Author Archives: Dr Charandeep Singh Sahni

H3N2 is the new COVID variant you need to look out for.

H3N2 is the new deadly virus spreading across the country.

If you are surrounded by these stories, it is time to stop believing them. Many speculations are doing the rounds and very few contain facts about H3N2. First things first, H3N2 is not a new virus. Secondly, it is not a COVID variant, despite its history of being a pandemic. Said that you must remain cautious and this article will fully understand this variant.

The Punjab govt has issued strict instructions to government hospitals, health facilities, and District Surveillance Units to observe and prevent the outbreak of H3N2 influenza. The H3N2 virus is known to have symptoms. In the advisory issued by the Punjab government, it is said that children, pregnant women, older people, lung infection patients, and asthma patients are at a high risk of contracting the H3N2 influenza virus. However, the H3N2 virus is not a variant of the coronavirus, but it can be prevented by following similar precautionary methods as COVID-19. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the H3N2 virus and how to prevent its outbreak: 

What is the H3N2 variant?

H3N2 is a subtype of the seasonal influenza virus. The four types of influenza viruses are categorized under A, B, C, and D, belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. H3N2 Influenza is a kind of influenza virus that causes illness in humans. It usually causes mild to moderate symptoms but can be severe in people who are at high risk for complications from the flu. H3N2 was first identified in humans in 1968-69 and had been circulating since then. The virus causes annual epidemics every winter season, with peaks occurring between December and March each year. Currently, the country is witnessing H3N2 influenza as well as H1N1 influenza. Generally, the first peak for influenza is observed in the months of January to March, while the second peak starts after the monsoon ends. The second peak decreases until the end of March. 

Observe COVID-like behaviour

Currently, we are at the start of the season of influenza. This kind of seasonal influenza takes place throughout the world. Currently, there are only a few active cases of the H3N2 virus throughout the country. With this in mind, the Punjab government urged people not to worry and panic. One of the simplest ways to avoid contracting the H3N2 virus is to simply observe COVID-like behaviour. People need to start being responsible and careful and take steps to avoid getting in contact with the H3N2 virus. 

Monitor patients with symptoms

Patients who are suffering from flu-like symptoms, as well as who have severe respiratory ailments, need to be monitored in the IPD and OPD of all districts within Punjab to make sure that the H3N2 virus gets detected during the early stages. If any early rising trends are observed, with early screening, these will be properly detected in time. With proper detection, the chances of recovery in high-risk people maximize. For patients who suffer from mild symptoms, it is best to follow safe practices to ensure that they do not transmit the virus to the people around them. 

High-risk people need to practice care

This year is witnessing many patients who are suffering from influenza. Most of these patients have a medical history related to asthma or serious health conditions because of coronavirus and asthma. It is clear that people who suffer from respiratory illnesses are at high risk of H3N2 influenza, along with people who are suffering from symptoms such as body aches, headache, watery nose, increased mucus production, cough, cold, and fever for a long while. At the same time, people who are suffering from lung disease also need to take care of. Older adults who are above the age of 65 years of age, along with children who are younger than 5 years of age, also need to be more cautious with influenza. 

The central government also issues COVID advisory

The central government has also published a COVID advisory for six states. These are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. However, Punjab is not included in these states. Recently conducting genome sequencing of the current coronavirus concluded that even though the variant is non-hazardous, people still need to practice caution and safety. The symptoms of H3N2 influenza and COVID are quite similar in nature. 

Prevention against H3N2 influenza

Here are some ways in which you can prevent contracting H3N2 influenza:

• Avoid visiting crowded places.
• If you are suffering from a cold or a cough, do not touch public things.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid putting your hands on your mouth, eyes, and nose.
• In case you are suffering from any influenza-like symptoms, it is important to get it tested immediately to encourage early screening at pathology labs such as Helix Pathlabs.
• Since the disease transmission is generally airborne from one person to another, cover your mouth to avoid any large droplets generated due to sneezing or coughing.
• Do not touch any contaminated object or surface since the virus can also spread due to indirect contact or fomite transmission.
• Avoid close contact with other people, such as handshaking.

Government to keep an eye on the situation and spread awareness

The Punjab government believes that if people practice these precautions against both influenza and coronavirus, the country would be able to put a stop to both health concerns at the very beginning and even stop them from turning into a pandemic. Even though the current variant of coronavirus is not dangerous, it needs to be prevented by taking precautions. The government hospitals and health facilities around the state of Punjab have been asked to monitor and report the situation every day. The government also plans to use FM radio and newspapers to spread awareness among people regarding the H3N2 influenza and its prevention.

COVID-19 Vs H3N2

Even though the symptoms of the H3N2 virus are similar to the coronavirus, it is not a COVID variant. Body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, runny nose, increased mucus production, prolonged cough, and high fever characterize the H3N2 virus. There are four kinds of influenza. Among these types, Influenza A is the most common pathogen for humans. Globally, influenza cases are typically seen to increase during certain months of the year. India usually witnesses two peaks of seasonal influenza: one from January to March and another one in the post-monsoon season.

