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By Rasheedat Oladotun-Iliyas
Tuberculosis, commonly called TB, is one of the world’s oldest infectious diseases, but it remains a major public health concern today. Despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to affect millions of people every year.
One reason the disease remains difficult to control is not only the bacteria that causes it, but also misinformation, stigma and fear surrounding the disease.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs, where it is known as pulmonary tuberculosis, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
TB can spread through the air when a person with infectious pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. However, not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick or infectious.
This distinction is important because many people carry what is known as TB infection without TB disease.
How Can You Recognise TB?
Common symptoms of pulmonary TB include:
- A persistent cough, particularly one lasting two weeks or more
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or fatigue
These symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses. Therefore, people should not diagnose themselves based on social media posts, WhatsApp messages or advice from unqualified individuals.
Anyone with symptoms suggestive of TB should visit a health facility for proper testing.
Let’s Separate Facts From Myths
MYTH: TB is a spiritual disease.
FACT: TB is caused by bacteria and can be diagnosed and treated medically. People may have different beliefs about illness, but TB requires appropriate medical attention.
MYTH: Anyone who has TB will die.
FACT: TB is preventable and curable when diagnosed early and treated correctly.
MYTH: You can get TB simply by sharing food or shaking hands with someone who has TB.
FACT: Pulmonary TB primarily spreads through the air, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces where an infectious person is present. Ordinary social contact such as shaking hands does not ordinarily transmit TB.
MYTH: Once you start feeling better, you can stop taking your TB medicines.
FACT: Feeling better does not necessarily mean the infection has been completely eliminated. TB treatment must be completed exactly as prescribed by health professionals.
MYTH: A person with TB should be rejected or isolated from society.
FACT: Stigma can prevent people from seeking testing and treatment. People with TB need medical care, support and understanding—not discrimination.
Why Media Literacy Matters
In today’s digital world, information about diseases can spread almost as quickly as the diseases themselves.
A WhatsApp message claiming that a particular herb can cure TB, a TikTok video suggesting that TB is caused by a supernatural force, or a Facebook post claiming that TB medicines are harmful may reach thousands of people before anyone checks whether the information is true.
This is why media literacy is a health skill.
Before believing or sharing information about TB, ask:
Who is saying this?
Is the information coming from a qualified health professional or a recognised health organisation?
What is the evidence?
Does the person provide credible scientific evidence to support the claim?
When was the information published?
Health recommendations can change. Old information may no longer be accurate.
Is the information designed to frighten me?
Sensational headlines such as “Doctors don’t want you to know this TB cure!” should immediately raise suspicion.
Can I verify it elsewhere?
Check information against trusted sources such as the World Health Organization, Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, the Federal Ministry of Health and reputable health institutions.
Do Not Let Stigma Become Another Disease
A person living with TB is not a bad person, nor should the disease be a source of shame.
Stigma can cause people to hide their symptoms, avoid health facilities and delay treatment. Such delays can put the individual and others at greater risk.
The responsible approach is to encourage people with symptoms to seek testing and treatment promptly.
The Message Is Simple
TB is serious, but it is not a death sentence.
Do not allow rumours, fake cures or stigma to determine how you respond to the disease.
Check the source. Verify the claim. Seek professional medical advice. Complete treatment. And share only information that can be trusted.
Because when it comes to tuberculosis, accurate information can save lives.
