Dynamics of TB Transmission in workplace

TB transmission in Workplaces

What’s inside:

Read this page to learn how TB spreads inside your workplace 

Introduction:

The global spread ofCovid-19 has highlighted the need for implementing standard infection control precautions and to improve preparedness for pandemic respiratory infections. Preparedness means having infection control activities already in place; many of the same infection control activities will help contain TB as well.

Although this chapter focuses on TB as the prototypical airborne disease, the principles also apply to other respiratory infections.  

Dynamics of TB Spread:

The following must be known in order to fully understand TB transmission.

TB is infectious only when it occurs in the lungs or larynx (thought). TB that occurs elsewhere in the body is usually not infectious, unless the person also has TB in the lungs or larynx at the same time.

Tuberculosis is transmitted mainly through the air via droplet nuclei generated when a TB patient coughs or sneezes. 

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Why TB & Workplace ?:

An employee will be spending an average of 8Hrs / day (48 hrs / week) in their work spaces making them vulnerable for contracting diseases like TB and making them a challenging population for the programme (National TB Elimination Program) to reach.

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Added to all of these, Low BMI, Accessibility to Healthcare, Malnutrition, Smoking, Alcoholism and Tobacco usage can also make a person vulnerable to TB.