How to Prevent Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is transmitted by airborne bacteria. There are steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting the disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Fruits
• Antimicrobial Soap
• Masks
• TB Skin Test

1. Wash your hands frequently, especially when you have been around people with chronic coughs.
2. Wear a mask. A special, high-microfiltration mask will keep the TB bacilli from invading your respiratory system.
3. Have an annual TB skin test. These are available for minimal cost at most community clinics, and at health fairs offered at shopping malls and senior centers.
4. Have a chest X-ray if you are sensitive to the TB skin test. An X-ray can detect clinical signs of TB in your lungs.
5. Avoid standing too close to people when they are coughing. You can never know for sure if you are being exposed to TB, but if you stay away from the germs spewed about when people cough and sneeze, you will reduce your risk of becoming infected.
6. Breathe in lots of fresh air.
7. Eat a healthy diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, calcium, protein and fiber.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the Centers for Disease Control says that you cannot "catch" TB from sharing drinking glasses, bedclothes or eating utensils, it is important to remember that the TB bacilli can survive out of the body for two to three hours. Theoretically, if a TB-infected person coughed onto a fork and you used that same fork ten minutes later, it might be possible for the germ to be transmitted to you.
• If you develop unexplained shortness of breath, begin coughing up dark phlegm, or have night sweats, you may have the early stages of TB. You can prevent the TB from worsening by seeing your doctor for early treatment.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.