Tag: #Medicalcare

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

New variant of chickenpox causing virus in India; know symptoms of Clade 9 and prevention tips

New variant of chickenpox causing virus in India; know symptoms of Clade 9 and prevention tips

Chickenpox strain Clade 9 which is usually common in countries like UK and US is detected in India. Know its common symptoms.

A new variant of chickenpox namely Clade 9 has been detected in the country. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has found the presence of Clade 9 variant of chickenpox-causing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) for the first time in India; the said variant is more common in countries like Germany, UK and US. Varicella-zoster virus is one of the nine herpes viruses and causes chickenpox in children, teens and shingles in adults. In India, so far Clade 1 and Clade 5 have been found, but Clade 9 has been detected for the first time.

What is Clade 9?

Clade 9 is a variant of varicella zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox, a common childhood illness, says Dr Vineeta Taneja – Director – Internal Medicine – Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.

Common strains of Varicella zoster in India

“Varicella zoster is a virus which causes chickenpox in younger population and shingles in adults. Clade 1 and 5 were the variants of varicella zoster known to cause infection in Indian population. But in a recent survey, it was found that Clade 9 which is the dominant strain in western countries, has been found in circulation in the Indian subcontinent too,” says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant- Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

What are its symptoms?

Some of the symptoms of Clade 9 includes rash, fever, loss of appetite, headache, fatigue and an overall sense of ill health, adds Dr Taneja.

The chicken pox rash appears 2-3 weeks after exposure to the virus. Prior to appearance of rash, patient develops fever, body ache and headache. The rash appears in form of bumps called papules followed by small fluid-filled blisters called vesicles which eventually heal with formation of scabs. The fever settles 1-2 days after the appearance of rash. The entire process happens over a period of 2 weeks and the person is infective to others 2 days prior to onset of rash and the infectivity continue till scab formation,” says Dr Tayal.

Is clade 9 more severe than previous variants?

“Presently there is no difference in the severity of infection with Clade 9 as compared to the previous variants,” adds Dr Tayal.

New variant of chickenpox causing virus in India; know symptoms of Clade 9 and prevention tips

Prevention tips

Dr Vineeta Taneja says the most effective way to prevent chickenpox is getting vaccinated. One should also practice good hygiene and regular handwashing can also help.

“In many countries, including the United States and several European countries, the Varicella vaccine is routinely administered to children as part of the immunization schedule. If you’re in a region where this vaccine is available, make sure you and your children are up-to-date with their vaccinations,” says Dr Taneja.

“Practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of VZV transmission. Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching the face. Avoid close contact with individuals who have chickenpox or shingles,” she adds.

Here are other prevention tips to follow:

Isolation: If someone in your household has chickenpox, try to isolate them from others, especially individuals who are at high risk of severe complications, such as pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Cover coughs and sneezes: Teach proper cough and sneeze etiquette to minimize the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Avoid sharing personal items: Refrain from sharing personal items like towels, clothing, and utensils with someone who has chickenpox until they are no longer contagious.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A strong immune system can help prevent infections. Ensure you and your family members maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Seek medical advice: If you or your child is exposed to chickenpox or develops symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. There may be specific recommendations from healthcare professionals to manage the situation, especially if you or your child are at higher risk of complications.

Post-exposure prophylaxis: In some cases, post-exposure prophylaxis with Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) may be recommended for individuals at high risk of severe disease after exposure to chickenpox. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

Treatment

Antiviral medications: Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, are commonly prescribed to manage VZV infections. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications. Treatment should ideally start within 72 hours of the rash onset for maximal effectiveness.

Pain management: Pain, itching, and discomfort are common symptoms of VZV infections. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate these symptoms.

Calamine lotion: Applying calamine lotion to the skin can help relieve itching and discomfort associated with chickenpox or shingles rashes.

Cool baths: Taking cool baths or applying cool, damp compresses to the affected areas may provide relief from itching.

Rest: Rest is important to support the body’s immune response and help with the healing process.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection occurs as a complication of scratching the rash.

