhygienic places: Tuberculosis is a disease that spreads through the air. That means that when a person suffering from TB coughs, talks or sneezes, he/she spreads the bacterium in the air. Which when inhaled, causes the infection. Therefore it is essential that you avoid crowded places without proper ventilation and sunlight.
Improve immunity: Work on improving your immunity by including diet rich in antioxidants. Have atleast 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits everyday. If you cannot have it due to certain practical constraints, make sure you take your daily dose of antioxidants/multivitamins after consulting your doctor. Anti-oxidants help fight free radicals produced in the body due to any kind of disease/stress and help in cell repair.
Prevent malnutrition: Include at least 2 good servings of protein in your daily diet. They are the building blocks of all our cells and help in cell repair too. Do not go on a low-carb diet. You require a good mix of all the elements of food to be healthy. Carbs, protiens, vitamins and fats all have their place in maintaining your immune system.
Exercise regularly:Exercising regularly, for at least 45 minutes a day. The improved circulation improves your immunity.
Keep stress away: Stress tends to weaken your body and compromises your immunity. All you need to do is set aside a few minutes for meditation everyday. This reduces your daily stress which directly has a bearing on the condition of your immune system.
Maintain good hygiene: Washing hands with a good disinfectant soap often is a very under-valued habit. These days, when your exposure to diseases is at one of the highest levels, you just cannot neglect this simple habit.
Just by following these simple rules, one can safely prevent TB.
