November 17th, Tuberculosis Awareness
November 17th, Tuberculosis Awareness Day, aims to raise awareness about this infectious disease, which, although preventable and curable, is still a serious public health problem, especially among poorer populations. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus), tuberculosis is transmitted between people, especially in crowded places. Symptoms include persistent coughing, night sweats, loss of appetite and fatigue. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics for at least six months, and the SUS provides the medications free of charge. The BCG vaccine, administered mainly to children, is an important preventive measure. Factors such as poverty and social exclusion aggravate the fight against the disease, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, such as indigenous people, people deprived of liberty and the homeless.
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