The day after World Lung Day, on September 26, the WHO Country Office in Poland is launching a public campaign titled: “‘Just a cough’ or a symptom of tuberculosis?" to raise awareness about symptoms that are often mistaken for seasonal colds.
Although many consider tuberculosis (TB) a disease of the past, it remains a serious threat. In Poland, 4436 cases were reported in 2023. TB affects people of all ages and backgrounds – urban and rural, young and elderly.
A cough that doesn’t go away after 2 weeks is a cause for concern. It could be a symptom of tuberculosis (TB) – a serious disease, but one that’s fully curable nowadays. With early diagnosis, patients can recover faster and prevent spreading the disease, with treatment available at no cost.
TB – a disease that can be cured
TB is still present worldwide and in the WHO European Region. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people find out that what seemed like an “ordinary” cough was actually a symptom of a serious disease. New cases are also diagnosed in Poland – among young and old individuals, women and men, smokers and non-smokers, in both urban and rural areas. TB can affect anyone, but today methods to detect and treat it effectively are available.
Why is this so important?
- TB is spread through the air – via coughing, sneezing or contact with the sputum of an infected person. Infection can occur even if only a small number of TB bacilli enter the lungs.
- In 2023, approximately 10.8 million people worldwide had TB, including 6 million men (55%), 3.6 million women (33%) and 1.3 million children (12%).
- During the same year, the WHO European Region reported 172 000 new TB cases and 22 500 deaths related to the disease.
These numbers are alarming, but early diagnosis truly protects health and saves lives.
Symptoms to watch out for
A cough is often associated with a cold, smoking, allergy or ageing. However, if it persists for a long time or occurs with other symptoms, it may be a sign of TB. Don’t ignore it.
Symptoms of TB:
- a cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- fever
- night sweats
- weight loss
- persistent fatigue.
Each of these symptoms is a signal that a person should consult a doctor.
What to do if TB is suspected?
First, it is important to visit a doctor and discuss symptoms and the examinations needed. The doctor may provide a referral for a chest X-ray or additional tests to confirm or rule out TB.
The most important thing is to act quickly and without delay – the sooner treatment is started, the faster the recovery will be and the lower the risk of passing the disease on to other people.
TB treatment – effective and free in Poland
Thanks to the national health programme and technical support from WHO, patients have access to modern tests and free medication. In Poland, TB treatment is fully funded by the National Health Fund and available to everyone. Therapy lasts several months but can completely cure the disease. A few decades ago, TB was one of the most dangerous infectious diseases – today it can be effectively controlled. Patients with drug-resistant forms of TB nowadays have higher chances to get cured then before.
Prevention and responsibility
Taking care of our health is not only about treating symptoms if they occur. Prevention is equally important, including regular check-ups, vaccinations protecting against severe forms of TB, and maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy lifestyle.
Remember, caring for yourself is also caring for your family and those around you. TB spreads through the air when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. But we can stop it. Testing for TB infection and taking preventive treatment can protect people from getting infected. If someone already has TB disease, quick diagnosis and starting treatment right away helps them get better faster and protects others from infection.
The European Region has set an ambitious goal: eliminating TB by 2030. WHO encourages all to respond to symptoms and consult a doctor – not only to protect our own health but also to contribute to this goal for the benefit of society as a whole.
Remember:
- Visit a doctor if a cough lasts more than 2 weeks.
- Discuss a referral for a chest X-ray.
- Follow your doctor’s advice and do not hesitate to take TB preventive treatment, if prescribed.
- TB treatment is free in Poland and effective.
- Taking care of ourselves also protects those around us.
TB can affect anyone – but we can choose health. Early diagnosis and treatment will lead to a full recovery and return to normal life. Symptoms should not be ignored, and a doctor should be consulted if needed.
Let’s not underestimate what seems like an “ordinary cough”. Let’s protect our health and the health of our loved ones!