Contact Info
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
What is the Difference Between Latent TB Infection and Active TB Disease?
| Latent TB Infection | Active TB Disease |
|---|---|
| TB germs are dormant (asleep) in your body. This phase can last for a very long time - even decades. | TB germs are reproducing and spreading in your body, causing tissue damage. |
| You don't look or feel sick. Your chest X-ray usually is normal. | You usually feel sick. Typical symptoms include: cough lasting more than 3 weeks, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. A chest X-ray and other tests are needed to diagnose TB disease. |
| You can't spread TB to other people. | If the TB germs are in your lungs or voicebox, you may spread TB to other people by coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing. |
| Usually treated by taking one medicine for 9 months. | Treated by taking three or four medicines for at least 6 months. |
More information about Active TB Disease
Last Updated: 10/05/2022