Only people with active TB that affects the lungs or throat are contagious. Latent TB is not contagious.

TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics over several months. It’s essential to complete the full treatment to ensure the bacteria are fully eradicated.

Symptoms of active TB include a persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Not everyone who is exposed to TB develops the disease. Many people may have latent TB, where the bacteria remain dormant without causing symptoms, but they can develop active TB later if their immune system weakens.

People with TB infection have TB germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of TB disease and they cannot spread the germs to others. However, they may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.

People with TB disease are sick from TB germs that are active, meaning that they are multiplying and destroying tissue in their bodies.  They usually have symptoms of TB disease.  People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. They are prescribed drugs that can treat TB disease.

If you've been exposed to TB, it's important to see a healthcare provider. They may recommend a TB test (like a skin test or blood test) and possibly preventive treatment to stop the infection from becoming active.

TB is primarily spread through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing bacteria into the air.

TB exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with someone who has active tuberculosis, especially in enclosed spaces over extended periods.