How is TB spread?

TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with TB disease of the lungs or throat cough or sneeze, they can put TB germs into the air. Then other people who breathe in the air containing these germs can become infected. People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people with whom they spend time with every day, such as family members or coworkers. (Remember, though, a person must have active TB disease to spread it; persons who are infected but do not have the disease cannot spread TB to others.) If a person thinks he or she has been in close contact with someone with TB disease, it is important to go to a clinic or health department for a TB skin test.

Show All Answers

1. What is tuberculosis?
2. What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease?
3. Are some people at greater risk of getting TB?
4. How serious is the problem among minorities?
5. What are the symptoms of TB disease?
6. How is TB spread?
7. How is a person tested for TB?
8. What does a positive reaction mean?
9. How is TB disease treated?
10. How is TB infection treated?