Key Messages for TB Counselling​

The following are the key counselling messages for patients with Tuberculosis (TB):

• TB is an airborne infection, caused by the germ Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 
• A person contracts TB infection from an open case of TB (usually a sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB case). However, infection with TB does not necessarily mean that the infected person would develop TB disease. An infected person develops a disease when his/her immunity declines.
• 'Prolonged cough, for 2 weeks or more, fever, loss of weight or night sweats' can be indicative of TB disease and therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor and get examined to rule out TB.
• Sputum microscopy, molecular testing (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)) and treatment for TB (drug-sensitive-TB or drug-resistant-TB) are available free of cost for every TB patient (public as well private) under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
• Cure from TB can only be ensured by taking complete and regular treatment. 
• Treatment is provided at a place near the patient’s home which is convenient and acceptable to the patient and accountable to the system.
• Irregular medication or inappropriate regimen are the leading causes of drug-resistant tuberculosis
• It is important to maintain cough hygiene and take nutritional foods as per the custom of the patient. 
• Patients will be linked with Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) under which TB patients are entitled to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of Rs. 500/- per month during the entire treatment duration.
• Contacts of TB patients should also be assessed for sign and symptoms of tuberculosis and after ruling out TB in contacts, TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) should be offered.
• In the event of adverse drug reactions, the patient is advised to seek medical consultation. 

Resources

• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis in India, March 2021.

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