COVID-19 Update: JN.1 Variant Alert in India | Latest Signs and Symptoms
“Do you know about the new COVID-19 variant JN.1? ”“Do you know enough?”JN.1 is a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 and has been classified as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was first detected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 8, 2023.What are the symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant?The symptoms of the new variant may include:feverrunny nosesore throatheadachesminor gastrointestinal issuesfatiguemuscle weakness.Also, it is important to note that these symptoms are not different from other respiratory diseases such as the flu. If a patient experiences mild symptoms, only the treatment of symptoms might do the job. While an alarming situation can be breathlessness, which could indicate a serious complication. It can be more risky for elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems.Despite the potential severity of this new variant, WHO marked the global public health risk from JN.1 as low. This is due to the effectiveness of vaccinations and protection measures being against JN.1.Suggested Read: Covishield Side Effects !Protective measures:The individuals should follow these protective measures to stay safe from the new variant:Keep your distance from people who are infected or are at risk of infection.Wear a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially when the expected transmission rates are high.Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Ensure good airflow in indoor spaces by increasing ventilation or using air purifiers.In conclusion, it is crucial to stay aware/informed, follow public health guidelines carefully, report symptoms immediately, and maintain respiratory hygiene. Together, we can tackle the challenges and keep our communities safe. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.Suggested Read: COVID-19 Variant BF.7 - Don't Panic , Stay Informed
How does the Influenza A subtype H3N2 virus spread and infect our body?
Why the flu keeps coming back every year?It's because the influenza virus is constantly mutating, making it difficult for our immune system to fight it off. In today's video, we're going to talk about one specific strain of the flu virus - Influenza A subtype H3N2.So, how does this virus transmit and cause infection in the host body?Well, the H3N2 virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These droplets can land on surfaces or be inhaled by someone nearby, leading to infection. The virus then enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes, and begins to replicate in the respiratory tract.When the H3N2 virus enters the body, it attaches itself to specific cells in the respiratory tract. These cells are like the virus's key to getting inside the body. Once inside, the virus hijacks the cell's machinery to make more copies of itself. These copies are like little virus soldiers that can attack other cells in the respiratory tract. When the virus soldiers invade more and more cells, the respiratory tract becomes inflamed and irritated, causing symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches..How can you protect yourself from H3N2?The best way is by getting vaccinated every year. The flu vaccine contains a dead or weakened version of the virus, which stimulates the immune system to create antibodies against it. These antibodies can then recognize and fight off the live virus if you're exposed to it in the future.Understanding how the Influenza A subtype H3N2 virus spreads and infects our body can empower us to take better care of ourselves during flu season. By getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying informed about the latest developments in the fight against the flu, we can protect ourselves and those around us from this constantly mutating virus. So let's take charge of our health and stay healthy! Thanks for watching. -Disclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h...https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/
Deadly Zika Virus!
Zika Virus- Are you familiar with it?As the name is quite intriguing, let’s start with the same. Zika Virus is named after a forest in Uganda named Zika Forest where it was discovered in 1947.Although unknown for years, it gained global attention in2015 due to a significant outbreak in America, especially in Brazil.What is Zika Virus?Zika virus is a deadly virus usually transmitted through a mosquito bite, leading to severe complications and even death in a lot of cases. It can cause birth defects and brain related disorders in the baby born to an infected mother. This results in abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains in the baby. It is also linked to a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can lead to muscle weakness and even paralysis.Suggested read: What Happens To Brain In DepressionHow is Zika Virus transmitted?It is mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, namedAedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.The virus can also spread through blood transfusion, sexual contact and from an infected mother to the baby during pregnancy.Suggested read: From Mosquitoes To Humans: How Dengue Fever SpreadsHow can Zika Virus be prevented?If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, postpone your travel plans to regions with active transmission.Use condoms to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.Implement blood screening and testing to reduce the risk of transmission through blood transfusions.Maintain proper sanitation around you and stay in air-conditioned or screened-in areas.Zika might be deadly but definitely preventable, so take necessary precautions, be aware and stay safe!
Disease X The Next Possible Pandemic
Disease X might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's a concept that scientists and health experts take seriously. So, what exactly is Disease X, and why should we be concerned?Disease X is a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) for a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could cause a global epidemic or pandemic which could be 20 times deadlier than the COVID-19 virus. In February 2018, Disease X was added to the WHO's priority list for research and development, emphasizing its importance on a global scale.Disease X itself doesn't exist yet, but the idea represents a potential future health risks. COVID-19 is an example of how being unprepared can cause widespread illness and death.While the timing and origin of Disease X remain uncertain, experts say it's not a matter of if, but when Disease X will appear. Recent outbreaks show a growing risk, and a study suggests a 1 in 50 chance of a COVID-19-like pandemic happening every year.A new pandemic could be from Disease X or a changed germ, possibly from animals like bats. Scientists focus on the 25 virus families causing human diseases to prepare vaccines and treatments, even without knowing Disease X's details.Source:-WHO to identify pathogens that could cause future outbreaks and pandemics. (2022, February 6). WHO to identify pathogens that could cause future outbreaks and pandemics. https://www.who.int/news/item/21-11-2022-who-to-identify-pathogens-that-could-cause-future-outbreaks-and-pandemics
Treat Overactive Bladder with These Lifestyle Changes
What steps have you taken to promote better bladder health in your daily life?Tips for Managing Bladder Symptoms:Limit Bladder Irritants:Reduce intake of caffeine, alcohol, soda, citrus fruits, chocolate, spicy foods, and tomato-based foods.Identify and eliminate specific trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms.Track Bathroom Habits:Monitor bathroom habits for a few days to identify potential triggers for symptoms.Recognize patterns related to certain foods or dehydration.Double Voiding:Helpful for those who struggle to fully empty their bladder.Empty the bladder twice by waiting briefly after the initial bathroom visit and then trying again.Delayed Voiding Technique:Wait before going to the bathroom, even when feeling the urge.Gradually increase the wait time, aiming for two to three hours.Timed Urination:Follow a scheduled bathroom routine to prevent urgency and regain control.Collaborate with a healthcare provider to create a personalized schedule, involving regular bathroom visits every two to four hours, independent of the urge to go.Source:-https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/o/overactive-bladder-(oab)Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h...https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in/
Measles Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention!
What is measles and How it is caused?Measles is one of the most contagious diseases caused by a virus. It spreads easily when someone with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Anyone can get sick, but it's more common in children.The virus starts in the respiratory tract and then goes through the whole body. You can catch measles by being near someone with it or touching surfaces they touched. The virus stays active for up to two hours in the air or on things. If one person has measles, they can make nine out of 10 people close to them sick if they're not vaccinated.Measles symptoms show up 10-14 days after being near the virus. Early signs last 4-7 days and include:A runny nose,Cough,Red eyes, andSmall white spots inside the cheeks.A rash starts about 7-18 days later, It starts as red spots on your face, then spreads down the body. Smaller raised white spots may merge on the red rash, as it progresses. It lasts 5-6 days before fading.Measles has no cure; the virus runs its course in approximately 10 to 14 days. The measles vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the virus and ensures immunity.Source1:-Measles. (2024, February 9).Measles. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measlesSource2:-Kondamudi NP, Waymack JR. Measles. [Updated 2023 Aug 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448068/
World Polio Day: Why Polio Vaccines Matter?
Mrs. Prerna Trivedi
M.Sc. Nutrition, Certified Lactation Consultant