MediQHow to lower your risk of tuberculosis in everyday life
Tuberculosis spreads through the air, but simple daily habits can protect you and your family. Learn who should get screened and what steps reduce the risk.
In short
- Manage conditions like diabetes, undernutrition and tobacco use to lower your TB risk.
- Keep indoor spaces well ventilated and cover your cough to protect others.
- Get screened if you live with someone who has TB or have HIV.
You share indoor air with family, coworkers and strangers every day. Because tuberculosis (TB) spreads through the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes or spits, that shared air matters for your health. The good news is that TB is preventable and curable, and you can take clear steps to lower your risk.
What puts you at higher risk?
About a quarter of the global population carries TB bacteria without feeling sick or being contagious. Only 5–10% of infected people eventually develop TB disease. However, certain conditions make it much more likely that an infection will turn into active illness. These include:
- diabetes (high blood sugar)
- a weakened immune system, such as from HIV
- undernutrition
- tobacco use
- harmful use of alcohol
In 2024, there were an estimated 0.97 million new TB cases linked to undernutrition and 0.70 million linked to smoking globally. Managing your overall health directly lowers your chance of getting sick.
How can I protect myself and others?
Good daily habits help stop TB from spreading. If you have TB, practice good hygiene when coughing. This means wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and throwing away used tissues and sputum properly. You should also avoid close contact with other people until a doctor says it is safe.
Well-ventilated spaces are important to reduce infection. Open windows when possible to let fresh air move through rooms where people gather. In healthcare facilities and other institutions, special measures like respirators are used for extra protection.
When should I get checked?
Early action stops the spread. Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms like a prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss or night sweats. Early treatment improves your chances of recovery and protects those around you.
Get screened for TB if you have a higher risk. This includes people living with HIV or anyone in close contact with someone who has TB at home or work. A doctor may offer TB preventive treatment, which stops an infection from becoming active disease. If prescribed this treatment, complete the full course.
In certain countries, the BCG vaccine is given to babies or small children to prevent deaths and serious forms of TB.
The bottom line: keeping your body healthy, letting in fresh air and acting early on symptoms are your best defences against tuberculosis.
What you can do now
- Open windows regularly to keep your home and workplace well ventilated.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues safely.
- Avoid smoking and manage conditions like diabetes to strengthen your body's defences.
- See a doctor promptly if you have a prolonged cough, fever or unexplained weight loss.
Questions you may have
Can I have TB bacteria and not be sick?
Yes. About a quarter of the global population is estimated to carry TB bacteria. People with this infection generally do not feel sick and cannot spread it to others.
Is there a vaccine for TB?
In certain countries, the BCG vaccine is given to babies or small children. It prevents deaths from TB and protects children from serious forms of the disease.
What happens if I am exposed to drug-resistant TB?
People exposed to multidrug-resistant TB may receive preventive treatment with a specific medicine called levofloxacin.
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