Myths of Tuberculosis...Explained

   There are many myths about Tuberculosis that people need to learn about. Most of which relate to how people are infected with TB, and subjects such as testing or symptoms. Below are examples of myths of Tuberculosis, as well as an explanation for why they are not true. This should clear up questions that many of us have about the infection.

Myth #1: Tuberculosis infection and Tuberculosis disease are the same thing.
   
    Tuberculosis infection and Tuberculosis disease are not the same thing. Tuberculosis infection is when the germ is inactive and therefore, the person is not contagious and will not show signs or symptoms. On the other hand, Tuberculosis disease is where the germ is active within the body which makes the person contagious, showing signs or symptoms.

Myth  #2: Tuberculosis is hereditary.

     You may have heard from someone that TB is hereditary, but this is not true. This disease is transmitted through the air from person to person, so it is in no way related to genetics. A simple cough or sneeze can spread the disease to another person.

Myth #3: Tuberculosis infection will always develop into Tuberculosis disease.

    A TB infection does not always turn into TB disease. A person is most likely to develop TB disease  with a weakened immune system. This category most often falls on the elderly, young children, persons with HIV, or cancer.

Myth #4: Tuberculosis only occurs in lower socioeconomic groups.

    This statement is false in that any person can contract TB. There is however, reasoning that some people may be at a higher risk to develop TB, which is why it is important to know ways to reduce your risks.

Myth #5: Tuberculosis causes lung cancer.

    Although TB can increase the risk of lung cancer, it is not the prominent cause of lung cancer. Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking and pollution, among other factors.

Myth #6: A positive skin test means that I have Tuberculosis.

    A positive skin test does not necessarily mean that you have TB, but it does verify that you have been exposed to the TB infection. In this way, you do not have the disease, but it is important to start medication for TB infection.
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      If you are interested on learning more about Tuberculosis, watch this video on Tuberculosis Treatment Myths. This video provides information on the differences of Tuberculosis disease and Tuberculosis infection, as well as many other interesting facts.

You Tube Video on TB Myths

References

Tuberculosis Myths. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://knowyo.org/the-myths/tuberculosis-myths/

Tuberculosis Treatment Myths [You Tube]. (2014). Hello Doctor.

Thanks for logging in to BustingMyths.com! (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://bustingmyths.com/