Query: Is TB tuberculosis contagious?
Answer: Yes, tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious and potentially deadly infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, and spine. TB is spread through the air, usually when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person, such as kissing or sharing a drink.
When someone has active TB, their body is full of infectious bacteria that can spread to other people. This is why it is important for those with active TB to be treated with antibiotics to stop the spread of the disease. It is also important for people with active TB to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, such as wearing a mask when in public, avoiding close contact with other people, and covering their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
For people with latent TB, the risk of spreading the disease is much lower. Latent TB occurs when the body is infected with TB bacteria, but the person does not have any symptoms and the bacteria is not active. In this case, treatment with antibiotics can be used to prevent the bacteria from becoming active and contagious.
In conclusion, TB is a highly contagious disease that can spread through the air and close contact with an infected person. It is important for those with active TB to be treated with antibiotics and take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease, and those with latent TB should also be treated with antibiotics to prevent the disease from becoming active and contagious.