5 Myths About Tuberculosis Debunked
Tuberculosis (TB) is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most misunderstood diseases in the world today. Although it is both preventable and curable with appropriate medical intervention, TB continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities. At the AHA Initiative, we are deeply committed to fighting the spread of TB by actively educating communities, ensuring access to essential medical care, and debunking harmful myths that perpetuate stigma and misinformation. In this effort, let’s take a moment to set the record straight on five common misconceptions about TB that can lead to confusion and hinder effective prevention and treatment.
Myth 1: TB is a disease of the past
The Myth: Many people believe that tuberculosis (TB) is merely a relic of history, something that no longer exists in the modern world and thus poses no real threat to contemporary society.
The Truth: TB is, in fact, very much a present-day crisis with serious implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide today. In 2022 alone, a staggering 10.6 million people fell ill with TB, and tragically, around 1.5 million lost their lives to this infectious disease. It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those living in low-income countries, marginalised communities, and individuals who are living with HIV, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and resources to combat this ongoing health challenge.
TB is not a disease of the past—it’s a disease of inequality. Limited access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and lack of education about prevention and treatment keep TB alive and deadly.
Myth 2: TB only affects poor countries
The Myth: Tuberculosis (TB) is often perceived predominantly as a public health problem that predominantly affects developing or low-income nations. However, it is essential to recognise that this infectious disease can impact populations across various regions, and its effects can be felt even in more developed areas at times.
The Truth: While tuberculosis (TB) is significantly more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, it is important to recognise that this infectious disease exists in every corner of the globe, affecting diverse populations. Factors such as overcrowding in urban areas, widespread malnutrition, and limited access to comprehensive healthcare services all contribute to the transmission and spread of TB, illustrating that its impact is not solely determined by geography.
For example, in 2022, countries like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria accounted for the highest TB cases, but even high-income countries like the United States and parts of Europe report thousands of cases annually. TB doesn’t discriminate—it thrives where there are gaps in healthcare systems and social inequities.
Myth 3: TB is highly contagious and spreads easily
Myth: Being close to someone with tuberculosis (TB) guarantees that an individual will become infected.
Truth: In reality, TB is considerably less contagious than illnesses such as COVID-19 or influenza (the flu). The bacterium responsible for TB spreads through the air, but this typically occurs during prolonged close contact with someone who is actively infectious. It is important to note that most individuals who have latent TB, which means they carry the bacteria without showing active symptoms, cannot transmit the disease to others.
About 25% of the world’s population has latent TB, meaning they carry the bacteria but are not sick and cannot infect others. Only when TB becomes active does it pose a risk of transmission.
Myth 4: TB is always fatal
The Myth: Tuberculosis (TB) is often perceived as a death sentence, particularly in communities that have limited access to quality healthcare services. This notion can create an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness among individuals who may be affected.
The Truth: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is entirely curable when appropriate treatment is administered. A standard course of antibiotics, which must be taken consistently for 6 to 9 months, can effectively treat most cases of TB if started early. Timely detection of the disease and strict adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen are critical factors that significantly influence the recovery process.
However, challenges like drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and lack of access to healthcare can complicate treatment.
Myth 5: Only people with HIV/AIDS get TB
The Myth: Many believe that tuberculosis (TB) only affects individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those living with serious conditions such as HIV/AIDS.
The Truth: While it is true that people with HIV are at a significantly higher risk of developing TB (in fact, they are 18 times more likely to fall ill with TB than those who do not have HIV), it is crucial to recognize that anyone can contract this infectious disease. Healthy individuals, too, can develop TB if they are subjected to repeated exposure to the bacteria. Therefore, it is important to understand that TB does not discriminate based on overall health status.
Other risk factors include malnutrition, diabetes, smoking, and living in overcrowded or poorly ventilated spaces. TB is not limited to one group—it can affect anyone, anywhere.
