Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial infection spread through the air that most often affects the lungs; infection may be inactive or active.
Symptoms and what to notice
Active lung TB can cause a cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing blood, weight loss, fever, or night sweats.
How long can it last?
Untreated infection can persist for years; treatment lasts months and must be completed.
How serious is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Active TB can damage lungs, spread to other organs, and be fatal; drug-resistant TB is harder to treat.
Treatment and management
A combination of antibiotics is selected by clinicians and public health; missing doses can cause resistance.
Is there a vaccine—and who should receive it?
BCG is not generally used in the United States. It may be considered for selected children with unavoidable, ongoing exposure after expert consultation.
Official U.S. guidance
Read the current CDC guidance for Tuberculosis (TB) →
Cost: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price context.