It is one of the oldest diseases known to man. Tuberculosis may effect almost any of the organ systems. However, involvement of internal organs other than the respiratory system is not thought to be especially infectious. Exposure to an individual with organ involvement who does not have respiratory involvement is of little risk. Skin testing by your physician will confirm any exposure risk.
Tuberculosis is spread by aerosolized tuberculli spread in saliva or exhaled air.
The exception is the patient withTB of the vocal cords-they are very infectious. That was done prior to effective antibiotics for treatment and before better understanding of the transmissibility of the disease. Markedly infected patients are recommended to wear a mask for the first week or so of treatment if children or people on chemo or other insults to their immune system are in very close contact. Back to Drug InfoNet Home Page. Back to Doctor FAQ main page.