Latent Tuberculosis (TB)
Date issued: June 2026
Review date: June 2028
Leaflet section: Thoracic
PDF: Latent Tuberculosis (TB).pdf [pdf] 144KB
About TB infection (Latent TB)
If you have a TB infection, which you may also hear called ‘latent TB’, the TB bacteria are living quietly in your body. You are not ill and you cannot pass TB on to others. However, the bacteria might become active in the future, making you ill with TB disease. You can still get a TB infection or develop TB disease even if you have had a BCG vaccination. The good news is that a TB infection can be treated to prevent TB disease developing.
How do I know I have a Latent TB infection?
If you have a TB infection, you will not have any symptoms. The only way to know if you have a TB infection is to have a blood test or skin test. If you have a TB infection, you will be offered a course of medicine that will kill the bacteria before they have a chance to harm you.
Will I develop TB disease?
Up to one in ten people with a TB infection will develop TB disease in the future. There is no way to know if you will be one of them. It is possible to become ill with TB disease many years after breathing in TB bacteria. That is why it is a good idea to put your mind at ease by treating the TB infection while you are healthy and before the bacteria can cause harm.
What treatment do I need for a TB infection?
A course of antibiotic medicine will treat a TB infection. You may be given rifampicin and isoniazid for three months (which is likely to be together in a tablet called Rifinah) or Isoniazid by itself for six months, or Rifampicin by itself for four months. Your TB specialist nurse will explain the treatment to you and answer any questions you may have. Make sure to tell them about any medicine you currently take, including the contraceptive pill, as these may not work so well while you are taking TB medicine. If you have any questions or concerns please call the Tb nursing team on 01752 439948 or email plh-tr.tbservice@nhs.net
What do I need to know about TB infection treatment?
Take your medicine regularly and complete the full course. The best chance for this treatment to work is to take all of the medication as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose skip the missed one. Never take a double dose. Prevention is better than cure Tips for taking TB treatment take your tablets at the same time every day always keep your tablets in the same place use a weekly pill organiser (a dosette box) ask your pharmacist for details set an alarm to remind you to take your tablets ask a family member or friend to remind you to take your tablets every day try to take your TB medicine at least one hour before you eat food or two hours afterwards you can eat anything you like, but you should avoid drinking alcohol
When I finish my treatment, will I be free of TB forever?
If you complete your treatment, your risk of developing TB disease is much lower. There is a small chance you could breathe in TB bacteria again in the future, so it is useful to know the most common symptoms so you can see a doctor quickly if needed: a cough which lasts for three weeks or longer fever (a high temperature) night sweats weight loss no appetite tiredness
| Common side effects | Rifampicin | Isoniazid | Rifinah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea (feeling sick) vomiting and diarrhoea | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, dizziness and joint pain | Yes | Yes | |
| Rashes and Itchiness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tingling or numbness | Yes | Yes | |
| Orange staining to tears, saliva and other bodily fluids (may stain contact lenses ) | Yes | ||
| Menstrual disturbances | Yes | Yes | |
| Reduces effectiveness of contraceptives such as oral pills, implants or other | Yes | Yes |
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
-
01752 439694
