*In an attempt to inform our patrons and readers on World TB Day, this piece will solely focus on Tuberculosis. Meanwhile, as the coronavirus pandemic grows we urge you to - stay home and stay safe -Bamboo Sheets Shop.
Every year on March 24, the WHO commemorates the day as World Tuberculosis (TB) day in an effort to raise public awareness about the global epidemic. The measures taken on the day are to inform nations about the health, social and economic ramifications of TB. March 24 marks the date when Dr. R. Koch made discoveries about the bacterium responsible for TB, in 1882. Regardless of such an early discovery and subsequent studies, TB still remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease claiming more lives than anything else. In 2018 only, 10,000,000 people fell ill with TB and 1,500,00 lost their lives to the disease. Currently, almost a quarter of the global population is estimated to be infected by TB (Latent TB Infection).
Unlike the current outbreak of COVID-19, TB is a bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis Include:
- Prolonged cough that lasts three weeks or longer;
- Cough includes blood or phlegm from inside the lungs;
- Weakness;
- Fatigue;
- Chest pain;
- Fever;
- Night sweats;
- Weight loss;
- Chills;
- No appetite.
The above-mentioned symptoms may be mild for prolonged periods causing a delay in seeking medical attention and care. Furthermore, all age groups are potentially vulnerable to TB. However, over 95% of infections and subsequent deaths have been reported in developing countries.
TB and Coronavirus
This said, it also shares similarities with the coronavirus, as TB too primarily affects the lungs. The transmission is similar to that of the current pandemic, spreading through an infected person’s cough or sneeze. A person can fall sick with TB by inhaling only a few germs. TB affected people could have a weaker immune system and infected lungs increasing their risk against the coronavirus.
While health experts and scientists today are trying to cope with the coronavirus outbreak; TB medication consists of a long course of antibiotics depending on how severe the disease is. As a result, TB is classified into two categories - latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. Please note, people with LTBI don’t feel sick or show any symptoms, and cannot transmit the bacteria to others. For further information on TB vaccine, check out the CDC’s website.
Several countries, along with the World Health Organization, are working towards ending TB by the year 2030, but a long and challenging path remains ahead.
Bamboo Sheets Shop Recommends
In the wake of the global pandemic, Coronavirus, taking over the world, it is important to play our individual parts to stay healthy and minimize the spread of diseases.
Be it TB or Covid-19, the spread of the disease can be fatal for older people and people with pre-existing conditions. As a result, we recommend all our patrons and customers to effectively practice self-isolation if you are sick and social distancing. This typically means you will be spending a lot of time in bed. For which, we present to you our unique and premium range of bamboo sheets.
Given its eco-friendly component, bamboo sheets are softer than cotton and smoother than silk. Check out our collection and get our hands on one today. We promise that our sheets will make you want to stay in bed forever!
Additional Reading
We request all our readers to inform themselves and share information from only verified and trusted sources.