What You Should Know When Caring for the Elderly on World Tuberculosis Day
Despite the fact that tuberculosis (TB) has been around for over a century, it is still one of the leading causes of death in the world today, particularly among the elderly. In 2019, a total of 10 million new cases of active tuberculosis illness were reported worldwide. Despite the fact that active tuberculosis can usually be treated and cured, 1.4 million individuals died from the disease in 2019.
Considering this, the majority of individuals are unaware of
the global epidemic and do little to prevent it. Every year on March 24, the
World Tuberculosis Organization (WTO) commemorates World Tuberculosis Day in
order to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and eradicate the
illness. We want to help you become aware of tuberculosis because Tuberculosis
Day is only a month away. This blog seeks to assist families and caregivers for seniors in
recognizing tuberculosis (TB) and learning how to prevent it in seniors.
What You
Should Know About Latent Tuberculosis in Senior Citizens
Tuberculosis, often known as latent tuberculosis, is an
infection in which the tuberculosis bacteria survive in the body without
causing illness. When people become infected with tuberculosis, their bodies
are usually capable of battling the bacteria and stopping them from spreading.
Latent tuberculosis is not contagious, has no symptoms, and cannot move from
one person to another at this stage.
When immunity is impaired as a result of aging or a medical
condition, and the body is unable to resist the TB germs, the bacteria become
active and grow rapidly. As a result, it's critical to treat elderly persons
with latent tuberculosis to keep them from getting the disease.
Latent
tuberculosis Infection Risk Factors
After coming into contact with one of the following, a person
may develop latent tuberculosis infection.
·
People with active tuberculosis
·
People who were born in high-risk nations, lived
there, or traveled there.
·
People who are at high risk of contracting
tuberculosis, such as those in homeless shelters, nursing homes, refugee camps,
HIV/AIDS clinics, prisons, and hospitals
People with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, are
more susceptible to contracting tuberculosis.
Symptoms of
a Dormant Tuberculosis Infection
Latent tuberculosis infection is difficult to detect because
it has no obvious signs. People with latent tuberculosis don't usually get
sick. People with latent tuberculosis, on the other hand:
·
X-rays of the chest are frequently negative (normal).
·
Possess a positive TST and/or TB Blood Test.
The Signs
and Symptoms of Active Tuberculosis
Families and caregivers for the elderly should keep a watch
on the elderly if they develop any of the following symptoms and urge them to
see their doctor as soon as possible.
·
Coughing for three weeks or more
·
Pain in the chest
·
Coughing or breathing causes pain.
·
Weight reduction that occurs suddenly
·
Fever
·
Fatigue
·
Appetite loss.
·
Sweats and chills at night
If elders are unable to schedule appointments or visit the
healthcare institution on their own, their caregivers can assist them not only
in setting appointments but also in seeing the doctor and administering all
prescribed drugs on time.
How to
Prevent Infection from Spreading While Caring for Elderly People with
Tuberculosis
When caring for older people who have TB infection or
disease, you should:
·
Place the patient in a well-ventilated room and
isolate him (preferably in an airborne infection isolation room)
·
Use an N-95 mask to protect your lungs.
·
If possible, install an air filter to reduce germ-carrying
particles in the air.
·
After coming into contact with the patient and their
belongings, wash and sterilize your hands carefully.
If your elderly relative has been diagnosed with latent or
active tuberculosis, you can seek the assistance of Senior home care
services, as professional caregivers are more equipped and prepared to
care for the elderly who require assistance and adequate care.
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