Had Rene Requiestas been diagnosed with tuberculosis today, he would have known how to manage and heal his disease. With the advent of the newest technologies and home-remedy treatments nowadays, this illness, which is contagious, can be correctly resolved and controlled.
“TB can happen anywhere, in any community,” says Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “Exposures can happen at school, at work, at home, while traveling, or any place where people are in close contact with one another. This is the reason TB prevention is a public health priority for the nation.”
Here are ways and some tips to fight off and combat tuberculosis, and how to protect others when you have the disease.
Exercise and healthy eating
Even if you don’t have tuberculosis, this is already important but more so when you have it.
The three major components of attacking tuberculosis include eating healthy, getting enough sleep and doing a couple of exercises. This will ensure that your body can help fight off the infection.
If you think you are losing weight, eat balanced meals with calories and enough protein to help you manage your weight. If this doesn’t work, talk to your nutritionist or dietician and seek professional help.
Throughout the whole day, eat smaller meals instead of going for three large ones. And in between meals, you can have some glass of protein shakes, which are high in calories.
When you feel like vomiting or are nauseated, try drinking ginger or peppermint tea. These are known to be an effective treatment for digestive distress, which can aid you in improving digestion.
Talk to a health professional about the right timing for your exercise. You can actually walk slowly and gradually when you are outside. Then when your body got used to walking, you can increase your pace and distance. This would help you build endurance. Incorporate walking in your lifestyle and this will surely help you boost your health.
When it comes to your food intake, consider getting a double dose of the following: bananas, which are rich in nutrients; custard apple which revives the tissues affected by tuberculosis; oranges to keep your lungs healthy; pineapple (especially pineapple juice) for faster recovery; and walnut, which improves your immune system.
Protecting others
Protecting others is important when dealing with this disease. Bear in mind that you need to have everything covered—literally.
When you are infected with tuberculosis, it is best not to go to school or to work at first. Make sure that you sleep in your bedroom by yourself until you can no longer infect others.
If you are in a room all by yourself, open your windows—if the weather permits it. This can get rid of the bacteria that are spreading in your room.
When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth as you can spread this illness to others. Make sure that you throw the soiled tissue immediately in a covered container. You can also talk to your doctors about other precautionary measures.
Wear a mask. During the first three weeks of treatment, it is best to wear a mask when you are around other people.
Correctly taking the medicines
The best cure is still prevention. But when you are diagnosed with it, follow these simple rules and regulations.
Make sure that you keep all your medical appointments.
You also need to religiously take all the medicines prescribed to you—without missing a beat.
If you suffer from any side effects, such as vision problems, report this immediately to your doctor or any health professionals who can help you.
If any unforeseen events happen, such as moving to another house, talk to your doctor about it so that you can still continue your medications.