3 million people with TB still unreached every year


Tuberculosis (TB) is contagious and airborne. It ranks as the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, after the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. People infected with TB bacteria have a lifetime risk of falling ill with TB of 10%. However persons with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a much higher risk of falling ill. The symptoms of TB are cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss etc. , they may be mild and for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care, and results in transmission of the bacteria to others. TB occurs in every part of the world. Nearly 60% of new TB cases occurred in Asia in 2012. The greatest rate of new cases per capita was in sub-Saharan Africa. No country has ever eliminated this disease. ...

During treatment for tuberculosis it is important to take your medicines correctly as prescribed by your doctor. Besides that, getting enough sleep and exercising can help your body fight the infection.

The doctor should be able to tell you when it is safe for you to exercise. Try to walk for 10 to 20 minutes at your own pace as often as you can. ...