Friday, November 26, 2010
What are the recommendations for a flu shot this year?
The flu unlike the common cold can make anyone sick. You are liable to miss work for a week and feel like crap. Other symptoms of flu include a sore throat, severe body aches, fever and cough. In some people, these symptoms may last at least 5-10 days. Therefore, this year, it is highly recommended that everyone get the flu vaccine.
This year’s new vaccine will include the H1N1 strain and the latest strains of flu viruses in circulation. For those people who hate needles there is the option of the nasal mist. However, the nasal mist works best in children and does not provide the same degree of immunity in adults. Moreover the nasal mist is also many time more expensive than the flu shot.
Therefore, for $10-$15, you can now get a flu shot, that might hurt a little, but will most likely you save you many days of illness. Most insurance companies will cover the cost, or have relatively low co-pay ($5-$15, depending on your policy). Medicare covers the flu-shot for retirees and geriatric patients, and the VA covers the cost for most veterans. A number of employers, including most major medical centers, offer the flu-shot for free to their employees.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Does a face mask protect from swine flu?
We have become a very paranoid society and feel that by covering our eyes, nose and mouth, micro-organisms cannot enter the body. During the swine flu epidemic, thousands of people were wondering on the streets wearing face masks and looking like zombies. To date, there is no evidence that face mask can protect you from swine flu.
The majority of studies on usefulness of masks are from hospitals. Health care workers generally wear face masks when dealing with infectious disorders but they also wear disposable gowns, gloves and wash hands (at least some do).
During the SARS outbreak in China in 2003, there were some studies done which showed that face masks when combined with other protective clothing did protect against the virus. However, this study was only hospital based and did not look at the general population.
In a few studies done on household members and prevention of seasonal flu, the use of face masks combined with hand washing did not reveal any significant differences. The studies showed that the virus was prevented only when combined with regular hand washing and if the mask was worn within 36 hours of acquiring the symptoms. Unfortunately in our society, the majority of people do not even wash their hands after pooping. It is very unlikely that these individuals will ever wash their hands on a regular basis.
The majority of facial masks prevent organisms from leaving your body and do not hinder organisms from getting into the nasal passage and lung. Moreover, the masks have to be changed every 60-120 minutes to retain their effectiveness because the mask pores get wet and clogged from hot breath.
So if you want to prevent swine or seasonal flu, get a carton of masks and make sure everyone in the home wears them. Finally, the masks have to be disposed off carefully to avoid infecting others.
In general masks are only useful if you have been diagnosed with swine flu and want to avoid passing it on to others or if you are caring for an individual at home with swine flu.
The majority of studies on usefulness of masks are from hospitals. Health care workers generally wear face masks when dealing with infectious disorders but they also wear disposable gowns, gloves and wash hands (at least some do).
During the SARS outbreak in China in 2003, there were some studies done which showed that face masks when combined with other protective clothing did protect against the virus. However, this study was only hospital based and did not look at the general population.
In a few studies done on household members and prevention of seasonal flu, the use of face masks combined with hand washing did not reveal any significant differences. The studies showed that the virus was prevented only when combined with regular hand washing and if the mask was worn within 36 hours of acquiring the symptoms. Unfortunately in our society, the majority of people do not even wash their hands after pooping. It is very unlikely that these individuals will ever wash their hands on a regular basis.
The majority of facial masks prevent organisms from leaving your body and do not hinder organisms from getting into the nasal passage and lung. Moreover, the masks have to be changed every 60-120 minutes to retain their effectiveness because the mask pores get wet and clogged from hot breath.
So if you want to prevent swine or seasonal flu, get a carton of masks and make sure everyone in the home wears them. Finally, the masks have to be disposed off carefully to avoid infecting others.
In general masks are only useful if you have been diagnosed with swine flu and want to avoid passing it on to others or if you are caring for an individual at home with swine flu.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
What basic treatments work to prevent swine flu?
Washing hands is the key to prevention of not only swine flu but many other infectious disorders. It really does not matter what type of soap is used as long as the hands are washed on a regular basis. Even though hundreds of anti septic and alcohol solutions are sold for hand washing, these are really not need. Many studies exist which show that simple soap and water are just as effective as any alcohol based solution.
Hand washing is highly recommended for individuals who work with children since children frequently acquire viruses and develop the common cold. Hand washing can prevent transmission of viral infections from children to adults,
How many times to wash the hands again is a big question. There are some who say wash the hands 10 times a day and others who say wash the hands 4 times a day. In general; wash hands any time you touch inanimate objects or use the toilet, before and after eating and in the work place. It is known that the majority of people never wash hands after using the bathroom. These are the same people who then complain about bad doctors and poor health care.
Remember hand washing is not 100 percent guarantee that you will not develop swine flu but it does reduce your chances of acquiring the infection. It is widely recommended that if all people practiced some type of basic hygiene precautions, then fewer people will be infected with swine flu or the common cold virus.
