Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the bones, abdomen, and lymph nodes. It can be spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
How Long Does TB Stay With You?
The answer to this question depends on the individual and the severity of their infection. In general, TB bacteria can stay in the body for many years without causing symptoms. If left untreated, however, the bacteria can multiply and spread throughout the body, leading to more severe symptoms and complications.
Treatment for TB typically includes a course of antibiotics that must be taken for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of the infection. During treatment, the bacteria are killed and the infection is cured. If treatment is successful, the TB bacteria will no longer be present in the body.
Latency is a term used to describe the period of time between when a person becomes infected with TB bacteria and when the bacteria become active again and cause symptoms. During this period, the person is still infected with the bacteria but does not have any symptoms or signs of the disease. Latency can last anywhere from a few weeks to many years.
Can TB Come Back?
TB can come back after treatment if the bacteria were not completely killed during the initial course of antibiotics. This is known as a relapse. In some cases, the bacteria can also reactivate after years of latency. People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or other medical conditions, are at an increased risk of TB reactivation.
If you have been diagnosed with TB, it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. This will help ensure that the infection is properly treated and reduce the risk of relapse or reactivation.