Drug-resistant TB spreads the same way that drugsensitive (i.e. normal) TB is spread. TB is spread  through the air from one person to another, when a person with TB disease of the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, spits or sings.

These bacteria can remain airborne for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB bacteria can become infected.

However, it is NOT spread by:

  • shaking someone’s hand
  • sharing food or drink
  • touching bed linen or toilet seats
  • sharing toothbrushes
  • Kissing