What is the connection between HIV and TB?
TB is one of the many diseases that can often be kept under control by the immune system. About 10% of people with a normal immune system who have the TB germ will get sick with active TB. But a person with HIV who has the TB germ and a weakened immune system is much more likely to develop active TB disease. That’s why it is very important for people with HIV to get tested for TB. Active TB can be prevented by taking medication before symptoms start. TB symptoms are similar to those of other HIV-related diseases. They include: coughing, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling sick, coughing up blood, weight loss, fever and night sweats. TB is curable in most cases, but untreated active TB can be spread to others by coughing.
