What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection. It is spread by inhaling tiny droplets of saliva from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. This is a germ that mainly affects the lungs but it can harm any other part of the body. Although you can get ill with TB, it can be cured by finishing a course of antibiotic treatment.

Typical symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, weight loss and night sweats.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can catch TB but people at particular risk include those:

• Who have lived in, or travelled to, countries where TB rates are high – including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia and Zimbabwe.
• With poorer health or immune systems – including people with HIV, prisoners, homeless people, substance misusers and older people.

More information

The Truth about TB website has lots of useful information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of TB.