What is TB?

TB in the lungs and throat is a serious infectious illness. TB is spread from person to person through the air when you cough, talk loudly, sneeze, laugh or sing.

TB can affect other areas of the body but only TB in the lungs and throat is infectious.

What is home isolation?

This is when you are required to stay at home and limit your activities to prevent the spread of infectious TB. This means avoiding enclosed public spaces and other areas where lots of people gather.

How long will I need to be in home isolation?

At least two weeks but it might be longer. Your healthcare professional will tell you when you can stop home isolation.

How do I protect people around me at home?

It is okay for you to continue living with the same people as before your TB diagnosis. They will be automatically contacted by your nurse for TB screening tests.

Do not have new visitors to your home. Stay away from people who have a greater risk of catching TB, for example young children and people with a weak immune system.

TB is not spread by sharing plates, cups or utensils, or on clothing, linen or furniture. It cannot be spread through using a toilet or by touch, such as shaking hands.

How to protect the people around me in the community?

You should stay at home but you can go outside for a walk, avoiding crowded areas.

Keep your TB appointments but reschedule other routine appointments, such as the dentist and other medical appointments. If the appointment is urgent, you should phone the service in advance to discuss your options.

You should avoid public transport and should stay off work, school or college.

Do not go to enclosed public places such as shops, cinemas, restaurants, gyms and libraries or places of worship.

Do not attend community and family gatherings.

If you need a letter from the hospital for work, school or college to explain your absence, please ask your healthcare professional.

If you require emergency care, make sure you tell the ambulance team and hospital you are being treated for TB.

Tips for coping with home isolation

Home isolation can be difficult but it is necessary to prevent the spread of TB.

Remember this is temporary and as long as you take your medicines properly you will return to normal life soon.

Try to have a routine, and go out for a walk. Keep in contact with family and friends by phone or email.

What are my responsibilities?

Make sure you isolate at home. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put this in the bin after every use.

Take your medicines as instructed and attend your TB appointments.

What kind of support can I get?

The charity TB Alert provides information and support for people with TB through the website www.thetruthabouttb.org

You can also receive support from someone who has had TB – to find out more go to www.tbalert.org/patient-support or call 01273 234029.