Topical antivirals: In some cases, topical antiviral creams or ointments may be used to manage skin lesions, particularly in cases of herpes zoster.

Antiviral prophylaxis: High-risk individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems, may be given antiviral medications as prophylaxis if they are exposed to VZV to prevent severe disease. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

Eye care: If the eye is affected by herpes zoster (ophthalmic shingles), consult an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for proper evaluation and treatment.

Pregnant women: Special precautions and management may be required for pregnant women who develop chickenpox or shingles, as these infections can pose risks to the foetus. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

“Treatment of chicken pox is primarily symptomatic. Antivirals may be added for reducing the severity of infection and duration of recovery. Self isolation is extremely important to prevent spread of u infection to unvaccinated population and elderly. Prevention of chicken pox is with help of varicella zoster vaccine which is to be taken in 2 doses 4 months apart,” says Dr Tayal.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/koruL

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Growing pains in children are linked to migraines

Growing pains in children are linked to migraines: Study

The study states that headache and discomfort in lower limbs in children are often associated with the risk of migraines.

According to new research published in the journal Headache, discomfort in the lower limbs, which is commonly referred to as “growing pains” by physicians and is sometimes associated with rapid growth, may suggest the presence or risk of migraines in children and teenagers.

The study included 100 children and adolescents born to mothers with migraines seen at a headache clinic, with half of the youth experiencing growing pains.

“In families of children with growing pains, there is an increased prevalence of other pain syndromes, especially migraine among parents,” the authors wrote. “On the other hand, children with migraine have a higher prevalence of growing pains, suggesting a common pathogenesis; therefore, we hypothesized that growing pains in children are a precursor or comorbidity with migraine.”

Growing pains in children are linked to migraines: Study

After 5 years of follow-up, 78 patients completed the study, of which 42 were from the group that experienced growing pains and 36 were from the control group.

Headaches occurred in 76 per cent of participants who had growing pains and in 22 per cent of controls. Growing pains persisted in 14 per cent of participants who had growing pains at the start of the study and appeared in 39 per cent of participants who were previously asymptomatic.

“Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents may reflect a precursor or comorbidity with migraine,” the authors concluded.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/kCFJV

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

World Suicide Prevention Day: Are suicidal thoughts normal? An expert guide on how to deal with them

World Suicide Prevention Day: Are suicidal thoughts normal? An expert guide on how to deal with them

From taking a stroll to talking to a family member, here are effective ways to deal with suicidal thoughts.

Our brain works non-stop doing a series of functions which also includes thinking a wide variety of thoughts. Some can pertain to managing daily chores, others can be imaginative, creative, analytical or ruminative. Suicidal thoughts, if fleeting in nature, can occur sometimes and usually are not a cause of any worry. However, frequent suicidal thoughts are not normal and need to be addressed. People with depression, chronic pain or drug addicts may have such thoughts.

“Regardless of age or gender, a passing thought about suicide is something that many may have experienced at some point of time, however, frequent suicidal thoughts are not normal. Before we learn how to deal with them, it is important to understand that having suicidal thoughts does not make a person weak or abnormal and you don’t need to feel guilty or ashamed, no matter your situation,” says Dr Sneha Sharma, Consultant, Psychiatry and Drug Deaddiction, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.

Dr Sneha says if suicidal thoughts have been on mind for sometime there are certain steps one can take to stay safe before getting further support.

Speaking with an expert is the effective way to deal with thoughts of suicide. A therapist can provide direction in pinpointing potential triggers, researching available treatments, and formulating a safety plan.

On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Dr Sneha shares effective ways to deal with suicidal thoughts:

World Suicide Prevention Day: Are suicidal thoughts normal? An expert guide on how to deal with them

• Speak up

Family members you can trust can listen and provide emotional support. They can also aid in keeping you secure. A crisis counsellor is a good place to start if you’re not sure who to contact. They’ll compassionately listen and give advice on how to reach out.

