What does it mean to be a carrier of TB?

TB bacteria can live in the body without making you sick. This is called latent TB infection. In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing.

Is latent TB Serious?

In the United States, up to 13 million people may have latent TB infection. Without treatment, on average 1 in 10 people with latent TB infection will get sick with TB disease in the future. The risk is higher for people with HIV, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the immune system.

How long after contracting TB do symptoms appear?

How soon do symptoms appear? Most people infected with the germ that causes TB never develop TB disease. If TB disease does develop, it can occur two to three months after infection or years later.

What are the symptoms of a TB infection?

Usually has a skin test or blood test result indicating TB infection. May have an abnormal chest x-ray, or positive sputum smear or culture. Has active TB bacteria in his/her body. Usually feels sick and may have symptoms such as coughing, fever, and weight loss.

What are the symptoms of latent TB disease?

Some people develop TB disease soon after infection, while others develop TB disease later when their immune system becomes weak. The general symptoms of TB disease include. Unexplained weight loss. Loss of appetite. Night sweats. Fever. Fatigue.

Can a person with TB cough up blood?

coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs) Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected. People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others.

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis outside the lungs?

Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing. Unintentional weight loss. Fatigue. Fever. Night sweats. Chills. Loss of appetite. Tuberculosis can also affect other parts of your body, including the kidneys, spine or brain. When TB occurs outside your lungs, signs and symptoms vary according to the organs involved.

What does it mean to be a carrier of TB? TB bacteria can live in the body without making you sick. This is called latent TB infection. In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. Is latent TB Serious?…