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Tuberculosis (TB) - Prevention

Avoid getting active TB

Active tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that is spreading in a person's body, and it is very contagious.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one-third of the world's population is infected with the bacteria that causes 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.

Prevent latent TB from becoming active

Usually, treatment with isoniazid for about 9 months or rifampin for 4 months can prevent a latent TB infection from developing into active TB. Treatment is recommended for anyone with a skin test that shows a TB infection, and is especially important for people who:

  • Are known to or are likely to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Have close contact with a person who has active TB.
  • Have a chest X-ray that suggests a TB infection, and have not had a complete course of treatment.
  • Inject illegal drugs.
  • Have a medical condition or take medicines that weaken the immune system.
  • Have had a tuberculin skin test within the past 2 years that did not show a TB infection but now a new test indicates an infection.

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.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 23, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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