The number of cases is expected to decline

According to the government, the cases are rising due to people suffering from seasonal influenza. These numbers are expected to decline to start March end as per the peak cycle. In many cases, the condition is self-limiting along with symptoms of cold, cough, fever, and body aches and generally takes care of itself within a week. However, there are also potentially high-risk groups that include elderly people above the age of 65, pregnant women, young children, and infants who need to be extra cautious and avoid suffering from H3N2 influenza as much as possible. These high-risk groups are also more prone to experience symptomatic illnesses that need hospitalization as well. 

Conclusion

The H3N2 influenza is not another coronavirus variant. However, both coronavirus and H3N2 virus do present similar symptoms and can be avoided by practising similar precautionary methods. Even though seasonal flu and influenza are generally mild, for high-risk groups, H3N2 influenza could pose a serious health risk. If you are suffering from symptoms, it is crucial to get yourself tested at Helix Pathlabs and start appropriate treatment. Early screening is also crucial to ensure that if you suffer from H3N2 influenza, it will be caught and treated at an early stage.

Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is a broad term that refers to the various medical conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. It can be caused by a number of factors, but it may also be a result of lifestyle choices and behaviours. It is important to note that most people don’t know they have cardiovascular disease until they experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath during regular everyday activities like walking up stairs or climbing out of a chair (or even when you are just sitting down).

In 2020, Punjab saw more deaths due to cardiovascular diseases than Covid. High preference and low awareness about daily toxic habits and choices are leading to several lethal lifestyle diseases including cardiovascular diseases.

Who is more likely to get affected?

The risk of heart disease in women is nearly twice that of men. While the vast majority of people who have a heart attack or stroke are older than 65, there’s also more potential for younger people to develop these conditions.

The reason for this is not entirely clear, but some experts believe it may be related to gender differences in body weight and hormone levels. Men tend to have higher rates of obesity and diabetes compared with women; both of these factors can affect blood pressure and cholesterol levels (which increase risk). Women also tend to develop high blood pressure later in life than men do, which can make them more vulnerable when they have underlying problems like high cholesterol levels or smoking habits that contribute further to their risk profile–all things considered together mean young women could be at greater risk than their male counterparts when it comes time for them enter into middle age with cardiovascular issues later down the road!

How to prevent cardiovascular diseases?

Lifestyle factors have an enormous impact on cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in India. They can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death, and they can be prevented with proper lifestyle choices. As we get older, we’re more likely to suffer from heart disease or stroke. The good news is that there are ways to lower your risk of these conditions by making healthy changes in your life. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to prevent cardiovascular diseases—and even survive one if they strike!

Make sure you take your medication.

If you have been diagnosed with a potential CVD risk, chances are, you have been prescribed a routine medication and maybe one for emergencies. The point being you should see it in a positive light as medication helps stabilize your conditions. A lot of times, people start conditioning themselves as heart patients or preventive medication as a treatment. This affects their psyche and impacts their overall health.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease is that you must take your medication on time and as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, don’t try to make up for it with another dose–this can cause more harm than good! Also, if you have any questions about how to take this medicine or whether there are any other ways it could be used (such as by injection), ask before taking another dose so that they can give advice based on what they know about these medications specifically.

Get enough sleep

It is important to get enough sleep. It helps your body recover from the day and improves its ability to regulate metabolism.

How much sleep you need depends on your age: the average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep each night while children aged 6-13 years old need 9-10 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping or wake up tired after a few hours of slumbering, talk with a doctor about ways that could help make sure you are getting enough rest at night. You would be surprised by their response on the importance of sleep in your life.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you prevent cardiovascular diseases, but it’s not easy to follow a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet. The American Heart Association recommends eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; limiting saturated fats; avoiding trans fats; eating fish at least twice per week; including nuts and seeds in your daily fibre intake; limiting alcohol consumption if you drink any alcohol at all.

Exercise regularly.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to help prevent heart disease. Get moderate amounts of exercise on most days of the week for 20-30 minutes per day (more intense exercise is better). It can also improve your sleep, mood and energy levels by helping to manage stress.

When you exercise regularly, you can:

• Help manage stress. Exercise helps relieve anxiety and depression by reducing levels of cortisol (the hormone released when we are under stress). In addition to lowering blood pressure, regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) by over five years!
• Improve sleep quality. Regular physical activity improves both short-term and long-term sleep quality as well as reduces insomnia symptoms such as excessive daytime napping or restless leg syndrome.
• Lose weight easier than ever before! A recent study found that people who do moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 times per week lost more weight than those who did not adhere to their fitness goals. Another study showed that people with high cholesterol who engaged in 60 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity had lower levels compared with those who did not engage in any kind of activity at all.

Quit smoking and use nicotine replacement therapy if you smoke.

Smoking is a health risk, and it’s important to quit smoking if you want to maintain your cardiovascular health. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may help ease cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms that can make it hard for you to quit on your own. There are many forms of NRT–some come in the form of gum, patches or lozenges; others are prescription medications –but all have the same goal: relieving nicotine withdrawal symptoms so that people can stop smoking without feeling sick from their addiction.

While nicotine replacement therapy isn’t a magic bullet for curing your addiction, it helps prevent relapsing into old habits by reducing cravings for cigarettes when they are gone or reducing stressors that could lead someone back into smoking habituation (easing off). I

Limit alcohol intake if you’re over 35 years old.