• Look for a safe haven

A safe, secure and happy place like a friend’s home, library or other public area helps to prevent working on suicide ideas. You may even try a new room in your own home.

• Avoid access to weapons

Safety also includes having no access to drugs, guns, and other potential suicide things and techniques. If you need to continue taking medicine, a friend or family member can stay with you while you remove these things. So that you don’t have access to more tablets, they might provide one dose at a time.

• Steer clear of alcohol and other drugs

Alcohol and other drugs may seem like a good way to dull unpleasant feelings, but you may find that they make depression and suicidal thoughts worse.

• Try grounding strategies

A few grounding exercises include taking a little stroll, petting a pet, and doing 4-7-8 breathing when you’re feeling very distressed. Not sure where to begin? A crisis counsellor can also walk you through testing them out over the phone or via text.

• Take a break

You might feel calmer and less anxious by enjoying your favourite food or drink, listening to music, or viewing pictures (or videos) of loved ones and animals.

• Prioritize self-care

Taking care of your bodily requirements may not always help to lessen suicidal thoughts. However, if your bodily requirements are being satisfied, you might find it simpler to control them. Try to eat balanced meals, drink enough of water, engage in some physical exercise (even if it’s just moving about the house or stretching), and aim for sufficient hours of sleep each night.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/bvFN9

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Medical Updates Medicine & Health

World First Aid Day 2023: Essentials to include in your emergency medical kit

World First Aid Day 2023: Essentials to include in your emergency medical kit

World First Aid Day is being observed on September 9 this year. Here’s a list of items your emergency medical kit should include.

First aid plays a crucial role in emergency medical situations and can prove to be lifesaving in case of heart attacks, seizures, strokes, road accidents etc. It could be a set of life-saving techniques or basic medicines for certain illnesses, bandages, pain killers, or ointments. It is important to have knowledge and awareness about things like CPR, Heimlich manoeuvre, controlling bleeding, use of AED, how to take care of snake bites among others. First aid can be provided by a bystander, a family member or a colleague. In case of a sudden injury or illness, bystanders may play an essential role before the arrival of ambulance or admission to a hospital.

World First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of every September to create awareness around the role of first aid in saving lives. This year the day is being celebrated on September 9 and its theme is ‘First Aid in the Digital World’ which promotes utilisation of digital tools and its resources that aid in the provision of first aid education.

One must always be ready to provide this crucial help to anyone who’s in need and thus it is important to keep an emergency medical kit ready.

Dr Kishore Kumar, Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru in an interview with HT Digital shares essentials that help control bleeding or address an injury in case of an accident.

World First Aid Day 2023: Essentials to include in your emergency medical kit

An emergency medical kit is crucial for providing immediate care during unexpected situations. Here are some essentials to include:

• Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for covering wounds and minor injuries.

• Sterile gauze and dressings: Used for larger wounds and to control bleeding.

• Adhesive tape: To secure bandages and dressings in place.

• Antiseptic wipes or solution: For cleaning wounds and preventing infection.

• Scissors: To cut tape, gauze, clothing, or other materials.

• Thermometer: To monitor body temperature.

• Digital thermometer: Accurate and safe for children

• Cotton balls or swabs: Useful for cleaning or applying ointments.

• Disposable gloves: To protect both the caregiver and patient.

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications.

• CPR face shield or mask: For performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation safely.

• Instant cold packs: To reduce swelling and soothe injuries.

• Burn cream or gel: For treating minor burns.

• Prescription medications: If someone in your family has specific medical conditions, keep their necessary medications on hand.

• Emergency contact numbers: A list of important phone numbers, including local emergency services, doctors, and family members.

• Personal information: Copies of identification, medical history, and insurance information.

• Ideally every emergency kit needs to have a defibrillator and every citizen needs to be trained in CPR: In most Scandinavian countries they have defibrillator every few yards to help resuscitation. It is a long shot in India. Ss a first step, let us hope CPR training is made mandatory for all citizens, which can save lots of lives.

