Tuberculosis

13 February 2026

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Beat tuberculosis (TB) together – prevent, test, and treat

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious but curable disease that mainly affects the lungs. TB spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, especially before starting treatment or in the early days of medication.

Early testing and treatment can save lives. Learn the symptoms, types of TB, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is TB?

TB is caused by germs that usually attack the lungs, but they can also affect other parts of the body, like the brain, back, kidneys, or glands.
TB spreads through the air when someone who is sick with TB coughs, sneezes, or even talks, and you breathe in those germs.

The different types of TB

Latent TB:
You have TB germs in your body, but they’re “sleeping.” You don’t feel sick, and you can’t spread it to others. But the germs can “wake up” if your body gets weak (like from another illness or stress).
Active TB:
The germs are awake and making you sick. This type can spread to others, so it’s very important to get treatment right away.
TB in other parts of the body:
Sometimes TB isn’t just in the lungs. It can be in your back, kidneys, brain, or glands, causing different symptoms depending on where it is.

Watch TB videos on our YouTube channel to learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

- English: https://youtu.be/SaExkxIVFz4?si=huxd1CQ7Egqcaswd
- Afrikaans: https://youtu.be/By8KPrpAZnY?si=nfGuGRvis1dcniwj
- IsiXhosa: https://youtu.be/jq6OPJxI-jo?si=EvDKKsHgws5OdAV7

How do I know if I have TB?

If you’ve had any of these for more than 2 weeks, go to your clinic:

Cough that won’t go away
Coughing up blood
Sweating at night
Fever or chills
Feeling tired all the time
Losing weight without trying
Not feeling like eating

If TB affects other parts of the body, symptoms can include back pain, swelling in glands, or blood in urine.

What if TB doesn’t go away?

Sometimes TB doesn’t respond to the usual medicine. This can happen if the medicine isn’t taken properly or is stopped too early. This is called drug-resistant TB, and it’s harder to treat, but help is available. If you have been diagnosed with TB, your healthcare provider will support you in managing your treatment. You must ensure that you stick to your TB treatment even though you start feeling better. A healthcare provider will confirm that you are TB-free.

How do we stop TB?

Go to the clinic early if you feel sick
Finish your treatment. Don’t stop halfway
Babies in high-risk areas get a BCG vaccine to protect them
Clinics also do contact tracing to find people who might be infected
Keep rooms well-ventilated and spend time outdoors

Good news! Free TB testing and treatment

TB testing and treatment are FREE at public clinics and hospitals. You don’t need an appointment, just walk in.

To protect yourself and others, wear a mask in public spaces. If you require longer treatment, our healthcare providers will guide you.

Where to get help

Learn more at https://www.health.gov.za/tuberculosis or visit your nearest clinic today.

Let’s look after ourselves and each other. TB can be cured!