If you’re over 35 years old, the American Heart Association recommends limiting your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.  Alcohol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; it increases blood pressure and speeds up the heartbeat. The recommended limit for men is 2 drinks per day and for women is 1 drink per day.

Regular Blood Tests

Back in the day, blood tests were only recommended to those with clear symptoms of any disease. Today, our busy lifestyles and stress have managed to affect our health to the extent that the signs could be easily neglected. This is why it is important to get tested at NABL-accredited laboratories every three months. At Helix Pathlabs, every test conducted gives you a clear picture of your health. Based on that, you will be updated about your vitals and given the right medical advice. 

It’s important to take care of your body because it will take care of you in return.

Taking care of your body can be done in many ways: exercising regularly, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep. But sometimes people find themselves struggling with how they want to treat their bodies. Unfortunately, this can lead to cardiovascular disease or other forms of cardiovascular disease that are more serious than normal cholesterol problems (such as high blood pressure). Follow the tips mentioned above and protect yourself and your family from cardiovascular diseases.

Stress in youngsters is a common problem, but it’s important to know why and how to help them. Stress is a normal part of life. But when stress gets out of control, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health problems. There are many reasons for stress in children that can be addressed through good parenting practices.

According to major research conducted on the students of Panjab University, Chandigarh, “Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DAS) disorders begin at an early age and are often recurring.”

Being nervous about school.

Nip it in the bud, school/college can be stressful for kids and teens, no matter if they are in elementary school or high school. Kids tend to be nervous about their performance at school and their grades, so they may feel more stressed when preparing for a test than ever before. If you have a child who is struggling with this issue, there are some things like counselling and moral support to help them cope with their anxiety.

Being worried about making friends.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stresses of school and home, but it’s important to remember that friends are what keep us going. If you’re worried about making friends, try doing some of the following:

• Make sure you’re friendly and open to new people. You don’t have to be a social butterfly, but try not to be afraid of asking someone to hang out or help you with problems.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! It is natural for the mind to go blank when something came up in class or in other situations where you need help with something technical or academic-related; however, it should not bother you as these are the years when you learn and unlearn things.

Poor self-esteem.

If you have children, you likely know that stress is an unavoidable part of life. When your kids are young, they may find it difficult to cope with their emotions and feelings. It’s important for you to help them learn how to deal with stress and other emotions in a healthy way so that they can grow into happy adults who enjoy their lives.

It’s also crucial for parents of younger children (and everyone else) not only to understand why certain behaviours are problematic but also how best to address issues head-on before they become more serious problems down the road.

Feeling like they don’t fit in at school.

If you have a child that feels like he or she doesn’t fit in at school, it can be very stressful. This is because the children will be anxious, depressed, and have low self-esteem. They may also have problems in their relationships with friends, family, and teachers. The more stressed out your child feels about fitting in at school, the more likely he or she will start acting out in other ways:

• They might become rebellious against authority figures
• They might start using drugs or alcohol
• They may even develop an eating disorder.

Bullying and peer pressure from friends, family, or teachers are other causes of stress in youngsters. Bullying is a serious problem in our schools and communities. It can lead to depression, suicide, and drug use. It also has been linked to dropping out of school or criminal activity later in life.

Bullying most often occurs in school, but it can happen at home too if you’re not being treated with respect by your parents or other family members.

Parents who aren’t involved in their child’s life.

Parents need to be involved in their children’s education, extracurricular activities, and social life. Parents should be there for everything that their kids do–from helping them with homework to cheering them on at their dance rehearsals or football matches.

Children need parents who are involved with their children’s lives. If you want to help your child to avoid stress, you should make sure that they have parents who are actively involved in their lives.

Parents should be involved with their children’s school lives. If your child is at school, then it’s important for you to talk with the head teacher about how well he or she is doing and what needs improvement. You may also want to talk with other teachers if there are issues that need resolving.

Parents should be involved in their children’s social lives as well as sporting ones too! This means that you needn’t just fill up your weekends by playing sports but also get out there and meet up with some friends or family members who enjoy spending time together outside of work hours too – providing those opportunities exist.

Take note of Stress at home

Sometimes, in some households siblings can be a cause of stress. If your children are older and have siblings, they may feel like they have to take care of their younger siblings. This can lead to arguments between parents and older siblings, which can cause stress in younger children.

It’s important that parents are actively involved in their children’s lives so they know what is going on with the kids at home. If parents aren’t talking about family problems or having discussions about them, it could lead to more conflict at home because nobody knows what’s happening with anyone else except for each other!

Work Stress

Youngsters are not confined to children and teens, millennials are bearing the brunt of the pandemic, global financial and political friction, recession, and most importantly- layoffs. India is facing a corporate crisis with huge layoffs and the pressure to perform their best is taking a toll on their mental health.

How to combat stress?

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to reduce your stress levels and improve your overall well-being

Exercise regularly.

Exercise is a great stress reliever. It releases endorphins and helps you feel happier. Don’t worry about doing too much exercise, just make sure to do it at least 30 minutes a day and try to do some form of exercise every day. More importantly, make it an agenda to spend some time in fresh air and sun.

Set aside time for relaxation.

When you’re feeling stressed, it is easy to skip out on relaxing–but that’s not a good idea! Relaxation helps you de-stress and gives your body the chance to rest after a long day of work or school. You don’t have to take long naps; just make sure that some time every day is dedicated to unwinding. If possible, try scheduling some time for self-care like taking a walk outside or reading an entertaining book before bedtime–these activities can help ease any tension from everyday life stressors so they don’t build up inside of you as well.

