A book I'm currently reading, set in the 1800s, has a character contracting tuberculosis. It got me wondering about the survival rates back then. Was it possible for people to survive TB in the 1800s, or was it almost always a death sentence?
9 months ago
Yes, many people did survive tuberculosis even in the 1800s through simple rest and climate changes, though it was very scary back then. I used to panic reading about old diseases, but then I realized modern TB treatments are highly effective and completely cure the illness today.
9 months ago
I recently finished my 6-month DOTS treatment for TB, and looking back at history makes me so grateful. Yes, people survived back then on pure luck or dry mountain air, but today we have a direct, scientifically proven cure that saves lives every single day.
9 months ago
I was reading about this too! Yes, about 20 to 30 percent of people with active TB actually recovered naturally without any antibiotics, often because of a strong immune system and resting in sanitariums. It is amazing how much the human body can fight off on its own.
4 months ago
Yes, they definitely did, so don't stress too much reading those grim history articles! Many people's immune systems just managed to wall off the bacteria naturally. Now we have amazing doctors and medicines, so there is absolutely no reason to worry about old-world statistics.
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4 months ago
Back in the 1800s, 'feeding up' the patient with lots of heavy cream, milk, and eggs was actually the standard way they tried to fight TB wasting! Surviving relied heavily on building body strength. Thankfully, today we have proper antibiotics, though good nourishing food is still essential for recovery.
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