India accounts for one-fourth of the global Tuberculosis burden of both TB and Multidrug resistant (MDR-TB). About 1.3 lakh incidents of MDR TB cases occur in India every year, including 79,000 MDR-TB cases among the notified pulmonary cases. As per the Indian Medical Association (IMA), to prevent the epidemic of MDR TB, it should be declared a public health emergency. Here are some tips prevent TB:
Vaccination: Newborns must be given the BCG vaccine to protect them against TB.
Keep your immunity high: Vaccines may not be able to provide life-long protection. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consume a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol and exercise regularly.
Maintain good hygiene: Certain simple hygienic practices such as covering the mouth while coughing, not spitting in public places, etc are good ways to avoid infections from spreading. Wash your hands before eating and drink clean water. If you are around someone you know is suffering from TB, avoid direct contact with them.
Take medications on time: This is one of the major reasons for acquiring MDR TB. People who have the infection are carriers of the disease. If they don’t adhere to the prescription, the TB bacteria can develop resistance to the drugs.