What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TB?
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even talks. In Kenya, TB is still a major public health issue, but it is treatable and curable if detected early and managed properly.
Is Tuberculosis Still Common in Kenya?
Yes. According to the Ministry of Health and WHO, Kenya remains one of the top 30 high TB burden countries. It is especially common in densely populated areas, informal settlements, and among people with weakened immune systems such as those living with HIV.
How Do You Get TB?
You can get TB by inhaling droplets in the air from a person who has active TB. You cannot get TB by shaking hands, sharing utensils, or through sexual contact. The more time you spend with someone who has untreated TB, the higher your chances of catching it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TB?
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- Chest pain
- Coughing blood or mucus
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever that keeps coming and going
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or feeling tired all the time
Who Is Most at Risk in Kenya?
- People living with HIV
- Children under 5 years
- People with diabetes
- People living in crowded or poorly ventilated homes
- Prison inmates
- Health care workers
How Is TB Diagnosed in Kenya?
TB is usually diagnosed using a sputum test, where the patient gives a sample of mucus from their lungs. This is tested in a lab to check for TB bacteria. Other methods include chest X-rays and GeneXpert tests, which are increasingly available in Kenyan clinics and hospitals.
Can TB Be Cured?
Yes. TB is 100% curable if you take your medication consistently for the full 6-month period or as prescribed. Do not stop treatment early, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early can cause drug-resistant TB, which is much harder and more expensive to treat.
What Treatment Is Available in Kenya?
Kenya provides free TB treatment through the Ministry of Health. The medication is available at public health facilities and designated TB centers across the country. Most regimens include a combination of drugs taken daily over several months.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if you keep missing doses, you risk developing Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB), which requires longer and more painful treatment. Always talk to your healthcare provider if you’re struggling with side effects or access.
How to Prevent TB in Your Family and Community
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Ensure homes are well-ventilated
- Encourage early TB screening if someone has a persistent cough
- Follow through with full treatment
- Encourage BCG vaccination for babies
Is TB Linked to HIV?
Yes. People living with HIV are more likely to develop TB because their immune systems are weaker. In Kenya, integrated TB-HIV services are offered in many health facilities, making it easier for co-infected individuals to receive care for both conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About TB in Kenya
Can I go to work or school if I have TB?
Once your treatment starts and your doctor says it’s safe, yes. However, during the first few weeks of treatment, you may be asked to stay home to avoid spreading TB.
Can children get TB?
Yes. Children can get TB from adults with active TB. That’s why it’s important for families to seek screening and ensure BCG vaccination for infants.
Is TB hereditary?
No. TB is not inherited. It spreads through the air from an infected person to others.
Where can I get free TB screening?
Most government hospitals and health centers in Kenya offer free TB screening. You can also call 1195 for guidance on the nearest TB center.
Final Word: Let’s Beat TB Together
Tuberculosis is no longer a death sentence. But we must be vigilant. Early detection, full treatment, and community education are the keys to ending TB in Kenya. If you or someone you know has a cough that won’t go away — speak up. Go for screening. TB is curable, and you’re not alone.
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