18/03/2025
🛑 Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions About TB 🛑
Did you know that tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious diseases in the Philippines? Unfortunately, misinformation still spreads faster than the disease itself! Let’s set the record straight. 👇
❌ Myth #1: TB is hereditary.
✅ Fact: TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), not genetics. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
❌ Myth #2: Only poor people get TB.
✅ Fact: TB can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. However, crowded living conditions and poor ventilation can increase the risk of transmission.
❌ Myth #3: If you have TB, you should be isolated for life.
✅ Fact: TB is curable with proper treatment. After 2-3 weeks of medication, most patients are no longer contagious and can safely be around others.
❌ Myth #4: If you feel better, you can stop taking TB meds.
✅ Fact: Stopping TB treatment early can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is harder and more expensive to treat. Always complete your 6-month treatment as prescribed.
❌ Myth #5: BCG vaccination guarantees lifelong protection.
✅ Fact: BCG helps protect young children from extrapulmonary forms of TB, but it does not provide lifelong immunity. Adults can still get TB, so awareness and early detection are key.
🔎 Early detection + proper treatment = TB-free future!
If you or someone you know has symptoms like a persistent cough for more than 2 weeks, weight loss, fever, or night sweats, visit your nearest health center for a check-up. 💙
📢 Help spread awareness, not TB! Share this post and let’s fight misinformation together! 💪