bcg full form

Question

I recently came across the BCG full form while researching vaccines, and I was surprised to realize that I don’t know if I ever got it. I understand that it’s primarily used for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and that it’s given in infancy, but does everyone get it? My parents don’t remember if I had it as a baby, and I don’t see any vaccination mark on my arm.

The reason I started looking this up is that I have been experiencing some persistent coughing for months, especially at night. It’s not severe, but it’s dry, and it doesn’t seem to go away. I also feel fatigued a lot, and sometimes I wake up with night sweats. A few weeks ago, I went to the doctor, and they suggested I take a TB test. But when I was reading about it, I found out that if you have had the BCG full form vaccine before, it might interfere with TB skin test results and give a false positive. That confused me because now I don’t know if my test results would be reliable or not.

Another thing I don’t understand is why some countries don’t even give the BCG full form vaccine anymore. If it’s supposed to protect against TB, why would they stop using it? Does it mean that the vaccine is not as effective as people once thought? Or is it just because TB is not as common in some places? And if someone wasn’t vaccinated as a child, would it make sense to get it later in life?

I also read that TB prevention is possible through Ayurveda by boosting immunity and keeping the lungs strong. Are there Ayurvedic remedies that can naturally help protect against TB? Can Ayurveda help clear toxins from the lungs and improve respiratory health? If someone has already been exposed to TB, are there herbal treatments that can help fight off the infection before it gets serious?

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

The BCG vaccine is primarily used to protect against tuberculosis (TB), especially in countries with high TB rates. It’s typically given to infants, but not all countries administer it, especially those with low TB prevalence, as its effectiveness is more limited in adults. In areas with low TB cases, the risks of the vaccine are considered greater than its benefits. If you've had the BCG vaccine, it can interfere with TB skin tests, potentially giving false positives due to the body's reaction to the vaccine, not an active infection.

Ayurvedic practices may support respiratory health and immune function through herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Guduchi (Giloy), and Pippali (Long Pepper), which can help clear mucus, boost immunity, and support the lungs. However, these should not replace medical treatment if TB is suspected. Ayurvedic remedies can be used to strengthen overall health and assist recovery, but they should be used in conjunction with prescribed TB treatments, not as a substitute.

If you suspect TB exposure or have symptoms like persistent coughing and fatigue, it’s essential to seek medical testing. The TB skin test can be unreliable if you've received the BCG vaccine, so you may want to opt for a blood test to get more accurate results. Ayurvedic remedies can help boost your immunity and support respiratory health but should always be used as a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment for TB.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is primarily given in infancy in countries where TB is common, but not everyone receives it, especially in places where TB prevalence is low. The absence of a scar does not always mean you weren’t vaccinated, as some people don’t develop a visible mark. Regarding TB testing, the BCG vaccine can sometimes cause a false-positive tuberculin skin test (TST) but does not affect blood-based TB tests like the IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay), which may be more reliable in your case. Some countries no longer use BCG because TB rates have declined, and the vaccine does not always prevent adult pulmonary TB, though it protects against severe forms in children. Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the lungs and immunity through herbs like Vasaka (Adhatoda), Tulsi, Pippali, and Chyawanprash, which support respiratory health. Practices like Pranayama (breathing exercises), steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, and a diet rich in warm, nourishing foods help clear toxins and boost lung function. If exposed to TB, Ayurveda can support the body’s natural defenses, but medical treatment is crucial for active infection. If symptoms persist, further testing and a consultation with a doctor are essential.

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