Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, most commonly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB affects the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis), but can also manifest outside the lungs (extrapulmonary tuberculosis). People are infected with TB by inhaling airborne droplets produced by infectious TB carriers – for example when coughing or sneezing. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) carriers are asymptomatic and not infectious. About 10% of those with LTBI develop active TB.
Prevention/ Control methods are:
- Take all of your medicines as they’re prescribed, until your doctor takes you off them.
- Keep all your doctor appointments.
- Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Seal the tissue in a plastic bag, then throw it away.
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Don’t visit other people and don’t invite them to visit you.
- Stay home from work, school, or other public places.
- Use a fan or open windows to move around fresh air.