Tuberculosis

One disease that has been threatening the lives of many around the globe is tuberculosis or TB. Unfortunately, India witnesses the most number of deaths by this deadly disease every year. Though there have been the inventions of many medications and antibiotics for the cure of this airborne disease, still cases are significantly reported.

Going into what is tuberculosis, it is a bacterial infection that affects your lungs and in severe cases can spread to the spine and brain too. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air if an infected person sneezes, coughs, or shares mucus with others.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis disease. Once inside the body the bacteria first of all attack the lungs and respiratory tract of the person destroying his lung tissues and causing breathing problems. Tuberculosis can also cause permanent lung damage. Not only this once inside the body, but the TB bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis also attacks brain cells, spine cells, kidneys, etc.

Tuberculosis spreads through the air like normal flu or cold. A person with active TB can affect others if he talks, sings, sneezes or coughs. This bacteria doesn’t transmit through surfaces so shaking hands or sharing a room wouldn’t make you sick.

However, there are more chances of you getting tuberculosis if

• You are a native of or have visited an area where TB is very common like Africa, Russia, Asia, Latin America, etc.
• You have a friend, colleague or family member with an active TB
• You are in contact with someone homeless, is stricken with poverty, has been to jail, is suffering from HIV, etc
• You are a healthcare worker for patients of TB
• You are a frequent smoker

Not everyone who gets mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria inside his body is likely to get infected with it.

There are two forms in which TB exists:

1. Latent TB:

   In this scenario, you have the bacteria inside your body but your immune system has barricaded it from spreading around. However here there is always a chance that you will get infected one day as the infection is alive inside you. latent Tb showcases no symptoms. Moreover, if you have or previously had an HIV infection or other immune-related diseases then you are likely to get infected by TB.

2. Active TB:

   Very suggestive from the name, when the bacteria full-fledged spreads in your body damaging your organs then the stage is called Active TB. The germs multiply and make you sick whereas on the other hand make you a medium to travel to other bodies as well.

There are two more terms that come along with tuberculosis which is pulmonary tuberculosis and miliary tuberculosis. In simple terms, pulmonary tuberculosis is where the TB bacteria only affects the pulmonary tract of the person whereas military tuberculosis is one where the bacteria spreads across the whole body.

Tuberculosis sadly still, remains a major killer. Though a body with a strong immune system can prevent you from falling sick, often your body can harbour harmful bacteria. While TB mostly affects the lungs it can sometimes affect your kidneys, brain and spine. Some common symptoms of TB include:

• Cough lasting for more than 2 or 3 weeks
• Coughing up blood or phlegm
• Common feeling of illness
• Fever
• Chills
• Night Sweats
• Trouble in breathing
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight

As we have discussed, Tuberculosis is a rather serious disease that can affect the lungs. The following measures can be taken to avoid the spread of tuberculosis. However, if you have a persistent cough, fever, or night sweats you must consult your doctor at the earliest.

1. Taking the BCG vaccine where and when prescribed by the doctor
2. Upkeep with your immune system
3. Keeping your workplace and house clean and hygienic
4. Introducing natural light and ventilation into your place
5. Maintaining personal hygiene
6. Avoiding going places that have a high number of TB cases
7. Sneezing and coughing with hands-on.

In India, most health insurance cover Tuberculosis as a critical illness. Certain insurers offer a Tuberculosis cover. It is therefore highly recommended that you consult an insurance expert or compare different plans before making a selection.

Let us take a look at the multiple benefits that you get with health insurance for tuberculosis:

1. Financial Security

   When you have the right insurance plan, you can safeguard your hard-earned savings. Otherwise, the treatment of a critical illness such as TB can dig deep into your corpus.

2. Quality Treatment

   Another dangerous aspect of a deadly disease is the high cost of its treatment. With the right policy, you will be able to afford good quality treatment without having to worry about the expenses.

3. Peace of Mind

   Getting a health insurance policy is an investment. It not only covers your medical expenses but also saves you from anxiety as well.

4. Save on taxes

   Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, the premium that you pay towards the health insurance is tax-exempted.

A health insurance policy for Tuberculosis or a Tuberculosis Cover generally include the following. It is, however, suggested that you check your specific policy document for the same:

1. The expenses incurred for the medical treatment of Tuberculosis are covered up to the specified limit
2. Pre-hospitalisation expenses are also covered
3. The doctor’s fee during, before and after the hospitalisation is also covered
4. Diagnostic tests are covered in plan
5. Room and ICU charges are covered

The following conditions are not covered:

1. Pre-existing Tuberculosis disease is covered only after the waiting period is over
2. Tuberculosis caused due to smoking may not be covered