Prevention

Active tuberculosis (TB) is very contagious. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one-third of the world's population is infected with the bacteria that cause TB.

To avoid getting an active TB infection:

• Do not spend long periods of time in stuffy, enclosed rooms with anyone who has active TB until that person has been treated for at least 2 weeks.
• Use protective measures, such as face masks, if you work in a facility that cares for people who have untreated TB.
• If you live with someone who has active TB, help and encourage the person to follow treatment instructions.

Can the TB vaccine help?

A TB vaccine (bacille Calmette-Guerin, or BCG) is used in many countries to prevent TB. But this vaccination is almost never used in the United States because:

• The risk of getting TB is low in the U.S.
• The vaccine is not effective in adults who receive it.
• The BCG vaccine may cause a tuberculin skin test to indicate a TB infection even if a person is not infected with TB. This complicates the use of the tuberculin skin test to check people for TB.

Home Treatment

Home treatment for tuberculosis (TB) focuses on taking the medicines correctly to reduce the risk of developing multidrug-resistant TB.

• Keep all your medical appointments.
• Take your medicines as prescribed.
• Report any side effects of the medicines, especially vision problems.
• If you plan to move during the time that you are being treated, let your doctor know so that arrangements can be made for you to continue the treatment.

Healthy eating and exercise

During treatment for TB, eat healthy foods and get enough sleep and some exercise to help your body fight the infection.

If you are losing too much weight, eat balanced meals with enough protein and calories to help you keep weight on. If you need help, ask to talk with a registered dietitian.

• If you do not feel like eating, eat your favorite foods. Eat smaller meals several times a day instead of a few large ones.
• Drink high-calorie protein shakes between meals. Or try nutritious drinks, such as Ensure.
• If you feel sick to your stomach, try drinking peppermint or ginger tea.
• Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to exercise. When you can go outside, walking is good way to get exercise. Start slowly if you have not been active. Try one 20-minute or two 10-minute walks to start. Slowly increase your time. Try to walk as often as you can.

Emotional issues

Because TB treatment takes so long, you may have trouble coping.

• You may be embarrassed about having TB and worried that other people will find out about it.
• You may feel bad because people have to wear a mask to keep from getting infected when they are near you.
• You may feel isolated and alone because you cannot go to work, school, or public places until you can no longer infect other people.
• You may be worried about losing income or losing your job during treatment. You may also worry about paying for your medicines and doctor visits.
• You may feel guilty about the stress this is causing to family members or friends who are worried about getting TB or already have it.
• You may feel depressed.

Your doctor or health department can help you find a counselor or social worker to help you cope with your feelings. If you cannot afford counseling or treatment, there may be places that offer free or less costly help.

Protecting others

• Don't go to work or school while you can spread the TB infection. Sleep in a bedroom by yourself until you can no longer infect other people.
• Open windows in a room where you must stay for a while, if the weather allows it. This can help get rid of TB bacteria from the air in the room.
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Until you have been on antibiotics for about 2 weeks, you can easily spread the disease to others. After coughing, dispose of the soiled tissue in a covered container. Talk with your doctor about other precautions you can take to prevent the spread of TB.