Prevention of tuberculosis

Prevention of tuberculosis

Stop transmission at the source:

• Every cough lasting over 2 weeks should be tested - early diagnosis and treatment is the most powerful TB prevention, because a treated patient rapidly becomes non-infectious. The test is free at government centres.
• Complete every TB treatment fully - a half-treated patient remains infectious and breeds drug resistance.
• Cough etiquette: patients cover mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow, especially in the first weeks of treatment; spit only into covered containers.
• Ventilation and sunlight: open windows, airy rooms - TB bacteria die in sunlight and disperse in moving air. Avoid sleeping crowded in closed rooms with an untreated patient; a mask helps during the infectious early weeks.

Protect the vulnerable:

• BCG vaccination for every newborn - part of routine immunization - protects young children against severe forms of TB (meningitis, miliary TB).
• Screen household contacts of every TB patient: children under 5 and immunocompromised contacts may receive preventive therapy.
• Control diabetes, treat HIV, stop smoking - the modifiable risks that turn latent infection into disease.
• Good nutrition across the family - the quiet, powerful TB defence.

Community measures: the NTEP provides free testing and treatment nationwide; Nikshay Poshan Yojana supports patient nutrition. Using these services protects your whole neighbourhood.

Remember: test the 2-week cough, finish the course, ventilate, vaccinate babies, screen the family - TB elimination is practical, not theoretical.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Ayurvedic emphasis on strength, nutrition and fresh air aligns with prevention. The specific tools - BCG, sputum testing, preventive therapy - are modern and proven.