GEORGE NEWS - Pieter Jonkers and Asiphe Charmaine Damon have been named the 'Harry Comay patients of the month' for August.
Patient of the Month is an initiative launched by the Harry Comay hospital to motivate, inspire and encourage patients in their fight against TB. "Through this initiative we aim to facilitate and teach self-respect while also being mindful of the needs of others, as well as caring for our environment", said Dr Alyssa Loftus, medical doctor at Harry Comay Hospital. The aim is to identify role models in the hospital as well as the community: someone who rises above their circumstances, despite the many challenges faced.
Remember that the spread of TB can be prevented by:
• Keeping windows open and letting fresh air enter your home
• Following the correct cough etiquette (coughing in the fold of your arm at the elbow)
• Taking your children for their immunisations
Asiphe Charmaine Damon
What are the symptoms?
• Constant coughing that lasts for over three weeks
• Discoloured or bloody sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs)
• Drenching night sweats
• Tiredness
TB facts:
TB or Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The lungs are typically affected, but other parts of the body can also be infected (e.g. lymph glands, abdomen, bones and brain).
TB is spread when a person infected with lung TB coughs and the microscopic (aerosolised) droplets are inhaled by another person.
Symptoms may include: coughing that lasts more than 3 weeks, discoloured or bloody sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs), drenching night sweats, weight loss, tiredness, fever or chills, loss of appetite and chest pain.
Remember, TB is a curable disease.
Organisations and individuals who would like to be involved in the project can contact the Harry Comay Hospital on 044 803 9000 and speak to Dr Alyssa Loftus.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
