Pulmonary Tuberculosisi in the workplace

TB in the workplace

1. Tuberculosis in the Workplace Dr. Faye Dominique Palmares

2. Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines.

3. Tuberculosis Reports About 70 Filipinos die daily from tuberculosis (TB), a serious illness caused by bacteria affecting the lungs 01 “For every 100,000 Filipinos, an estimated 650 individuals were infected with TB in 2021, a huge difference from our 554 per 100,000 from the year prior." 02 03 According to the World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Report 2022, the Philippines is one of the top 10 countries that accounted for more than 90 percent reduction in case notification of people who are newly diagnosed with TB in 2021 compared with those in 2019

4. Tuberculosis TB incidence is predicted to increase by 130 percent and TB deaths by 170 percent by 2025.

5. Impact of TB on Businesses TB poses a significant threat to businesses, affecting productivity, disrupting workflow, and causing economic losses due to worker absenteeism. The disease primarily strikes individuals in their prime working years, reducing their ability to contribute to the workforce and the overall economy.

6. Tuberculosis infection: How does it spread? Coughing 01 Speaking of an infected person 02 Sneezing 03 Shouts/ Spits 04 TB is spread primarily from person to person through infected air during close contact.

7. Signs and Symptoms

8. 1 2 3 Workplace TB Control Activities Referring TB Suspects for diagnosis Promptly refer individuals with suspected TB to healthcare providers for proper diagnosis and treatment. Helping TB Patients complete their treatmet Provide support and encouragement to TB patients to adhere to their treatment regimen and ensure they complete the full course of medication. Identify TB Suspects Regularly monitor employees for TB symptoms and conduct screening programs. Employers play a vital role in preventing and controlling TB in the workplace by implementing the following measures:

9. Diagnosis and Referral to Healthcare Services Employers should establish a referral system to connect TB suspects with appropriate healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Collaboration with Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) facilities is crucial to ensure proper case management and adherence to treatment protocols.

10. Treatment for TB TB treatment typically involves a combination of medications taken for six to twelve months , depending on the severity of the infection .

11. Responsibilities of Employers and Employees Employers and employees share responsibility for preventing and controlling TB in the workplace. Employers should provide education and training on TB prevention, while employees should practice universal precautions and preventive measures

12. Minimum Public Health Standards

13. TB remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in the workplace. By implementing effective prevention and control strategies, employers and employees can work together to reduce the spread of TB and protect the health and productivity of the workforce .