What are the symptoms to look out for?

What are the symptoms to look out for?

TB bacteria most commonly grow in the lungs, and can cause the following symptoms:

• a bad cough that doesn't respond to medication,
• weakness or fatigue,
• weight loss,
• loss of appetite,
• night sweats,
• pain in the chest,
• coughing up blood or sputum (mucus from deep inside the lungs), and
• chills caused by a fever.

Anyone can get TB, but people at high risk generally fall into 2 categories:

1. People recently infected with the TB bacteria.

2. People with medical conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV and diabetes.

You're at increased risk for being infected if:

• you've spent time with a person with TB,
• you're from a country or have visited areas where TB is very common
• you live or work where TB is more common, such as a homeless shelter, prison, or long-term care facility, or
• you're a healthcare worker who works with clients or patients who are at increased risk for TB.