I will be beginning with a mini lesson on Tuberculosis, and what the “sanatoriums” are and how they have progressed over time! When tuberculosis emerged it was recognized or given the nickname “white plague” this was due to it being seen as affecting poor, white folk, the most. Considering this was the case in the 1880’s, TB has come a far way. The rich were known for “escaping” the disease as they could afford to place themselves in facilities known as “European spas” where they no longer faced suffering or health concerns that those who could not afford it escape. This disease spread alongside the Industrial Revolution. Sanitariums began popping up around the 1940’s, or this was their height. These facilities were the first government funded places for TB individuals who could not afford the previous European spas to go. Not only were these places to live, but they were also places of learning and study as they could watch the individuals affected and how the disease works against various factors such as hygiene, sunlight, etc. Today, a lot of these first sites have now become places to visit. Museums have been created as well as giving them the title of historical sites. With this general background in, lets dive in to what is happening with TB today!
One could describe these sanatoriums to a quarantine site. Almost like our homes today with Covid-19. In light of understanding the sanatoriums, I think it is important to recall one of the main reasons these were created besides giving them a place to live, these were places of progression. Progression of study, treatment, and awareness. Patients were advised to stay outdoors, eat healthy meals, exercise, and do everyday activities that improved their abilities and made them overall healthier despite TB. This was very important to me, I wondered how this plan would work with Covid-19. What is stopping us from doing this technique with this disease? All of these thoughts were going through my head. If these sanatoriums were places of study, growth, and recovery …. ALL 3 OF THESE THINGS ARE WHAT WE ARE MISSING WITH COVID-19. Just a thought though. It is known that strict routines help manage such strong diseases, and help for the road of recovery. This is a fact. I believe strongly in routines, and following these very closely.
What it comes down to is social support. A lot of people feel as if they are not financially stable to know whether they have any disease at all, whether it is TB of Covid-19. This has been a problem for the longest amount of time. I believe this year for the TB anniversary, it is sad that is was overshadowed by Covid-19 BUT I think it is important to use that situation as a comparison to possibly bring growth. This is the current situation, we cant forget that. This is why I loved this article I found and how they used TB as a historical lesson on its journey and how it relates to our current situation. This article gave hope and information that I didn’t even know I needed!
With what is being done specifically with TB today, prevention is the main concern and what is being studied the most. A lot of attention is towards those who are seen to be most at risk, otherwise those who do not have it yet but are likely to develop. TB is still recognized and known as the #1 killer disease. This cannot be overlooked. This is why it has its own day, because it should never be overlooked. Antiretroviral therapy is recognized as the best preventative treatment in place and is still glorified as the most adequate. BUT most recently there has been improvements with how TB parallels or is studies alongside HIV and how this affects what is being made with preventative measures. This includes new screenings for those who are high risk, or associated with HIV or live in a household with any of these recognitions. TB deserves its own day.
MicroBio 