Does latent TB need to be treated?

A positive TB test can show that your immune system has encountered TB bacteria. In latent infection, the bacteria are contained rather than causing active illness. You do not have the typical illness of active TB and do not spread TB to other people through ordinary contact. A clinician usually checks your symptoms, health history and risk factors, and may arrange a chest assessment to help exclude active disease.

Attend the recommended assessment before starting medicine. If active TB has been excluded, a clinician may offer a preventive antibiotic plan. The choice depends on your age, other medicines, liver health, pregnancy status and the likelihood that the infection could become active. Take each dose as directed and tell the clinic about new symptoms or difficulty following the plan. Do not share prescribed medicine or stop it without advice.

Keep a record of your medicines, including non-prescription products, because some TB medicines interact with other treatments. Learn more about Tuberculosis Screening and Antibiotic Treatment.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop a lasting cough, coughing blood, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, unusual tiredness or swollen glands. These symptoms need assessment for active TB or another cause. During preventive treatment, seek urgent medical advice for yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, a widespread rash, breathing difficulty or marked weakness.

Ask which test was positive, how active TB was excluded, why treatment is advised for you, which regimen fits your medicines and health conditions, and what symptoms should trigger a call. You can also ask how follow-up will be arranged and what to do if you miss a dose.