• Also, every citizen should carry an ‘alert’ badge in their wallet – listing the medications they are on and the medical conditions they have – which could help in emergencies. Like if someone is diabetic and falls unconscious, the first thing we know we need to correct is his low sugars.

“Remember to regularly check and update your emergency medical kit, ensure that everyone in your household knows where it’s kept, and consider any specific medical needs of your family members when customizing the kit. Additionally, it’s essential to have basic first aid training to effectively use these supplies in emergencies,” says Dr Kumar.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/xDQ56

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COVID-19 Medical Equipments Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Back Brain fog after Covid-19 linked to blood clots: Researchers

Back Brain fog after Covid-19 linked to blood clots: Researchers

A recent study in UK suggests how blood clots formed in brain or in the lungs can explain some common symptoms of “long Covid”, including brain fog and fatigue.

The study was carried out on 1,837 patients admitted in the hospital due to Covid-19. Researchers found that two blood proteins point to clots being one cause, reported BBC.

Researchers found that 16% of patients with the clots were having problem in thinking, concentrating or remembering the things for at least six months.

Prof Paul Harrison of Oxford University, the author of the study, said identifying predictors and possible mechanisms was “a key step” in understanding post-Covid brain fog.

However, Prof Chris Brightling of Leicester University said there may still be many different causes of long Covid.

Back Brain fog after Covid-19 linked to blood clots: Researchers

“It’s a combination of someone’s health before, the acute event itself and what happens afterwards that lead on to physical and mental health consequences, ” Prof Brightling said.

Another study in Nature Medicine, blamed higher levels of the protein fibrinogen and protein fragment D-dimer of a covid-19 patient for brain fog.

“Both fibrinogen and D-dimer are involved in blood clotting and so the results support the hypothesis that blood clots are a cause of post-Covid cognitive problems,” reported BBC quoting Dr Max Taquet, from Oxford University.

“Fibrinogen may be directly acting on the brain and its blood vessels, whereas D-dimer often reflects blood clots in the lungs and the problems in the brain might be due to lack of oxygen,” he added.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/nzCI2

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Medical Equipments Medical Updates

Teachers’ Day 2023: Essential mental health and self-care tips for teachers battling work pressure

Teachers' Day 2023: Essential mental health and self-care tips for teachers battling work pressure

Teachers’ Day 2023: Explore some essential mental health tips tailored specifically for teachers who find themselves grappling with the weight of work pressure.

Teachers’ Day, celebrated on the 5th of September, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all teachers and the immense contribution they make to society. Teaching is a noble and rewarding profession, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. The gruelling responsibilities of the job, strict regulations and the duty to nurture young minds can sometimes lead to extreme work pressure. Even when you have a lot on your plate, you should not neglect your mental health. In a recent survey of more than 30,000 educators by the American Federation of Teachers, more than 75% of respondents said they did not have enough staff to do the work, and 78% said they were often physically and emotionally exhausted at the end of the day.

It should be a priority for everyone to take care of their inner and emotional health. It is necessary to engage in activities that calm the mind and soul. It’s not easy to be a teacher, and with all the work that has to be done, the job can sometimes become too demanding and can take a toll on your well-being.

Teachers' Day 2023: Essential mental health and self-care tips for teachers battling work pressure

Mental Health Tips for Teachers Battling Work Pressure

“Teachers must prioritize their mental well-being because it has an impact on their students”, according to Aashmeen Munjal, Ontologist, Mental Health and Relationship Expert. She further shared with HT Lifestyle a few suggestions for coping with work pressure.

1. When work gets wrapped up on time, a huge amount of stress passes away. Teachers need to prioritize duties, develop schedules, and set aside time for breaks. This will help them to have better time management

2. Who says “self-care is unethical, it’s fundamental”? Teachers need to rejuvenate from time to time. They should make the most of their free time by reading, gardening, jogging or relaxing.

3. Integrating mindful meditation and relaxation practices into their daily routine as an educator, increases focus and reduces stress. It can be achieved by engaging in activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even brisk walks. A lot of stress can be relieved by practising the same.

