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Respiratory Infections Soar, TB Spreads Through Air: Doctor Reveals How to Stay Safe!
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News18•25-09-2026, 17:40
Respiratory Infections Soar, TB Spreads Through Air: Doctor Reveals How to Stay Safe!
- •Respiratory infections, including TB, are rising due to changing weather and severe air pollution.
- •Tuberculosis germs ('Mycobacterium tuberculosis') spread through airborne droplets from infected individuals.
- •To prevent infection, wear masks, eat nutritious food, wash hands, and ensure children receive BCG vaccination.
- •Individuals over 65 or with certain conditions should get pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
- •Misuse of antibiotics without doctor's consultation can lead to 'antibiotic resistance'.
Key Questions Answered
Tuberculosis is primarily caused by a bacterium called 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis'. These germs spread into the air as tiny droplets through the cough, sneeze, speech, or sputum of an infected person, allowing them to directly enter the lungs of a healthy person who breathes that air.
People over 65 years of age, or those suffering from conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, AIDS, or individuals taking steroid-based medicines, should compulsorily take the pneumococcal vaccine to reduce respiratory infections.
Spending 15 to 20 minutes in the sun daily produces Vitamin D in the body, which activates cells capable of fighting tuberculosis and thereby reduces the risk of the disease.
