The New Leading Infectious Disease: COVID-19 No Longer Top of the List

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on where the infection is located in your body. If you have pulmonary TB (the most common form), you may experience coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm), chest pain, fever, night sweats and weight loss. If you have extrapulmonary TB (infection outside of your lungs), then symptoms will depend on which organ is affected. If you have TB in your bones or joints, you may experience pain and swelling. If you have TB in your lymph nodes, then they will be enlarged and tender. If you have TB in your kidneys, then they may not work properly and you could develop kidney failure. If you have TB in your brain or spinal cord, then symptoms can include headaches, seizures and paralysis.
TB Prevention
The WHO emphasizes that TB is preventable and usually curable. Urgent action is required globally to end the TB epidemic by 2030, a goal adopted by all Member States of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. There are several positive trends, as the number of TB-related deaths has been declining, with exceptions in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, there are six new vaccines in Phase III clinical trials, raising hopes for improved treatment in the next five years. The WHO also recommends that people who have been exposed to TB should be screened for the disease. If you are at risk of getting TB, then you should get tested as soon as possible. This includes people who live in countries with high rates of TB and those who have close contact with someone who has active TB.
How to Prepare for and Prevent Future Endemics and Pandemics