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1. How do I know if I’m infected with TB?

Most people don’t know that they have TB until they either get sick or have a TB test. This is because people do not always get sick right away after they are exposed to it and the bacteria can stay sleeping in the body for years. Talk to your doctor if you know or think you have TB. If you don’t have a doctor, you can schedule a TB skin test with us.

2. What do I do if I have a positive TB skin test?

The skin test is a screening tool—not a diagnostic test—that is helpful to determine whether further testing for TB is needed. If someone has a positive skin test, this could mean the person has been infected with TB bacteria and will need further testing (such as a chest x-ray or blood test) to determine if this is the case. We refer our clients to the Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic for this follow-up testing.

The Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic provides low-cost diagnostic testing and treatment. If they diagnose you with TB, your treatment will be offered for free. Please call (303) 602-7240 to schedule an appointment with the Denver Health TB clinic.
Denver Metro Tuberculosis Clinic at Denver Health

3. What is latent TB infection and how is it treated?

Latent TB infection means that you have the bacteria in your body, but it is “sleeping” and not making you sick right now. This is because your immune system is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. However, the bacteria have the potential to wake up and make you sick in the future. You can take medicine to prevent getting sick with TB later in life. Treatment for latent TB is usually 4-9 months of daily oral medicine. Your doctor or clinic will decide if you need treatment and what kind of medication is best for you. Latent TB treatment in the Tri-County area is managed through the Denver Metro TB Clinic.

4. What is active TB disease and how is it treated?

Active TB disease means that there is TB bacteria in your body that is growing and making you sick. This is because your immune system is not able to fight the TB bacteria to stop it from growing. Active TB can almost always be cured with medicine.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of medications and usually lasts between 6-12 months. Your doctor or clinic will decide if you need treatment and what kind of medication is best for you. Active TB cases in the Tri-County area are managed through the Denver Metro TB Clinic.

5. What are the symptoms of active TB disease?

Common symptoms include:
A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
Fever
Night sweats
Chills
Unintended weight loss
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Weakness or fatigue
Loss of appetite

6. What are some risk factors for getting TB?

Living or traveling to countries that have a high rate of TB
Spending time with family members or friends that have active/infectious TB
Having a condition that makes your immune system weaker, such as cancer or HIV
Living or working in facilities such as jails, detention centers, homeless shelters, or healthcare facilities.