What is TB or tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. TB is curable and preventable with proper treatment.
What are the symptoms of TB?
Common symptoms include:
Persistent cough for more than two weeks
Coughing up blood or phlegm
Fever, chills, and night sweats
Sudden weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
How do I know if I have TB?
If you experience symptoms, visit a healthcare provider immediately. Diagnosis usually involves:
A chest X-ray
Sputum (phlegm) tests
A skin or blood test
What’s the difference between a TB infection and active TB disease?
Latent TB infection: The bacteria live in your body, but you have no symptoms and are not contagious.
Active TB disease: The bacteria are multiplying, causing symptoms, and you can spread TB to others.
Who is at risk for TB? Do I need to be tested?
Anyone can get TB, but risks are higher for people with:
Close contact with TB patients
Weak immune systems (e.g., HIV, diabetes)
Poor nutrition or living in overcrowded settings
If you are in a high-risk group, testing is recommended.
What is drug-resistant TB?
Drug-resistant TB occurs when the TB bacteria do not respond to standard medicines (like rifampicin and isoniazid). It is more difficult to treat and requires special medication and longer treatment courses.
What are the treatment options if I test positive for TB?
Standard TB treatment usually lasts 6 months and involves multiple antibiotics. For drug-resistant TB, treatment may take 9–20 months with stronger medicines. All treatment is provided free of cost under India’s National TB Elimination Programme.
How can we prevent the spread of TB?
Early diagnosis and completion of treatment
Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Using masks in high-risk areas
Ensuring proper ventilation at home and workplaces
Supporting people on treatment to reduce stigma and isolation
Who are "missing" people with TB?
“Missing” people with TB are those who are infected but remain undiagnosed or untreated. They are at risk of worsening health and can unknowingly spread TB in their communities.
What is the Declaration on Human Rights in TB?
It’s a global commitment that recognizes TB as not just a health issue but a human rights issue. It calls for dignity, non-discrimination, and equal access to TB prevention, care, and treatment for all.
How can we combat stigma and empower people affected by TB?
Sharing real patient stories and successes
Promoting respectful and non-judgmental language
Involving TB survivors as community champions
Educating communities to break myths and misconceptions
How do we talk about TB? What language should I use?
Always use respectful and empowering language. For example:
Say “a person affected by TB” instead of “a TB patient”.
Focus on recovery and hope, not fear or blame.
What kinds of new tools and innovations have we seen for TB?
Recent innovations include:
Faster molecular diagnostic tests (like GeneXpert)
Shorter and more effective treatment regimens
Digital adherence tools (apps, SMS reminders)
Development of new TB vaccines under trial
Which countries have the highest levels of TB?
TB is most common in developing countries. India has the highest TB burden globally, followed by countries like Indonesia, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
