What is one common symptom of tuberculosis?

A persistent cough is a hallmark symptom of tuberculosis (TB). This cough typically lasts for three weeks or longer and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The persistent nature of the cough is due to the infection in the lungs caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which inflames the lung tissue and leads to ongoing respiratory symptoms.

While other symptoms like severe headaches, skin lesions, and joint pain can be associated with various diseases or conditions, they are not primary indicators of tuberculosis. Therefore, the persistent cough is a key clinical sign that healthcare providers look for when diagnosing TB, making it the correct choice in this context.