The risk of active disease lessens as time passes. However, a person with TB infection who does not have symptoms of the disease cannot spread the infection to others. People infected with TB should be evaluated for preventive therapy, which includes taking medication for six to 12 months. The exact preventive therapy plan must be determined by a physician. People with active TB must complete a course of curative therapy.
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. An untreated person will spread the disease to others and may become severely ill or die. Infection may result after close contact with a person who has active tuberculosis. A person with TB infection does not feel sick or have any symptoms, but they may develop the disease at a later date without second exposure.