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Showing posts with label Lassa Fever - symptoms & prevention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lassa Fever - symptoms & prevention. Show all posts

Thursday, 11 February 2016

ZIKA VIRUS - HOW WE GET INFECTED


What is the Zika virus? How do you catch it?


Key facts
  1. Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day.
  2. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. Symptoms typically last for 2–7 days. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms.
  3. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, known as congenital Zika syndrome. Infection with Zika virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including preterm birth and miscarriage.
  4. An increased risk of neurologic complications is associated with Zika virus infection in adults and children, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis.



Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947, is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that carries dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya virus. A mosquito bites an infected person and then passes those viruses to other people it bites. Outbreaks did not occur outside of Africa until 2007, when it spread to the South Pacific
There are two lineages of the Zika virus: the African lineage, and the Asian lineage.
it may be spread through sexual contact or blood transfusions. In early February, a case of Zika spreading through sexual contact was reported in Dallas County, TX. There, a person who'd traveled to an area that had cases of the virus infected a partner who had not traveled.
It was reported that Brazilian scientists have found the virus in the saliva and urine of infected people.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus?


The disease can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye. But most people won’t know they have it.
All can cause a variety of flu-like symptoms that range in severity and can last from a few days to more than a week. As with Zika, few people infected with dengue or West Nile will show any symptoms
SEXUAL TRANSMISSION
Zika virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. This is of concern due to an association between Zika virus infection and adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
For regions with active transmission of Zika virus, all people with Zika virus infection and their sexual partners (particularly pregnant women) should receive information about the risks of sexual transmission of Zika virus.

WHO recommends that sexually active men and women be correctly counselled and offered a full range of contraceptive methods to be able to make an informed choice about whether and when to become pregnant in order to prevent possible adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes
How is Zika virus treated?

There’s no treatment, but Adalja says most people with symptoms do well with over-the-counter medications for aches and pains. The disease usually runs its course within a week or so.

What is the connection between Zika, microcephaly, and pregnancy?

Zika has been tied to cases of microcephaly in babies born to infected pregnant women. Microcephaly stunts a baby’s head growth, causing devastating, sometimes-fatal brain damage, and it can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. A cause-and-effect link with the Zika virus hasn’t been definitely established, though.
The virus has caused panic in Brazil since it first appeared there in May. More than 4,000 babies in Brazil have reportedly been born with microcephaly. Brazil and several other nations have advised women to postpone pregnancy.

Reference from WEDMD, WIKIPEDIA AND WHO HEALTH ORGANISATION

THANKS FOR READING...


Sunday, 24 May 2015

PRIMARY CARE ON BREAST CYST

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the breast. One breast can have one or more breast cysts. They're often described as round or oval lumps with distinct edges. In texture, a breast cyst usually feels like a soft grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm.

Breast cysts can be painful and may be worrisome but are generally benign. They are most common in pre-menopausal women in their 30s or 40s. They usually disappear after menopause, but may persist or reappear when using hormone therapy. They are also common in adolescents. Breast cysts can be part of fibrocystic disease. The pain and swelling is usually worse in the second half of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Treating breast cysts is usually not necessary unless they are painful or cause discomfort. However, most cysts, regardless of their size cannot be identified during physical exams.

Breast cysts are not to be confused with "milk cysts" (galactoceles), which usually appear during weaning.

DIAGNOSIS
A breast lump can be confirmed by ultrasound examination, aspiration (removal of contents with needle), or mammogram. Ultrasound can also show if the cyst contains solid nodules, a sign that the lesion may be pre-cancerous or cancerous. Examination by a cytopathologist of the fluid aspirated from the cyst may also help with this diagnosis. In particular, it should be sent to a laboratory for testing if it is blood-stained.