4. To avoid feeling drained, it is advised that teachers maintain an organized workspace and make effective use of planners and digital calendars.

“These are just some of the techniques that can help to improve mental health for teachers in battling work pressure. As long as teachers are willing to learn and flourish professionally, learning never ceases. They ought to never forget the accomplishments they have made. Being in this line of work can occasionally be exhausting. They should always keep their thoughts intact and keep a positive attitude, even when situations are tough. A teacher should always remember that by taking care of her mental health, she will prove herself to be more committed,” says Aashmeen.

Teacher’s Role in Enhancing Student Mental Well-being

“The lives of children seem similar to a spider’s web. Through their orientation and guidance, teachers help students unwind the complicated network. Teachers encourage pupils to develop their emotional and psychological well-being in addition to their academic skills. The widespread use of all facets being digital has certain adverse impacts on students’ mental health. The role of educators in cultivating pupils’ healthy mental health grows. Students’ abilities are enhanced when teachers cultivate a positive attitude towards their charges. Teachers can shape, boost, and nourish the hearts and brains of their students,” says Aashmeen.

She, added, “Students embrace empathy, trust, and positive interaction through fostering strong teacher-student connections, which establishes the foundation for their emotional development and perseverance. A teacher must have faith in their pupils’ knowledge while motivating them to discover their strengths. Such praises support a child’s optimism and stimulate a good sense of dignity. The ability to solve problems helps youngsters retain excellent mental health throughout their lives since life is full of obstacles.”

“Teachers need to practice inclusion and work to mitigate stigma. Respecting cultural diversity in the classroom promotes a healthy mental environment. Instead of being considered a taboo subject, talking about mental health should be encouraged. This promises the pupils that asking for help does not indicate weakness but rather strength. Overall, instructors serve as role models by encouraging students to have ambitions and believe in their abilities. This optimism has a significant bearing on a child’s future achievement and mental health, ” concluded Aashmeen.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/qtzEH

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COVID-19 Medicine & Health

USFDA gives nod to first vaccine to protect newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus

USFDA gives nod to first vaccine to protect newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved the first vaccination to save newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved the first vaccine that protects newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), reported ANI citing CNN.

The new vaccine is made by Pfizers and is given to mothers late in their pregnancies. It provides protection to infants through their first six months of life.

During the trial of the vaccine on more than 7,000 pregnant people and their infants, it was found that it cut the risk that infants needed to see a doctor. It also reduced the cases of hospitalisation among infants.

About Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

People suffering from this illness are affected with infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It is highly commong among children and elderly. It also leads to large number of hospitalisation. It typically hits hardest during the winter months. The last RSV season was longer and more severe than usual, overwhelming children’s hospitals.

Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Peter Marks in a statement said: “RSV is a common cause of illness in children, and infants are among those at highest risk for severe disease, which can lead to hospitalization.”

USFDA gives nod to first vaccine to protect newborns from Respiratory Syncytial Virus

“This approval provides an option for healthcare providers and pregnant individuals to protect infants from this potentially life-threatening disease,” he added as per CNN.

According to the CNN report, there are many vaccines to protect people from RSV. The recently approved antibody shot can protec infants after birth from the illness. There are new vaccine also available for people 60 and older.

Pfizer’s senior vice president and chief scientific officer for vaccine research and development Annaliesa Anderson said in a statement: “ABRYSVO’s approval as the first and only maternal immunization to help protect newborns immediately at birth through six months from RSV marks a significant milestone for the scientific community and for public health.”

Pfizer has said that maternal vaccination could prevent up to 16,000 hospitalizations and more than 300,000 visits to the doctor due to RSV each year if the vaccine were universally applied.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/jxGW4

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COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Mystery respiratory virus spreading in Hyderabad; know symptoms and prevention tips

Mystery respiratory virus spreading in Hyderabad; know symptoms and prevention tips

The mystery virus may belong to the Adeno, Corona, Influenza or MERS family. All you want to know about symptoms and prevention.

