It’s not just a disease you hear about on radio jingles or health centre walls. It’s real, it’s here, and it’s affecting people every day.
Let’s talk through seven simple, but important, things everyone should know about TB in 2025.
1. That childhood vaccine? It still matters
Remember that small mark on your upper arm? That’s from the BCG vaccine. It’s given to babies at birth to protect them from severe forms of TB. While it might not prevent every case, it can help reduce how badly the disease hits. It’s a small jab with a big role in early prevention.
2. Give space to persistent coughers
If someone around you is constantly coughing, it’s not rude to take a step back, it’s common sense. TB spreads through the air, especially in tight or poorly ventilated spaces. Maintaining distance isn’t just for your comfort, it’s for your safety.
READ ALSO: World TB Day: WHO says funding cuts threaten Tuberculosis fight
3. Masks still have a place
Yes, we’ve moved on from the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean masks are obsolete. In high-risk areas like hospitals, public transport, or crowded markets, wearing a face mask can help protect you and others from airborne infections like TB.
4. Your immune system needs your support
One of the best ways to prevent TB is by keeping your immune system strong. That means eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. You don’t need a perfect diet or a gym membership, just make daily choices that nourish your body.
5. Not every outing is necessary
TB thrives in overcrowded places. If you’re feeling unwell or nursing a persistent cough, it’s okay to skip that wedding, church event, or night out. Prioritising your health and the health of others is always a wise choice.
6. Cover your cough, properly
Coughing into your hands isn’t it. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, and wash your hands afterwards. It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of germs. Small habits like this go a long way in protecting those around you.
READ ALSO:Experts warn Nigerians to shun practices that aid tuberculosis
7. A long-lasting cough? Don’t ignore it
If you’ve been coughing for more than two weeks, don’t keep guessing or self-medicating. Go for a proper check-up. TB tests are available at many health centres, and most are free. Early detection not only protects you, but helps stop the spread to others.
So, why does this matter?
TB isn’t just a distant issue or a statistic buried in global reports. It’s affecting real people, in real time, in schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods. But it’s also preventable, treatable, and beatable, especially when caught early.
Your cough may not be just a cough. So this year, take a moment, take it seriously, and if something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.
