5 Myths of TB
Posted October 15, 2022 by Anusha ‐ 2 min read
Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death across the globe. It is a contagious disease that is caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that most commonly affects the lungs, although it could affect any other part of the body as well.
Myth: TB is hereditary
Fact
TB is not hereditary as genetics have no role to play in the transmission or development of TB.
The TB bacteria takes time to develop in a person’s body and is caused when one is around people who are already infected with the condition.
Myth: If someone with TB coughs, I will contract the disease
Fact
TB is passed on through coughing, sneezing etc. however it is not spread so easily.
One has to be in close contact with an infected person for a considerable amount of time in order to contract the infection.
Myth: There is only one kind of Tuberculosis
Fact
There are actually two types of TB: Pulmonary TB and Extrapulmonary TB.
Pulmonary TB is the most common and prevalent form of TB that affects the lungs.
However, the condition can affect various other parts of the body including the brain, muscles, bones and lymph nodes.
When the bacteria affects other vital organs, the condition is called extrapulmonary TB.
Myth: Once you are cured of TB, you will not develop it
Fact
Even if you have been cured of TB once, you can still develop the infection a second time.
Ensure that you complete your course of treatment when diagnosed with the condition.
Myth: You will always know if you have TB, given its symptoms
Fact
The major concern with TB is that it doesn’t manifest in the form of symptoms until the condition has advanced to a severe level.
People generally disregard the diagnostic tests for TB during infertility, unaware of the fact that it could actually be the cause of infertility.
Someone with TB could either depict symptoms like night sweats, constant coughing of blood, loss of appetite leading to unexplained weight loss etc.
while other could experience fewer or no symptoms.