How was I in contact with TB?
- You were exposed to someone with TB disease and may have inhaled TB bacteria into your lungs.
- If someone with respiratory TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings the TB bacteria go into the air. If you inhale the TB bacteria you may develop an infection called Tuberculosis infection or TBI.
- TB infection does not mean that you have infectious TB disease.
What is tuberculosis infection (TBI)?
- TBI is a lung infection caused by TB germs.
- When you are infected, your body's immune system stops the germs from "growing" by building a wall around them. The germs are "inactive" or "sleeping". You will not be sick or have any symptoms. The TB germs can stay "asleep" for a long time, sometimes for life.
- TBI is not contagious and you cannot spread TBI to your family, friends, or within your community.
What is TB disease?
- If you have TBI there is a risk you can develop TB disease. If this happens you will have symptoms and may be able to spread TB germs to others. You are at higher risk of getting TB disease if your body's immune system is not strong enough to fight off the bacteria.
You are at higher risk of getting TB disease if:
- You have had TB infection in the last two to three years.
- You have lung scars that show on an x-ray.
- You are HIV positive or immune compromised.
- You consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day.
- You smoke at least one pack/day of tobacco cigarettes.
- You have diabetes, certain types of cancers, silicosis or have had a transplant.
- You have stage four or five chronic kidney disease.
- You take certain medications (e.g., tumor necrosis factor or steroids).
What are the signs and symptoms of TB disease?
- Coughing for longer than two weeks
- Coughing up blood or phlegm (sputum; thick liquid that comes up from your lung/airways)
- Chest pain
- Fever/chills/night sweats
- Feeling tired
- Unexplained weight loss/loss of appetite
- Pain in other spots of the body where the TB bacteria are growing
If you develop any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Call ahead to let the healthcare provider or emergency department know that you may have TB disease. Ask for a mask when you arrive at the healthcare facility. Only a healthcare provider can tell you if you have TB disease.
What is the testing for TB infection?
- A tuberculin skin test (TST) or a blood test called Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) can be done to see if you have TB infection. During a TST, a tiny amount of inactive tuberculin is injected just under the skin on your forearm. The test must be read 48-72 hours later by a healthcare provider.
- A physical exam, chest x-ray, and testing of your sputum can be done to see if you have TB disease.
What are the next steps?
- Your healthcare provider will help decide the next steps. If the TST/IGRA is negative your follow-up may be complete. A second TST may be recommended in certain circumstances.
- If the TST/IGRA is positive or you have symptoms you will need the see a healthcare provider for a medical assessment, chest x-ray and sometimes to collect three sputum samples.
Do I need treatment if I have TBI?
- If you have TBI, your healthcare provider may recommend medication to keep you from getting sick with TB disease.
- The recommendation will be stronger if you are at higher risk of progressing to TB disease if you are infected.
- The medication is provided free of charge by the health unit.
- It is important to take all the medications that your healthcare provider prescribes. Take your medication until your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
Will I need regular check-ups?
- If you are on TBI treatment you will be followed regularly to get your medication and to monitor for side-effects by a public health nurse. Your health care provider may also order regular blood work. Follow your health care provider’s instructions.
Where can I get more information about Tuberculosis?
Contact the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Program at 705-474-1400, or toll-free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 or email us at cdc@healthunit.ca.
Visit the Health Unit's webpage for more information on Tuberculosis.
References:
- Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (2022). Canadian Tuberculosis Standards - 8th edition.
Created: March 2026, by CDC