Latent TB Program
Concerned about tuberculosis (TB)? Get preventive care for Latent TB.
Overview
Latent TB Program supports people with latent TB infections. Latent TB means the bacteria are inactive in your body. You won’t have symptoms or spread the infection.
We offer assessments, answer your questions, and talk about treatment options that may be right for you.
What is Latent TB (Tuberculosis)?
Tuberculosis (TB) germs can stay in the body without making you sick. Doctors call this latent TB. People with latent TB don’t feel sick, don’t have symptoms, and can’t spread TB to others.
A person with latent TB:
- Has live but inactive TB germs in their body.
- Shows no symptoms and feels healthy.
- Can’t spread TB to others.
- Usually shows a positive TB skin test or blood test.
- Usually has a normal chest X-ray and negative lab tests.
Latent TB can become active TB if not treated. Treatment helps prevent this from happening.
Latent TB Program: Who it’s for and how it works
If you are 18 or older and have a positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Mantoux test, you will be referred to our Latent TB Program by your doctor or Public Health.
Once your referral and chest x-ray is received by us, our staff will call you to book an appointment.
A normal chest X-ray doesn’t rule out latent TB. A positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) shows that TB germs are in your body but inactive. Your doctor might send you to Latent TB Program if your TST is positive. Treatment can keep inactive TB from turning active and making you sick.
Together, we will decide on a care plan that is right for you.
For most people, there is a 5% lifetime chance that latent TB will become active and make them sick. Certain health issues and medications can raise this risk. Our team will help you understand your specific risks and the options available to you.
You don’t have to treat latent TB, but it can prevent you from getting sick later on.
If you were exposed to active TB or have a weak immune system, consider treatment. Anyone under 40 who needs TB screening for work or school should also consider treatment.
There are three treatment options available:
- Isoniazid (INH)/Rifapentine: Taken once a week for 12 weeks with a provider at Latent TB Program. This is the shortest option.
- Rifampin: Taken daily at home for four months. Rifampin may not be available if there is a medication shortage.
- Isoniazid (INH): Taken daily at home for nine months.
You will work with your care team to decide which treatment is best for you.
Visit Winnipeg Regional Health Authority: Tuberculosis Infection to learn more about TB infection, who needs testing, and how treatment and follow-up care work.
