March is world TB Awareness. (See our TB Management Tool on the PRODUCTS page)
TB and HIV are often called “the terrible twins”. Why?
HIV destroys a person’s immune system and generally TB needs a weakened immune system to become active.
What are the differences between TB and HIV?
- HIV is not curable, whereas TB can be;
- HIV is not airborne, TB is airborne;
- HIV is a virus; TB is a bacteria;
- HIV weakens the immune system; TB needs a weakened immune system to flourish;
- Once TB treatment is completed, it is stopped; ARV’s are for the rest of one’s life;
What are the similarities between TB and HIV?
- HIV weakens the immune system – TB also weakens the immune system;
- Both diseases need healthy nutrition and hygienic conditions;
- HIV virus can become drug resistant – TB can also become drug resistant;