TB bacteria die very slowly. It takes at least 6 months for
the medicine to kill all the TB bacteria. You will probably start
feeling well after only a few weeks of treatment. But beware!
The TB bacteria are still alive in your body. You must continue
to take your medicine until all the TB bacteria are dead, even
though you may feel better and have no more symptoms of TB disease.
If you don't continue taking your medicine after you feel better
or you aren't taking your medicine regularly, this can be very
dangerous. The TB bacteria will grow again and you will remain
sick for a longer time. The bacteria may also become resistant
to the drugs you are taking. You may need new, different drugs
to kill the TB bacteria if the old drugs no longer work. These
new drugs must be taken for a longer time and usually have more
serious side effects.
If you become infectious again, you could give TB bacteria to
your family, friends, or anyone else who spends time with you.
It is very important to take your medicine the way your doctor
or nurse tells you.
