Posts

Showing posts from September, 2021

Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccines Likely To Lower Risk of Severe Covid-19 Infection - News18

Image
The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, given during early childhood, and Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, given every 10 years, may help lower the risk of severe Covid-19, according to researchers. Besides eliciting a protective response against the diseases it is possible that both MMR and Tdap vaccines may also elicit cross-reactive memory T cells capable of responding to protein targets called antigens that are present in other microbes that cause diseases — including the viral antigens in SARS-CoV-2, said researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital in the US. Using data from more than 75,000 patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 between March 8, 2020, and March 31, 2021, the team found that patients who had previously been vaccinated for MMR had a 38 per cent decrease in hospitalisation and a 32 per cent decrease in ICU admission/death. Similarly, patients previously vaccinated for Tdap had 23 per cent and 20 per cent decreased rates, respectively, o...

Local animal welfare organization offers free vaccines for pets - FOX5 Las Vegas

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Local animal welfare organization offers free vaccines for pets    FOX5 Las Vegas

Nizoral for Acne: Effectiveness, How to Use - Healthline

Image
Nizoral is a prescription antifungal topical that's used to treat a variety of fungal infections. Its most common use is to treat tinea versicolor, a condition that causes lighter or darker scaly patches of skin. In addition, some studies suggest that Nizoral is an effective treatment for acne that's caused by fungal overgrowth. In this article, we take a closer look at what Nizoral is and whether it may be an effective acne treatment. Nizoral is the brand name of the antifungal medication ketoconazole. This medication is available in various forms, such as a topical cream, shampoo, and oral medication. It's often used to treat the following conditions: The medication works by inhibiting an enzyme in fungi called cytochrome P450 14 alpha-demethylase . This disruption of the fungi's structure slows and may even stop fungal growth. In addition to Nizoral, other topical antifungal agents might help treat fungal acne. Talk with a doctor to find out which one may be best su...

AAP flu recommendations allow for coadministration with COVID-19 vaccine - AAP News

Image
The 2021-'22 AAP influenza policy statement and companion technical report released today emphasize the importance of flu vaccination during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which is expected to continue during flu season. Influenza vaccination is particularly important to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses during circulation of SARS-CoV-2. The policy Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2021-2022 , from the Committee on Infectious Diseases, is available at https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-053744, and the technical report is at https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-053745. They also will be published in the October issue of Pediatrics . Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed product appropriate for age and health status, according to the policy. Both ...

Tinea Versicolor: Causes, Treatment & Natural Remedies | Femina.in - Femina

Image
Image: Shutterstock Summers can be brutal, especially the heat and humidity it brings along. If you are one of those people who live by the beautiful and calming seas, humidity is your well-known enemy. Even though we spend most of our time under the air conditioner, we often find ourselves drenched in sweat; multiple times a day. The one thing this outrageous season brings along is the various skin infections. One such skin infection is most commonly found in the Tinea versicolor. 1. What is Tinea versicolor Infection? 2. Causes 3. Symptoms 4. Diagnosis 5. Treatment 6. Prevention 7. Natural Remedies 8. FAQ What is Tinea versicolor Infection? Image: Shutterstock Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that affects the skin. The fungus disrupts the skin's pigmentation which results in small, discolored patches. The fungus called Malassezia is a type of yeast that...

Research reveals new evolutive mechanism of bacteria that expands pathogenic potential - News-Medical.net

Image
A group of nine researchers has just published new findings on the mechanisms that regulate how bacteria from the Staphylococcus aureus genus transfer genetic material, awarding them greater pathogenic virulence and resistance to antibiotics. The study, which was just published in Nature Microbiology, was led by Professor José R. Penadés, a researcher from the Imperial College London who collaborated with the Biomedical Science Department of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU UCH) of Valencia. In this study, the team of professor Penadés found a new mechanism that activates and transmits genetic material between the pathogenicity islands found in the chromosomes of bacteria and super bacteria, to award them greater virulence and resistance. This new evolutive mechanism has been identified in the Staphylococcus aureus genus, which is of critical priority for the WHO due to its multi-resistance to antibiotics and its ability to cause severe infections. In 2019, professo...

This Is Why BV Can Recur While Dating the Same Partner - Healthline

Image
Recurrence is quite common, so know that you're not alone. But experts aren't entirely sure why some people experience bacterial vaginosis (BV) again and again. It may have little to do with the person you're dating and instead be down to treatment failing to clear up a previous bout of BV or new resistance to a particular treatment method. Lifestyle factors, such as how you wash your genital area, may also have an impact. No one knows for sure. Douching, smoking, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) have been linked to an increased risk for BV, as has exposure to a new sexual partner. So if you check any of those boxes, that could explain the recurrence. But it's also possible that an initial infection was never completely cured or that you've developed resistance to a previous treatment. A study of people treated with a typical BV antibiotic found that less than a quarter (23 percent) were fully cured. There's even a potential link between recurrence and staying wi...

