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Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, killing around 1.5 million people each year. In recognition of the ongoing global health threat posed by TB, World TB Day is observed on March 24th each year, while the entire month of March is designated as TB Awareness Month.

TB Awareness Month
The purpose of TB Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the disease and its impact on global health, as well as to promote early detection and treatment. It is a preventable and curable disease, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimise the spread of the disease and prevent serious complications and death.

Understanding TB
There are two main forms of TB, namely latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. LTBI occurs when a person is infected with the TB bacterium, but the immune system is able to keep the bacteria under control and prevent it from causing disease. Active TB disease occurs when the TB bacterium begins to multiply and causes symptoms, such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, active TB disease can lead to serious complications and death. In order to diagnose TB, a healthcare provider will typically perform a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and order tests such as a chest X-ray, sputum culture, or a skin test known as the TB skin test. If TB is diagnosed, treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months, which
must be taken as directed in order to be effective. One of the challenges in preventing and controlling the spread of TB is that many people with the disease do not know they are infected. In many cases, the symptoms of TB are mild and may be mistaken for those of a common
cold or flu. This is why early detection and treatment are so important in controlling the spread of TB. Another challenge in the fight against TB is that the bacterium that causes the disease is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a form of TB that is resistant to at least two of the most powerful antibiotics used to treat the disease.

How can we control the spread of TB?
In order to control the spread of TB and minimise the impact of the disease on global health, it is important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms of TB and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have the disease. People who are at higher risk of TB, such as those with weakened immune systems, people who live in areas with high rates of TB, and people who have close contact with someone with active TB disease, should be particularly vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of TB. In addition to seeking medical attention if you suspect you have TB, there are other steps you can take to prevent the spread of the disease. For example, practicing good hygiene can help to reduce the risk of infection. If you are diagnosed with TB, it is also important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and to avoid spreading the disease to others by staying home from work or school until your healthcare provider tells you it is safe to return.

Having medical aid is especially important for individuals with tuberculosis (TB) or those who might be at risk of getting it. Medical aid can provide access to the medical services and resources needed for the effective management of TB, including diagnostic tests, medication, and hospitalisation if necessary. Additionally, medical aid can also help to cover the cost of TB treatment, which can be expensive, especially for individuals with multidrug-resistant TB. Having medical aid can alleviate the financial burden of TB treatment and ensure that individuals have access to the care they need to manage their health effectively. If you would like to find a medical aid that suits your needs and wants, visit www.MedicalAid.co.za. MedicalAid.co.za is South Africa’s best medical aid scheme comparison website.

In conclusion
TB Awareness Month serves as a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its impact on global health. During this month, it is important for everyone to educate themselves about the symptoms of TB and to seek medical attention if they suspect they may have the disease. The ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve early detection and treatment of TB will help to reduce the impact of this disease on global health and ensure a brighter future for all.

The week of February 13 through 16 is designated as Pregnancy Awareness Week. Reducing the number of pregnancy-related deaths or complications, for the mother and child, is the main goal of Pregnancy Awareness Week. The day accomplishes this by enhancing prenatal education and emphasising crucial concerns that support a healthy pregnancy and safe parenthood. One key point is highlighting the fact that having a medical aid during pregnancy is important for protecting both the mother and the baby. Let’s find out more.

Having medical aid during pregnancy

Medical care during pregnancy can help ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated early, which can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. Medical care during pregnancy includes regular pre-natal check-ups, which can help detect any potential issues such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Prenatal check-ups also provide an opportunity for the mother to receive vaccinations and for the baby’s growth and development to be monitored.

Additionally, medical aid also provides benefits for maternal and new-born care after delivery, which can cover expenses such as hospitalisation, medical tests, and the cost of delivery. This can help reduce the financial burden that pregnancy and birth can place on a family.

When should you purchase a medical aid product if you’re planning for pregnancy?

You should join a medical aid at least 12 months before falling pregnant because pregnancy is categorised as a pre-existing condition. You are insured if you were a member of a medical aid for 12 months before becoming pregnant, otherwise, scans, OBGYN visits, and childbirth-related expenses are not entirely covered. Unfortunately, many new mothers who didn’t purchase a medical aid product quickly enough either didn’t anticipate becoming pregnant so quickly or were unaware of the exclusion.

According to the Medical Schemes Act, medical aid programs may impose general waiting periods of three months and/or condition-specific waiting periods of 12 months for any pre-existing medical conditions. The Act specifically allows for the introduction of waiting periods to safeguard the current medical scheme from “selective abuse”. Selective abuse is characterised by a desire to purchase a medical aid product only after learning that you require medical assistance for a particular condition, such as a disease or, in this case, pregnancy.

The bottom line

Overall, having a medical aid during pregnancy is essential in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth for both the mother and the baby. If you are planning on growing your family, you should use www.medicalaid.co.za to find the perfect medical aid product for you. www.medicalaid.co.za is the country’s best medical aid scheme comparison tool to help you find the medical aid scheme that suits your needs, wants, and budget.