Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most often affects the lungs, where it damages lung tissue and makes breathing more difficult, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, spine, and lymph nodes. Without proper treatment, active TB disease can become life-threatening.

TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. It is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, touching surfaces, or casual contact. People who spend long periods in close contact with someone who has untreated TB are at the greatest risk of infection.

Not everyone exposed to TB becomes sick. Many people develop inactive (latent) TB infection, meaning the bacteria remain in the body but are inactive and cause no symptoms. People with latent TB cannot spread the disease to others, but without treatment, the infection can become active at any time.

When TB becomes active, common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood or mucus, fever, night sweats, chills, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite. Because these symptoms can develop gradually, many people do not realize they have TB until the disease has progressed.

People living with HIV are especially vulnerable to tuberculosis because HIV weakens the immune system, making it much easier for latent TB infection to develop into active TB disease. Worldwide, TB remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, making routine screening and early treatment essential for protecting health and preventing transmission.

The Georgia AIDS Coalition supports policies and public health initiatives that improve access to HIV testing, TB screening, preventive treatment, and coordinated medical care. By increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and advocating for equitable healthcare access, GAC helps reduce the burden of both HIV and tuberculosis across Georgia.

The most effective way to prevent active TB disease is to identify and treat inactive TB infection before symptoms develop.

People living with HIV should be screened regularly for TB. According to the CDC, individuals with untreated HIV are significantly more likely to develop active TB disease than people without HIV. TB remains one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV worldwide.

Additional prevention strategies include:

• Routine TB screening for high-risk populations
• Prompt diagnosis of active TB disease
• Completion of prescribed treatment
• Contact investigations and testing
• Maintaining HIV viral suppression through HIV treatment

The Georgia AIDS Coalition advocates for policies and programs that increase access to preventative care, HIV treatment, and screening services that help reduce the burden of both HIV and TB in Georgia.

TB is curable. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. The exact treatment regimen depends on whether a person has inactive TB infection or active TB disease.

People diagnosed with active TB disease often require careful medical monitoring to ensure treatment is completed successfully and to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB. For people living with HIV, TB treatment should be coordinated with HIV care. Managing both conditions together improves outcomes and helps reduce illness, hospitalization, and mortality.

The Georgia AIDS Coalition supports integrated healthcare approaches that connect people living with HIV to screening, treatment, and ongoing care for TB and other co-occurring health conditions.

Effective TB care extends beyond medication alone. Patients often require case management, follow-up appointments, laboratory testing, and support services to successfully complete treatment.

The Georgia Department of Public Health’s TB Program works to identify active TB cases, investigate exposures, screen contacts, and ensure treatment completion throughout the state. TB services are available regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

People living with HIV may require additional monitoring because HIV and TB together can significantly weaken the immune system and increase the risk of severe illness.

The Georgia AIDS Coalition continues to educate policymakers and communities about the importance of coordinated HIV and TB care, particularly among vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by both diseases.

The Georgia Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program works toward a vision of a Georgia free of TB.

Program activities include:

• Identification and treatment of active TB disease
• Screening and treatment of inactive TB infection
• Contact investigations
• Community education
• Surveillance and reporting
• Support for healthcare providers

The Georgia AIDS Coalition helps connect Georgians to trusted public health resources while advocating for policies that strengthen prevention, testing, treatment, and long-term care services for individuals living with HIV and other infectious diseases.

Because TB and HIV are closely linked, GAC supports efforts that ensure Georgians can access comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare regardless of income or geographic location.