Tuberculosis
[too-bur-kyuh-LOH-sis]

Tuberculosis, or TB disease, is highly contagious and can be deadly. TB can live in your body for years without symptoms. This is called inactive TB or latent TB infection. Inactive TB can become active TB disease at any time, which can make you sick and spread to other people. Anyone can get TB, but some people are at a higher risk than others. Learn about your risk for TB and talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.
Key Facts
- Despite being preventable and curable, too many people still suffer from TB disease in the United States.
- TB germs are spread through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, talks, or sings.
- Up to 13 million people in the United States live with inactive TB, which if left untreated can develop into active TB disease.
- Symptoms of active TB disease include a cough lasting longer than 3 weeks, fever, night sweats, and/or weight loss.
- Both inactive TB and TB disease can be treated.
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Prevention Tips
- If you are at risk for TB, talk to your healthcare provider about testing for TB to protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community.
- Ask your healthcare provider which TB test is right for you, especially if you have received the TB vaccine (BCG).
- If you have inactive TB, short and convenient treatments are available that can help protect you from developing TB disease.
- If you are taking medicines for inactive TB or active TB disease, take them as directed by your healthcare providers.