What are the symptoms of latent TB?

Latent infection means TB bacteria are present but are not currently causing active illness. A person with latent TB generally feels well and does not pass TB to others through ordinary contact. A positive screening test cannot by itself tell whether infection is latent or active, so clinicians consider symptoms, examination and further testing. Active TB can affect the lungs or other parts of the body and requires a different medical plan.

Arrange follow-up even if you feel completely well. Tell the clinician about previous TB exposure, travel or residence in places where TB is common, immune conditions, pregnancy and current medicines. The team may recommend Tuberculosis Screening and a chest assessment to check for active disease. If latent infection is confirmed, preventive antibiotics may be discussed. Take any prescribed course exactly as instructed and report problems early.

Do not wait for symptoms before attending follow-up: latent infection is often found during screening rather than because someone feels unwell. Read more about Tuberculosis and Antibiotic Treatment.

Seek prompt medical review for a cough that does not settle, coughing blood, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, breathlessness or swollen glands. These signs do not prove TB, but they can occur with active TB and should not be ignored. During preventive treatment, urgent advice is needed for jaundice, severe rash, serious breathing trouble or profound weakness.

Ask whether your result suggests infection, what tests are needed to exclude active TB, whether preventive treatment is suitable, and which symptoms require same-day advice. Ask how medication side effects will be monitored and whether your other medicines need review.