Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito, head of the DOH-CHDNM’s Infectious Disease Cluster, addresses common misconceptions about tuberculosis during the World TB Day celebration at Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City. (HSGA/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health – Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) addressed common misconceptions about tuberculosis (TB) during Barangay Macabalan’s World TB Day celebration on March 15.
“As Filipinos, it’s important for us to understand this disease because it is common and can be found everywhere,” said Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito, head of the DOH-CHDNM’s Infectious Disease Cluster.
While TB is most commonly associated with the lungs, Brito explained that the disease can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, stomach or bones, especially when the immune system is weak.
She clarified that TB treatment typically takes at least six months, unlike other illnesses that may resolve in a shorter time. In cases where TB spreads to other organs, treatment may take up to a year, as the medication requires additional time to reach and effectively treat areas like the brain and bones.
Brito also debunked myths regarding how TB is transmitted. She emphasized that TB is not spread through direct contact such as kissing, handshakes or sharing food, drinks or bed linens. Instead, the disease is airborne, transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
She added that those living with TB patients could develop “inactive TB,” which requires about three months of treatment.
Encouraging proactive steps for TB prevention, Brito urged attendees to seek medical care if they experience symptoms of the disease.
She said TB treatment is free, with both the city and national governments providing medication.
“No one should die from TB because there is a cure and treatment is free,” Brito emphasized. (HSGA/PIA-10)
