Diseases and Conditions

Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Advertisement

Latent Tuberculosis

Every symptom mentioned on this list has to deal with what is known as “active tuberculosis,” meaning you are infected and ill because of the bacteria. However, in 90 percent of most tuberculosis cases, the patient shows no sign of the disease and has no symptoms. This is called latent tuberculosis. The infection is laying dormant, so it cannot be passed onto others, and it can also be treated. However, it can only be detected with a blood test or skin test for tuberculosis.

There is always a chance that latent TB will one day “wake up” and become active, so if you suspect you have been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria, get tested.