Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, emphasises the importance of TB awareness during TB Awareness Month.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa remains one of the countries most affected by tuberculosis (TB), with an estimated 280,000 new cases and 54,000 deaths recorded in 2022 alone,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“TB, a highly contagious disease, spreads easily in close-contact environments, making workplaces a significant area of concern.”

As TB continues to pose a significant public health challenge, raising awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment is critical to protecting lives and curbing its spread in shared spaces such as offices, factories, and public facilities.

What is Tuberculosis?

TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but potentially impacts other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets that others can inhale.

While TB is preventable and treatable, it remains a health concern, with workplaces often serving as hotspots for transmission due to close interactions and shared spaces.

Why Workplaces Are at Risk

Workplaces can facilitate the spread of TB because of:

1. Close Contact: Employees often work in close proximity, increasing the chance of airborne transmission.
2. Poor Ventilation: Enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces can allow TB bacteria to linger in the air.
3. High-Stress Environments: Stress and fatigue can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
4. Unawareness: Lack of knowledge about TB symptoms and prevention measures can delay diagnosis and increase the risk of transmission.

Recognising Symptoms

Recognising TB symptoms earlier is important for quick diagnosis and treatment. Look out for these common signs:

• A cough that lasts more than two weeks.
• Coughing up blood or mucus.
• Fever and sweating at night.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Feeling very tired or weak.

How to Stay Safe from TB at Work

Creating a safe workplace starts with implementing preventive measures and fostering a culture of awareness. Here are steps to protect yourself and your colleagues:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Practice good hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues in a bin, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

2. Promote Regular Health Checkups

Ask employees for regular health checkups, especially where TB is more common. Early detection can help stop the spread of TB and keep everyone safe.

3. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Good airflow is crucial in minimising TB transmission. Open windows and use fans or air purifiers to improve air circulation, especially in shared or enclosed spaces.

4. Wear Masks When Necessary

Wearing masks can reduce exposure to airborne bacteria in workplaces with higher TB risk, such as healthcare facilities.

5. Educate Employees About TB

Educate employees about TB by providing clear information on its symptoms, how it spreads, and the importance of early detection. Awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages a safer, healthier workplace for everyone.

6. Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

Employees who show signs of TB or other respiratory illnesses should stay home and seek medical advice. Employers can support this by offering flexible sick leave and fostering a safe, healthy work environment.

After two weeks of TB treatment, individuals are no longer infectious and can safely return to work. A designated treatment supporter can also support TB treatment in the workplace.

7. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

A strong immune system is vital in preventing TB. Encourage employees to:

• Eat healthy meals with vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins.
• Stay active by exercising regularly.
• Manage stress through mindfulness, breaks, or wellness programmes.

Supporting Colleagues with TB

When a colleague is diagnosed with TB, it’s essential to provide support while preventing further spread. Here’s how to help:

Encourage Treatment Compliance

TB treatment requires a strict regimen of antibiotics over several months. Encourage your colleague to adhere to their treatment plan, as this is key to recovery and preventing drug-resistant TB.

Respect Privacy

Respect a colleague’s privacy by not disclosing their TB diagnosis and helping reduce workplace stigma.

Offer Emotional Support

A TB diagnosis can be isolating and stressful. Show empathy by checking in with your colleague and offering assistance where needed.

Collaborate with Management

Work with your employer or HR department to ensure your colleague has the necessary support, such as modified work duties or remote work options during recovery.

What Employers Can Do

Employers have a crucial role in preventing TB and supporting employees affected by it. Important steps include:

• Creating a workplace policy.
• Offering availability for TB testing and vaccinations.
• Conducting regular risk assessments.
• Offering flexible work options.
• Promoting an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Conclusion

During TB Awareness Month, let’s join forces to make workplaces healthier and safer by focusing on TB prevention and awareness. Everyone, from employers to employees, can help stop the spread of this preventable disease. For more information on recognising the signs of TB and accessing treatment, click here.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.