A recent study by renowned medical journal Lancet has stated that face mask is very useful in preventing the spread of tuberculosis (TB).
A press release from the Chhattisgarh Health Department quoted the study as saying that TB has claimed about 5 lakh more lives globally than corona in 2020. Several studies have indicated that TB's spread could be considerably slowed down by masks.
The study said that community level acceptance of the use of face mask will be of great help in slowing down TB's spread, especially in a country like India where large number of TB patients exist. Cloth masks are also effective.
The study said that it is necessary to ensure who, when and where should the face mask be used. TB particles disappear easily in air, therefore in TB prone region it use should be promoted even in indoor environment.
If said that though Covid has affected the TB health care system, increased use of face mask due to the pandemic could be a help.
The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is among the world's oldest and best known general medical journals. It was founded in 1823 by Thomas Wakley, an English surgeon.