Frequently Asked Questions about TB

TB, short for tuberculosis, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Not everyone infected with the TB-causing bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, becomes sick and shows symptoms. Only those with active TB disease can transmit the bacteria, which is spread through the air and generally only transmitted to people through prolonged close contact.

TB bacteria enter the air when someone with active TB disease speaks, sings or coughs. The only way to develop a TB infection is by prolonged close contact with a person with active TB disease. Casual contact is usually insufficient to transmit the bacteria, and TB cannot be transmitted by contact with skin, clothes, toilets or other surfaces that an infectious person may contact. 

Symptoms of active TB disease include:

• A cough that lasts three weeks or longer
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
• Weakness or fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Chills
• Fever
• Night sweats

There are two types of tests that a health care provider may utilize to identify a potential TB infection: a TB blood test and a TB skin test. If either test is positive, additional testing may help determine whether the infection is inactive or active, which will also inform the appropriate treatment protocol.

Both inactive TB and active TB disease can be treated. The duration of the treatment plan will vary based on the type of TB infection and individual patient needs.

Contact Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 or reach out to your primary health care provider for testing. Testing is also available at the health department.