Set a Routine.

Plan your day and stick to your schedule. This can be a tough one, but it’s important to set aside time for yourself. If you plan ahead and schedule this time into your calendar, then it becomes easy to stick with. You will find that once you have taken care of all the things on your list (or even if they aren’t all done yet), there is more energy left over at the end of each day than there was at the beginning. Use a calendar or online task management tool so that everything gets done in order without having to check back constantly throughout each day or week!

Practice meditation and mindfulness to relax.

You can practice meditation and mindfulness anytime you feel stressed. It is easy to do, and it can be done anywhere. The most important thing to remember is that no matter where you are or what you are doing when your mind wanders from its focus on the present moment, bring it back!

You can practice meditation by sitting down in a comfortable position (or lying down if sitting isn’t possible). Close your eyes; take 2-3 deep breaths then begin to focus on your breath moving through your body as it comes in through the nose into your lungs. Take a few deep breaths through the nose, hold it for a while, and breathe out through your mouth.

Create a wellness routine.

• Exercise regularly, eat healthy, and avoid sugar.
• Improve your diet by cutting out processed foods (like packaged snacks) as well as alcohol and caffeine drinks like coffee, tea, or sodas.

Place yourself in positive situations.

To combat stress and deal with it effectively, you need to change your perspective on life and put yourself in positive situations. This means avoiding negative situations as much as possible.

You can reduce your stress levels by making healthy changes to your life

• Stress is a normal part of life, but it can be positive or negative. When you’re feeling stressed out, your body releases hormones that make you more alert and focused. But when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to health problems like insomnia and high blood pressure.
• Managing your stress levels means managing both the good kind (like staying up late to catch up on work) and the bad (like having a nervous breakdown because of job stress).
• Take time out from work every day–even if it’s just walking around the block!
• Eat healthy meals as often as possible–it will help keep your energy levels up throughout the day so that when deadlines roll around at 3 p.mThere’s no need for panic attacks!

 Medical Assistance

Stress is no longer a syndrome diagnosed through therapy sessions. It can be ruled out through some medical tests. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is the key agent behind some of the most lethal health issues. It shoots up glucose levels in the bloodstream and hinders your response sensors, immunity, digestive, and reproductive systems. And if the cortisol levels remain activated for a longer period, it leads to problems like-

• Anxiety
• Depression
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Sleep issues
• Digestive problems
• Constant Headache
• Memory issues
• Weight Gain

Everything has a solution and even stress has got the right remedies. A little guidance from a medical professional will help you to great lengths to combat it. A great way to keep a check on stress levels is by getting tested for cortisol levels by a NABL-accredited lab like Helix Pathlabs. This way you are in good hands and your tests will be a good indicator of your vitals- physical and mental.

Conclusion

Stress is a normal part of life, but it can cause undue stress if you don’t manage it effectively. Stress can also contribute to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. At Helix Pathlabs, every condition counts. Anything that results or contributes to your stress levels can be detected or diagnosed well in time. This way we make sure that you are in the pink of your health for life! And what better way to start the new year? Stay positive, and Stay healthy!

Sitting down all day is a common way to live, but it can also be unhealthy. Being sedentary for just a few hours each day can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. According to a PGI study, 63% of men, and 83% of women lead a sedentary lifestyle in Chandigarh. This is quite an alarming statistic, especially for the youth. If you are feeling tired and just want more energy then here are some tips on how you can reduce the risk of developing these conditions by getting up from your desk:

Being sedentary for too long can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

A sedentary lifestyle is defined as sitting for more than six hours a day. Sedentary behaviour increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes, but it also raises the risk of cancer.

While you may think that being active helps you lose weight and improve your health, this isn’t always the case—in fact, some studies suggest that people who exercise more often are actually more likely to be overweight than those who don’t exercise at all. And being overweight can increase your risk for depression and other mental disorders as well.

Exercising for even as little as 10 minutes at a time can help.

You might be surprised to hear that even 10 minutes of exercise can make a difference. The truth is, your body needs to be exposed to physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day in order to reap the health benefits—and we are not just talking about losing weight or burning fat.

In fact, research shows that even short bursts of activity (like walking) help improve blood pressure and reduce stress levels. And if you need more convincing: According to a study, people who walked briskly for some timeevery day had lower blood pressure than those who did no exercise at all!

It is important to have a combination of strength training, stretching, and moderate-to-high-intensity exercise.

Strength training builds muscle mass, which is essential for gaining strength in your legs and core. If you are sedentary or overweight, strength training will help improve bone health as well as reduce the risk of injury due to improper posture during daily activities like walking or sitting at work all day long!

Stretching improves flexibility by improving joint range of motion (ROM). This can help prevent injuries from occurring when you fall or twist during daily activities such as gardening or shopping around town!

Moderate-to-high-intensity exercise involves short bursts of intense activity lasting between 15 seconds to about 30 minutes depending on how much time you can take out for physical activities.

You don’t have to go to the gym or start an intense routine

If you are looking for a way to get moderate exercise without going to the gym, walking is an excellent option.It is enough to make a difference. It can be done anywhere, at any time of day or night—and it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule. Plus, it’s simple and free!

