According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.8 million people fell ill with tuberculosis and 1.25 million people died in 2023. World Tuberculosis Day, celebrated annually on March 24, highlights the urgency of ending the disease. This year's theme, “Yes! We Can End Tuberculosis: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.
According to pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Jessica Polese, to protect oneself against tuberculosis and reduce the risk of severe complications, it is essential to adopt preventive measures and be alert for symptoms such as: “persistent cough, high fever, loss of appetite, chest pain, fatigue, and weakness,” she says.
Many individuals think they have the flu or allergies and do not seek medical attention. “If symptoms persist for more than three weeks, especially the cough, it is necessary to see a doctor,” emphasizes Jessica.
The doctor highlights that among the preventive measures, vaccination is a method to prevent severe forms of the disease. “The BCG vaccine is a valuable tool in preventing tuberculosis; however, the best way to prevent tuberculosis is to treat people who are sick with tuberculosis. People who have a cough and are spreading the bacillus into the air are those who pose the greatest transmission risk, and by eliminating those who transmit it, you will have far fewer cases, or you will eliminate the disease because then there will be no way for you to inhale the bacillus,” the doctor emphasizes.
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