How Are Tuberculosis Mainly Spread and Transmitted?
Tuberculosis is not an incurable disease. With the development of medical technology, tuberculosis has become a curable disease. However, tuberculosis is a contagious disease, and most people do not understand the transmission routes of tuberculosis. Therefore, when a family member is diagnosed with tuberculosis, there is often no awareness of prevention, which can easily lead to the transmission of tuberculosis to family members or friends. What are the main routes and methods of tuberculosis transmission?
1. Respiratory Infection. It is believed that everyone knows what tuberculosis is. When tuberculosis occurs, we must keep away from it, because the main route of transmission of tuberculosis is respiratory infection. Normal people may contract the disease if they inhale the droplets exhaled by tuberculosis patients that contain the tuberculosis bacteria. Weak, tired, and low-resistant individuals should be especially cautious and not let their guard down just because they haven't contracted the disease yet.
2. Digestive Tract Infection. The transmission of tuberculosis also includes some digestive tract infections. This occurs when milk infected with bovine tuberculosis bacteria is sold on the market without safety inspection. Long-term consumption of such milk can lead to symptoms such as cough, low fever, fatigue, and drowsiness, indicating that the person has been infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. However, the disease may not manifest initially and may only be triggered when the person's physical condition deteriorates.
3. Other Forms of Transmission. When a friend around you is diagnosed with tuberculosis, it is important to keep a distance because contact with reproductive organs and blood can also transmit the disease. Additionally, a small number of newborns can be infected by inhaling amniotic fluid infected with tuberculosis bacteria, leading to immediate onset of the disease shortly after birth. Stress, long-term use of drugs with side effects, chemotherapy, etc., can exacerbate the condition. To prevent disease progression, early treatment is recommended.
Methods for Preventing Tuberculosis:
1. Control the Source of Infection. People with tuberculosis should avoid crowded workplaces and rest at home or exercise in less crowded areas. Crowded places not only have poor air quality but also facilitate the transmission of diseases to others. To prevent disease transmission, it is also advisable for individuals to cover their mouths when others cough to avoid inhaling droplets containing bacteria.
2. Cut off the Routes of Transmission. Pay attention to the living environment and disinfect it regularly. Poor living conditions can easily breed bacteria and provide opportunities for their reproduction. Therefore, maintaining a clean living environment is beneficial for preventing and controlling any disease.
3. Protect Vulnerable Groups. Newborns or young children with low resistance can receive vaccinations to improve their immunity. Adults can also enhance their immunity through regular exercise.