How is TB spread from one person to another?
TB is spread by breathing air that someone with TB has coughed in. Not everyone who breathes this air will catch TB. Generally a person has to breath the same air for a long time in order to catch TB. For example, it is unlikely that you can catch TB on the subway or bus even if a person coughing next to you has TB. You are more likely to catch TB if you live in the same apartment or otherwise spend a lot of time indoors with someone who has untreated TB. Back to Index 3. “How can I tell if someone has TB?” Only specialized tests can tell for sure if someone has TB. People with TB often have a cough that goes on for two or more weeks. Sometimes people with TB will cough up small amounts of blood. People with TB often have fevers, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Any person who has these symptoms for more than a few days should see a doctor. Back to Index 4. “Can you can tell if someone is sick with TB by their coughing”? No, not everyone who has a cough has TB. However people
