Summer 2021 Publication

TUBERCULOSIS IN THE
TIME OF COVID-19
ADWAITH HARIHARAN
T
he coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is
not the only pandemic the world is
currently battling. Tuberculosis (TB) is a
silent pandemic, with approximately one
person dying every 21 seconds worldwide
[1]. Both COVID-19 and TB are resilient,
deadly, airborne diseases and are the
leading cause of death from infectious
diseases worldwide. Although the world is
diverting a significant amount of
resources to singularly fighting COVID-19
because it occupies the global center
stage, it is equally, if not more important,
that the recent progress in tuberculosis
prevention and care is not reversed due to
COVID-19. It is, therefore, imperative to
ensure that the prevention and care
approaches to TB are reviewed and
adapted appropriately to ensure the safe
delivery of high-quality TB services in a
continuous manner.
The synergy and commonalities between
COVID-19 and tuberculosis abound. The
initial clinical manifestations and spread
of COVID-19 and tuberculosis are very
similar, most significant being their
COVID-19 Vs TB (Image Credit: Virginia Department of Health)
20| SUMMER 2021