If active TB does develop, it can occur two to three months after infection or years later. The risk of active disease lessens as time passes. However, a person with TB infection, but not disease, cannot spread the infection to others, since there are no TB germs in the sputum. People infected with TB should be evaluated for a course of preventive therapy, which usually includes taking an antituberculosis medication for six to 12 months. The exact preventive therapy plan must be determined by a physician.
Initial treatment includes at least four anti-TB drugs for a minimum of six months.
Medications may be altered based on laboratory test results. The exact medication plan must be determined by a physician. HIV infection, when it occurs in tandem with TB infection, is the strongest factor in the development of TB disease. Their skin test results should be clearly noted in their medical record. In addition to spreading the disease to others, an untreated person may become severely ill or die.