World Tuberculosis Day

World Tuberculosis Day

Tomorrow is World Tuberculosis Day. Chances are you may not know anyone who has had tuberculosis because it is almost eradicated from the United States. however, it is definitely still active around the world. Almost 9 million people in the world become infected with TB each year.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a serious infection of the lungs and is easily contagious through coughing, sneezing, and breathing. Unfortunately, during the AIDS epidemic of the 80s, more people began dying of TB because their immune systems were compromised. There are a few famous people who have had tuberculosis including Eleanor Roosevelt, George Orwell, Nelson Mandela, Tina Turner, Ringo Starr, and many more.

The symptoms of TB include coughing, coughing up blood, exhaustion, loss of appetite, fever, weight loss and chest pain. TB has the potential to spread to other organs in your body. If you think you may have any of these symptoms, it is best to seek an opinion from your primary care physician.

There are some forms of tuberculosis that have become resistant to treatment.

Final Thoughts

Do you know anyone who has had TB? Do you think this article has raised awareness for World Tuberculosis Day? Comment below!