Vulnerable Children Infected with TB, Here are the Recommended Prevention Steps

JAKARTA - Transmission of tuberculosis (TB) in children is still a serious concern, especially when children live together or often interact with adults who have the disease. Children whose immune systems are not perfect are at risk of being infected if preventive measures are not taken early.

Pediatric specialist subspecialist respirologist, Dr. dr. Nastiti Kaswandani Sp.A, Subsp.Resp, explained that efforts to prevent the transmission of TB in children are very dependent on the conditions of the child's surrounding environment, especially the presence of adult TB patients who are still contagious.

"If the child is a healthy child, then there are adults around who have tuberculosis, then preventing transmission is by avoiding close contact," Nastiti told ANTARA in Jakarta, Monday.

The doctor from RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo said that TB transmission generally occurs during the infectious period, namely when the patient has not undergone treatment or is still in the first two weeks of the therapy. This disease is caused by the infection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium which can spread through the air.

In addition to limiting close contact between children and TB patients, the use of masks is also an important step to prevent the spread of germs. Masks help hold droplets that come out when talking, coughing, or sneezing so that the risk of transmission can be suppressed.

Other prevention efforts are carried out by ensuring that children receive good nutrition and TB immunization, one of which is through the administration of BCG vaccine which is recommended shortly after the child is born.

"Then if he is indeed a toddler, then there is an infectious TB patient, then the child is recommended to receive preventive therapy," said Nastiti.

As a member of the Respiratory Coordination Working Unit of the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), Nastiti explained that preventive therapy for children who have a history of contact with infectious adult TB patients is part of national and international programs. This program aims to reduce the risk of children contracting TB by providing preventive drugs according to medical recommendations.

Furthermore, Nastiti emphasized the importance of the role of families and parents in supporting the TB treatment process. According to him, TB treatment requires a long time, at least six months, so that adherence to medication is a challenge for patients.

"Especially if the TB is severe TB, then the role of the family is very important. Helping to always remind not to forget to take the medicine, helping to increase other body immunity, providing nutritious food and of course being supportive in terms of psychology is very important," he said.