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

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kamran Mohammed

General Practitioner

MBBS
FIDM
5+ Yrs

Consult Now

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.

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Consult a Infectious Disease specialist

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Answered 14/08/2025

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I'm really worried because I had an HIV ELISA test for my visa, and the result was 0.14, which I know is negative. But why didn't it come out as 0? Is it even possible for someone to actually get a 0 on their HIV ELISA test?

In HIV ELISA testing, a result of 0 does not typically occur as it indicates no presence of antibodies at all, which is rare. A result of 0.14 is considered negative for HIV, as it is below the cutoff value for a positive result. This means that there were no significant levels of HIV antibodies detected in your blood sample. It is important to continue practicing safe sex and regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

So, I went to get my beard shaved at a barber shop, and I noticed that the barber didn't change the blade. I ended up with a small cut too. Should I be worried about the risk of HIV transmission in this situation?

Visit Physician for evaluation and appropriate management

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been having these weird episodes where I suddenly start shivering, and my body temperature drops. But then, not long after, the shivering stops, and my temperature goes up really high. It's confusing and a bit worrying. What could be causing this, and how concerned should I be?

history not enough to make a diagnosis consult your doctor

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.