‘Don’t shame people who have TB,’ nurses appeal

Stigma and shame attached to Tuberculosis (TB) undermines efforts to fight the communicable disease, and nurses have called on the public to help them raise awareness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for chronic patients with TB. Many were too afraid to seek treatment the past year and came in very sick and at an advanced stage of illness. Without treatment, it is estimated that a person with TB will spread TB germs to 10 to 15 people every year.

Nursing Sister Nox Rumbu works closely with HIV/Aids and TB patients at Karl Bremer Hospital.  She has encouraged residents to seek help and to complete their TB treatment.

“One of the problems we have encountered is adherence with completing the TB treatment. We urge our residents who have been diagnosed and have received treatment to complete their course or TB treatment. You may feel better after taking the medication for two months, but you will need to continue taking your medication to be cured. Remember, we can cure TB and it starts with taking your medication. When a resident stop taking medication, they can become resistant and it could extend their recovery journey.”

Sr Rumbu says shame around TB leads to many residents not seeking help or competing their treatment. She believes it’s important to have open conversations about TB.

“We need to talk about TB like we talk about COVID-19. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached with TB and I urge people to informed about the disease and the symptoms of TB, so that they can be tested and get treatment. Sometimes when people are diagnosed, they are afraid to seek help. Remember, anyone can get TB, it doesn’t matter where you live. TB can be cured, but we need to work together.”

With International Tuberculosis (TB) Day observed on 24 March 2021, Sr Rumbu and Infectious Diseases Control Nurse Michelle Charles-Jefthas put up information boards and engaged with patients who visited their hospital to raise awareness.

Sr Charles-Jefthas believes lessons learnt during COVID-19 can be applied in the fight against TB.

“All the lessons we learnt during COVID-19 should apply to TB as well. One lesson is that people are not ashamed to say that they are COVID-19 positive and they are not ashamed to isolate. We need to apply this same attitude towards TB. TB patients should not be ashamed to be isolated or to wear a mask. There are other lessons, like hand hygiene and eating well in order to boost your immune system. I think if we apply the lessons we have learnt during COVID-19, it can assist us in our fight against TB. Even social distancing, we are taking this seriously now and we can continue these habits while fighting TB.”

Residents who suspect they have TB are encouraged to visit their local clinic or day hospital. It is also important to know the symptoms which include:

Adults:

•  Coughing for more than two weeks
•  Sometimes coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Drenching night sweats or fever
• Weakness
• Chest pain and other aches

Children:

• Sudden loss of appetite
• Rapid weight loss
• Fevers for more than two weeks
• Loss of consciousness
• Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness

The World Health Organisation defines TB as a disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread when people who are sick with TB expel bacteria into the air; for example, by coughing. The disease typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other sites (extrapulmonary TB). If you or your child have these symptoms, go to the clinic immediately to be tested for TB.

We encourage patients to visit their local clinic for a diagnosis and treatment if needed. Also attend check-ups regularly. We must all remember to wash our hands regularly, keep windows open where possible, cough into your elbow and be aware of TB among family, friends or people at work.

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/help-us-fight-tb