Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis Information
Last updated: July 2026
Next review: July 2028
Understanding tuberculosis, recognising the symptoms and knowing when to seek help.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, kidneys and brain.
TB is preventable and treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to protect both your health and the health of those around you.
What is Tuberculosis?
TB is spread through the air when someone with active TB affecting the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, laughs or speaks.
It is not spread by:
- Shaking hands
- Sharing food or drink
- Sharing cutlery
- Touching surfaces
- Hugging someone
Most people who breathe in TB bacteria do not become ill immediately. Instead, the bacteria may remain inactive (latent) inside the body.
Active TB vs Latent TB
Understanding the difference between active and latent TB is important.
| Active TB | Latent TB |
|---|---|
| TB bacteria are active and multiplying. | TB bacteria are inactive (“asleep”). |
| You usually feel unwell. | You feel well and have no symptoms. |
| You can spread TB to others if the lungs or throat are affected. | You cannot pass TB to other people. |
| Treatment is needed as soon as possible. | Preventive treatment may be recommended to reduce the chance of developing active TB. |
People with latent TB have approximately a 1 in 10 lifetime chance of developing active TB if it is left untreated. The risk is higher for some people, including those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Active TB
Symptoms often develop gradually over several weeks or months.
Common symptoms include:
- A cough that lasts for three weeks or longer
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy
Depending on which part of the body is affected, TB can also cause other symptoms.
Who is More at Risk?
TB can affect anyone, but some people have a higher risk.
You may be more likely to develop TB if you:
- Have lived in, or have close links to, a country where TB is more common.
- Have spent significant time with someone who has active TB.
- Have a weakened immune system.
- Live in overcrowded or poorly ventilated accommodation.
Being in one of these groups does not mean you have TB—it simply means testing may be more important if you develop symptoms or are offered screening.
Latent TB Testing
Latent TB does not cause symptoms, but it can sometimes become active later in life.
Testing for latent TB helps identify people who may benefit from preventive treatment before they become ill.
Preventing TB is often much easier than treating active disease.
How is TB Diagnosed?
If TB is suspected, healthcare professionals may arrange one or more tests, including:
- A medical assessment
- A chest X-ray
- Sputum (phlegm) tests
- Blood tests (for some people)
- Additional scans or tests if TB outside the lungs is suspected
The tests recommended will depend on your symptoms and individual circumstances.
Can TB Be Treated?
Yes.
TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics prescribed by specialist healthcare teams.
Treatment usually lasts several months, so it is important to:
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
- Complete the full course of treatment.
- Attend follow-up appointments.
- Speak to your healthcare team if you experience side effects or have concerns.
Most people recover fully when treatment is completed correctly.
Protecting Yourself and Others
You can help reduce the spread of TB by:
- Seeking medical advice if you have symptoms.
- Completing any prescribed treatment.
- Attending all appointments.
- Following advice from your TB nurse or healthcare team.
- Encouraging close contacts to be tested if recommended.
Early diagnosis protects both you and the people around you.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice?
Speak to your GP if:
- You have had a cough lasting longer than three weeks.
- You have unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fever.
- You have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB.
- You have been offered latent TB screening.
- You are worried you may have TB.
If you are coughing up large amounts of blood or are seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention.
Further Information
For more information about tuberculosis and latent TB, visit:
- The Truth About TB
- Latent TB information
If you are concerned about TB or need help registering with a GP, please speak to your GP or contact the TB Team.
TB Team
Telephone: 0117 954 3066
Email: sirona.tbnurse@nhs.net
