TB & HIV IN AFRICA....
The risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) is estimated to be between 26 and 31 times greater in people living with HIV than among those without HIV infection. In 2014, there were 9.6 million new cases of TB, of which 1.2 million were among people living with HIV.(Figures Taken From Who).
What is tuberculosis?Tuberculosis, or 'TB', is an infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TB most commonly attacks the lungs or throat (pulmonary TB). It can also attack other parts of the body (extra-pulmonary TB), such as the lymph nodes, spine or brain.
If you're living with HIV, unfortunately it means that you are more likely to develop TB because of a weak immune system. However, you can reduce the risk of TB by taking your HIV treatment properly to keep your immune system strong and healthy.
If you're living with HIV you should get tested for TB regularly.
How do you get TB?Pulmonary TB is the only type of TB that can be passed on to others. If someone with TB coughs or sneezes, the bacteria in these tiny droplets can be inhaled by another person.
However, not everyone infected with TB will become ill. There are two types of infection; 'active' and 'inactive'.
Active TBActive tuberculosis means TB is spreading throughout the body, and the immune system cannot prevent illness and symptoms of TB.
Symptoms of active TB include:
- a cough for more than 3 weeks
- extreme tiredness
- fever
- night sweats
- loss of appetite
- weight loss.
HOW TB IS SPREADTB is primarily an airborne disease. When a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, TB germs spread through the air. These germs can float in the air for several hours. If you breathe in the air containing these TB germs, you can become infected.
TB is NOT spread by:
- Shaking someone’s hand
- Sharing food or drink
- Touching bed linens or toilet seats
- Sharing toothbrushes
- Kissing
Newhaven Charity Appeal Foundations Aim Is To Help With The Costs Of Diagnosis And Treatment Of TB In African Regions And Any Contributions To Our Charity Would Help Greatly In The Charities Causes.