1. Avoid contact with infected person
A person with active TB is infective. They become non-infective after a few weeks of treatment. Avoid close contact with a person, who is diagnosed with TB, until he or she becomes non-infective.
2. Enhance your immunity
Work on improving your immunity by including diet rich in antioxidants. Have at least 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits every day. If you cannot eat it due to certain practical constraints, make sure you take your daily dose of antioxidants/multivitamins after consulting your doctor. Antioxidants help fight free radicals produced in the body due to any kind of disease/stress and help in cell repair.
3. Keep a tab on your protein intake
Include at least 2 good servings of protein in your daily diet. They are the building blocks of all our cells and help in cell repair too.
4. Consume a healthy, nutrient-rich meal
Do not go on a low-carbohydrate diet. You require a good mix of all the elements of food to be healthy. Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and fats all have their place in maintaining your immune system.
5. Make it a habit to exercise regularly
Get your daily exercise. Walk regularly for atleast 45 minutes at the least. The improved circulation improves your immunity. Here are top 8 reasons to start exercising today.
6. Try meditation to improve your quality of life
Set aside a few minutes for meditation every day. This reduces your daily stress which directly has a bearing on the condition of your immune system.
7. Always maintain proper hygiene and sanitation
Maintain good hygiene, wherever you are. Washing hands with a good disinfectant soap often is a very under-valued habit. These days, when your exposure to diseases is at one of the highest levels, you just cannot neglect this simple habit.
8. Vaccination
Vaccination with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine in children can prevent severe tuberculosis in children. It is given in countries where TB is common. Vaccination with BCG vaccine isn’t recommended for general use in countries such as United States as the vaccine is not effective in preventing TB in adults and can cause a false-positive result on a TB skin test.
9. Adhere to medication (NEVER stop course of drugs midway)
Dr Kapil Salgia, consultant pulmonologist says, ‘When people don’t adhere to the prescription (medications), it gives an opportunity to TB bacteria to develop resistance to the drugs. When these resistant bacilli are expelled into air, they can be taken in by healthy individuals. This in turn leads to increase in the number of people suffering from multiple drug resistant TB (MDR TB).’ Hence, makes sure that the prescribed course of treatment is completed. Read about latest treatment for extremely drug-resistant TB could be the answer to a TB-free India
10. Stay away from stress
You may not be aware of the fact that being stressed out increases your risk of suffering from a wide range of health complications including tuberculosis. This is the reason, why you should stay away from stress. Here are 5 everyday practices that can help you out.
11. Get your daily dose of sleep
Suffering from sleepless nights is not uncommon in today’s life. However, getting your daily dose of sleep is important to stay healthy and prevent diseases. Staying way from food that hinders your sleep is as important as eating foods that help you restore your sleep cycle. Here are few tips you can count on for a good night’s sleep.
12. Stay at home
A few weeks are needed after start of treatment to become non-infective. During this period, don’t go to work or school or sleep in a room with other people. Consult your doctor to know the time needed to become non-infective.
13. Ventilate the room
Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads more easily in small closed spaces or rooms that are not well ventilated. Keep the windows open and use a fan to keep the room ventilated.
14. Cover your mouth
When you laugh, sneeze or cough, use tissue paper to cover your mouth. The dirty tissue should be put in a bag and sealed before disposing it off in a dust bin.
15. Wear a mask
Wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of germ when you’re around other people during the first three weeks of treatment. This can reduce the spread of infection.
16. Take your medications
Taking medications as recommended makes you non-infective in a few weeks. It not only prevents others from getting infected but also stops the progression of disease and cures you.
Sources
http://www.onlymyhealth.com/tips-prevent-tuberculosis-12977615773
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/how-you-can-prevent-tuberculosis/
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