TB, or tuberculosis, is an endemic illness that demands serious attention in Indonesia. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death from infectious disease worldwide, surpassing HIV/AIDS.

According to the WHO Global TB Report 2021, Indonesia is among the countries with the highest numbers of TB cases globally.

Although reported TB cases in Indonesia declined compared with the previous year, this is suspected to reflect reduced testing and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic rather than better control of transmission. In addition, limited public information and the spread of tuberculosis myths and other myths about TB have fueled negative stigma surrounding the disease.

Facts and Myths About TB

Misconceptions about TB discourage people from seeking diagnosis and care. In reality, with proper, regular and intensive treatment, TB can be cured. As reported by Medical News Today, here are several myths about TB that remain common in the community:

1. TB spreads as easily as the flu

TB is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Transmission occurs through the air via tiny droplets released when a person with TB coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or laughs. When another person inhales air containing these droplets, TB bacteria may be transmitted.

Even so, TB is not as easy to be active as many would assume. In many cases, inhaled bacteria remain dormant in the lungs without causing disease. If the immune system weakens, the bacteria can then become active and cause symptoms.

It is also important to clarify that TB is not transmitted through these activities:

• Holding hands

• Sharing food and drinks

• Using toothbrushes and toilets

2. TB is a hereditary disease

TB spreads more easily when someone shares indoor air for prolonged periods with a person who has infectious TB. This explains why multiple cases may occur within one household. However, this does not make TB a genetic condition, as it is an infectious disease, not an inherited trait.

3. TB cannot be cured

Because TB treatment takes months, many people assume TB cannot be cured. But the fact is, if the treatment is started early and the medicines are taken as prescribed, antituberculosis can treat the disease.

According to the CDC, doctors may prescribe antituberculosis for 3–12 months depending on the type and severity of the disease. The course is lengthy because it takes time to eliminate TB bacteria. Patients must continue therapy until all bacteria are eradicated, even if symptoms have improved.

4. TB only occurs in developing countries

Since the mycobacteria that causes TB was identified in 1882, this disease has remained a priority for the WHO. Data show that countries such as India, Indonesia, Philippines, and several other developing nations carry the largest share of global TB cases. This does not mean TB is absent in developed countries.

At present, Europe and the Americas each account for roughly 2-3% of worldwide TB cases. Although the numbers are lower in developed countries, the CDC emphasizes that TB can affect anyone, from children and adults, to men and women. Therefore, TB still warrants strong attention from both the public and governments everywhere.

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