Needle biopsy being performed to determine nature of lump either fluid-filled cyst or solid tumor
Breast cysts may remain stable for many years or may resolve spontaneously. Most simple cysts are benign and do not require any treatment or further diagnostic workup. Some complex cysts may require further diagnostic measures such as fine needle aspiration or biopsy to exclude breast cancer however the overwhelming majority is of benign nature. That is, cysts will usually resolve on their own after the fluid is drained.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of breast cysts include:
A smooth, easily movable round or oval breast lump with distinct edges
Breast pain or tenderness in the area of the lump
Increased lump size and tenderness just before your period
Decreased lump size and resolution of other signs and symptoms after your period
Having one or many simple breast cysts doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer.
Lumps in the breast are often not found during self-examinations or physical exams.

Treatment
Breast cysts do not require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or otherwise uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease your symptoms.

Typical treatment involves a Needle aspiration biopsy. Aspirated cysts often recur (come back); definitive treatment may require surgery.

Draining the fluid and then waiting for the cyst to resolve it is the main treatment applied in these cases. Moreover, cysts that are aspirated and the fluid looks normal do not require any other medical attention apart from following-up to make sure it completely disappeared. Yet, hormone therapy by the means of oral contraceptives is sometimes prescribed to reduce their recurrence and to regulate the menstrual cycle of the patient (which is likely to cause them in the first place). 

Surgical removal of a breast cyst is necessary only in a few unusual circumstances. If an uncomfortable breast cyst recurs month after month, or if a breast cyst contains blood-tinged fluid and displays other worrisome signs, surgery may be considered

Prevention
The development of breast cysts may be prevented to some degree, according to the majority of the specialists. The recommended measures one is able to take in order to avoid the formation of the cysts include practicing good health and avoiding certain medications, eating a balanced diet, taking necessary vitamins and supplements, getting exercise, and avoiding stress
Although caffeine consumption does not have a scientifically proved connection with the process of cyst development, many women claim that their symptoms are relieved if avoiding it. Some doctors recommend reducing the amount of caffeine in one's diet in terms of both beverages and foods (such as chocolate). Also reducing salt intake may help in alleviating the symptoms of breast cysts, although, again, there is no scientific linkage between these two. Excessive sugar consumption as well as undetected food allergies, such as to gluten or lactose, may also contribute to cyst development.

Epidemiology
It is estimated that 7% of women in the western world develop palpable breast cysts
There is preliminary evidence that women with breast cysts may be at an increased risk of breast cancer, especially at younger ages.
In males, the occurrence of breast cysts is rare and may (but need not) be an indication of malignancy.
Cysts and bra support
Some women experience breast pain, especially when engaging in vigorous physical activity. A properly fitted sports bra, which compresses or encapsulates breast tissue, is designed to reduce pain caused by exercise.


Wednesday, 6 August 2014

AVOIDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIS)

Avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Abstinence is one way of avoiding a sexually transmitted infection. 

If you are sexually active there are ways of reducing your risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

When used correctly, condoms in combination with a water based lubricant will reduce the risk of many STIs during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Latex gloves also provide barrier protection for sexual activity involving fingers and dams can be used to protect against STIs during oral sex.

Not all STIs have obvious symptoms (for example, herpesgenital warts and Chlamydia infection) and therefore it can be difficult to know whether you or your partner has an infection.

Practicing safer sex by using condoms and dams can be an effective way of reducing the risk of STIs that have no immediate or obvious symptoms.

If you’re not sure whether you or your sexual partner has an STI or if you are in a sexual relationship of 3 months or less you can guard your health and the health of others by always using protective measures such as condoms and dams.

Unsafe or unprotected sex in a relationship

Negotiated safety is where both partners test negative for STIs and mutually agree not to use condoms and dams as part of their sexual relationship.

Negotiated safety provides a safe context for unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, but for it to work three things are essential:
Talking. Talk openly with your sexual partner and arrive at a mutual agreement about not using condoms and dams, and about the need to be safe from STIs.
Testing. Test for STIs at least 3 months after the last time you had unprotected sex with anyone, including your current sexual partner. Three months is usually enough time for most STIs, but not all, to show up on a test. Talk to your doctor about the different incubation periods for other STIs. If you and your sexual partner both have negative tests for STIs, you can then consider having unprotected sex.
Trusting. Once you and your sexual partner have made an agreement to have unprotected sex this will mean having unprotected sex only with the sexual partner who has been tested and cleared of STIs and with whom you have negotiated to have unprotected sex.