If you have health problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure (which makes it harder for your heart to pump), talk with your doctor before starting any kind of exercise routine.

A well-balanced diet can also help protect you from the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Studies have shown that people who eat a variety of foods and avoid processed foods are less likely to develop chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

It’s important to drink enough water every day because it helps your body function properly by flushing toxins out through urination (2-3 litres per day), keeping your skin hydrated and reducing muscle cramps during exercise.

Even the busiest person can find time to improve their health.

You may be thinking, “I’m too busy for this.” Or maybe you’re feeling guilty that you don’t have enough time to exercise or eat right. But even if your schedule is packed with work, family and other commitments, there are ways of finding some extra moments in your day so that they count as part of your daily routine.

Start by making some room on your calendar for those activities—and then make a commitment to stick with them! The more often we tell ourselves that something needs our attention (even if we don’t feel like doing it), the more likely it becomes that we will actually do something about it once we get around to doing so.

Trust Medical Consultation

Prevention is the best cure and suits best in this care. Apart from staying active and taking out time for physical activity, you should stay in touch with a medical professional as well. Being forewarned is being forearmed. Getting yourself tested every 3-4 months is the ideal thing to do to track your health records.

Conclusion

The effects of a sedentary lifestyle will gradually take a toll on your health. It can be hard to make time for exercise when we have so many other commitments, but there are many ways in which we can improve our health and reduce our risk of developing diseases like heart disease and diabetes. So even if you don’t think you have enough time, start small. Contact us to know more about our health packages.

The recent wave of measles has swept Mumbai with seven deaths and 164 cases of the infection reported in September alone. Overall, the number of suspected measles cases in the metro city has climbed to 1,263 and over 600 of these cases included children falling in the age group of 1 to 4 years.

Can measles also break out in Tricity?

The answer to this question lies in the hotspots of the recent measles outbreak.

According to one study, out of the 98 outbreaks in 2016, nearly 72% occurred in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Thane where people migrate for work. According to the census, nearly 67.1% of the population in Chandigarh are migrants.

However, it doesn’t mean that the migrants should be blamed for causing measles.

The point is here that the infection is likely to spread when the carrier moves from one place to another.

There might be some suspects of this disease among them. Therefore, we need more medical aid and awareness campaigns in place to tackle such issues.

The History of Measles Outbreak in Chandigarh and Surrounding Areas

Chandigarh faced its share of measles outbreaks in the late 90s and early 2000s.

In Feb 1999, two hundred and eight three cases of measles were reported in areas like colony No. 5, Ramdarbar, Palsora and Pandit colony of Kajheri, covering a population of 14,601 and 7.3% (216/2968) of families were affected in the outbreak. Among the affected people, only 48.8% were vaccinated.

The researchers owe the outbreak to the low immunization coverage.

Another outbreak of measles happened in April 2003.

Measles: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can be deadly in children. It’s caused by a virus, but it doesn’t have any symptoms until you are exposed to the measles virus and get infected.

When people who haven’t been vaccinated against measles get exposed to the virus, they have no idea they have been infected until they develop symptoms of the disease—which may include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes for 3-4 weeks after infection occurs.

Symptoms

The first sign of measles is usually a fever, followed by cough and nasal congestion. A red eye develops within a day or so of the start of symptoms—the reddening may be mild or severe depending on how much exposure to sunlight you’ve had (and whether or not there’s any underlying medical condition).

After two days, your symptoms may include:

• Coughing (sometimes accompanied by mucus)
• Runny nose with sneezing and/or watery eyes that feel swollen shut; these symptoms often last for several days after you begin feeling better.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of measles is usually made through a physical examination, blood test and a throat swab. If you suspect someone has the disease, see their doctor immediately. Do not go to the doctor if you have symptoms until your doctor confirms that it is indeed measles.

Treatments

• Avoid contact with people who have measles. If you’re exposed to the virus and develop symptoms, stay at home until your fever goes down and make sure you don’t get close to other people until at least 4 days after feeling well.

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids. The virus usually clears up within 12 days but may last a few weeks in some cases if you are immunosuppressed (see below).

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and pain (or both). This can help relieve aches in joints, muscles and stomachaches caused by a viral infection; it also reduces inflammation which helps speed up recovery time by reducing swelling around glands like those in your neck or throat that become swollen during an infectious disease outbreak such as measles.

Paracetamol is available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription; there are many different brand names available so check before taking any medication – some may contain aspirin which should not be taken whilst pregnant/breastfeeding.

Measles is a very contagious illness, prevent it with vaccinations.

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which spreads through coughing or sneezing.

The virus can be spread from person to person through direct contact with infected people (sneezing, coughing) or indirectly when infected people are in close contact with someone who hasn’t yet been exposed to them (sharing food utensils).

The best way to protect yourself from catching measles is by getting vaccinated—and this isn’t just for babies! All children should get the MMR vaccine before they turn 18 months old; teens in Grade 9 or 10; those working at childcare centres (including daycares), hospitals; pregnant women considering travel during pregnancy; health professionals treating patients overseas.

The Conclusion

Measles is a very contagious disease, and it can cause serious complications for people who are already weak or have health problems. The best way to protect yourself from this illness is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

1. What is Dengue and how Dengue spreads?

• Dengue is an outbreak prone seasonal viral disease, transmitted through bites of female adult Aedes mosquitoes.
  