An acute viral illness with symptoms similar to Swine Flu, influenza, and adeno virus is spreading in Hyderabad, affecting either children or adults with comorbid conditions. The virus is yet to be identified and many people who are testing for Swine Flu, Covid-19, or Influenza are getting negative reports. Experts, however, say there is no cause of alarm as the recovery rate of this mystery illness is 100% and patients are taking 5 days to recover, which is a normal recovery time for a viral infection. The symptoms range from runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, fever with body pain and difficulty in breathing.

“We have been seeing an acute febrile viral illness for the past 6-8 weeks now and we have observed coryzal symptoms in these patients. This virus has been affecting 6-7 out of 100 people, and 50% of them are children. This is because the immunity of the children is not fully developed. The other 50% of patients are adults with comorbid lung diseases like COPD (also called smoker’s asthma), Post TB and Covid-destroyed lungs and asthma,” says Dr Syed Abdul Aleem, Consultant – Pulmonology CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad.

Symptoms of the mystery virus

The symptoms of this mystery virus start with a runny nose, followed by a sore throat, dry cough, fever with body pain and difficulty in breathing. 1-2% of these patients have experienced respiratory failure.

“The symptoms affect the upper respiratory tract and gradually affect the lower respiratory tract as well. We have been running tests for influenza A and B, swine flu – H1N1, avian flu – H3N2 and dengue as well. We observed false positive results in 3-4% of these tests because the structural similarity of the mystery virus is very similar to these virus families,” says Dr Syed.

Mystery respiratory virus spreading in Hyderabad; know symptoms and prevention tips

Treatment

“Fortunately, we are catching this early, and we are following symptomatic treatment where patients are responding well. We are treating patients with respiratory failure with Oseltamivir, an anti-viral drug and we are seeing good results. Along with treatment, we suggest maintaining hydration, and isolation as well until there is a complete recovery,” says the expert.

Precautions

The precautions for this mystery virus are covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing or using an N95 mask, keeping distance from people, sanitizing regularly, vaccinating against influenza and immediate isolation and approaching a healthcare professional for treatment.

What could be this mystery virus?

“This mystery virus may belong to the Adeno, Corona, Influenza or MERS family. So, we are suggesting a multiplex PCR panel of tests including Influenza A&B, H1N1, H3N2, and Covid RT-PCR,” says Dr Syed.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/fkrZ6

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COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medicine & Health

New Covid-19 variant ‘Pirola’ or BA.2.86 is different from others, Coronavirologist shares 5 important facts

New Covid-19 variant ‘Pirola’ or BA.2.86 is different from others, Coronavirologist shares 5 important facts

Coronavirologist Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan says that Pirola or BA.2.86 variant has as many changes as Omicron had from Delta.

Coronavirus has been changing and evolving ever since it was first discovered in the year 2019 and became a global concern in a matter of few months. The original Covid strain soon turned into the ‘deadly Delta’ taking a huge toll across the globe. With massive vaccination drive all across India and other parts of the world, and the efforts of Covid warriors including scientists, medical practitioners, doctors, nurses, this health crisis could be curbed. As Covid transformed into a way milder Omicron variant, the symptoms became less severe and the fears regarding the spread of the virus eased.

Coronavirologist Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan says that Pirola or BA.2.86 variant that has been increasing cases in US, UK, China and other countries, seems to have as many changes as Omicron had from Delta. The coronavirologist also added that we are yet to understand the severity of the strain and the impact of the new mutations the virus has.

Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan, corona-virologist and Covid awareness specialist at Rotary Club of Madras NextGen in a telephonic interview with HT Digital shares 5 important facts about Pirola or BA.2.86 that everyone wants to know.

New Covid-19 variant ‘Pirola’ or BA.2.86 is different from others, Coronavirologist shares 5 important facts

1. Pirola or BA.2.86 has 35 new mutations

All viruses change with time including SARS-Cov2. These changes are designated as variant depending on how different they are based on their genetic sequence as compared to the previous variant. One of the recent variants that has been discovered is BA 2.86. This variant is interesting because it has a lot of 35 new mutations that sets it apart from previously known prevalent Covid variants.

