How is tuberculosis (TB) spread?
ANSWER
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread through the air, just like a cold or the flu. When someone who�s sick coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings, tiny droplets that contain the germs are released. If you breathe in these nasty germs, you get infected.
TB is contagious, but it�s not easy to catch. The germs grow slowly. You usually have to spend a lot of time around a person who has it. That�s why it�s often spread among co-workers, friends, and family members.
From: Tuberculosis (TB)
Reviewed by Minesh Khatri on June 27, 2020
SOURCES:
Brian W. Christman, MD, professor and vice-chair, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; volunteer national spokesperson, American Lung Association.
CDC: “Tuberculosis.”
American Lung Association: “Learn About Tuberculosis.”
Mayo Clinic: “Tuberculosis.”
World Health Organization: “Tuberculosis.”
UpToDate.
SOURCES:
Brian W. Christman, MD, professor and vice-chair, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; volunteer national spokesperson, American Lung Association.
CDC: “Tuberculosis.”
American Lung Association: “Learn About Tuberculosis.”
Mayo Clinic: “Tuberculosis.”
World Health Organization: “Tuberculosis.”
UpToDate.
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