How does Tuberculosis (TB) spread?
Tuberculosis (TB) is not easy to catch. The disease is spread from person to person through the air. When a person with contagious TB disease coughs, sings, laughs, etc., the bacteria are released into the air. Only individuals who breathe in droplets containing the bacteria may become infected. TB is not spread through kissing, sharing drinking glasses or other objects. TB bacteria must be inhaled in order for infection to occur. Who is at risk for TB infection? People who are: (1) in close contact with a person with infectious TB disease; (2) HIV-positive status; (3) injection drug users; (4) with prior residence in a country where TB is prevalent; and (5) residents in a congregated living facility. What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease? In TB infection, TB bacteria are in the body but are inactive, meaning the person is not sick and cannot spread TB to others. In TB disease, however, the TB bacteria are active, meaning the person is sick and can transmit TB to o
