Anyone can get tuberculosis, and it hasn’t been wiped out like some other dangerous diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria that has spread through the air between people. When not treated promptly and correctly, tuberculosis can be fatal, especially when the disease is active. Knowing the symptoms is key in getting proper treatment.
Some common risk factors for tuberculosis include:
• Spending time with someone who is already infected with TB
• Coming from a region where TB is common, such as Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Russia
• Being a healthcare worker
• Living or working in high-risk areas, like nursing homes or homeless shelters
• Being an infant, children, adolescent, or older adult
If you think you or someone you know has contracted the virus and fit into the risk factors, consider the symptoms listed below. Anyone who is experiencing the following symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.
