Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most common source of infection is a person with active TB, known as a contagious patient. When they cough, sneeze, spit, laugh, or speak, they release TB bacteria in tiny droplets of saliva. These airborne droplets can be inhaled by others, causing infection.
Statistically, one untreated contagious patient can infect an average of 10–15 people per year. A properly treated patient stops being contagious to others after just one month of treatment.
Risk of contracting TB
Unlike many other infectious diseases, only 3–8% of people infected with TB bacteria actually develop the disease. The development of TB is linked to a weakened immune system.
External factors that weaken the body:
- Malnutrition
- Poor living conditions: overcrowding, lack of light, dampness
- Poor sanitation
Internal factors that increase the risk:
- HIV infection
- Diabetes
- Silicosis
- Cancer
- Blood disorders
- End-stage kidney failure
- Post-transplant condition
- Steroid or immunosuppressive therapy
- Rapid weight loss
Who can participate in the Tuberculosis Prevention Program?
The program is aimed at adults, particularly:
- People who have had direct contact with TB patients
- People meeting at least one of the following criteria: unemployed, disabled, chronically ill, with alcohol problems, drug-dependent, homeless
Note: People who have already been diagnosed with TB are not eligible for the program.
How is qualification for the program carried out?
Since January 1, 2008, patients are referred to the Tuberculosis Prevention Program by a primary care nurse where they filed their declaration of choice. Qualification is based on a completed questionnaire.
Individuals at increased risk, after consultation with a primary care physician, are referred to a Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Clinic for further diagnostics and possible treatment.
Take care of your health today – regular preventive care is the key to a long and healthy life!
Do you have any questions? Contact us!
villamed.pl/kontakt