TB or Not TB

That's not really the question. The question is if you're like PearlieMae are you going to do whatever it takes to not get tuberculosis this year or the next. If you're a regular reader of PearlieMaes you know whatever it takes is going to be all that stressful physically or otherwise. We aren't interested in making you sweat or work up a sweat. We do admit that sweating and things that make you move til you sweat are the way to better health.We just have never believed that its the only information you should be provided. We support a two pronged method of attack.

"In 2009 there were 11,545 new cases of tuberculosis reported in the United States - Although reported TB cases reached all-time lows in the United States, there are still disproportionately high rates of TB among foreign-born persons from high prevalence countries and among U.S.born racial/ethnic minorities, especially U.S.-born blacks. Among racial and ethnic minorities, unequal distribution of TB risk factors can increase the chance of developing the disease." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Current Features)

Our focus has been on protecting yourself from the H1N1 (swine flu) and not so much from the old standbys. The reason being this is season for that kind of infection is so obvious and easily prevented. Though our own actions wouldn't be a very good indication of that practice. Which is another reason why we haven't been showing the "swine table of death" that we usually show and will return to shortly. We're still at risk each and all of us even though we've had some technical difficulties keeping our stories.

"Tuberculosis - Although tuberculosis is contagious, it's not especially easy to catch. You're much more likely to get tuberculosis from someone you live with or work with than from a stranger. Most people with active TB who've had appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks are no longer contagious." - Mayo Clinic (Causes)

The reason we haven't focused on TB is because it's not "easy to catch." It's the difficulty that doesn't need an injection for protection. Avoid the sick and don't get sick which is a good tactic for all contagious diseases. If you hear that a co-worker, family member or friend has TB and you've been especially close to that person then you might want to seek treatment. Do not self treat because whatever medications you receive has to be taken completely even when you feel better.