Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease which is mostly known to affect the lungs. However, it can also take its toll on other parts of the body such as the spine, brain or kidneys. Not everyone who is infected gets sick – this is called latent TB – but you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately if you begin to show the following symptoms:

• A bad and persistent cough lasting longer than 2 weeks
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Extremely tired and weak
• A loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Chills and/or fever
• Night sweats

We are often misinformed about TB which is why there are so many myths out there about what causes TB and how it is spread. This article dispels some of the more popular ones.

Find out more about why testing for TB is is important here.

Myth – TB is extremely contagious

Truth – TB bacteria are spread through the air and are infectious. However, the germs do not spread easily and you only stand a chance of contracting the illness if you spend a lot of time with someone who has TB. Did you know that most people who breathe in the TB bacteria are able to fight it and stop it from growing? What happens then is the bacteria lies dormant and is called a latent TB infection. The problem is it’s still alive in your body and if your immune system is weakened in any way, the bacteria can start growing and become active TB disease.

Myth – You can get TB from the food and water consumed by an infected person

Truth – You cannot get TB through food and water, nor by kissing someone or holding their hand. You cannot even get it by sharing a toilet seat or a toothbrush with someone who has the disease. TB can only be spread when a person with active TB disease releases germs into the air by coughing, sneezing, talking, singing, or laughing. Active TB means the person has a pulmonary infection and displays symptoms of the sickness.

Myth – TB cannot be cured

Truth – The good news is it can be cured, even in people who have HIV. TB is treated with a long course of antibiotics. You may even need to take various types of antibiotics for as long as 31 weeks before the TB bacteria have completely cleared out of your system. And, in order for you to get a clean bill of health, you must take all the prescribed medication or not all of the TB bacteria will be destroyed. Some people start feeling better and decide they don’t need to finish their course of antibiotics. This is a big mistake and the bacteria can start growing again.

Myth – Only people with HIV can get TB

Truth – Anyone can get TB but people who are most susceptible to the disease are usually vulnerable in one way or another, such as those:

• With underdeveloped immune systems, such as babies and young children
• Suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes and kidney disease
• Who have undergone surgery to receive organ transplants
• Who are being treated with chemotherapy for cancer
• Who are receiving treatments for deficient immune systems

Myth – TB is a South African disease

Truth – While South Africa may have one of the highest incidents of TB, the illness has infected approximately 33% of the world’s population. This means nearly 2,5 billion people are infected with TB on a global level.

There are 5 ways a medical practitioner can check to see if you have contracted the bacteria:

1. Blood test– Blood will be taken from your arm using a syringe and then sent to the laboratory for testing.
2. TB skin test – You will be injected into the skin of your forearm. Your skin is checked after to 3 days for signs of TB.
3. Sputum sample– Mucus from your lungs is collected in a cup when you have your first morning cough. It will then be tested for the TB bacteria and can be helpful in assisting healthcare providers when choosing the best treatment for you.
4. Chest x-ray– Your chest area will be x-rayed using a special machine which can help healthcare professionals see whether you have TB and can show signs of swelling, infection, or lung collapse.
5. CT scan– This is quite similar to a chest x-ray in that the results can show lung damage, infection and indicate TB.

Find out why a regular medical check up is so important here.

To prevent the spread of TB you should:

1. Listen to doctor’s orders and continue taking your medicine until it is finished. Contact your healthcare provider immediately you forget to take a dose.
2. Make sure you wash your hands using soap and water after going to the toilet, changing a baby’s diapers, or coughing and sneezing into your hands. Also wash your hands just before preparing or eating food.
3. Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Preferably try cough and sneeze into a tissue, which can be flushed down the toilet afterwards.
4. Avoid close contact with vulnerable people who are at an increased risk of getting TB, such as babies, the elderly and sickly people.
5. Be open and honest about your TB with family, friends, and coworkers. They may have latent TB and need to take medicine to prevent it from becoming active.

If you are worried you may have TB, you should make an appointment at your local hospital to be tested. If the results show you do have the disease, you can receive treatment and make a full recovery.

Find out how you can boost your immune system here.

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.

For more information Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: Any information contained here is merely a guideline. Always visit your healthcare practitioner for any health-related advice or diagnosis.