1. Early detection of new cases
Transmission of tuberculosis occurs mainly before the patient is detected and treated, and one person with tuberculosis (i.e., the source of infection) can infect an average of 15 people. Because no preventive measures are taken before the disease is detected in a new patient, the contact person is susceptible to TB infection during close contact with family members, colleagues, classmates, etc. Therefore, the primary measure to prevent tuberculosis is the early detection of new cases hidden in the population.
2. Thorough treatment to shorten the infectious period
Early detection of new cases brings many benefits in terms of treatment.
☆ More choice of drugs
Low cost of treatment
☆Smaller adverse drug reactions and greater safety
☆ Easily tolerated by patients, treatment can be carried out smoothly, and the possibility of cure is high
☆Reducing the failure rate of treatment
The fundamental aim is to treat patients thoroughly and shorten their infectious period. Therefore, thorough treatment of patients is an important measure for effective tuberculosis prevention.
3.Reducing the incidence of tuberculosis in people infected with tuberculosis bacilli
Tuberculosis may occur in about 10% of people infected with TB bacilli, and the development of the disease depends mainly on the resistance of the infected person and the number of infected TB bacilli. Ways to reduce the risk of morbidity include
1) Live a regular life. Avoid prolonged overwork and mental stress, eat a balanced diet, and exercise appropriately to build up resistance.
2) Prevention of related diseases associated with TB. Such as diabetes, which can increase the chance of TB by four times. Another example is AIDS, which can increase the chance of tuberculosis by 30 times. Other diseases such as silicosis, gastrointestinal diseases, tumors, organ transplants, long-term use of glucocorticoids, etc.
3) Change bad habits. ① Quit smoking. The greater the number of cigarettes smoked, the greater the chance of tuberculosis. The cough and sputum caused by smoking also tend to mask the symptoms of tuberculosis, which affects the timely detection and treatment of tuberculosis. ② Limit alcohol. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to malnutrition and decreased resistance, while alcohol can damage the liver, once the tuberculosis disease, can increase the toxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs to the liver and affect treatment. ③ Avoid staying up late for a long time.
4) Preventive treatment for high-incidence population. The focus of preventive treatment is on infected children within the families of newly discovered patients with disseminated tuberculosis, especially children under 5 years of age and members with tuberculin test reactions ≥15mm or blisters.
4.Preventing transmission of TB bacilli
(1) Reduce the spread of tuberculosis bacilli. ①Strengthen health education so that everyone understands the hazards of tuberculosis and the mode of transmission, and develop the hygienic habit of not spitting anywhere for everyone. ②Sputum of TB patients should be disinfected by burning or medication. ③Patients should cover their mouths with handkerchiefs or wear masks when coughing or sneezing, and should not speak loudly in close proximity to others. ④ Spittoon, bed sheet, pillowcase, quilt cover, mask, handkerchief, clothes, tableware and toiletries used by patients should be disinfected and washed frequently.
(2) Reduce the concentration of tuberculosis bacteria in the environment. Tuberculosis bacteria are easily spread in poorly ventilated and more confined environments (such as winter dormitories, crowded group dormitories or work sheds). Therefore, it is necessary to develop the habit of opening windows regularly and letting daylight into the room as much as possible.
3) Pay attention to isolation and reduce contact with the source of infection. Patients with bacillary tuberculosis should be isolated, and patients should not go to crowded places with frequent human contact or work. Family members found tuberculosis patients, in addition to active treatment and frequent ventilation, patients should preferably live in a separate room, no conditions to sleep in separate beds.
5. Vaccinate children with BCG vaccine
BCG vaccination can help children develop a certain level of specific resistance, reduce the chance of infection, or limit the growth and reproduction of bacteria when infected with natural tuberculosis bacteria, and reduce the number of bacteria, so as to prevent childhood tuberculosis, especially tuberculous meningitis and serious tuberculosis disseminated by blood. The target of inoculation is newborns.