08-04-2010, 08:30 AM
Unfortunately, TB made a comeback in the 80's with the development of HIV/Aids. It was basically ignored for a good decade, and few funds made available for States to address the rising numbers affected (for both HIV/Aids and TB). Anyone enclosed with an infected person (elevator, airplane, jails, etc) can be exposed to it. CDC mandated health care facilities in the 90's (finally) to take precautions to protect healthcare workers and other patients, including the installation of negative air flow rooms. However, other types of facilities such as holding cells in jails and prisons, airlines, etc. have skimmed by these requirements.
In addition, TB is mutating and there are resistant strains out there now that require 3-4 meds taken at a time to get rid of it. If the infected person doesn't take the meds as directed, it doesn't go away. It's a rising health issue that is not being properly addressed so I suspect more and more latent and active cases will continue to be diagnosed. As for preventative? I agree, Puna Kite Man. Vitamin D is a great preventative against viruses, and disease - let nature do its perfect work!
In addition, TB is mutating and there are resistant strains out there now that require 3-4 meds taken at a time to get rid of it. If the infected person doesn't take the meds as directed, it doesn't go away. It's a rising health issue that is not being properly addressed so I suspect more and more latent and active cases will continue to be diagnosed. As for preventative? I agree, Puna Kite Man. Vitamin D is a great preventative against viruses, and disease - let nature do its perfect work!