PharmEasy Blog

Monkeypox: The Latest Disease Gripping The World

Introduction

Monkeypox, what is it? Why is this trending in news across the world? Is this another cause for concern? And, exactly what do we know about this disease? Everything we know now you will know too. Monkeypox is a viral infection caused by the Monkeypox virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans and also from infected humans to humans. It has symptoms quite similar to smallpox, albeit less severe. Primarily occurring in West and Central Africa, monkeypox was known to inflict on those who live close to tropical rainforests and has now been spreading to the urban areas. The animals that are carriers are mostly non-human primates(monkeys)and rodents. 

As of now, there are no reported cases in India. More than 100 cases have been reported in 12 countries across the world. The increase in cases reported across different countries looks alarming and WHO has emphasised monitoring and surveillance of the spread of monkeypox in India as well. 

History 

First discovered in 1958, monkeypox occurred in monkeys that were kept in the laboratory for research. In 1970, the first human contracted the virus in Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, the virus has been recorded in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gabon, Liberia, Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. The disease has now been spreading globally, due to international travel or imported animals.

On 21st May 2022, WHO (World Health Organisation) said that there are 92 confirmed cases reported across 12 countries like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States of America and Portugal.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

The incubation period (time period from getting infected and showing symptoms) is generally from 7 to 14 days, however, the range is from 5 to 21 days. Symptoms of Monkeypox can be divided into two periods-

  1. Fever with or without chills
  2. Headache
  3. Swelling of the lymph nodes
  4. Muscle ache
  5. Backache
  6. Extreme weakness

Swollen lymph nodes are the significant characteristic of monkeypox, as the initial symptoms are quite similar to chickenpox, smallpox and measles. 

Initially appearing rashes are flat red lesions(macules), then, the bumps evolve into raised lesions (papules), lesions filled with clear fluid (vesicles) lesions filled with yellow fluid (pustules). But eventually, the lesions dry up and fall off without any scarring.

Are there any tests to detect Monkeypox?

Blood tests are not very helpful in diagnosing monkeypox. The virus stays in the bloodstream for a short period, hence blood tests are not considered a very confirmatory tool. Lab tests, in which fluids from the skin lesions are tested, are more effective for diagnosis. POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION(PCR) & NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TEST(NAAT) is helpful to confirm the diagnosis.

 Also, biopsies may be performed. Clinical signs and symptoms are usually helpful for your doctor to diagnose the condition.

How does Monkeypox spread and can we prevent it?

A zoonotic virus, monkeypox is spread from animals to humans and then humans to other humans. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with either animals or infected humans with the following:

While person to person spread is low, the virus enters the body through breathing, broken skin (visibly intact skin on naked eyes too) or mucous membranes. Monkeypox spreads in humans only via prolonged and direct face to face contact and large respiratory droplets.

Monkeypox can also be transmitted through:

Prevention of monkeypox greatly depends on reducing your risk of exposure to the infection by the above-mentioned modes.

A known case of monkeypox must isolate himself/herself, the bedding, clothes and utensils of the patient should be handled separately.

Do we have a treatment for Monkey Pox?

Currently, monkeypox has no known treatment. The disease is self-limiting though and it gets better without treatment. Your doctor may advise medications for managing the symptoms and if required some antiviral medicines may be given. Good nutrition and hydration are always helpful in recovery.

According to WHO, the smallpox vaccine is 85% effective in preventing the spread of monkeypox. If you contract monkeypox after receiving the smallpox vaccine as a child, the symptoms are expected to be mild. JYNNEOS, is a vaccine that has clinically proven its efficacy in animal studies and is licensed in the US. 

Key takeaways

Currently, monkeypox cases have not been reported in India but we must be alert and aware of the symptoms it shows because monkeypox is a contagious disease and spreads from an infected person or animal to others. It is a self-limiting condition but one must consult a doctor for proper management, especially the skin eruptions which can help doctors to diagnose the disease it is better to refrain from home-based advice and adhere to doctors/professionals’ instructions as skin lesions may resemble like chickenpox, measles, scabies. Post the  Covid19  pandemic, we have become more aware and alert of globally rising pandemics and are prepared to deal with any new disease thrown our way. With surveillance, education and prevention, we can weather any storm, monkeys or small!

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Dysentery: Causes & Symptoms.

Dysentery is our body’s response to unwanted foreign bodies in the digestive system. The possible causes of dysentery include a parasitic amoeba called  Entamoeba histolytica  or a number of bacteria, including  shigella and salmonella. Infection of E. histolytica is called amoebiasis and any resultant bloody diarrhoea is called amoebic dysentery. Infections of shigella bacteria can lead to bacillary dysentery and they are called shigellosis which contributes a major part to the list of dysentery causes.  

