Precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of TB transmission. People being treated for active TB disease should be isolated until they are no longer infectious and should cover their mouths when they cough. Those who must be around people with TB disease should use a personal respirator mask. Good ventilation can reduce the number of droplets in the air. This vaccine is not highly effective.
Research is underway to develop a more effective vaccine.
TB Infection and TB Disease TB infection is not the same as active TB disease. TB-infected people feel well, have no symptoms and cannot spread TB to others. In some cases, though, the immune system can no longer control TB and active disease develops. After TB bacteria are inhaled, they settle in the lungs in tiny air sacs called alveoli. Here, the bacteria are engulfed by white blood cells.