The BCG Vaccine in Tuberculosis Prevention
In those parts of the world where
tuberculosis is common, it is recommended that infants receive a vaccine called BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) for tuberculosis prevention. This BCG vaccine is made from a live weakened bacterium related to tuberculosis bacteria (
Mycobacterium tuberculosis). The BCG vaccine prevents the TB bacteria from spreading within the body, thus preventing TB from developing.
This tuberculosis vaccine has its drawbacks, however. It does not protect adults very well against tuberculosis. In addition, the BCG vaccine may interfere with the TB skin test, showing a positive skin test reaction in people who have received the vaccine. In countries where the TB vaccine is used, the ability of the skin test to identify people infected with tuberculosis is limited. Because of these limitations, U.S. health experts do not recommend BCG vaccine for general use in this country.
Reducing Exposure in Tuberculosis Prevention
If you have
active tuberculosis, it is important to stay home from work or school and away from other people while you are infectious. After a few weeks of
tuberculosis treatment, you will feel better, and you may no longer be infectious to others. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when you can return to work or school or visit with friends.
If you are infectious while you are at home, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and others near you. Your doctor may tell you to follow these guidelines to protect yourself and others:
- The most important thing is to take your medicine.
- Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. Put the tissue in a bag, close the bag, and throw it away.
- Separate yourself from others and avoid close contact with anyone. Sleep in a bedroom away from other family members.
- Air out your room often to the outside of the building (if it is not too cold outside). TB spreads in small closed spaces where air doesn't move. Put a fan in your window to blow out (exhaust) air that may be filled with TB bacteria. If you open other windows in the room, the fan also will pull in fresh air. This will reduce the chances that TB bacteria will stay in the room and infect someone who breathes the air.
If your doctor or nurse agrees, you will be able to go back to your daily routine. Remember, you will get well only if you take your medicine exactly as your doctor or nurse tells you.
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