BANGKOK, Thailand — Many Filipinos continue to mistake tuberculosis (TB) for an ordinary cough, delaying diagnosis and treatment even though the disease is preventable and curable, a Department of Health (DOH) tuberculosis specialist said.

Dr. Rugaiya Calapis, chairperson of the DOH National Capital Region South Tuberculosis Medical Advisory Council, said many patients ignore persistent symptoms and initially rely on over-the-counter medicines instead of consulting a healthcare provider.

“Most of the patients we see are already in the later stages of the disease because they think it is just an ordinary cough,” Calapis said in an interview during the Asia-Pacific International Roche Infectious Diseases Symposium 2026 (APAC-IRIDS 2026) held in Bangkok from July 8 to 9.

“They think it can be treated with over the counter medicines, but it doesn't get better. By the time they seek medical attention, we are already seeing them quite late,” she added.

Calapis urged Filipinos to seek medical attention if they have been coughing for more than two weeks, have persistent fever without an apparent cause, or experience unexplained weight loss.

She said tuberculosis can affect anyone, regardless of age, occupation, or socioeconomic status.

“In my experience handling TB patients from all walks of life, it doesn't matter whether you're rich or poor. We detect tuberculosis in all sectors of society,” she said.

Calapis said household contacts of tuberculosis patients, people living with HIV, individuals with diabetes, and those living in crowded or low income communities are among those at greater risk of developing the disease.

To detect infections before they worsen, Calapis said local government units continue to conduct active case finding through the DOH’s National Tuberculosis Program.

Health workers regularly visit barangays, often with the support of non-government organizations, bringing mobile chest X-ray vans to screen residents for tuberculosis.

People whose chest X-rays show signs suggestive of tuberculosis immediately provide sputum samples, which are transported to laboratories for confirmatory testing through the specimen referral system.

Calapis said the DOH has also expanded tuberculosis services in health centers so patients can receive diagnosis, treatment, and follow up care closer to their communities.

Despite ongoing information campaigns, Calapis said public awareness about tuberculosis remains a challenge.

She said the DOH continues to produce information, education, and communication materials to help Filipinos recognize the symptoms of tuberculosis, but more support is needed to expand awareness.

“One area where we still need support is our IEC materials because they really help,” she said.

Calapis noted that videos and other visual materials may be more effective than printed pamphlets and flyers because many people do not take the time to read them.

“Sometimes patients don't really read the pamphlets or flyers. They may take them, but they don't read them,” she said.

She said improving public awareness is essential to encouraging more Filipinos to seek medical attention before the disease progresses.

“Tuberculosis is preventable and curable, but only if patients seek care early,” Calapis said.

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