Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, making it communicable. The prevalence of TB varies across regions, with countries like India, China, and sub-Saharan Africa reporting higher incidences, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.
Factors increasing the risk of TB include:
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions like alcohol or drug abuse, unhealthy lifestyles, living in unsanitary conditions, medications suppressing immunity, or chronic illnesses such as diabetes or HIV elevate the risk of TB infection.
- Ageing: Elderly individuals are more susceptible to TB due to a higher likelihood of having medical conditions weakening their immune systems.
- Exposure to Infected Individuals: Prolonged exposure to TB-infected individuals, especially in poorly ventilated or overcrowded environments like nursing homes, immigration centers, hospitals, or prisons, increases the risk of transmission.
- Native Country: People born in countries with high TB incidence, such as India, China, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are at an elevated risk, according to the CDC.
- Limited Healthcare Access: Poor access to quality healthcare increases vulnerability to TB since diagnosis and treatment expenses may be prohibitive.
- Travel: Traveling from regions with low TB incidence to areas where it’s prevalent heightens the risk of exposure, as the immune system may not have encountered the bacteria before.
Understanding TB facts and assessing personal risk factors are crucial for prevention. Seeking information on TB risks and preventive measures is essential if any of the mentioned risk factors apply to an individual.