2. How does the Aedes mosquito look like?

• These are small blackish mosquitoes with white stripes on abdomen & legs.
• These are also called tiger mosquitoes.

3. How many species of Aedes mosquitoes are involved in Dengue transmission?

• Aedes aegypti & Aedes albopictus

4. Where Aedes mosquitoes breed?

• Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water within and around houses.
• Aedes mosquitoes are container breeder viz., cement tanks, overhead tanks, underground tanks, tyres, desert coolers, pitchers, discarded containers, junk materials, potholes, rooftop, window parapet, ornamental fountain, lucky bamboo pot, money plant bottle etc, in which water stagnates for more than a week.

5. Does the Aedes breed in dirty polluted water & drains?

• No, they breed only in clean water.

6. Can Aedes lay egg in stagnant water like in overhead tank etc.?

• Yes

7. What are the risk factors?

• Dengue is associated with water supply, sanitation and solid waste management. The risk of dengue has shown an increase in recent years due to rapid urbanization, life style changes, industrialization and deficient water supply areas leading to improper water storage practices.

8. How long eggs of Aedes takes to become adult Mosquito?

• Dengue vector takes one week to become adult from egg.

9. What are the different stages of Dengue Mosquito in life cycles?

• Egg, larva, pupa, adult.
• Eggs are laid in water.
• Larval and pupal stages are aquatic.
• Adult mosquitoes are only terrestrial/ aerial

10. What is the average life span of an adult Aedes?

• The life span for adult mosquitoes is around three weeks.

11. Where does Dengue vector rest?

• Dengue vector mosquitoes rest in indoor houses mainly in corners under furniture, beds, shelves, almirah and dark clothing hanging inside.

12. When does Dengue vector bite?

• Dengue vector mosquitoes bite during day time usually in morning (8-10 am) & afternoon (3-5 pm) hours.

13. What are the preferred host for Aedes mosquitoes?

• Human being

14. How long Dengue vector can go for feeding / breeding / egg lying (Flight range)?

• Usually adult female of Aedes aegypti is limited within 100 meters (Source WHO Regional Publication SEARO No 29 –Prevention and Control of Dengue and DHF Comprehensive Guidelines Page 51)

15. Does mosquito has preference for site on host during bite?

• Yes – Legs, Hand, Face, Neck, Ears. However mosquito can bite any exposed body parts.

16. What are the Vector control methods?

Vector control/management includes:

• Environmental management for Source Reduction
• Biological Control: Larvivorous fish , Gambusia and Guppy are recommended for control of Ae. aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers.
• Chemical control
  • Larval control
    • Temephos as chemical larvicide
    • Diflubenzuron and Pyreproxifen as Insect Growth Regulator
  • Adult control
  • Pyrethrum space spray is used in indoor situations as space spray
  • Malathion fogging is used outdoor using insecticide Malathion technical
  • Cyphenothrin 5% EC– another molecule is also recommended in the programme for fogging which can be used both for indoor and outdoor fogging.

• Personal protection
  • Protective clothing
  • Repellents as household insecticide products, namely, mosquito coils, mats etc
  • Aerosols against mosquitoes
  • Insecticide treated mosquito nets or long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) to protect infants and night workers while sleeping in

17. How effective fogging is?

Fogging kills the mosquitoes coming in contact with fog. It is not recommended as routine vector control measure. Fogging should be last option due to limitations:

• Temporary stay of fog in environment with no residual effect
• Effect primarily on adult mosquitoes coming in contact of fog
• Repeated application needed
• Effect on vectors dependent on  climatic factors like wind velocity  and its direction, humidity, temperature
• Speed of the movement of fogger carrying vehicle or spray men
• Dispersal of fog
• Quality of fogging equipment
• High costs
• Mosquito rests indoor, outdoor fog hardly reach indoor

18. What individuals have to do for Aedes control?

• Protecting from mosquito bites
• Long – sleeved clothing and mosquito repellents.
• Window & door screening and
• Using mosquito nets (insecticide-treated nets/LLIN)
• Using household insecticides aerosols, mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizer.

19. What are important messages for Dengue prevention?

• Covering all water holding containers & tanks with tight lids
• Emptying, cleaning by scrubbing and drying water coolers at least once a week before refilling.
• Disposing & destroying all unused containers, junk materials, tyres, coconuts shells etc.
• Wearing full sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets (day time) & repellants.

Visit or Book a Dengue test at Helix Pathlabs if you have fever, headache, bone and muscle discomfort or low platelet on complete blood count.

Source of above literature – National Centre for Vector Borne Disease control, DGHS, MOHFW, GOI website.

Seasonal flu is an infection that affects your respiratory tract. The symptoms of seasonal flu generally improve in a week, with a few people recovering entirely without any complications. However, in older adults living in India whose, immune systems may be weaker, seasonal flu could be dangerous. Statistically, the risk of suffering from flu-related health complications such as pneumonia is higher in older people. Around 85 per cent of deaths related to seasonal flu occur in people that are seniors 65 or older. Hence it is crucial to keep yourself and your family safe against seasonal flu. Let us look at useful tips to stay safe in this flu season.