Hand washing is highly recommended for individuals who work with children since children frequently acquire viruses and develop the common cold. Hand washing can prevent transmission of viral infections from children to adults,
How many times to wash the hands again is a big question. There are some who say wash the hands 10 times a day and others who say wash the hands 4 times a day. In general; wash hands any time you touch inanimate objects or use the toilet, before and after eating and in the work place. It is known that the majority of people never wash hands after using the bathroom. These are the same people who then complain about bad doctors and poor health care.
Remember hand washing is not 100 percent guarantee that you will not develop swine flu but it does reduce your chances of acquiring the infection. It is widely recommended that if all people practiced some type of basic hygiene precautions, then fewer people will be infected with swine flu or the common cold virus.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Swine flu vaccine
The swine flu vaccine was recently developed to help protect the public against swine flu. There is pandemonium about the swine flu vaccine and everyone is rushing to get it. The question is does it work?
There are several brands of the swine flu vaccine on the market but by and large they all work in the same way- increase the body’s immunity to the virus
Up until now pregnant women, the elderly and young children were first offered the vaccine as they appeared to be at a higher risk for developing complications from the virus infection. This vaccine is not meant to be a replacement for the seasonal flu vaccine and some people may need both vaccines.
Some versions the flu vaccine have to be administered twice 2-3 weeks apart but now there is evidence that a single shot of the vaccine may be enough to boost immunity
Experts say that the swine flu vaccine can reduce an individual’s chance of acquiring swine flu by 50-70 percent. While most people do develop antibodies after the vaccine, there are still some people who do get infected by the virus.
Vaccination is not a guarantee that you will be 100 % protected from the virus.
So far the vaccine has been deemed to be safe and the only side effects are burning at the injection site and mild pain. So far no major side effects have been reported after the swine flu vaccine. A few deaths have been reported but it is not known if this was from the swine flu infection or a component of the vaccine.
Beside the local side effects at the site of injection, there have been reports of headaches, swollen glands, fever and joint pain. However, all these effects are temporary and resolve in a few days
Individual who are allergic to eggs should not get the swine flu vaccine. For these individuals there is another brand of the swine flu vaccine made without the use of eggs.
There was concern that the swine flu vaccine may be a cause of temporary paralysis but experts feel that this side effect may be directly related to the infection and not the vaccine.
There are several brands of the swine flu vaccine on the market but by and large they all work in the same way- increase the body’s immunity to the virus
Up until now pregnant women, the elderly and young children were first offered the vaccine as they appeared to be at a higher risk for developing complications from the virus infection. This vaccine is not meant to be a replacement for the seasonal flu vaccine and some people may need both vaccines.
Some versions the flu vaccine have to be administered twice 2-3 weeks apart but now there is evidence that a single shot of the vaccine may be enough to boost immunity
Experts say that the swine flu vaccine can reduce an individual’s chance of acquiring swine flu by 50-70 percent. While most people do develop antibodies after the vaccine, there are still some people who do get infected by the virus.
Vaccination is not a guarantee that you will be 100 % protected from the virus.
So far the vaccine has been deemed to be safe and the only side effects are burning at the injection site and mild pain. So far no major side effects have been reported after the swine flu vaccine. A few deaths have been reported but it is not known if this was from the swine flu infection or a component of the vaccine.
Beside the local side effects at the site of injection, there have been reports of headaches, swollen glands, fever and joint pain. However, all these effects are temporary and resolve in a few days
Individual who are allergic to eggs should not get the swine flu vaccine. For these individuals there is another brand of the swine flu vaccine made without the use of eggs.
There was concern that the swine flu vaccine may be a cause of temporary paralysis but experts feel that this side effect may be directly related to the infection and not the vaccine.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The new Mediterranean Diet Pyramid: Part 3
However, old habits die hard and in North America and the Mediterranean diet has not exactly been a hit.
The diet ingredients can be monotonous and quickly lead to boredom. Consumers should know that the Mediterranean diet is not the panacea to good health.
A simple walk into any one of the Mediterranean countries will reveal the truth- obesity and diabetes are also rampant in the people who have stuck to this diet for decades.
There is no one diet which is great or health. Almost any diet in moderation is fine. Good health is based on many principles including a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking, great genes and a lot of good luck.
The diet ingredients can be monotonous and quickly lead to boredom. Consumers should know that the Mediterranean diet is not the panacea to good health.
A simple walk into any one of the Mediterranean countries will reveal the truth- obesity and diabetes are also rampant in the people who have stuck to this diet for decades.
There is no one diet which is great or health. Almost any diet in moderation is fine. Good health is based on many principles including a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking, great genes and a lot of good luck.
The new Mediterranean Diet Pyramid: Part 2
The Mediterranean pyramid also encourages
- Regular exercise
- Enjoying meals with others which allows for
foods to be enjoyed more and creates a healthy
appreciation of life
- Eating low amount of processed foods but adding
more plant foods, fresh vegetables and whole grains
- Using olive oil in moderation for all cooking
and salad dressing
- If you are going to eat dairy products- go for
the low fat varieties
- If you are going to eat meat, choose poultry instead
of lean meat. Limit lean meat to only a few times a month or less
Over the past 18 years since the Mediterranean diet was first introduced, a lot of clinical research has been down to reveal the health benefits of such a diet. Further, some restaurants have even based their menus on this style of cooking.
