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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