Types of dysentery

There are mainly 2 kinds of dysentery:

Diarrhoea is a common health condition in which a person suffers from watery and loose stool. Dysentery, on the other hand, is an infection or inflammation of the intestine that can lead to the presence of blood in the watery stool. It is also referred to as bloody diarrhoea.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Cause

Normally, it is a condition that is more widespread in tropical areas where the warm climate is favourable for the production of bacteria. This does not mean that it will not occur elsewhere. However, the combination of poor civic hygiene and tropical weather is a combination that will support the circle of dysentery causes.  

It is therefore of the utmost importance to consume food that is properly cleaned before cooking and then thoroughly cooked. Water should also be boiled thoroughly and/or passed through a water decontamination system before being consumed as it ranks on top of the list of dysentery causes.  

Those suffering from the condition need to practice extra concern to ensure that dysentery causing bacteria are not re-introduced into their system. In such a situation, a relapse will almost certainly lead to worse symptoms in the patient as their body will already be weakened by the initial illness.

Hormonal changes, bowel infections, and underlying bowel disorders can all cause diarrhea during pregnancy. If diarrhoea lasts for more than 48 hours, consulting your gynaecologist is highly recommended especially if it is accompanied by fever, dehydration, and vomiting.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Symptoms

The symptoms can last for five to seven days or even longer. The course of the illness varies with individuals, as do the symptoms. Some people suffering from dysentery may have only mild symptoms, while others may have severe diarrhoea which can occur with or without vomiting that can end up posing a risk of dehydration. Fortunately, dysentery can be treated with antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications.

Untreated dysentery can lead up to severe dehydration. Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can result in shock or coma and may be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care from a professional if you have symptoms of severe dehydration such as lethargy, loss of consciousness, confusion, cold skin or decreased urine output. Seek timely medical care if you develop diarrhoea and vomiting and believe you may have been exposed to contaminated water or food.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Berries!

Berries are probably the first fruit to be consumed from a fruit basket. They look pretty, taste good and make pastries better. When it comes to the health benefits of berries, all berries pack a powerful punch – and have some rather amazing benefits.

Here are 8 of the Amazing Health Benefits of Berries:  

Studies have shown that blackberries are a great source of manganese and vitamins C and K. From my knowledge, these nutrients are necessary for your body to perform functions, such as a healthy immune system, the healing of wounds, and iron absorption might depend on vitamin C. It might also work as an antioxidant, scavenging cancer-causing free radicals. The role of vitamin K in blood clotting and bone health may be crucial. Manganese may aid energy production, immune function, bone formation, reproduction, and blood coagulation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Also Read: Strawberries Hepatitis: Unpacking The Potential Health Risks And Precautions

Berries You Should Avoid!

Now that we’ve mentioned the health benefits of eating berries, here are some berries you must avoid at all costs! Some berries may look really appealing and you may feel tempted to try them out but they can be really toxic to your health –  

Researchers have found that people with metabolic syndrome who consume blueberries may experience lower blood pressure. It may be because nitric oxide, which is believed to relax blood vessels, is produced more by the body when blueberries are consumed daily. Therefore, always eat blueberries in moderation, especially if you have any metabolic syndromes.

Dr. Smita barode, BAMS

Also Read: What is a Huckleberry: A Detailed Look at This Unique Fruit

Blueberries may stave off rising blood sugar levels since they are low in sugar and high in fibre compared to other fruits. Researchers believe it may help patients to regulate their blood sugar in specific medical disorders . In my opinion, daily consumption of blueberries may decrease certain markers of cardiometabolic health including triglycerides.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: 5 Health  Benefits of Kokam

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How to Check Authenticity of Medicine?

It’s a sad truth today that even regular consumers are not able to differentiate fake medications from the real ones.   What’s worse? Even medical professionals are unable to spot the difference easily or check the authenticity of medicines, at least not without a chemical analysis.

An overwhelming amount of manufacturers have succeeded in copying almost every physical aspect of the medication to make it seem like it is the most genuine. Packaging, tablet shape, vial shape and size and colouring these aspects can be and have been copied.

As a consumer, here are things you can do to ensure the authenticity of your medicines:

While the above guidelines can go a long way in reducing the risk of buying counterfeit medication, remember that the only definite way to know if your medicine is original or not is through chemical analysis.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is now considering the introduction of a barcode system to check the authenticity of medicines that are imported into the country as well as manufactured here in India. If implemented, this system can keep at bay all types of counterfeit and fake medicines.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Leprosy Disease: History, Symptoms and Treatment

Leprosy disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and transmission is thought to be either via the respiratory route or through direct contact with an infected organism.

Infection by the bacteria doesn’t mean that you have the disease. There are 2 possible presentations: tuberculoid or lepromatous. In the tuberculoid form, the patient is capable of mounting an adequate cell-mediated response, where a couple of hypopigmented lesions appears in the patient’s body. The lepromatous form is usually what we recognize as Leprosy disease, whereby the infected is presented with numerous, poorly demarcated lesions over the body and is thought to be due to an overwhelming B-cell response that damages the nerves in addition to the bacteria.

History

We usually think of leprosy in the context of the Middle ages or the Biblical plague. However, there is still around an estimated two to three million people who suffer from this disease even today.

Leprosy had entered England by the 4th century and was a regular feature of life by 1050. Today it is known as Hansen’s disease. The first known example of a leper hospital is thought to be St Mary Magdalena in Winchester, Hampshire where burial excavations found evidence of the disease. The remains were found to be of that between 960 and 1030 AD.

It was long thought to hit humans exclusively but recently, scientists have learned that armadillos can also harbour the leprosy virus.

With the start of multidrug therapy (MDT) in a timely manner after the initial onset, leprosy is generally seen as a curable disease. The treatment with MDT can prevent extensive deformity and neurological disability.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms

The bacteria can take from 2 to 10 years to fully develop. When it does, the following symptoms can be noticed:

Some symptoms of leprosy may include:

Leprosy has long been considered a stigma for the patient, the family and the community, but great advances made in early diagnosis and treatment, with multi-drug treatment (MDT) and reconstructive surgery helps to restore normal appearance and function. Leprosy is not now a disease to be feared.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Treatment

Leprosy can be cured. In the last two decades, 16 million people with leprosy disease have been treated. The World Health Organization provides free healing for all people with leprosy.

Treatment depends on the type of leprosy that the person has. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease. Long-term treatment, usually from six months to a year with two or more antibiotics is recommended. People with severe symptoms may need to take antibiotics for a longer period of time. Antibiotics, however, cannot treat nerve damage.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to manage nerve pain and damage related to the disease. Patients may also be given thalidomide, a potent medication that suppresses the body’s immune system. It helps treat leprosy skin nodules.

Thalidomide is however known to cause severe, grave birth defects and should by no means be taken by women who are pregnant or women who might become pregnant.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Best Ways To Avoid Asthma Attacks During Winter!

While winter brings with it the joy of festivals and holidays, it can also act as a trigger for asthma. Cold weather can contribute to asthma attacks  during winter so much so that it might cause  the disease in people who spend a lot of time outdoors in such weather or live in cold, dry climates.Here are a few tips on how to avoid asthma attacks during winter. Frequent and proper washing of your hands with water and soap is one of the simplest and best ways to avoid catching or spreading the cold and other viruses. Hand sanitisers that are alcohol-based also do the trick. Make sure to emphasize the importance of good hand washing to your children and educate them on it being one of the most basic steps of good hygiene. The cold weather doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your exercise routine but make sure to follow it indoors. In cold weather, symptoms are even more likely to appear during exercise because as the air is cold it can irritate the sensitive airways in your lungs. Avoid sports that involve long periods of exertion, such as football, distance running, basketball and field hockey. Studies have shown that people with asthma have a greater lung function and recover faster after exercising when they are warmed up. This is important but especially in winter whenever you work out. Before heading for working out outdoors in the cold, consider doing your first 20 minutes of your run on a treadmill. Work with your specialist or doctor to create an effective asthma treatment plan for the winter, and continue to get regular checkups done. If you are finding that your asthma symptoms worsen in the cold weather or you are experiencing asthma symptoms even if you haven’t had asthma before, meeting a physician is of the utmost importance. Take any medications you’ve been prescribed on schedule and without fail. Make sure to vacuum and dust your home frequently to reduce allergens since everyone will be spending a lot of time indoors during the winter. Dust all over using a damp cloth and use a vacuum with high efficiency (HEPA) filter to clean carpets and fabric-covered furniture. It helps if you can keep your entire home smoke-free. Candle, fireplace and cigarette smoke can travel from room to room, even through closed doors.Other than the tips mentioned above make sure to take the basic precautions like wearing a scarf or turtleneck up over your mouth and nose to warm the air you’re inhaling when outside, to avoid asthma attacks during winter.  Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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8 Healthy Food Trends Of 2017

Every year brings about some new and interesting healthy food trends, and the food trends in 2017 will definitely not disappoint. Even though some of the healthy food trends continue to gain momentum such as fresh ingredients, non-GMO, whole grains, protein and gluten-free, there are still various trends that have come up with new ways to help you eat healthier whether you dine out or dine in.

Here are 8 healthy food trends of 2017-

Also Read: Ozempic Foods to Avoid: An Integrated Care Approach for Better Health

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.