You and your sexual partner may also need to talk about reintroducing safe sex practices if either of you engage in unsafe sex outside of the relationship.

If you or your partner has unprotected sex outside of your sexual relationship you will need to return to protective or barrier methods for at least 3 months and then get tested again.
The contraceptive pill does not provide protection against any STI.

Thank you for reading..

Monday, 4 August 2014

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HOME RENOVATION


With the increasing cost of relocation, more and more people are choosing to stay in the same house for longer periods. People are renovating their houses to make it more livable, and this also increases the resale value of these properties. It is the need of the hour that one has to realize that there are numerous health hazards associated with renovating your home. The culprits are usually the toxic materials used in home refurbishing. Though most of them are unavoidable, there could be a possibility that you may be able to build or refurbish in an Eco-friendly and non-hazardous way.

Here are some harmful substances that can cause minor or health problems when you renovate your home:

1. Dust
People tend to think that chemicals, paints, scraped wood, iron bars, lead, etc. cause most health issues. Even the simplest of things like dust can pose serious health risks. Dust can have various other chemicals or harmful particles which can be inhaled, leading to various breathing disorders and lung infections.

2. Asbestos
This is a mineral fiber which is used in flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing, etc. because it acts as an insulation and fire-resistant material. These are microscopic, and can easily be inhaled when the particles becomes airborne. This can cause serious diseases like abdominal & chest cancer, and scarring of lungs commonly called asbestosis.

3. Lead
This is found in dry paints when scraping the walls before a major renovation. It can cause headaches, weight loss, lung infection, fatigue, anemia, constipation, stomach pain, irritation, nausea and many other conditions.

4. Radon
This is said to cause lung cancer if your basic constitution is not radon-resistant.

5. Mercury
This is found in old switches, heating system and regulators. Mercury inside the human body can cause kidney and liver damage, mental retardation, disabilities related to learning and many other debilitating conditions. Fatality is also not uncommon with acute mercury poisoning.

6. Moisture
After renovation your house may be sometimes be filled with moisture, which can attract biological hazards. This can cause allergies, asthma, pneumonia and, in extreme cases, can lead to death.

7. Lack of proper ventilation
In the excitement of renovating your home, you might sometimes make wrong decisions that might seriously affect the natural ventilation inside your home. Good ventilation is always important, as the more oxygen you inhale, the more immune your system becomes and the healthier you become. If ventilation is improper, then all the harmful substances that are disturbed and become airborne during renovation can cause you lung and breathing problems.

8. Formaldehyde
This is a carcinogen found in pressed wood - especially in cabinets, fiber glass insulation, wood paneling, etc. This causes breathing problems, eye and throat irritation and nausea.

9. Volatile organic substances (VOCs)
These are emitted from paints, strippers, plastics, etc., and can cause cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.

10. Air ducts
Leaking air ducts during renovation can cause negative pressure, which leads to radon problems if the ducts are not immediately sealed.

11. PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
These are commonly used in plastics, paints and electrical equipment. PCBs can cause a wide range of health problems. This chemical can cause cancer, reproductive problems and disorders of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems.
Being aware of these health risks means you can be better prepared to avoid them or deal with them appropriately.

By Robert Fogarty

EGG SAFETY IN THE HOME


Eggs are a healthy, nutritious part of many diet, but they are a raw food and should be stored and handled like raw meat and chicken, to reduce the risk of illness.

Most eggs are safe; however cracked and dirty eggs can be a source of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.

You can enjoy eggs safely by using clean/uncracked eggs, handling them correctly and storing eggs and raw egg products in the refrigerator.



Salmonella 
Salmonella can affect anyone, but there is a greater risk of food poisoning for children under two years, pregnant women, people over 70 and people with lower immune system function. That's because:
- immune systems are weaker
- the stomach may have less acid to protect against bugs
- the impact of symptoms can be more severe and
- recovery takes longer.

Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning include headache, fever, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting which can last days or weeks. The effects of this stomach bug can range from mild to severe.

Three rules to remember
The three key rules to remember when handling eggs are:
1. Don't use cracked and/or dirty eggs
2. Wash your hands after handling eggs
3. Refrigerate raw egg products

The flipside – cooking eggs
Cooking kills most harmful bugs that may be present such as Salmonella. 
When egg whites are cooked until completely firm and the yolk begins to thicken, foods containing eggs such as cakes, quiches and biscuits are usually safe.

Keeping your own chickens
If you keep your own chickens, follow these safety tips:
collect the eggs twice a day, especially in warmer weather to reduce the risk of bacteria growing
throw away any dirty, cracked or broken eggs,and any eggs which may have been in the nest for an extended period of time
do not wash dirty eggs
store the eggs in clean containers in the refrigerator, separately from ready to eat foods
always use the oldest eggs first.

Eating out – are you at risk?
If purchasing food from a restaurant or takeaway for people who are at greater risk, check whether raw or pasteurised egg is used in any of the dishes. Manufactured products from a supermarket or retail outlet will show on the label if pasteurised egg is used.
Myths and facts about eggs
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to eggs. See our Myths and facts about eggs page to help you to better understand eggs.


FOOD POISON

MALARIA - SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION


Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. There are 5 species of Plasmodiumwhich infect humans:
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium malariae
Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium knowlesi which is less common.

Of these, Plasmodium falciparum infection is the most severe and can cause death in up to 10% of cases. It can be rapidly fatal. Pregnant women and children are especially at risk. Other types of malaria are less severe, but still may cause death.

Malaria is a notifiable disease.

How malaria is spread
The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female Anopheles species mosquitoes.

The parasites multiply in the liver and the bloodstream of the infected person. The parasite may be taken up by another mosquito when it bites an infected person. The mosquito is then infected for the duration of its life and can infect other humans when it bites them.

Occasionally malaria is transmitted by blood transfusion. For this reason, people who have travelled to countries where malaria occurs may be deferred from giving blood for a short period. Malaria can also be transmitted from a mother to her fetus.

Malaria occurs in most tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, including:
Africa
Central and South America
Asia (including southeast Asia)
Papua New Guinea
western Pacific islands.

Over a million people living in these countries die from malaria each year. Many thousands of tourists also get malaria during their travels to countries where malaria is present. Tourists often get severe illness because they have had no previous exposure to malaria and have no resistance to the disease.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
In humans, the parasites live mostly in the red blood cells, but a very serious complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is infection of the brain.
Symptoms of malaria may include:
fever, which may come and go, or may be constant
chills
profuse sweating
malaise (feeling of unwellness)
muscle and joint pain
headache
confusion
nausea
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
abdominal pain
cough.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a blood test – sometimes it is necessary to repeat the test a number of times, as the parasites can be difficult to detect.

Incubation period
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)

Varies with the type:
P. falciparum: 9 to 14 days
P . vivax: 12 to18 days but some strains may have an incubation period of 8 to 10 months or longer
P. ovale: 12 to 18 days
P. malariae: 18 to 40 days.
These periods are approximate and may be longer if the person has been taking drugs taken to prevent infection.
Infectious period
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
Direct person-to-person spread does not occur.
A person remains infectious as long as the parasites are present in the blood. This may be several years if adequate treatment is not given. Parasites disappear from the blood within a few days of commencing appropriate treatment. Mosquitoes remain infected for life.

TREATMENT
Specific antimalarial treatment is available and must always be started as soon as malaria is diagnosed. There is increasing resistance to currently available drugs and treatment should be carried out by an infectious diseases specialist or other expert in the field.

PREVENTION
Exclusion from childcare, preschool, school or work is not necessary but cases should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes while they are unwell
there is no vaccine to prevent human infection by this parasite
personal protection and the environmental management of mosquitoes are important in preventing illness. See Fight the Bite for tips to on how to protect yourself.

