Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing bacteria that thrive in areas of the body that are rich in blood and oxygen, such as the lungs.

• It spreads through infected droplets, released in the air by coughing, sneezing etc, by the affected individual. It usually spreads after a prolonged exposure with the infected individual.

Immunosuppressed (with weak immunity) individuals are at higher risk of contracting the infection, and they include persons with:

• Diabetes
• Chronic Kidney diseases
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS

A vaccine, BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin), is used to prevent TB. It is more effective in children and its efficacy in adults is inconsistent.

• Wear mask, if a family member, is known to infected at home; keep separate utensils and room if possible; keep the most vulnerable kids or aged persons away from the infected person
• Avoid large gatherings
• Wash hands or sanitize regularly when outside the house
• Avoid wearing wet or half wet clothes
• Keep the house sufficiently ventilated
• Clean AC ducts of car and home regularly
• Follow and educate on cough and sneeze etiquette