Myths About Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Tuberculosis can cause death if it is left untreated. There are a number of myths regarding tuberculosis because it is such a widespread disease.
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Genetics
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Tuberculosis disease is not inherited. It is caused by an infection of different mycobacteria. The mycobacteria spread from person to person through the air.
Types
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A person with a tuberculosis infection will not necessarily develop tuberculosis disease. Tuberculosis infection is not contagious. People with tuberculosis infection do not exhibit the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis disease.
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Class
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Tuberculosis is not limited to people belonging to less affluent families. Anyone coming in contact with the tuberculosis bacteria will become infected, irrespective of class.
Diagnosis
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A positive TB test does not mean that you have tuberculosis disease; it means that you are infected. A chest x-ray is needed to determine if you have the disease. People infected by tuberculosis also need to take antibiotics so the infection doesn't develop into tuberculosis disease.
Smoking
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Tuberculosis is not caused by smoking. Heavy smokers are at a high risk of developing lung cancer but tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection.
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