How Streptococcus pyogenes can survive on skin and cause skin infections - Science Daily

Image
Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the most important bacterial causes of human skin infections. If S. pyogenes invades deep into the tissue, it can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as sepsis and toxic shock. With its limited supply of carbohydrates, the skin is generally an effective barrier against infection and not a good surface for the survival of S. pyogenes . To survive successfully and invade deep into the tissue, bacteria must be able to find a source of nutrients and also evade the skin's immune defenses. Now, an international team led by Osaka University, Japan, in collaboration with Keio University, Japan, and University of California San Diego, USA, has discovered a way this disease organism obtains nutrition from the skin surface. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutic approaches to tackle infections. The team recently published the work in Cell Reports . It was already known that some bacteria break down arginine (an amino acid -- one of the building...

What are zoonotic diseases? - Open Access Government

Image
60% of existing human infectious diseases are zoonotic, and at least 70% of emerging infectious diseases of humans have an animal origin. Zoonotic diseases, or diseases that can spread between people and animals, are a growing concern as human interactions with animals and the environment change and diseases with global consequences, such as Ebola and COVID-19, emerge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works 24/7 to protect people from zoonotic diseases in the United States and around the world. Zoonotic pathogens can spread between people and animals in several ways: Direct contact: Contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, faeces, or other body fluids of an infected animal. Examples include petting or touching animals, and bites or scratches. Indirect contact: Contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with germs. Examples include aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants...

Unexplained Blisters on Feet: Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health

Image
A blister occurs when fluid fills a space between layers of skin. Many people get blisters from walking too much in tight shoes or by not wearing socks with shoes. While friction is responsible for many cases, blisters on the feet have other causes too, such as excessive moisture, sunburn, and allergic reactions. Gajus / Getty Images Excessive Moisture Excessive moisture can clog the pores on your feet, which can lead to small blisters. Sweating is the main cause of having excessively moist feet. This commonly occurs in runners. Treatment The best way to treat excessive moisture on your feet is by: Wearing sweat-wicking socks, such as those made of cotton, and breathable shoes like sandals Changing your socks or shoes when your feet become wet Avoiding wearing socks or shoes that trap moisture, such as socks made of merino wool and closed-toe shoes like leather boots When blisters form on your feet because of excessive moisture, th...

Flu and viral cases on the rise: Why are flu symptoms taking longer to heal now? - Times of India

Image
September-October and the seasonal changes setting in right now are big caveats for flu cases to shoot up . While there's no saying how severe or manageable a particular flu season could be, some preventive measures right now, apart from COVID-appropriate behaviour and timely vaccination can save us from facing dangers of a twindemic: -Washing and disinfecting hands frequently. Do not touch eyes, nose or the mouth with contaminated, germy hands. -Maintain your distance when you are out, and limit touching frequently-accessed surfaces -Limit your contact if you feel sick, or develop some symptoms, even if it's just a cold or a slight fever -Wear a mask when you step outside. A mask would be able to garner protection even when others around you do not wear one. -Carry a sanitizer with you whenever you step out. -Minimize exposure if you are at risk -Check your symptoms, get timely help to manage your condition in a better way. It should be noted that just as COVID measures were a...

What Is Nail Fungus? - U.S. News & World Report

[unable to retrieve full-text content] What Is Nail Fungus?    U.S. News & World Report

Do Hemorrhoids Smell? What Might Cause an Odor and What to Do - Healthline

Image
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process. Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen blood vessels around your anus or inside your lower rectum. They form when there's too much pressure on your anus. Chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, and a family history of hemorrhoids are some factors that can contribute to their development. Hemorrhoids become more common with age. The National Institutes of Health says that about 1 in 20 Americans have them, and that number increases to about 1 in 2 in adults who are more than 50 years old. Itchiness, pain, and bleeding are common symptoms of hemorrhoids. Although it's not a typical symptom, a bad odor can be a symptom of hemorrhoids. A bad smell can also be a symptom of anal leakage, an infection, or the result of pain keeping you from cleaning your anus completely. Keep reading to learn what causes hemorrhoids to smell and how you c...

15-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine Shows Promise in Infants - Medscape

Image
Last week Merck announced topline results from a phase 3 pivotal trial in which a four-dose regimen of the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Vaxneuvance (PCV15) met key immunogenicity and safety endpoints for healthy infants aged 2 to 15 months. The announcement of the study findings follows a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) win for Vaxneuvance. In July, the 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine was approved for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults. Despite the positive impact pneumococcal conjugate vaccination has for pediatric patients, globally, pneumococcal disease continues to cause serious illness and death among children younger than 5 years. Currently, pneumococcal vaccines for children cover up to 13 pneumococcal serotypes; Vaxneuvance expands coverage to serotypes 22F and 33F. "Our goal is to expand vaccine coverage to new serotypes not targeted by currently available pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccines while...