How contagious is tb when positive

        1. How contagious is tb when positive
          2. People with TB infection are not infectious and cannot spread TB to others.

          This means the germs can spread to other people....

          Exposure to Tuberculosis

          Contact your health care provider if you have been exposed to TB

          You may have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) germs if you spent time near someone with active TB disease.

          TB germs can get into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment.

          TB is typically spread through close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual, and not by contact with items or surfaces touched by a person with TB.

        2. TB is typically spread through close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual, and not by contact with items or surfaces touched by a person with TB.
        3. There is minimal risk from occasional contact and virtually no risk from single contact with an infected person.
        4. This means the germs can spread to other people.
        5. Active tuberculosis (TB) disease can transmit from person to person, but latent TB infection is not contagious.
        6. Only persons with active TB disease can spread TB germs to others.

          7. TB germs are more likely to spread in indoor areas or other places with poor air circulation (such as a closed vehicle) than in outdoor areas.

          TB germs are not spread by:

          • Shaking someone's hand
          • Sharing food or drink
          • Touching bed linens or toilet seats
          • Sharing toothbrushes
          • Kissing

          If you think you have been exposed to someone with active TB disease, you should contact your health care provider or local or state health department about getting a TB blood test or TB skin test.

          Be sure to tell the health care provider when you spent time with the person who has active TB disease.

          If you work in a health care setting, follow the procedure in your facility's infection control plan.