What is TB?
TB, or tuberculosis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can
attack any part of your body, but they usually attack the lungs. TB disease was once the leading cause of
death in the United States.
TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with
TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
People with latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB. But they may
develop TB disease at some time in the future (see differentiating TB). People with TB disease can be
treated and cured with antibiotic therapy if they seek medical help. Even better, people who have latent
TB infection but are not yet sick can take medicine so that they will significantly reduce their risk of
developing TB disease.
General symptoms may include feeling weak or
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