World Tuberculosis Day 2026: What’s true, what’s not, and how to stay safe

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be widely misunderstood, often perceived as a disease that only affects the undernourished or immunocompromised.

However, Dr. Pavan Yadav, Clinical Director & Senior Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Associate Director - Lung Transplantation, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru, explains that this disease can even infect healthy people.

This World Tuberculosis Day, let’s bust some popular myths about TB with facts from expert.

1. Myth 1: Only people with a weakened immune system are vulnerable to TB

According to Dr. Yadav, while the risk of infection is higher for immunocompromised individuals, anybody who comes into contact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis has the potential to contract TB.

“I have seen many young, well-conditioned individuals who have neurologically uncomplicated minds develop TB from long-term exposures to crowded or poorly-aerated environments. Although having a healthy immune system can help reduce the likelihood of contracting TB, it does not provide protection,” he shares.

2. Myth 2: TB is no longer a major concern

“Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern and is particularly acute in countries such as India,” cautions the doctor.

He further explains that “in spite of the development of new medicines and improved delivery of these medications, ongoing problems of delayed diagnosis and social stigma continue to result in the continued transmission of TB.”

Many cases go undetected in the early stages, increasing transmission risk.

3. Myth: If you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly, you will be completely protected from TB

Speaking to Firstpost, Dr. Yadav says that eating nutritious food and exercising regularly can strengthen your immune system, but these healthy habits alone cannot fully protect you from tuberculosis (TB).

Even a strong immune system may not be enough if a person is exposed to the TB bacteria.

“The risk of getting TB depends largely on exposure. High-risk situations include poor indoor air quality, close contact with someone who has TB, and occupational exposure, such as working in healthcare settings where there is a higher chance of encountering TB,” he adds.

4. Myth 4: TB only spreads when an infected person has direct contact with another person

Actually, no. “TB is transmitted through the air. When a person with TB coughs, sneezes, or even speaks to someone else, they can put bacilli into the air and pass them on to someone else,” states the expert.

He shares that you can get TB from a person even if you do not come into physical contact with that person, especially in enclosed or crowded spaces.

5. Myth 5: A persistent cough is never a problem

Dr. Yadav debunks this myth with facts. “A cough that lasts more than two or three weeks should always be taken seriously, especially if it is accompanied by an unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats,” he mentions.

Early symptoms of TB are usually “mild and many people who have developed TB do not seek medical attention because they did not realize that they were already showing symptoms,” adds the clinical doctor of pulmonology.

Latent TB may exist without causing any symptoms. “It is possible that a healthy person may have latent TB in his or her body. Latent TB is when the bacteria are present in the body but are not currently causing any symptoms or illness,” he says.

However, latent TB “may become active at some point in the future when the person experiences stress, has an illness, or has a depressed immune system,” concludes Dr. Yadav.

Here’s how you can prevent TB, according to Dr. Yadav

1. Ensure proper ventilation: Let fresh air enter through open windows in the office at home and keep them well-ventilated.

2. Stay away from crowded, poorly ventilated areas: Restrict your stay to enclosed areas with a large number of people for a prolonged period, especially if someone has a cold or cough.

3. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing: Try using tissues or your elbow to stop the spread of germs.

4. Do not ignore a persistent cough: Visit your doctor if you have had a cough for longer than two to three weeks to rule out something bad.

5. Be sure to get a TB test if you are exposed: Even if you feel fine, you should go to your doctor.

6. Eat a well-balanced diet: Helps to improve your immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

7. Get enough sleep and manage your stress: Having adequate sleep is important for your body’s immune system to be able to function correctly.

8. Complete your medication regimen: If diagnosed with TB, complete all treatments to avoid the spread or re-infection of the disease.

9. Wear a mask in high-risk settings: This is especially important when in the hospital or in a location around someone who is exhibiting symptoms.

10. Contain TB without stigma: By discussing TB openly with others, we can create an environment that is supportive of early diagnosis and treatment for TB.