Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a bacterial infection. It impacts the lungs and the other parts of the body too. Unlike other diseases in the past that waved off with time, tuberculosis is still staying and lingering.
This is a very problematic disease but the information about TB on the internet and among people is not very true. It is one of the top 10 diseases that cause death across the globe. In old times, yes it was really difficult to get rid of such a disease.
The best pulmonologist in Karachi says that with the introduction to so much knowledge and information, there is no need to be worried about Tuberculosis. There is a very small number of people that die from this disease these days. But the lack of awareness among people has misguided them a lot about the right information about Tuberculosis.
A lot of people do not seek help when it comes to tuberculosis, and the reason behind it is the stigmas that are attached to this condition along with the myths spread. It is important to know the truth so that you can manage the TB patient well and save other family members from getting affected by the disease.
Top 5 Myths About Tuberculosis
There are a number of myths and stigmas attached to this particular disease. These are explained below:
-
Tuberculosis comes from genes
There are a good number of diseases that can impact you as they come from your genes. But tuberculosis is not one that comes down the family tree. Tuberculosis on the other hand spreads when it is contracted by the bacteria spread by another person.
Tuberculosis occurs in a similar manner as flu and cough. Any particle of the bacteria that goes in the air and is inhaled by another person can cause them to get affected by the disease.
The only reason people believe that this is a genetic condition is that it occurs from the person nearest to you and in most cases, it is the family that is to be blamed.
-
There is no cure for Tuberculosis
In old times if this was told to me I would have believed it. But in modern days with the advancements in medical science, there is a cure available for tuberculosis. In fact, the medicines work quite well and have made the treatment quite affordable and easier at the same time.
So, stop believing in such myths and get yourself or your loved ones treated once you get to know about the disease. You just need to have a little patience as the treatment doesn’t show results overnight and works in a week’s time.
-
One can easily know if they have Tuberculosis
Well, this is also a big myth that is believed by a lot of people. Sadly, a disease like tuberculosis doesn’t really come with a warning.
The symptoms of Tuberculosis often look exactly like a normal cough or wheezing that is felt during the seasonal flu. But a lot of times people don’t really get to know about the disease until the damage is done. Oftentimes it is detected after it’s spread and the observance of similar symptoms among family members.
-
Shaking hands can spread Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a very serious disease and can spread from one person to another. But to think that tuberculosis can spread through shaking hands is completely wrong.
Tuberculosis can never spread by shaking hands, sharing toothbrushes, sharing food or beverages, and even by the toilet seats.
This disease only spreads when someone suffering actively from tuberculosis sneezes or coughs and speaks too close to you.
-
Every person suffering from TB can spread the disease
This is not true at all and is a myth that is spread among people. Now, this means that people with latent infection are not capable of spreading the disease. Another thing to notice is that a person can only transmit the disease only when the disease is present in the nose and the throat.
If the bacteria is present in the other parts of the body or in other organs then it is not possible for the person to spread the disease. In a lot of cases, it has been observed that people who get the treatment stop transmitting the disease 2 weeks into the treatment. So, it is not the right statement to give when it comes to the spread of the disease.
In case of any symptoms, get yourself tested. The tuberculosis blood test price is quite affordable in Pakistan.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a serious disease and can occur to anyone at any point in time in their lives. There is a cure available for the disease and it must be taken seriously. My suggestion is to do your proper research and know what tuberculosis is and what information is just made up. Take care of yourself and the people around you and get the treatment done as soon as you can.
