Clinical manifestations

LTBI – asymptomatic
- Cannot spread TB bacteria to others
- Usually has a skin test or blood test result indicating TB infection
- Has a normal chest x-ray and a negative sputum smear
- Needs treatment for latent TB infection to prevent active TB disease
Pulmonary TB
- Takes 2-3 weeks to develop symptoms
- Initial dry cough that becomes productive
- Constitutional symptoms (fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, low-grade fever, night sweats)
- Dyspnea and hemoptysis late symptoms
Cough becomes frequent
- Hemoptysis is not common and is usually associated with advanced disease
- Dyspnea is unusual
Can also present more acutely
- High fever
- Chills, generalized flulike symptoms
- Pleuritic pain
- Productive cough
- Crackles and/or adventitious breath sounds
Extrapulmonary TB manifestations dependent on organs infected
Immunosuppressed people and older adults are less likely to have fever and other signs of an infection
- Carefully investigate respiratory problems in HIV patients
  - Rule out opportunistic diseases
- A change in cognitive function may be the only initial sign of TB in an older person

Cold Versus Flu

For Everyone AUG. 8, 2024 ESPAÑOL PURPOSE Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.

Ebola Disease Basics

For Everyone JUNE 2, 2026 ESPAÑOL KEY POINTS Ebola disease is caused by an infection with an orthoebolavirus. Orthoebolaviruses are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.