How does inactive tuberculosis become active

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CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Cancel Continue. Latent TB bacteria are more likely to wake up if you experience lifestyle stresses or other illnesses that weaken your immune system.

I have heard of TB, but what is latent TB? What are the main differences between active and latent TB? Latent TB TB bacteria are asleep in your body you do not have symptoms and you feel well you cannot pass TB on to others it can only be detected through a blood test or TB skin test Treated with one or two medicines over three to six months.

Active TB TB bacteria are awake and making you ill you will have symptoms that make you feel unwell you can pass TB to others if it is in your lungs it shows up on a chest x-ray if you have TB in the lungs Treated with four or more medicines over at least six months.

Certain long term medical conditions increase your chances of developing active TB disease, making prevention even more important. People who develop active disease have no choice but to take many medications for at least 6 months. If you have inactive TB, your doctor may recommend you take one TB medicine for 9 to 12 months to reduce the chance of your inactive TB turning into active TB. This is sometimes called latent TB treatment or TB prophylaxis.

A small amount of liquid, called tuberculin, is injected under the skin on your forearm. Two to three days later, you must return to have your arm checked.

If there is a reaction induration , it will be measured to see if it is considered positive for TB. A positive reaction usually means that you have been infected with the TB bacteria at some time in your life. A doctor will do further tests such as a chest x-ray and sputum samples, to make sure you do not have active TB and to discuss treatment options.

Both inactive and active TB can cause a positive reaction. Most people with inactive TB never develop active TB. If you have inactive TB, it is important that you tell a doctor if you think you are having symptoms of active TB. A doctor can do tests such as a chest x-ray and sputum samples, to make sure you do not have active TB. Table of Contents What is inactive TB?