Avoid being in large crowds

Avoiding being in large crowds could usually be difficult, but it’s essential during this COVID-19 pandemic. Generally speaking, if you can successfully avoid contact with large crowds in the seasonal flu season, you can effectively reduce your risk of suffering from an infection. The seasonal flu could spread fast in confined spaces such as assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, workplaces, and schools.

Wash your hands frequently

Since the seasonal flu virus can survive on hard surfaces, you should get into a routine of washing your hands regularly. This is particularly important before you eat and prepare your food. Also, you need to always clean your hands after you use the bathroom. You can also sanitize your hands with a hand sanitizing gel throughout your day if water and soap are unavailable.

You need to clean your hands after you come into touch with typically touched surfaces, such as:

• counters
• light switches
• doorknobs

Boost your immune system

Boosting your immune system is a long-lasting way to safeguard yourself against the seasonal flu. A robust immune system allows your body to fight off infections. Even if you do get sick, a robust immune system can decrease the severity of your symptoms. Make sure that you sleep a minimum of 7 hours every night and maintain a physical activity schedule for a minimum of 30 minutes. You should also focus on following a healthy eating plan that is rich in nutrients.

Get a yearly flu vaccination

Ensure that you and everyone in your family get a flu vaccination every year. The prevailing circulating flu virus varies yearly, so you have to keep updating your vaccination every year.

Remember that it can take up to 2 weeks for this vaccine to give effective results. If you contact the seasonal flu after your vaccination, this shot might reduce the duration and severity of your illness.

Disinfect and clean surfaces

The COVID-19 pandemic might have made you used to good hygiene and cleaning practices. If anyone in your neighbourhood or your home is suffering from the flu, you could reduce your risk by keeping all surfaces in your home disinfected and clean to kill flu germs.

If you notice the symptoms of seasonal flu, visit the doctor

Since seasonal flu could potentially be dangerous, visit your doctor when you acquire any symptoms.

The symptoms you should keep an eye on are:

• stuffed-up nose
• runny nose
• tiredness
• headache
• body ache
• sore throat
• cough
• fever

Some of the above symptoms may overlap with various respiratory infections such as COVID-19. It’s essential to practice good hygiene, wear a mask, and self-isolate while you wait for your diagnosis and test results. Visit Helix Pathlabs Mohali to get blood tests and a complete and reliable diagnosis.

Conclusion

Seasonal flu is a common disease that affects thousands of people every year. Anyone who gets in contact with the virus that causes seasonal flu withstands severe to mild symptoms. If anyone in your family is suffering from the symptoms of seasonal flu, visit Helix Pathlabs Mohali and get diagnosed and treated.

Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes debilitating joint pain, has emerged as a bigger threat than dengue for people living in north India than those in southern states that have had their share of outbreaks over the past decades.

The reason is simple: people in north India don’t have much immunity against this viral infection that rarely kills but causes severe pain that can last for months to years after recovery.

Spread by the Aedes egypti mosquito that also causes dengue, Chikungunya has hit people in the north harder over the next few years till the population develops immunity against the virus, say experts.

Signs and Symptoms

The following are the signs and symptoms associated with Chikungunya:

1. Fever, nausea and fatigue: Abrupt onset of severe fever can be noticed, which can be as high as 104 deg
2. Joint pain: You may have severe pain in the joints accompanied with
3. Headache: You may experience a frequent or severe headache for many days.
4. Rash: Skin rashes may appear all over the entire body.
5. Eye problems: Chikungunya infection can cause conjunctivitis

Debilitating illness

People who are diagnosed with the disease may suffer debilitating pain in their bones and joints, and could take many months to recover fully. The viral attack causes inflammation of muscle tissue around the main joints such as wrists, knee and elbows but why the extent of pain and why it stays for so long is unclear, say experts.

“There are not enough studies but the pain and long time to heal is mostly attributed to immunological response of the body to the process of inflammation. Your immune system attacks muscle tissue which leads to excruciating pain and difficulty in moving and doing chores that involve the joints,” says Dr Shah Alam, Professor, Orthopaedic department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

Medicines and vaccines

There is no treatment currently prescribed for Chikungunya — people are given symptomatic treatment. The efforts are on to develop a vaccine and test potential medicines to treat the disease.

Preventive measures

As there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of Chikungunya virus, it is advisable to follow certain prevention tips like:

• Stay away from the areas where there is stagnant water.
• Keep your surrounding areas clean and dry. Warm and moist areas are the primary mosquito vector breeding sites.
• Use of mosquito repellent creams and mosquito nets helps you to prevent mosquito bites.
• Wear clothing that covers your entire body.
• Avoid traveling to the places where there is an outbreak of the disease.

Following test are available at Helix Pathlabs for Chikungunya diagnosis

Chikungunya PCR

Chikungunya IgM

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an ailment that impacts the hormone levels of women. For example, women experience that this condition makes it more difficult for them to conceive, their hair patterns get affected and may lead to baldness, or the body skips periods altogether. In India, more and more women have been seen to suffer from PCOS. According to statistics, approximately 20% of all Indian women are affected by PCOS.  This condition can even lead to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

What causes PCOS?

Doctors are unaware of the exact reasons behind PCOS. However, it is believed that since there is a generation of abnormal levels of masculine hormones in this condition, ovaries get prevented from producing their hormones and generating eggs.

