Cases of tuberculosis are on the rise in England, according to data from earlier this year. People should go to the doctor if they have a specific type of cough
Brits are being advised to go to the doctor if they have a specific type of cough.
Coughs are common during the colder months, when cases of cold and flu rise, but it is important to take note of a cough if it feels strange or is lasting longer than you thought it would.
In February, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in its annual tuberculosis (TB) report that cases rose by over 10% in 2023 compared to 2022. The UKHSA said: “The rise signals a rebound of TB cases to above the pre-COVID-19-pandemic numbers.”
The health body said England is a “low incidence country for TB” but that the “the current trajectory takes the UK further from the pathway to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) 2035 elimination targets”. An investigation into the reasons was also announced.
Dr Esther Robinson, involved with TB surveillance with the UKHSA, said a certain type of cough can be an indicator of TB, but some people could confuse it with cold or flu at this time of year. As reported by MEN, she said: “We are concerned that TB cases have increased in some parts of England.
“TB is curable and preventable but despite significant progress towards elimination in recent years, the disease remains a serious public health issue.
“With treatment, most people will make a full recovery, so it’s very important those with symptoms are tested for TB and appropriate treatment is started promptly, both for the individual and to prevent transmission.”
A cough of over three weeks containing mucus should prompt people to pay a visit to their doctor. “As we head into winter, we should be mindful that not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or COVID-19,” Dr Robinson said.
“A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. Contact your GP if you think you could be at risk, so you can get tested and treated if needed.”
The NHS lists the following symptoms as potential indicators of TB:
- A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks – you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A high temperature or night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Feeling generally unwell
Children could also have difficulty growing or gaining weight. If TB has spread to your bones, brain, glands or other parts of your body, you may experience:
- Swollen glands
- Body aches and pains
- Swollen joints or ankles
- Tummy or pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Dark or cloudy pee
- A headache
- Being sick
- Feeling confused
- A stiff neck
- A rash on the legs, face or other part of the body
