City takes TB awareness campaign to the elderly

27 March 2017

 

City of Johannesburg health practitioners marked World Tuberculosis Day on Friday March 24 at the Annie Burger Old Age Home at Crown Plaza, near Golf Reef City, where they shared critical information about South Africa’s No 1 killer disease with its residents.

 

The decision to celebrate the day at the home was taken after the City’s Health and Social Development Department received a request from the residents in December 2016 for a talk on how TB could be prevented.

TB, an infectious disease passed on from an infected person to others through the air, kills millions of people around the world every year.

“One of the biggest concerns that people who reside at the Annie Burger Old Age Home had was that there were people who spat everywhere,” said City Health Practitioner Yoliswa Biyase.

She said it was important to educate the elderly on the early signs of TB so it could be timeously treated. Signs to look out for include coughing for more than two weeks, loss of weight and night sweats.

“If you have any of these signs then you should consider having a TB test done. Remember, TB is totally curable. The medication that is given must be taken every day of the week for a period of six to eight months. It’s essential for patients to complete a full course of TB treatment to be cured,” said Biyase.

Environmental Health Practitioner Lucia Matsepa said it was important to recognise the link between the environment and TB. She said keeping a clean environment with adequate ventilation was crucial as unhygienic spaces were a breeding ground for germs.

“We need to keep our personal spaces clean, protect each other and stop the spread of TB,” said Matsepa.

She encouraged the elderly to adopt good hygiene practices such as placing a tissue in front of their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

“This will not only contain the spread of TB but also common colds and flu. Avoid overcrowded places and always open windows wherever you are in winter and summer. TB germs get diluted in fresh air,” she added.

TB testing and treatment are provided free of charge at all City clinics.

Elizabeth Wade, one of the residents, said the TB awareness campaign was highly informative.

“I’ve learned a lot today. I thank the City for bringing this information to us because we’re old and can’t attend public events,” said Wade.