Here are some factors that are considered to be high risk for this condition:

Genes

Research shows that PCOS is genetic and runs in families. It is possible that a lot of genes, instead of just one, may contribute to this condition.

Insulin resistance

It has been seen that around 70 per cent of women who suffer from PCOS also have some degree of insulin resistance. This means that the cells in their body are unable to utilize insulin properly. If your cells are unable to use insulin properly, they may face some problems trying to get sugar from various foods. Additionally, the demand for insulin within the body increases, and the pancreas starts to generate more to compensate. This extra insulin can trigger ovaries to generate more masculine hormones.

Inflammation

Women who suffer from PCOS are also seen to have raised levels of body inflammation. If you suffer from obesity or are overweight, these conditions can likewise contribute to this inflammation. Research has linked higher androgen levels to excess inflammation.

Common symptoms of PCOS

Some women begin to witness symptoms roughly about the time they have their first period. However, other women may realize it if they are having trouble conceiving or if they have put on a considerable amount of weight.

Here are some symptoms of PCOS:

• Irregular periods: PCOS involves the lack of ovulation. This prevents menstrual cycles altogether.
• Heavy bleeding: Since the menstrual cycle gets disrupted, the uterine line keeps building up for a more extended period, and you may experience heavy bleeding.
• Hair growth: Body hair starts to grow more prominently on the chest, belly, back, and even face.
• Acne: The excess generation of masculine hormones could make your skin oilier than normal and induce breakouts in places such as the upper back, chest, and face.
• Male pattern baldness: You may also experience thinning of the hair present on your scalp and falling it.
• Darkening of skin: Dark patches could form on your skin in areas such as under the breasts, in the groin, or on the neck.
• Headaches: Hormone changes could even trigger constant headaches.

If your doctor suspects that you suffer from PCOS, they may recommend:

• An ultrasound
• A series of blood tests
• A pelvic exam

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor may want you to take some extra tests that can assist in avoiding complications. These tests may include:

• Screening for the obstruction of sleep apnea
• Screening for anxiety and depression
• Periodic checks of your triglyceride and cholesterol levels, glucose tolerance, and blood pressure

Conclusion

PCOS, or, Polycystic ovary syndrome, impacts up to 27 per cent of women who are in their childbearing years. Women who suffer from PCOS tend to produce more male hormones than normal. This abnormal production causes hormone imbalance that may affect your body in many ways. However, PCOS is also easily treatable by a professional doctor. To avoid the side effects of this syndrome, get tested at Helix Pathlabs, Mohali, and choose the HELIX POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE PROFILE as early as possible.

World Population Day 2022: 

World Population Day is an annual event, celebrated on 11 July every year. It is an initiative to spread awareness across the globe about population issues. The major purpose of World Population Day 2022 is to raise awareness about child marriage, gender equality, human rights and the importance of family planning among other issues.
According to a report, presently, the world population is about 7.96 billion and it is expected to increase by nearly 8.5 billion in 2030.

World Population Day 2022 Theme

The theme of World Population Day 2022 is for a universe of 8 billion which expects a strong future for all guaranteeing freedom and decisions for all.

According to the theme, there are around 8 billion individuals living on earth however not every one of them is getting rights and opportunities. Many individuals still face harassment, discrimination and violence on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, disability and country of origin.

Overpopulation is the root cause of all other major human problems.

By 2050, India is expected to be the most populated country in the world. Most people are aware of the adverse environmental and social effects of overpopulation, but not its adverse health effects. What will the future hold for our country if this continues?

The rise in population has resulted in challenges such as urban overcrowding and environmental changes, which have resulted in the origination of numerous infectious diseases. Antimicrobial resistance has proven to be an unexpected challenge for infections.

Here’s why you should focus on the population right now.

More population, more pollution!

Increased population has also contributed to ozone layer depletion. The atmosphere’s ozone layer no longer shields humans from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes skin diseases such as skin cancer and premature skin ageing. UV radiation also causes cataracts and blindness. Most importantly, it weakens the human immune system.

How can overpopulation affect public health?

The denser the population growth, the easier it is for infections to spread. Overpopulation can lead to the emergence and spread of a variety of infectious diseases. The rise in antibiotic resistance may pose an unexpected concern for diseases.

Overpopulation can also contribute to excessive air pollution, which can cause a variety of respiratory diseases. As more people utilise public transit, there is growing concern about the health consequences of pollution. The harmful air contents are most likely to affect children and the elderly. Currently, poor air quality is a primary cause of respiratory health

Various other illnesses:

The number of people migrating to cities in search of work and prosperity is growing day by day. Large amounts of uncollected waste present a range of health risks, including cancer, neurological disorders, congenital deformities, and so on.

What can we do on this world population day?

Population growth is a global problem and the root of many health issues. Addressing the issue and taking adequate measures to solve it are much needed.

Some of these measures which help solve the problem of overpopulation include:

• Enacting birth control measures and regulations
• Spreading public awareness about family planning
• Providing universal access to birth control methods
• Educating about overpopulation

On this World Population Day, let’s aim to meet these objectives. This might help to break the vicious cycle of overpopulation and increased health risks.

Let’s bounce back to good health, at Helix Pathlabs we offer multiple preventive health packages !