Differentiate the Symptoms of TB in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the midst of this pandemic, it is not only COVID-19 infection that needs to be watched out for, but also Tuberculosis or TB. This is because the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that Indonesia has the third highest number of cases in the world. This indicates that tuberculosis is still a real threat in Indonesia.

To raise awareness about the disease, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of TB and how it differs from COVID-19 in the midst of this pandemic. Come on, find out the explanation here!

 

Coughs Are Not Just a Symptoms of COVID-19
Keep in mind that tuberculosis or TB is an infectious disease caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Meanwhile, COVID-19 is an infection caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Both are infectious diseases that attack the lungs.

Well, one of the common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection is a cough. However, cough is also a typical clinical symptom of TB disease. Therefore, it is important to know the difference in symptoms between the two. The following are the most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection, namely:
• Have a fever.
• Headache
• Cough suddenly, which is dry at first but can become phlegm at times if the case becomes severe due to not being treated immediately.
• Feeling sore throat.
• Shortness of breath that can get worse in a matter of days.

 

Meanwhile, here are the common symptoms of TB disease:
• Cough more than 14 days or 2 weeks.
• Experiencing shortness of breath.
• Night sweats without strenuous activity.
• Decreased appetite.
• Significant weight loss.
• The appearance of extreme fatigue.

The development of TB symptoms can occur slowly and vary, depending on the severity and endurance of a person. In addition, the spread of TB is also very easy, namely through droplets of people with TB like COVID-19. So, TB can equally spread through coughing, sneezing, or spitting.

Therefore, immediately check your health condition to the nearest health center or clinic if you experience these symptoms. Especially the main symptom of TB, namely coughing more than 14 days.

 

The Importance of Independent Tuberculosis Examination
TB is a potentially serious disease, but it can be cured if treatment is given promptly. However, if it is detected too late, then treatment cannot be done early.
TB that is not treated properly can be fatal, the bacteria that cause it can spread to other organs of the body and trigger extrapulmonary TB.
However, not only that, there are several other complications that can also occur due to tuberculosis, namely:
• Joint damage.
• Meningitis
• Problems with the liver or kidneys.
• Heart problems
• etc.

In addition, you can also ask the doctor through the Halo Hermina application to share your complaints and ask for medical advice on what to do next. So what are you waiting for? Come on, Download Halo Hermina now!

 

Referensi:
Litbang. KemKes. Diakses pada 2022. Jangan Abaikan TBC di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Menuju Eliminasi TBC Tahun 2030.
141.stoptbindonesia.org. Diakses pada 2022. Apa sih bedanya TBC dengan COVID-19.
Emedicinehealth. Diakses pada 2022. What Are the Differences Between Tuberculosis and COVID-19?
TBC Indonesia. Diakses pada 2022. Apa itu TOSS TBC?
Stop TB Partnership Indonesia. Diakses pada 2022. #141CekTBC, 14 hari batuk tak kunjung reda? 1 solusi, cek dokter segera!