How TB Spreads? TB bacteria spread through the air from one person to another. When a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks or sings, TB bacteria can get into the air. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
TB is NOT spread by
- shaking someone’s hand
- sharing food or drink
- touching bed linens or toilet seats
- sharing toothbrushes
- kissing
When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and grow. From there, they can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain.
TB disease in the lungs or throat can be infectious. This means that the bacteria can spread to other people. TB in other body parts, such as the kidney or spine, is usually not infectious.
People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with daily. This includes family members, friends, coworkers, or schoolmates.
Content source: How TB Spreads: Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
