You know that there is a difference between being HIV positive and having AIDS.   People who are just HIV positive have been exposed to the virus that causes AIDS, but they are not sick—and they may go for years without getting sick.  But, people who have AIDS are actively sick with the virus.    It’s similar with tuberculosis.  People with TB infection have been exposed to TB bacteria, but they are not sick—and they may go forever without getting sick.  But, people with TB disease are actively sick with tuberculosis. There is one big difference though.  People who are just HIV + can still spread the HIV virus to others.  But, people who have TB infection cannot spread tuberculosis to anyone else.   The only time TB is infectious is when people have active TB disease.  People with active TB spread the bacteria through the air to others. People are most at risk for developing active TB if they:  Are HIV-positive.  Have close contact with a person who has infectious TB.  Have been infected with TB within the last two years.  Are babies or young children.  Are poor or homeless.  Inject drugs or are alcoholics.  Are sick with other illnesses that weaken the immune system.  Are elderly, especially if they live in a community facility like a nursing home. TB or Not TB? Who Is Most At Risk For Developing TB Disease? Is Everyone With TB Disease Infectious?    Yes, everyone with active TB disease is infectious, but some are more infectious than others.  People are more likely to spread the disease to others if they:  Have a cough that produces a lot of sputum.  Do not cover their mouths when they cough.  Don’t take their anti-TB medications properly.  Have the kind of TB (called “drug-resistant”) that knows how to fight off our best antibiotics.   IN  THE KNOW PAGE 4