• Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that can affect anyone in the community.
• People who have a positive skin test (TB infection) but no disease are not contagious.
• The most common place to have TB is in the lungs, but it can occur in other places (kidneys, spine, etc.). When TB disease is in other parts of the body, the symptoms depend on the area affected.

• Productive cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood
• Loss of or no appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sweating at night
• Fever/night sweats
• Chills
• Unexplained weakness or fatigue
• Pain in the chest

TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected; this is called latent TB infection.

TB infection (latent TB) means the TB bacteria has infected a person. The germs is not active. It is dormant (quiet). The person is not sick, does not have symptoms, and is not contagious. They cannot spread the germs to others. , they may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.

TB Disease (active TB) means the bacteria has become active in a person. The symptoms are usually present, and the person is usually contagious. People with TB disease are sick from the TB germs that are active. If not treated, TB disease can cause serious damage to your body. The germs are destroying tissue in their body. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. They are prescribed medications that can treat TB disease.

Yes, TB is treatable and curable.

TB is not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats.

The cost may vary. For more information on costs and fees call 919-560-7633.

For more information about TB: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/general/tb.htm

Questions & Answers in English

Questions & Answers in Spanish