What if a family member has TB?

Likewise, is it safe to be around someone with TB?

It is very important to remember that only someone with active TB disease in the lungs can spread the germ. People with TB infection are not contagious, do not have any symptoms, and do not put their family, friends and co-workers at risk.

how can family members protect themselves from TB? Here are some very important things you should do to prevent spreading your TB germs to other people: Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Some people cough less when they drink warm liquids. While at home, spend only a short time in rooms that other people use like the bathroom or kitchen.

Correspondingly, what happens if you are exposed to someone with TB?

It is important to know that a person who is exposed to TB bacteria is not able to spread the bacteria to other people right away. Only persons with active TB disease can spread TB bacteria to others. Before you would be able to spread TB to others, you would have to breathe in TB bacteria and become infected.

How long do you have to be around someone to get TB?

Most people with active TB who've had appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks are no longer contagious.