Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs but can reach other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes. TB is common in Afghanistan and can be fully cured if the medicines are taken for the full course. Without treatment it can be fatal.
Symptoms
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
- Fever, especially in the evening
- Night sweats
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Tiredness and weakness
- Chest pain
Causes
- Infection with the TB germ (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
- Breathing in germs from a person with untreated TB of the lungs
- Living in crowded rooms with little fresh air
- Weak immunity from malnutrition, diabetes or HIV
- Smoking
Prevention
- BCG vaccine for newborn babies
- Early testing for anyone with a cough longer than 2 weeks
- Open windows and let fresh air into rooms
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing
- Family members of a TB patient should be checked
- Good nutrition and no smoking
Treatment
- A combination of TB medicines taken every day for at least 6 months
- TB tests and medicines are free at government TB centres
- Take every dose and finish the full course, even when you feel better
- Stopping early can cause drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat
- Regular check-ups and sputum tests during treatment
- Do not start TB medicines or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Can TB be cured?
Yes. Most people with TB are fully cured if they take the right medicines every day for the full course, usually 6 months.
Is TB treatment free in Afghanistan?
Yes. TB testing and medicines are provided free of charge at government clinics and hospitals through the national TB programme.