Health Exemption Practice Exam

Syphilis is recognized for having three distinct stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each stage has unique characteristics and symptoms that develop as the infection progresses.

The confusion often arises when determining how the disease can become lifelong. It is during the tertiary stage, which occurs if the infection is left untreated, that syphilis can cause severe complications and become chronic. This stage can present years after the initial infection and can affect various organs, including the heart, brain, and nervous system, leading to significant health issues.

While the primary and secondary stages of syphilis can be effectively treated, allowing for a complete resolution of the infection, the tertiary stage represents the point where it can lead to long-term consequences if management does not occur. Therefore, recognizing that syphilis has three distinct stages and that it can become a lifelong condition at the tertiary stage is crucial for understanding the progression and implications of this sexually transmitted infection.