It may seem foolhardy to think of another global health concern in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but this one has been with us for centuries: tuberculosis. When it comes to tuberculosis, it’s the proverbial “Good News, Bad News” situation.
First, the Bad News. Tuberculosis (TB) is still the world’s deadliest infection, killing more than 4,000 people daily and infecting almost another 30,000. Even in the United States – estimates are 13 million people have a latent TB infection, which could develop into active TB.
But now, the Good News. Tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease, and thanks to global efforts during the past 20 years, an estimated 58 million lives have been saved.
World Tuberculosis Day (March 24) serves as an annual reminder that we can beat tuberculosis on a global scale, but the whole world must get involved. Even as an international student, you can play a significant role by being aware of TB, asking your doctor whether you are at risk for TB, and getting screened before you travel.
What is World Tuberculosis Day?
World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated every year on March 24, the day Dr. Robert Koch revealed that he had identified the bacteria that causes TB in 1882. The German bacteriologist also discovered the anthrax disease cycle (1872) and the cholera bacteria (1883). His discovery of the TB bacteria opened the possibility of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and, ultimately, a cure. This year’s theme for World Tuberculosis Day is “It’s Time” — as in it’s time to act on the commitments our world leaders made at the UN High-Level Meeting that occurred back in September of 2018. Those commitments included greater access to prevention and treatment and additional funding to finance research, among others.
World Tuberculosis Day gives everyone a chance to spread awareness and to voice their support for sending committed resources to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) substantial goals:
- Diagnose and treat 40 million people with TB by 2022
- Reach 30 million people with TB preventive treatment by 2022
- Mobilize $13 billion a year to support efforts to end TB
- Invest $2 billion a year in TB research
Why is World Tuberculosis Day Important?
Awareness and support of TB treatment and research are still desperately needed. In 2018, an estimated 10 million new cases of tuberculosis were identified. That’s an astonishing number considering many of those who are infected will never know or show symptoms. Tuberculosis is caused by air-borne bacteria that easily infect others, but can remain inactive for long periods of time.
In addition, drug-resistant strains have large gaps between those who are diagnosed and those who are treated. Currently, only 1 in 3 people needing treatment are receiving it. Unfortunately, a more than $1.2 billion funding gap is limiting the development of accurate TB testing and treatment, including the 14 vaccine candidates and 23 drugs in clinical trials.
Who Needs to Be Screened for Tuberculosis?
You should rely on your doctor’s recommendations regarding screening, but in general, those at highest risk for tuberculosis include:
- Those who smoke or abuse drugs/alcohol
- Those who are undernourished
- Those diagnosed with HIV or diabetes
- Those in close contact with someone who has active TB
- Those who have recently visited an area with high TB prevalence
- Those from any of the 48 countries included in the WHO’s high burden for TB list
Even if you meet none of the listed risk factors, you may need to be screened if you will be working with at-risk demographics or traveling. This most certainly includes international students studying abroad. In fact, many schools and programs require TB screening, in accordance with the ACHA’s guidelines.
In addition, if you do become ill, keep an eye out for the symptoms of tuberculosis, which include:
- Coughing that lasts three or more weeks or coughing up blood
- Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue or loss of appetite
- Night sweats or chills
- Fever
You should seek medical attention and advice whenever you are ill. If you are concerned that you may have contracted tuberculosis, whether at home or abroad, discuss your fears with your doctor. They will recommend screening and treatment if necessary.
Where Can I Find More Information?
Multiple organizations are collaborating to end tuberculosis for good, and they provide ample resources on their respective websites:
- WHO: Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
- Stop TB Partnership: Founded in 2001, the Partnership’s mission is to serve every person who is vulnerable to TB and ensure that high-quality diagnosis, treatment, and care is available to all who need it.
- Stop TB USA: Founded in 1992, Stop TB USA is a US-based member of the Stop TB Partnership.
- National Tuberculosis Controllers Association: The NTCA was created in 1995 to bring together leaders of US tuberculosis control programs.
Key Takeaway
Tuberculosis is a global issue, and there is no shame in being screened, diagnosed, or treated for TB. In fact, until we all take responsibility for our own screening, the disease will continue to spread. Far from being an embarrassing medical test, it is your way of helping to end TB for good.
LewerMark is here to help and protect our schools and students as we work together to end tuberculosis. LewerMark programs typically cover screenings, and all of our plans cover TB treatment subject to the policy guidelines, meaning that students can arrive in the U.S. with peace of mind and the ability to focus on adjusting to their new lives.
Welcome back to school, let LewerMark and VSP help you Combat Computer Vision Syndrome
Whether you spend a lot of time on the computer writing papers, searching the web, or watching videos, chances are your body is feeling the effects of spending too much time logged on—dry eyes, tired eyes, headaches, neck pain, blurred vision. Luckily, help is on the way.
Here are Six Simple Steps you can take to help minimize the impact of Computer Vision Syndrome:
Keep blinking. It washes your eyes in naturally therapeutic tears.
Remember 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away, minimum.
Get the right light. Good lighting isn’t just flattering – it’s healthy for your eyes. So, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum. Keep your desk lamp shining on your desk, not you. Try to keep window light off to the side, rather than in front or behind you. Use blinds and get a glare screen. Position the computer screen to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights.
Monitor your monitor. Keep it at least 20 inches from your eyes. Center should be about 4 to 6 inches below your eyes. Also, make sure it’s big enough and with just the right brightness and contrast. Adjust the screen so you look at it slightly downward and are about 24 to 28 inches away. Adjust the screen settings to where they are comfortable — contract polarity, resolution, flicker, etc.
Wear those computer glasses. Your doctor can prescribe a pair of eyeglasses just for viewing the computer screen well. If necessary, wear the appropriate corrective lenses while at the computer.
Talk to your doc. Have a comprehensive eye exam by a VSP network doctor. During your eye exam, your eye doctor can check for more than just computer vision problems. They’ll look for signs of health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. It’s an important part of your overall health routine.
If you need to visit an eye doctor, but don’t have vision coverage, consider a VSP Individual Vision Plan which covers exams, frames, lenses and more. Visit Vision Plans to learn more and enroll.