Whether you can sleep with someone with TB depends on if they have active TB disease or latent TB infection. You cannot contract TB by sleeping with someone who has a latent TB infection.
Understanding TB: Active vs. Latent
It’s crucial to distinguish between active tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent TB infection to understand the risks.
| Condition | Contagious? | Symptoms? | Risk to Others? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active TB Disease | Yes | Yes (e.g., cough) | High |
| Latent TB Infection | No | No | None |
Key Differences Explained
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Active TB Disease: People with active TB disease have TB bacteria multiplying in their body. They usually experience symptoms, most commonly a persistent cough. They are contagious and can spread the bacteria to others through the air when they cough, sneeze, or speak.
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Latent TB Infection: People with a latent TB infection have TB bacteria in their body, but the bacteria are inactive and not causing any symptoms. They are not contagious and cannot spread the disease to others. They do not feel sick and are not at risk to others.
Practical Insights
- According to the provided reference: "People with TB infection are not contagious, do not have any symptoms, and do not put their family, friends and co-workers at risk." This means that if someone you know has a latent TB infection, you can safely sleep in the same room as them and engage in other close activities without the risk of contracting TB.
- Active TB is the risk: Only individuals with active TB in their lungs can spread the germ, meaning that close contact with someone with active TB disease could present a risk.
- Testing is important: If you or someone you know has been in contact with a person with active TB, consult a healthcare provider to determine if you need to be tested.
Recommendations
- Identify the condition: Determine if the person has active TB disease or latent TB infection.
- Seek medical advice: If the person has active TB disease, avoid sleeping in the same room until the person has begun treatment and is deemed no longer contagious by a medical professional.
- Follow doctor's instructions: For both active and latent TB, always follow medical recommendations regarding treatment and precautions.
