Recovery & Support for Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is contagious, and although not everyone who comes into contact with the tuberculosis bacterium becomes infected, doctors advise taking precautions to make sure the disease does not spread. 

If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis or your doctor suspects you may have the condition, your doctor may recommend isolating yourself in the hospital or at home until you have been treated and are no longer contagious. An isolation period typically lasts 2 to 12 weeks. 

Specialists at NYU Langone offer supportive services to help manage your treatment and recovery from tuberculosis. 

Lifestyle Modifications

NYU Langone physicians may recommend several lifestyle changes that have been shown to help manage tuberculosis and prevent it from spreading to others. 

Doctors strongly discourage people with tuberculosis from smoking because it interferes with recovery and increases the chance of a relapse. If you smoke, NYU Langone’s Tobacco Cessation Programs offer effective strategies to help you quit.

Some of the medications prescribed for tuberculosis can cause liver damage, and alcohol may exacerbate these effects. During treatment, it’s important to avoid alcohol except as allowed by your doctor. 

Emotional Support

If your doctor advises isolation, in which you stay away from others until you are no longer contagious, you may experience depression or anxiety. NYU Langone counselors offer techniques for coping during this difficult time.

In addition, social workers at NYU Langone are available to help people and their families manage many aspects of the treatment process, including transportation to and from medical appointments or transitions in and out of the hospital.