Are some people at greater risk of getting TB?

Although anyone may get TB, the following people are at higher risk:

  • Persons who have been in close contact with an active TB case
  • Persons who are infected with or at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Foreign-born persons from countries where TB is common
  • Persons with other medical conditions, such as diabetes, silicosis, end-stage renal disease and some forms of cancer, that increase the risk of TB once infection has occurred
  • Persons 65 years of age or older
  • Residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or prisons
  • Persons who abuse alcohol or use intravenous drugs
  • Persons in occupations that serve groups at high risk for TB
  • Minority and other medically underserved populations

Show All Answers

1. What is tuberculosis?
2. What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease?
3. Are some people at greater risk of getting TB?
4. How serious is the problem among minorities?
5. What are the symptoms of TB disease?
6. How is TB spread?
7. How is a person tested for TB?
8. What does a positive reaction mean?
9. How is TB disease treated?
10. How is TB infection treated?