Tuberculosis (TB): Patient Education from University of Colorado Hospital

Living with Tuberculosis (TB)

You might begin to feel better within a few weeks after taking medication for tuberculosis. However, it can take many months for the medication to completely kill the TB bacteria. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when you are no longer infectious and can return to normal activities. Until then, it is important to stay home from activities like work and school. When you feel better and are no longer infectious and, you can resume your daily activities.

Even though you may feel better, it is important to take all of your medications. If you don’t take the medicine regularly for the determined length of time, it can be dangerous and make you even sicker. If you have come in contact with someone with TB or are feeling symptoms similar to TB, you should be seen immediately by an infectious disease specialist.

Additional Tuberculosis (TB) Resources

American Lung Association
Works to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Provides education on many lung diseases and infections.

Centers for Disease Control Division of Tuberculosis Elimination