HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Tuberculosis Contagious?

Sir, i live in sharing accommodation, one of my room mate is discharged yesterday from hospital. Doctor confirmed by CT Scan, Endoscopy and X-Ray and Blood report that he is a TB patient it is in his Lungs. So how harmful it is for me to live in the same room where he is also. seperate beds we use. Waiting for your prompt response with thanks in advance.
Mon, 14 Jul 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
"PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE", pulmonary tuberculosis is highly contagious and infectious . This is caused by droplet infection from sputum of patient and also airborne bacteria causes tuberculosis . When a sputum for A F B +ve patient cough or talks to some one or sneeze or exhale air borne bacteria comes out from mouth and nose and spread into nearby air and in this way tuberculosis spread from person to person.
At least 4-5 feet distance is necessary for prevention.
Beside this linen , clothes , bed sheets , covers, utensils and bed sharing should be avoided till patient is sputum +ve for A F B.
Since your friend is living with you so if possible , change the room .
Second point in your case is get (these tests are for you for precaution) in XRAY chest , blood for C B C , E S R ( if very high e.g.> 100 mm in 1st hour ) , sputum for A F B ( if sputum present in your case.).
Hope this will be helpful for you.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on X ray


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Tuberculosis Contagious?

Hello PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE , pulmonary tuberculosis is highly contagious and infectious . This is caused by droplet infection from sputum of patient and also airborne bacteria causes tuberculosis . When a sputum for A F B +ve patient cough or talks to some one or sneeze or exhale air borne bacteria comes out from mouth and nose and spread into nearby air and in this way tuberculosis spread from person to person. At least 4-5 feet distance is necessary for prevention. Beside this linen , clothes , bed sheets , covers, utensils and bed sharing should be avoided till patient is sputum +ve for A F B. Since your friend is living with you so if possible , change the room . Second point in your case is get (these tests are for you for precaution) in XRAY chest , blood for C B C , E S R ( if very high e.g. 100 mm in 1st hour ) , sputum for A F B ( if sputum present in your case.). Hope this will be helpful for you.