How to Reduce the Risk for TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that primarily attacks the lungs but can spread to the rest of your body, including your kidney and brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at any given time a third of the world's population is infected with TB. Symptoms range from fatigue, fever and weight loss to chest pain and coughing with bloody sputum; some patients have no visible symptoms. TB is infectious, moving from person to person via saliva droplets. Though TB can potentially infect any person, it is relatively easy to prevent.

Things You'll Need

• TB test
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Disposable gloves and masks

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess your personal risk. According to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, people at highest risk are those with HIV, diabetes, cancer, or other immune system-weakening conditions; people who live or work in prisons or nursing homes; people who are homeless or inject drugs; people in contact with TB-infected people; and people from TB-infected countries or people who travel to such countries.

• 2

  Get tested. Once a year take a TB test, administered by a hospital, doctor's office or public health facility. To administer the test a health care worker injects a tuberculin solution under the skin on your arm. The worker checks the spot for swelling in two or three days. If there is no swelling, the test is negative.

• 3

  Strengthen your immune system. A healthy immune system better fights off sickness and infectious disease. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes and lean sources of meat. Exercise regularly, and get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

• 4

  Wash your hands. According to the CDC, hand washing is the easiest and most cost-effective way to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses. Wash frequently, and make sure you are doing it correctly.

• 5

  Use hand sanitizing gel. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel with you and use it frequently. Note, however, that hand washing is the best defense against the spread of germs and infections.

• 6

  Consider wearing gloves and masks. If you are at high risk for TB, use gloves when in contact with an infected person or when you are in a high-risk situation. Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting gloves on and after taking them off. Wearing a mask is a good idea when you are in a high-risk, crowded situation.