Public Awareness Platform
TB Learning Hub
Learn about tuberculosis — access guidelines, research & awareness materials
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It most often affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body like bones, kidneys, or the brain. TB is curable and preventable — with proper treatment, most people recover fully.
TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
It most commonly affects the lungs
TB is curable with proper medication
A vaccine (BCG) is available for children
About 10 million people get TB worldwide each year
TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby can breathe in the bacteria. TB does NOT spread by shaking hands, sharing food, or touching surfaces.
Person with active TB coughs
TB bacteria spread in the air
Others breathe in bacteria
Good ventilation & masks prevent spread
TB spreads through the air — not by touch
Caused by coughing, sneezing, or speaking
Close, prolonged contact increases risk
Good ventilation reduces spread
Wearing masks protects others
If you have a cough lasting more than 2 weeks, you should get tested for TB. Other common symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and coughing up blood. Early diagnosis leads to better treatment outcomes.
Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
Fever, especially in the evening
Heavy sweating at night
Unexplained weight loss
Chest pain or coughing up blood
Loss of appetite and fatigue
TB is curable, but treatment takes time. The standard treatment lasts 6 months. It is very important to take ALL your medicines for the ENTIRE duration — even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the bacteria to come back stronger and harder to treat (drug-resistant TB).
Get tested at a clinic
Start treatment immediately
Take medicine daily for 6+ months
Complete treatment — you are cured!
TB treatment usually lasts 6 months
Take ALL your pills every day — do not skip
Even if you feel better, keep taking medicine
Stopping early makes TB harder to cure
Always attend your follow-up appointments
Drug-resistant TB needs longer treatment
TB can be prevented! Good ventilation, covering your mouth when coughing, wearing masks in high-risk settings, and the BCG vaccine for children all help. If you have been in close contact with someone with TB, ask your doctor about preventive treatment.
Keep rooms well-ventilated
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Wear a mask if you have TB symptoms
BCG vaccine protects children from severe TB
Preventive treatment for close contacts
Early diagnosis prevents further spread
Learn about tuberculosis — access guidelines, research & awareness materials