Which symptom is NOT associated with active tuberculosis?

Active tuberculosis is characterized by several prominent symptoms that reflect the body’s response to the infection. A prolonged cough, weight loss, and fever are all classic signs associated with the disease.

A prolonged cough is commonly noted in individuals with tuberculosis as the bacteria infects the lungs and irritates the respiratory system, leading to a persistent cough that may also produce sputum, sometimes mixed with blood.

Weight loss often accompanies active tuberculosis due to the body’s increased metabolic demands and overall decline in health, which can lead to a lack of appetite and nutrient absorption.

Fever is another typical symptom of active tuberculosis as the body reacts to the infection, resulting in an elevated body temperature. This fever can fluctuate and is often accompanied by night sweats, contributing to the exhaustion felt by those infected.

In contrast, weight gain is not a symptom of active tuberculosis. Instead, it's generally a sign of good health or recovery from illness. Therefore, the presence of weight gain would suggest the absence of the disease rather than an association with it. This makes it clear why weight gain is the correct answer as it is not linked to the symptoms of active tuberculosis.