Curious what to do....

[t_anunson]

Hi,
My grandmother who lives in Kentucky has carried the TB germ for 20 years, and thinks she may be active now.  My father who lives in Florida, and visits his mother (my grandmother) once a year for a week, recently found out he has been exposed to the TB germ. He is still getting tested to see if he is active. I see him and my grandmother about once a year for a few days also. I was around her about 6 months ago while pregnant, and didn`t know she was active at the time. Many of my family members have been around her, but show no signs of active TB. But since my dad has tested positive for exposure, I was wondering.... How easy is it to catch TB being around someone active only once a year for a few days at a time? Could he have caught this from her? What are my chances of having this and my family? We ate off of her dishes and hugged her. My child was not born with any sign of active TB. I`m confused with all of this...

[t_anunson]

Thanks for your reply, you were very helpful!

[National Jewish]

It is difficult to give a simple answer about the communicability of tuberculosis (TB).  In most situations you would need to be exposed for many days or several weeks in an indoor setting to catch TB.  It is spread when you inhale bacteria that are coughed into the air by people who are infected.  It is not spread by kissing, touching or sharing utensils.  Anyone who thinks they have been exposed should have a tuberculin skin test ("PPD").  Note, however, that it takes 6-10 weeks following infection for the test to become reactive.  If positive they should see their doctor about taking treatment to keep the infection from progressing to active disease.