Avoid Close Contact with TB Patients: If you know someone who has active TB, avoid close contact until they have been on appropriate treatment for a sufficient period and are no longer contagious.
Ventilate Indoor Spaces: TB bacteria spread more easily in closed environments where air doesn't move. Open windows and use fans to blow indoor air outside.
Use Protective Measures in High-Risk Settings: If you work in healthcare or other settings where TB exposure is more likely (e.g., prisons, homeless shelters), use personal protective equipment like N95 respirators. Ensure proper infection control practices are followed.
Boost Your Immune System: Maintaining overall good health will help your immune system fight infections, including TB. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and getting sufficient sleep.
Get Tested if at High Risk: If you're at high risk of TB due to recent exposure, a compromised immune system (e.g., HIV), or you live/work in a high-risk environment, get a TB skin test or a TB blood test. Early detection can prevent the spread of the disease.
Consider Vaccination: In countries where TB is more common, the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is often given to infants and small children to protect against TB. Its effectiveness in adults is limited and varies depending on the geographic region, so it's not widely used for adults in many countries.
Follow Respiratory Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, dispose of the tissue in a sealed bag, and wash your hands regularly. This practice isn’t just for those with TB but for anyone to limit the spread of germs.
Understand and Address Your Risk if You Travel: If you're traveling to or living in areas with high rates of TB, take precautions such as avoiding crowded places, practicing good hygiene, and considering TB testing before and after your travel.