Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Tuberculosis. Let’s dive in!
A deadly infectious disease that still claims many lives: Tuberculosis
According to the Infectious Disease Surveillance Annual Report, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death among infectious diseases in 2020, with 1,356 deaths. Tuberculosis ranks highest among all notifiable infectious diseases and was the 14th leading cause of death overall in Korea. It was followed by COVID-19, with 922 deaths. (Note: The number of COVID-19 deaths has continued to rise since then, so the rankings may differ in more recent data.)
Other infectious diseases with significant mortality included carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) with 226 deaths and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) with 106 deaths.
No symptoms? Don’t relax just yet: TB infection and latent tuberculosis infection
Tuberculosis bacteria usually infect the lungs, but they can also affect other organs like the kidneys, bones, or other tissues. TB is transmitted through droplets from an infected person, such as saliva. However, not everyone exposed to TB bacteria develops active tuberculosis. In many cases, the bacteria remain dormant in the body, leading to what's known as latent TB infection.
About 90% of those infected with tuberculosis will remain in a latent infection state. In around half of the cases, symptoms appear within 1–2 years, while the rest may develop TB later in life, especially when the immune system becomes weakened.
For example, if 100 people are infected with TB and enter a latent infection state, around 90 will stay healthy with no symptoms, 5 will develop active TB within 1–2 years, and 5 may develop TB decades later.
Early treatment is crucial: TB symptoms, treatment, and precautions
When TB progresses to active tuberculosis, symptoms are usually mild or absent in the early stages—so it’s easy to overlook the infection. However, persistent fatigue, weight loss, or a cough lasting more than two weeks may indicate TB and should prompt a test. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through chest X-rays and sputum (phlegm) tests.
Although tuberculosis causes many deaths in Korea, early diagnosis and treatment mean there’s usually no need to panic. Most cases are treatable with a consistent course of anti-tuberculosis medication prescribed by a healthcare provider. After about two weeks of taking medication, the patient is generally no longer infectious and does not require isolation or hospitalization.
However, people with weakened immune systems—such as those with latent HIV, those taking immunosuppressive drugs, or long-term steroid users—are at a higher risk of developing active TB and must be closely monitored and treated proactively.
Additionally, once a TB infection is confirmed, family members and others in close contact with the patient should also undergo testing. If needed, they should receive treatment promptly to prevent further spread of the disease.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
