Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. There's a vaccine that helps protect some people who are at risk from TB.
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) usually come on gradually.
Common symptoms include:
Children may also have difficulty gaining weight or growing.
If TB has spread to another part of your body such as your glands (lymph nodes), bones or brain, you may also have other symptoms, including:
Sometimes you can have TB in your body but have no symptoms. This is called latent TB.
If you have TB and you have symptoms, it's called active TB.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
These could be signs that tuberculosis (TB) has spread to your brain (meningitis).
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
If you have symptoms of tuberculosis (TB), tests you may have include:
If you have no symptoms but are at risk from TB (for example, you've been in close contact with someone who has TB) you may have a Mantoux test or blood tests to check if you have it.
A Mantoux test is a skin test where a small amount of liquid is injected under the skin in your arm. This liquid will cause a small reaction on your skin if you have TB.
The main treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months.
If TB has spread to your brain, spinal cord or the area around your heart, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks.
If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB) you usually need to take antibiotics for 3 to 6 months.
It's important to take your antibiotics correctly and until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, TB could come back.
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria. It can spread through close contact with people who have TB and have symptoms (active TB).
When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time.
Some people have TB in their body but do not get ill or have any symptoms (latent TB). This type of TB cannot be spread to others, but it can turn into active TB in the future.
Anyone can get TB, but some people are more likely to get it or get more seriously ill from it, including people who:
There is a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) called the BCG vaccine.
It's recommended for some people who are at higher risk of catching TB or getting seriously ill from it, including: