Feeling Under the Weather? Relax, You're Not Alone: A Look at Rising Flu Cases in India

 Feeling under the weather? Relax, you're not alone. Several parts of India have been reporting a high number of influenza cases in the last two months with prolonged illness and lingering cough. After battling two years of Covid pandemic, the rise in flu cases has created a scare among general public

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)'s latest report, the residents are not suffering from any casual fever but it is a virus that has gripped the larger population.

 Doctors believe that the influenza A (H3N2) virus that has been circulating for the last 2-3 months is responsible. 

The H3N2 virus generally triggers a certain reaction or inflammation in the upper airways or sometimes even in the lungs. While the fever, cough, cold, and body ache settle in 3-5 days, the dry cough persists for a few weeks.

The pandemic has altered many aspects of living and the effects of novel virus on human health continue to be seen by doctors, public health experts and researchers alike. One such observation is the rise in influenza cases across India. In the last two months, different parts of the country have reported a high number of influenza cases with prolonged illness and dry cough persisting for weeks. While many believed these cases could be attributed to seasonal fever, medical studies point towards an overriding flu virus - Influenza A (H3N2).

Unlike what's observed with Covid-19, H3N2 can affect people belonging to all age groups. Since it is highly contagious, it can spread through droplets released while coughing or sneezing. Recognizing these threats early and testing those who show mild symptoms could help mitigate the spread from one person to several others since this flu virus affects general health over a longer period than expected.

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) identified six states that had particularly low vaccination rates along with high numbers of dyspnea (shortness of breath), suggesting an intense viral attack were Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. 

However this does not imply not taking necessary precautions when it comes to Covid-19. Protecting oneself from both diseases requires wearing masks whenever possible outside our homes and washing hands regularly out of personal hygiene protocols. Additionally maintaining physical distancing becomes a key factor in protecting oneself from any infection whilst both indoor and outside activities are conducted. If proper measures aren’t taken then both H3N2 and corona viruses can affect even healthy individuals who don’t belong to vulnerable categories based on their age or existing medical conditions. 

While H3N2 risks should also be addressed urgently till preventive measures like mass vaccination become more available; governments should prioritize increasing access to healthcare facilities so that worried patients can get tested quickly wherever they need instead of having to wait up weeks before results. And access medication timely and have symptomatic support along the way too.  Vaccinating children would also require encouragement since. According to ICMR report only 42% population is vaccinated fighting outbreaks with attention towards best vaccine coverage rates specifically among vulnerable populations is our chance at preventing future pandemics as well as increase preventive care efforts throughout our societies  

   In conclusion as much as we take this H3N2 Virus seriously, similarly its important to know about other infections like influenza which can cause long term illnesses . By understanding causes ,prevention methods one must actively work on decreasing potential transmission points rather than sitting back until you yourself or your known ones fall prey. 

Monkeypox outbreak! Emergency update from WHO

Important update from WHO. (19 - 26 July)

 The monkeypox outbreak: 

 WHO has declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This means the virus has the potential to grow out of control if it’s not carefully managed. The disease caused by the monkeypox virus is less severe than COVID-19 and spreads less easily, however, WHO urges everyone to take precautions to avoid infection and spreading of the virus. Remember, anyone can become infected with the monkeypox virus.

Symptoms:

• Rash with blisters 

• Fever 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

• Body aches & hheadaches

• Fatigue How to avoid monkeypox: 

 • Avoid close contact with symptomatic people 

 • Clean hands and wear a mask when handling potentially infected objects If you show symptoms, isolate at home and contact a health worker.

Most people who have monkeypox recover from the disease.

