Tb infection while on Tb medication?

[Elendionne]

Hello! I just want to ask about a health issue that I'm struggling with. I have TB and I'm currently on medication. It's already my 2nd month on DOT. But my uncle who's living with me is recently diagnosed with TB too. He's on his first day of medication. And I know that he only stops being infectious after 2 weeks. Is there any risk of me being more infected? I already have tb and I'm on medication, but I'm worried that it might be bad for me again.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Elendionne,

This is a good question and one that hasn't come up before.

If both yourself and your Uncle have the same type of TB and are being treated with the same medication then the treatment you are on will kill any bacteria that you may breathe in.

However, if your Uncle has drug-resistant TB then there is a theoretical risk that any bacteria he breathes out could also take hold in your body. Simple hygiene measures such as covering coughs and sneezes and allowing plenty of sunlight and air into shared spaces will help prevent this.

Either way, if you are concerned the best thing to do is talk to a doctor.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Helen