Travel in countries where there is malaria?
Extensive international programs are undertaken in malarious countries to try to control this disease. For travellers, the following advice is given:
see a travel medicine expert before you go to get specific advice for the places you will be visiting
always take malaria prophylaxis drugs exactly as prescribed and take the full course. Be aware of their potential side effects
protect yourself from mosquito bites. Travel medical centres have good information on how to do this
be aware that no preventive measures are 100% effective, so always seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever while travelling in, or after return from, a country where malaria occurs
always give your doctor the information about your travel if you become sick.


BREAST CANCER, CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT PART 2

Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer.
A doctor should be seen if changes in the breast are noticed. The following tests and procedures may be used:

·         Physical exam and history : An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
·         Clinical breast exam (CBE): An exam of the breast by a doctor or other health professional. The doctor will carefully feel the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
·         Mammogram : An x-ray of the breast.


Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called asonogram. The picture can be printed to be looked at later.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

Blood chemistry studies : A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it.

Biopsy : The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by apathologist to check for signs of cancer. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to remove a small piece of the lump. Four types of biopsies are as follows:

 Excisional biopsy : The removal of an entire lump of tissue.

  Incisional biopsy : The removal of part of a lump or a sample of tissue

  Core biopsy : The removal of tissue using a wide needle.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy : The removal of tissue or fluid, using a thin needle.

If cancer is found, tests are done to study the cancer cells.
  • Decisions about the best treatment are based on the results of these tests. The tests give information about:
    ·         how quickly the cancer may grow.
    ·         how likely it is that the cancer will spread through the body.
    ·         how well certain treatments might work.
    ·         how likely the cancer is to recur (come back).
    Tests include the following:
    · Estrogen and progesterone receptor test : A test to measure the amount of estrogen and progesterone (hormonesreceptors in cancer tissue. If there are more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal, the cancer may grow more quickly. The test results show whether treatment to block estrogen and progesterone may stop the cancer from growing.
    ·         Human epidermal growth factor type 2 receptor (HER2/neu) test: A laboratory test to measure how many HER2/neu genes there are and how much HER2/neu protein is made in a sample of tissue. If there are more HER2/neu genes or higher levels of HER2/neu protein than normal, the cancer may grow more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. The cancer may be treated with drugs that target the HER2/neu protein, such as trastuzumab andlapatinib.
    ·         Multigene tests: Tests in which samples of tissue are studied to look at the activity of many genes at the same time. These tests may help predict whether cancer will spread to other parts of the body or recur (come back).
    o    Oncotype DX: This test helps predict whether stage I or stage II breast cancer that isestrogen receptor positive and node-negative will spread to other parts of the body. If the risk of the cancer spreading is high, chemotherapy may be given to lower the risk.
    o    MammaPrint: This test helps predict whether stage I or stage II breast cancer that is node-negative will spread to other parts of the body. If the risk of the cancer spreading is high, chemotherapy may be given to lower the risk.
    There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.
    Cancer can spread through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood:
    ·         Tissue. The cancer spreads from where it began by growing into nearby areas.
    ·         Lymph system. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the lymph system. The cancer travels through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.
    ·         Blood. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the blood. The cancer travels through the blood vessels to other parts of the body.
    Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body.
    When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it is called metastasis. Cancer cells break away from where they began (the primary tumor) and travel through the lymph system or blood.
    ·         Lymph system. The cancer gets into the lymph system, travels through the lymph vessels, and forms a tumor (metastatic tumor) in another part of the body.
    ·         Blood. The cancer gets into the blood, travels through the blood vessels, and forms a tumor (metastatic tumor) in another part of the body.

    The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bone, the cancer cells in the bone are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.
    ·         There are different types of treatment for patients with breast cancer.
    ·         Six types of standard treatment are used:
    o    Surgery
    o    Sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by surgery
    o    Radiation therapy
    o    Chemotherapy
    o    Hormone therapy
    o    Targeted therapy
    ·         New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
    o    High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
    ·         Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
    ·         Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.
    ·         Follow-up tests may be needed