Wellness Café

Women and TB: Take control of your health

Apr 1, 2025

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health challenge around the world, especially for women.

Why does TB hit women so hard?

Women are natural caregivers, often putting their loved ones before their own needs. Not seeking help when they start showing symptoms allows TB to take hold – making it harder to work, disrupting children’s education, and spreading the disease to others.

TB doesn’t just threaten your general health, it can also cause painful periods, infertility and pregnancy complications. That’s why watching out for signs of TB is essential.

Recognise signs and symptoms early

For many a hard-working woman, feeling tired all the time is part of daily life. But fatigue is also a potential TB symptom. Look for this along with other symptoms, including:

a cough (which may produce blood) that lasts more than two weeks
night sweats
unexplained weight loss
chest pain
swollen lymph nodes
fever
back ache
menstrual problems.

Get tested

It’s scary, but if you suspect you may have TB, visit your healthcare provider for testing as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider may test your spit or blood, do skin tests, and/or take a chest x-ray.

Stick to the programme

TB treatment is not easy. It takes a long time (six to nine months) and the side effects of the drugs (nausea and fatigue) may seem worse than the symptoms.

Follow your treatment plan to the letter to ensure your recovery, prevent developing drug resistance, and protecting your loved ones. Make it easier by:

asking your healthcare provider for help with side effects, such as anti-nausea drugs.
using a pill organiser to stay on track.
creating reminders to take your meds. Try an app like Medisafe or EveryDose.
crossing off dates on a calendar to mark your progress.
enlisting family and friends for support.

Support your body

A nourishing diet and good hydration help with side effects, and give your body the strength to recover.

Load your plate with:

- foods rich in protein (chicken, fish, beans).
- whole grains (brown rice, samp).
- colourful fruit and veg (pumpkin, peppers, tomatoes and guavas).

If eating triggers nausea, try smaller, frequent meals and/or blander options like crackers or toast.
Sip water, juice and teas, such as rooibos (immune support) and ginger (anti-nausea).
Top up electrolytes and nutrients with supplements.

Safety note: Always consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements, changing your diet, or taking medication.

Remember: TB affects everyone

Men face the same risks and need help too – these strategies apply to everyone. By staying informed, getting treated and supporting one another, we can all take back control against TB.

Reference

TB Alert

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