COVID – FIGHTING MEASURES CAN BE APPLIED TO PROTECT AGAINST TB TOO

Although the disease is not endemic here, World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, is being celebrated by Antigua & Barbuda.

There are familiar steps that can be taken to protect residents from contracting the disease – more commonly known as TB –says Dr. Jerry Simon.  These include hand-washing and other protocols associated with COVID-19.

Dr. Simon says that a vaccine was developed, years ago, to help reduce the negative effects of the disease, which can be deadly.  However, he is unsure of its use in Antigua and Barbuda today.

Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease that affects mainly the lungs. The bacterium that causes the disease is spread from person to person through tiny droplets which are released in the air through coughing and sneezing.

The illness is usually treated with a cocktail of various antibiotics.