Tuberculosis and HIV disease

November 2004     View PDF     En español

How to reduce the spread of TB

Steps can be taken to stop the spread of active TB. People with active disease are often isolated until they are no longer infectious. This sometimes includes staying in hospital rooms with special airflow, called negative airflow, where air is circulated out of the room with new air constantly coming in to reduce the risk of TB in the air. Some low income and residential hotels and shelters are remodeling to include negative airflow devices to help contain the spread of TB. Also, to prevent spreading TB, someone with active TB can take simple precautions such as covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Also, healthcare workers and caretakers can use disposable breathing masks to reduce their risk of contagion.