Learn more by watching these Science in 5 episodes: ➡️ https://bit.ly/3RXDG9q https://bit.ly/3J1yrBw

I know I might sound strange because every other person talks about empowering women.Why ? Because it helps them sell their product. Have a look at all these special day, they are just made as a marketing tool to make a certain group of people special, like mother’s day, father’s day and today being women’s day. Aren't mothers and fathers already special for their children. Is it not each women special in their own sense to a specific relationship (same apply a to man too). Think about it. Women are the creator of this human race as they are one who gives birth. That make them more powerful than anyone else. Another example; women have a power of releasing their internal pressure though crying which is great. You might think it is weakness but it is not, it is power which men keeps inside and dies with a heartattack etc. Now why women needs empowerment... two main reasons: 1. Many humans forget that very powerful point for woman being the creator. 2. Many women don’t even know their own powers and trying to be like men. This is where all the problem and marketing companies are making use of this to make more money out of it. Have look at a women’s day or women empowerment program it will be sponsored by some company.. is it not? Think about it. My dear mothers and sisters know your power and stop trying to be like men as you are supreme in your own way. Both men and woman are created for a specific purpose and both have their own powers. We need both men and women to use their own power and compliment each other and not compete. In competition there is a winner and loser however when you team up and compliment each other you both become unstoppable. For example Pink color is for girls and blue is for boys that biggest marketing pitch. I am not taking any side of men or women, I am just taking the side of humanity. Hope I didn’t offend anyone in this article just showing you the positive side of things. Be the best you (Woman or Man) that you can be. Be the best human you can be. Let all see each other as humans and not women or men and that is positivity. Happy Human’s Day #womenempowerment #womensday #womanpower #womanofgod #womenday

The Fuel You Need...!

What motivates and inspires you to keep keeping on, to keep going on even when everything is not going as planned? For some, it could be reading certain kind of book, some listening to a particular genre of music, some others watching a movie motivates them, yet for some others, it could be found in a speech or talk. For many more, wanting to see a change either in their living condition or the living condition of others is what drives and motivates them. Allow the paradigm's shift. Change your thinking you change your life! Perhaps the Butterfly is the proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet become something beautiful. What motivates you? What inspires you? You need to identify it and constantly expose yourself to it. That my friend is the fuel you need to keep going till you become the best version of yourself. Wait a minute..."the opinion of others doesn't count". Don't be trapped by other people feelings.. it's their feelings not yours. Remember you’ve got one life, make it count!

How to separate between Nine Types of Ancient Acupuncture Needles?

How to separate between Nine Types of Ancient Acupuncture Needles? Well-being Articles By Junaid Maqbool | Research scientist and a leading biologist. 

Needle therapy (Acupuncture therapy) is an old Chinese treatment with a background marked by millennia. In the days of yore, the professional utilized nine diverse needle therapy needles. We should discover the motivation behind each needle type and see more about the act of needle therapy.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy, TCM specialists use needle therapy needles to animate the nerves present underneath the skin surface and dispense with Qi unevenness. Needle therapy needles may cause a slight torment at the spot of inclusion and, so the specialists need to utilize sharp needles to make the treatment agreeable. By picking the correct needle therapy needle, the patient will feel next to zero uneasiness and still get an answer for his/her concern. Needle therapy needles assistance in animating the safe framework, improving blood flow, and recuperating the injury. Did you know there were nine kinds of needle therapy needles in the old days? The "Nine Needles" were first cited in Huangdi Neijing's Internal Classic Ling-Shu. TCM specialists frequently respected the sovereign Huangdias a compelling figure in Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy. We should discover more about the aggregate needling instruments that were well known in Ancient China.

1. Spade Needle (Chan Zhen)

The spade needle therapy needles have a huge head with a sharp end. The needle therapy needle is altogether huge, and the end part is more keen than different needles. Usually, the spade needles are ideal for dealing with the Yang insufficiencies like chilliness, stickiness, weakness, and so on It isn't unexpected to utilize the needles when the infection neglects to remain at a specific spot.

2. Round Pointed Needle (Yuan Zhen)

Yuan Zhen is a round-pointed needle with an oval-formed tip. The Ling-Shu text specifies that it has an egg-formed tip. Old experts utilized it to massage the crack of the substance. The needle tip isn't ideal for addition in the skin. On the other, you can utilize it to squeeze the skin remotely at a particular point (pressure point massage).

3. Pressing factor Needle (Ti Zhen) 

With a somewhat unpolished head looking like a grain, the pressing factor needles are like round-pointed needles that assist with pressure point massage. Crafted by a pressing factor needle is to animate qi stream and deal with the irregular characteristics without penetrating the skin. The distinction between round-pointed needles and pressing factor needles is their length. Pressing factor needles are fundamentally more than round-pointed ones.

4. Sharp-Edged Needle (Feng Zhen)

The sharp-edged needles have a three-sided head for the easy puncturing of the skin. Regularly, the specialists utilized them for treating constant diseases. The needle therapy needles are ideal for drawing out blood from the skin. Furthermore, they help in taking out abundance heat from the body. Like advanced lancets and draining needles, there were numerous advantages to utilizing sharp-edged needles. With a precise strategy, the specialist can diminish the solidifying of corridors, improve insulin affectability, dispose of disease, and so forth.

5. Blade Shaped Needle (Fei pi Zhen)

The sword molded needle, as the name proposes, is basically the same as the state of a blade. In the event that the patient is experiencing a physical issue that has brought about discharge, TCM experts suggest utilizing the sword molded needle. It assists with disposing of purulent matter from the injury.

6. Round-Sharp Needle (Yuan Li Zhen)

The round-sharp needle has a one of a kind shape like a shaft. With the instrument-tip being very sharp and the head nearly more extensive, it is ideal for infiltrating profound inside a few skin layers. Its one of a kind shape assists with penetrating the skin rapidly and with negligible torment. TCM experts utilized it to adjust the qi and increment blood stream in a particular locale.

7. Fine Needle (Hao Zhen) 

The fine needles are undeniably flimsy, similar to a fine strand of hair. Tantamount to the current filiform needle therapy needles, the needling instruments have a sharp tip with a fit body for simple inclusion. Specialists favor utilizing them to create deqi sensation and treat the blockage in the body's energy stream.

8. Long Needle (Chang Zhen)

Long needles look like fine needles, in spite of the fact that they are longer than the last mentioned. The length is long enough with a sharp tip for embeddings somewhere inside the skin's surface. It has a sharp tip and a long barrel shaped body to treat profound areas with negligible torment. These days, you will discover long needles in shifting sizes.

9. Huge Needle (Da Zhen) The huge needles have a tube shaped board with somewhat of an adjusted tip. The tip of a huge needle is less sharp than a fine needle. The needle assists with emptying water out of the joints and along these lines, helps in the decrease of expanding. TCM professionals frequently use them in the instances of swollen lymphatic hubs. The antiquated act of needle therapy has developed. Albeit the entirety of the nine kinds of needles are not being used today, a few of them are a favored decision of TCM experts for treatment. Fine needle therapy needles are among the most-utilized instruments from the nine needles. Indeed, even sharp-edged needles and long needles are being used today. Notwithstanding them, professionals currently utilize uncommon auricular needle therapy needles and pressure point massage magnets. As a TCM professionalHealth Fitness Articles, it is vital to comprehend the patient's condition and the reason for the sickness. Recall utilizing legitimate sort of instruments is fundamental for speedy and safe recuperation.

THALASSEMIA

Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in large numbers of red blood cells being destroyed, which leads to anemia.

Thalassemia is a type of inherited blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People suffering from thalassemia are unable to produce enough healthy red blood cells and can suffer from anemia, which impairs their quality of life. Thalassemia is most commonly found in people whose families come from the Mediterranean region, India and Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa.

CAUSES 

Hemoglobin is made of two proteins:

Alpha globin

Beta globin

Thalassemia occurs when there is a defect in a gene that helps control production of one of these proteins.

There are two main types of thalassemia:

Alpha thalassemia occurs when a gene or genes related to the alpha globin protein are missing or changed (mutated).

Beta thalassemia occurs when similar gene defects affect production of the beta globin protein.

Alpha thalassemias occur most often in people from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, and in those of African descent.

Beta thalassemias occur most often in people of Mediterranean origin. To a lesser extent, Chinese, other Asians, and African Americans can be affected.

There are many forms of thalassemia. Each type has many different subtypes. Both alpha and beta thalassemia include the following two forms:

• Thalassemia major

• Thalassemia minor

You must inherit the gene defect from both parents to develop thalassemia major.

Thalassemia minor occurs if you receive the faulty gene from only one parent. People with this form of the disorder are carriers of the disease. Most of the time, they do not have symptoms.

