Can you have tb and not know it?
Someone in my office was recently diagnosed with TB. I'm worried because I haven't had any major symptoms myself. Can a person have TB and not even know it?
5 answers
6 months ago
Most liked
I completely understand how terrifying it is to worry about having an illness without knowing it. Yes, latent TB is actually very common in India where the bacteria is in the body but doesn't show symptoms. If you are feeling anxious, getting a simple skin or blood test can really help calm your mind.
4 months ago
Yes, you can have latent TB without any symptoms because a strong immune system keeps it in check. That's why keeping your nutrition on point and exercising regularly is so important for overall immunity. If you ever develop a persistent cough or sudden weight loss, definitely get it checked.
6 months ago
Yes, absolutely. In clinical terms, we call it latent TB, where you have the infection but no active symptoms and you aren't contagious. If your immunity drops, it can become active, so it is always a good idea to consult a doctor and get tested if you suspect exposure.
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yrs exp
5 months ago
At my age, my body has so many random aches that I wouldn't even notice a silent infection like latent TB! But jokes apart, yes, it can stay quiet for years. If you have any doubt or have been around someone with TB, just get a quick checkup done.
6 months ago
Yes, you can have latent TB without knowing. When I went to Medanta for my annual health checkup, they explained how common latent TB is in India. You should ask your doctor clearly about doing a Mantoux test or IGRA test to find out for sure.