Tuberculosis amid Covid-19 pandemic

Summary

In this telemedicine program, Dr. Freddie Gomez and Dr. Hubert Benedicto discuss the similarities and differences between tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19, two diseases that affect the respiratory system. They highlight how both are transmitted through droplets and share symptoms like cough, but TB is chronic and develops more slowly. The experts emphasize the importance of early detection, preventive measures, and maintaining TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program also features USAID's efforts to combat TB through community engagement and strengthening local health systems, aiming to achieve TB elimination in the Philippines by 2035.

Takeaways

• 😀 COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) both primarily affect the respiratory system, with symptoms like cough and difficulty breathing being common in both infections.
• 😀 TB and COVID-19 are both droplet infections, meaning they can spread through coughing, emphasizing the importance of protective measures such as wearing masks and practicing proper cough etiquette.
• 😀 TB symptoms tend to be chronic, with a cough lasting for at least two months, while COVID-19 often presents with acute symptoms and a dry, non-productive cough.
• 😀 Fever in COVID-19 is usually high, whereas TB typically causes a low-grade fever. TB also causes systemic symptoms like weight loss and loss of appetite, which are not common in COVID-19.
• 😀 Children and the elderly are more susceptible to TB due to weaker immune systems. Children, in particular, may develop extra-pulmonary TB affecting organs beyond the lungs.
• 😀 TB can be asymptomatic in up to 25% of cases, meaning some individuals may not realize they are infected until they undergo routine screenings like X-rays.
• 😀 Both COVID-19 and TB can co-exist in the same person, posing a challenge for healthcare providers in diagnosis and treatment.
• 😀 Effective TB control involves early detection, proper treatment, and preventing the spread through behaviors like covering coughs and using masks.
• 😀 Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, TB services have been maintained through proactive measures such as providing medications to patients directly and using social media to engage with communities.
• 😀 The USAID-supported TB Platforms project focuses on building local healthcare capacity and engaging communities to raise awareness about TB prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction, particularly in high-prevalence areas like Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4A, and Marawi City.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the program discussed in the transcript?

The program aims to answer medical questions related to COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB), while also discussing how these diseases affect the respiratory system and the efforts to manage them during the pandemic.

How does COVID-19 affect the immune system, and how is it similar to tuberculosis?

COVID-19 primarily affects the immune system through the respiratory system, targeting the lungs, similar to tuberculosis. Both diseases are droplet infections, meaning they spread mainly through coughing, and both tend to severely impact individuals at the extremes of age—very young and older adults.

What are some key differences between the symptoms of TB and COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms typically include acute, dry cough, difficulty breathing, and high or moderate-grade fever. In contrast, tuberculosis (TB) presents with a chronic cough (lasting at least two months), low-grade fever, and additional systemic symptoms such as weight loss and loss of appetite, which are not common with COVID-19.

How long does it usually take for symptoms of TB to manifest after infection?

TB symptoms can take about one to two months to manifest after the initial infection. However, in some cases, TB can be asymptomatic and detected only during routine screenings such as chest X-rays.

Can a person be infected with both TB and COVID-19 at the same time?

Yes, it is possible for a person to be infected with both TB and COVID-19 simultaneously. There have been cases where individuals admitted for COVID-19 treatment were also diagnosed with TB upon further examination.

What measures can individuals take to prevent the spread of TB?

Individuals with TB should practice proper cough etiquette, such as covering their mouth when coughing, using tissues, and disposing of them properly. Wearing a mask is also crucial to prevent the transmission of TB to others.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact TB treatment services in the Philippines?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted TB treatment services, especially in rural areas, by limiting mobility and access to healthcare facilities. However, proactive measures were taken to ensure continued treatment, including reaching out to patients, providing medications in advance, and engaging patients via social media to monitor adherence.

What is the goal of the USAID's TB Platforms project?

The USAID TB Platforms project aims to eliminate TB in the Philippines by 2035. It focuses on building the capacity of local health systems, improving TB diagnosis and treatment, and engaging communities in high TB-incidence areas to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

What role do barangay health centers play in TB management, and how have they been supported?

Barangay health centers are crucial in diagnosing and referring TB patients to healthcare facilities. They have been supported through specialized training programs to improve their ability to screen for TB and refer patients for treatment, thereby strengthening the local healthcare response.

How does the USAID project support local government units in TB control efforts?

The USAID project helps local government units (LGUs) by building their capacity to manage TB cases, ensuring that diagnostic services and medications are available, and providing training for healthcare providers. It also advocates for LGU commitment to end the TB epidemic and supports resource allocation for TB services.