Beta thalassemia major is also called Cooley anemia.

Risk factors for thalassemia include:

Asian, Chinese, Mediterranean, or African American ethnicity

Family history of the disorder.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms has been expanded.

The most severe form of alpha thalassemia major causes stillbirth (death of the unborn baby during birth or the late stages of pregnancy).

Children born with beta thalassemia major (Cooley anemia) are normal at birth, but develop severe anemia during the first year of life.

Other symptoms can include:

• Bone Deformities In The Face

• Fatigue

• Growth Failure

• Shortness Of Breath

• Yellow Skin (Jaundice)

People with the minor form of alpha and beta thalassemia have small red blood cells but no symptoms.

How to get rid of pimples and Acne at Home.

Empowering Youth: Raising Awareness About Teen Acne and its Management

By Junaid Maqbool
September 23, 2018
junaidmaqboollectures57@gmail.com

Acne, a common skin woe among teenagers, is more than just a cosmetic concern. It can have significant physical and emotional impacts, affecting academic performance and social relationships. In this article, we will delve into the details of teenage acne, its causes, symptoms, and natural treatment options.

Understanding Acne:

Acne, colloquially known as pimples, arises when skin pores become clogged due to excessive oil (sebum) production or the buildup of dead skin cells. This blockage creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to skin lesions. While acne is most commonly found on the face, it can also appear on the neck, chest, back, and other areas of the body.

Causes of Teenage Acne:

1. Hormonal Changes: Hormones, particularly during puberty, play a significant role in acne development. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to increased sebum production, making the skin more prone to clogging.

2. Dietary Factors: Certain dietary choices, such as high glycemic index foods and dairy products, can exacerbate acne in some individuals.

3. Genetics: Genetic predisposition can make some individuals more susceptible to developing acne.

4. Hygiene Practices: Poor skincare routines, including infrequent face washing, can contribute to acne by allowing dirt and oil to accumulate on the skin.

Symptoms of Teenage Acne:

Teenagers grappling with acne often experience various symptoms, including:

1. Red Spots: These are inflamed areas of the skin caused by bacterial activity within the blocked pores.

2. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Whiteheads are small, flesh-colored bumps formed by blocked pores with a thin layer of skin covering the clogged sebum and bacteria.

3. Blackheads (Open Comedones): Blackheads are similar to whiteheads but have open pores, which expose the clogged material to air, causing it to darken.

4. Cysts/Nodules: These deep, painful, and often large lumps are a severe form of acne and can lead to scarring if not treated properly.

5. Excessive Oiliness: Elevated sebum production can result in excessively oily skin and a shiny appearance.

Natural Treatment Options for Teen Acne:

Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies that can effectively alleviate teen acne without resorting to harsh topical creams or antibiotics. Some of these remedies include:

1. Tea Tree Oil: Diluted with a carrier oil like coconut, tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can combat acne. Apply it directly to affected areas with a cotton ball.

2. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent natural treatment for acne. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted with water, honey, or lemon juice, applied as a face wash, mask, or toner, can be particularly helpful. Honey face masks and white vinegar soakings are beneficial for larger cyst-like blemishes. Be sure to perform a patch test before using undiluted apple cider vinegar.

In addition to these remedies, consider these simple yet effective steps for managing teenage acne:

• Regularly Washing Your Face Twice Daily: Use gentle soaps containing salicylic acid to eliminate bacteria-causing dirt buildup in pores.

• Avoid Touching Your Face: Minimize unnecessary face-touching, as hands can harbor germs and dirt.

• Limiting Fat Intake: Reducing dairy product consumption is advisable for those prone to intense breakouts.

In conclusion, teenage acne is a widespread issue stemming from hormone imbalances, stress, and poor hygiene practices. While dermatologists may prescribe expensive treatments like oral antibiotics and Accutane (isotretinoin), there are plenty of alternative solutions available. Lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and dietary modifications, including limiting dairy consumption, combined with at-home remedies like apple cider vinegar toners and honey masks, can significantly alleviate teenage breakouts without a hefty financial investment. So, why not give them a try and empower our youth to take control of their skin health?