Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is caused by very small germs (bacteria). It mostly attacks the lungs, but it can also hurt other parts of the body. Many people have TB germs sleeping in their body. The germs can wake up when the body is weak.

When a person with TB in the lungs coughs, sneezes or spits, the germs go into the air. Other people breathe them in. TB spreads most in small, crowded rooms with no fresh air.

You cannot get TB from sharing cups or plates, or from touching.

• a cough for more than 2 weeks
• coughing up blood
• fever and sweating at night
• losing weight
• feeling very tired

If you have these signs, go to a clinic for a TB test. The test is often free.

TB medicine is usually taken every day for 4 to 6 months. You will feel better after a few weeks, but you must finish all the medicine. If you stop early, TB can come back and become much harder to cure.

Some medicines can make you feel sick. Talk to your health worker. Do not stop on your own.

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Get tested if someone in your home has TB.
• Children can get the BCG vaccine to help protect them.

People with HIV are much more likely to get sick with TB. TB is a leading cause of death for people with HIV. A person with TB should be offered an HIV test. Read more on our HIV and AIDS page.