2. BA.2.86 has limited samples so severity is unknown

We don’t know the severity of this strain because worldwide we have received just 9 samples. This does not mean that there are only 9 cases. This simply means that all the Covid virus cases that were tested for the genetic sequence, 9 have been identified in different parts of the world suggesting it’s prevalent worldwide.

3. Pirola may not be really new

It is important to remember that just because we have detected a variant now doesn’t mean it’s new. Covid is no longer considered a global crisis. The efforts put into genetically sequencing the virus have also come down, so we don’t know for how long this variant has been travelling undetected. There is no evidence to suggest that this variant is a lot more severe in terms of symptoms they cause or how quickly they transmit from each other simply because we have just 9 identified sequence samples which simply don’t know about genetic makeup of other variants that may be spreading.

4. Why BA.2.86 is a variant of interest

It is variant of interest because it has around 30 genetic changes from its parent which is B82 variant which is dubbed as omicron in the media. Omicron was designated as a different variant from its ancestral Covid variant which was delta which was the B 1.617.8.2. This seems to have as many changes as Omicron had from Delta.

5. Will previous vaccines work to prevent Pirola?

Whether the previous vaccines will work or not, we will have to wait and see because we do not know how long this variant has been getting transmitted. All those people who have had Covid and had more global vaccines and not specific RNA vaccines are expected to have some level of leverage. These companies have been updating their vaccines as the virus is evolving. If you have those vaccines in access and are eligible to take those vaccines, please continue to take them as advised by your local health body.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/bfisY

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COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medical Equipments Medicine & Health

Dengue outbreaks: 9 reasons why dengue cases are getting more severe; what role does global warming play

Dengue outbreaks: 9 reasons why dengue cases are getting more severe; what role does global warming play

Prenatal genetic testing is now quite affordable and being increasingly used for improving reproductive outcomes in every pregnant woman as genetic testing prenatally, a.k.a before birth has given the opportunity to screen for a variety of severe genetic abnormalities and take necessary action in time. This helps in preventing the birth of children with genetic birth defects thus saving financial and emotional burden on the family.

With the advent of such testing, couples are now able to obtain information about genetic disorders of their foetus and make an informed decision about the same. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Veronica Arora, Assistant Consultant at Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, revealed, “Genetic testing is not offered to obtain information about the foetus to predict non-disease-related traits. Such practice is strongly condemned. Some common myths about prenatal genetic testing include that it is only done for older women, it is very expensive, it is only done for Down syndrome, not required in the absence of family history, or done only for high-risk women.”

Highlighting that testing in the prenatal scenario includes non-invasive and invasive genetic tests, she elaborated –

  • Non-invasive tests: Biochemical markers, non-invasive prenatal screening are those which are performed on the blood of the mother. Testing for common aneuploidies and thalassemia is included in this category, and these are offered universally to all pregnant women.
  • Invasive genetic testing: Amniocentesis or Chorionic villus sampling is limited to fetuses at risk of having a genetic disorder. This includes those at risk due to positive family history, advanced maternal age, positive screening tests for aneuploidies or ultrasound abnormalities.

Dengue outbreaks: 9 reasons why dengue cases are getting more severe; what role does global warming play

Addressing myths on prenatal genetic testing, Dr Ramesh Hariharan, CEO and Co-Founder of Strand Life Sciences, shared –

  1. Prenatal genetic testing can help determine if the baby, while still in the mother’s womb, has a genetic abnormality.
  2. Pre-natal testing need not be invasive for the baby; some abnormalities in the baby can be detected from the mother’s blood; these include large scale genomic abnormalities that cause Down’s syndrome.
  3. Not all abnormalities can be easily detected from the mother’s blood though, particularly finer genetic abnormalities, those may need a procedure called amniocentesis or CVS to access cells from the baby.
  4. All positive results detected from mother’s blood should be confirmed by an amnio or CVS.

Read more at-https://shorturl.at/eoSZ7