Question 1

I recently got tested at Lal Path Labs and found out that both Chlamydia and Herpes came back reactive. I'm unmarried and now I'm confused about whether I should get married or not. Can these diseases be cured? What could happen if these are passed on to a female partner? I'm taking homeopathic medicines right now. I'm really worried about this whole situation.

Accepted Answer

Your son is due for the IPV and Hib vaccines, but unfortunately, they're not available right now. Don't worry, I've got some advice to help you navigate this situation.

Firstly, *delayed vaccination is not ideal, but it's not the end of the world either*. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids receive the Hib vaccine at 12-15 months, and the IPV vaccine at 12-18 months .

Since your son is already 2 weeks overdue, *you should consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action*. They may recommend alternative vaccination schedules or provide guidance on when the vaccines are likely to become available again.

In the meantime, *make sure your son is up-to-date on all other recommended vaccinations*. This will help protect him from other serious diseases.

Lastly, *don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a vaccination specialist for further guidance*. They can provide personalized advice and help you make informed decisions about your son's vaccination schedule.

Question 2

I'm super worried and need some clarity. So back in 2001-2002, I got bitten by a dog but didnt get any vaccines then. Jumping ahead 5-6 years later, I started getting anxious about it and took 3 rabies vaccines in 2008. Since then, Ive had a total of 12 rabies vaccines between 2008 and 2012, taking them post-exposure. Does that mean I'm still at risk of rabies in the future because I took the vaccines late?

Also, last year I went to a mela and had dinner at a hotel where the food was kept on the floor in a container. Later, I started stressing out about whether a dog might have eaten that food too. I've heard rabies has an incubation period of 1-3 months. Im past 67 months now, so is there still a risk? Some people suggest getting tests like the Nuchal biopsy Rabies Antibody test. This is all overwhelming, and I could really use some advice.

Accepted Answer

Given your concerns, I'll provide a detailed response to help alleviate your worries.

(i) Dog bite in 20012002 and subsequent vaccinations

You received a dog bite in 20012002 but didn't receive immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Later, between 2008-2012, you received a total of 12 rabies vaccinations.

The risk of developing rabies in this scenario is extremely low.

Multiple factors contribute to this assessment:

1. Time elapsed: The dog bite occurred over 20 years ago, and you've received multiple vaccinations since then.
2. Vaccination regimen: You've completed a series of vaccinations, which provides robust immunity against rabies.
3. Immune system response: Your immune system has likely developed a strong response to the vaccinations, further reducing the risk of developing rabies.

(ii) Concerns about food exposure at a hotel

You're worried that a dog might have contaminated the food you ate at a hotel. Even if a dog had come into contact with the food, the risk of transmitting rabies through contaminated food is extremely low.

Key points to consider:

1. Rabies transmission: Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Indirect transmission through contaminated food or surfaces is highly unlikely.
2. Incubation period: The incubation period for rabies is typically between 2-10 weeks, with most cases occurring within 2-3 months. Since you've already passed the 6-7 month mark, the risk of developing rabies from this incident is negligible.
3. Testing and diagnosis: Nuchal biopsy and rabies antibody tests are typically used to diagnose rabies in symptomatic individuals. Given your asymptomatic status and the low risk of exposure, these tests are unlikely to provide any valuable information.

Question 3

my close family member has spinal TB affecting the L4 and L5 discs and is getting treated with surgery and a 9-month medication course - can this disease spread to others at home or is it contagious

Accepted Answer

Spinal tuberculosis, or Pott's disease, is generally not directly contagious in the way that pulmonary TB is. The infection typically spreads through the bloodstream from a primary infection, often in the lungs, to the bones and discs in the spine.

yes tuberculosis can cause lump. skin test is a initial diagnostic test

More Infectious Disease Health Queries

my close family member has spinal TB affecting the L4 and L5 discs and is getting treated with surgery and a 9-month medication course - can this disease spread to others at home or is it contagious

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