- Regular exercise
- Enjoying meals with others which allows for
foods to be enjoyed more and creates a healthy
appreciation of life
- Eating low amount of processed foods but adding
more plant foods, fresh vegetables and whole grains
- Using olive oil in moderation for all cooking
and salad dressing
- If you are going to eat dairy products- go for
the low fat varieties
- If you are going to eat meat, choose poultry instead
of lean meat. Limit lean meat to only a few times a month or less
Over the past 18 years since the Mediterranean diet was first introduced, a lot of clinical research has been down to reveal the health benefits of such a diet. Further, some restaurants have even based their menus on this style of cooking.
The new Mediterranean Diet Pyramid: Part 1
For decades everyone has been talking about the Mediterranean diet and how great it is. Most people have tried it – some like it, others have adapted to it and most did not really care.
Now there is a new Mediterranean diet pyramid. Just what is this and why the change?
Well the new change is now in the form of a pyramid indicating what forms the majority of our diet. All the plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, olive oil and whole grains form the base of the pyramid.
With the growth of the health supplement industry, now herbs have been added to the pyramid. The herbs are primarily added as flavoring agents and may lessen the need for salt or fat to the cooking.
On the narrow part of the pyramid, one can add fish and sea foods. It is recommended that one eat such foods at least twice a week or more because of the presence of omega 3 fatty acids………………..
Now there is a new Mediterranean diet pyramid. Just what is this and why the change?
Well the new change is now in the form of a pyramid indicating what forms the majority of our diet. All the plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, olive oil and whole grains form the base of the pyramid.
With the growth of the health supplement industry, now herbs have been added to the pyramid. The herbs are primarily added as flavoring agents and may lessen the need for salt or fat to the cooking.
On the narrow part of the pyramid, one can add fish and sea foods. It is recommended that one eat such foods at least twice a week or more because of the presence of omega 3 fatty acids………………..
Friday, January 22, 2010
Everything about Tamiflu: Part 3
Is Tamiflu safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Tamiflu appears to be safe for pregnant women and those who are breast feeding. Experts believe that the consequence of not treating Swine flu in pregnant women are more dangerous that the drug. It is far safer to take Tamiflu flu.
So far pregnant women who have taken Tamiflu and given birth have shown no harmful effects of the drug. Women are advised to continue with breast feeding while taking Tamiflu because it has been shown that only tiny amount of the drug does get into breast milk.
There are some experts who recommend that pregnant women should take the alternative drug, zanamivir, which comes as a nasal spray and goes directly to the lung and not to the rest of the body. It is less likely to go to the baby.
Tamiflu appears to be safe for pregnant women and those who are breast feeding. Experts believe that the consequence of not treating Swine flu in pregnant women are more dangerous that the drug. It is far safer to take Tamiflu flu.
So far pregnant women who have taken Tamiflu and given birth have shown no harmful effects of the drug. Women are advised to continue with breast feeding while taking Tamiflu because it has been shown that only tiny amount of the drug does get into breast milk.
There are some experts who recommend that pregnant women should take the alternative drug, zanamivir, which comes as a nasal spray and goes directly to the lung and not to the rest of the body. It is less likely to go to the baby.
Everything about Tamiflu: Part 2
All consumers should understand that Tamiflu is not a cure for swine flu. It does reduce symptoms of the illness and duration of illness. When taken within the first 48 hours, some people tend to recover a lot faster when taking Tamiflu. Finally, one is less likely to develop complications of bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections when taking Tamiflu.
There are suggestions that Tamiflu can help reduce complications of swine flu but there is no real hard evidence to show that as of yet.
In general Tamiflu is safe. It does have a few side effects of which the most common are nausea and vomiting.
Rare complications reported from Europe where the drug has been extensively used indicate that Tamiflu can also cause seizures, mood alterations, confusion and loss of concentration. One school report indicated that children given Tamiflu at the outbreak resulted in nearly 50 percent developing side effects ranging from nausea, stomach cramps and difficulty sleeping.
There are suggestions that Tamiflu can help reduce complications of swine flu but there is no real hard evidence to show that as of yet.
In general Tamiflu is safe. It does have a few side effects of which the most common are nausea and vomiting.
Rare complications reported from Europe where the drug has been extensively used indicate that Tamiflu can also cause seizures, mood alterations, confusion and loss of concentration. One school report indicated that children given Tamiflu at the outbreak resulted in nearly 50 percent developing side effects ranging from nausea, stomach cramps and difficulty sleeping.
Everything about Tamiflu: Part 1
What is Tamiflu?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a relatively new antiviral drug. It acts by stopping growth of the virus. Tamiflu works best when it is taken soon after symptoms of swine flu occur – within the first 48 hours. This is the time period when the virus is dividing fast. If the drug is delayed, the virus burden is quite high and the virus has most likely spread and Tamiflu does not work well.
Tamiflu is available as a capsule or liquid. It must be taken for 5 consecutive days when one develops an acute infection.
All adults and children can be treated with Tamiflu, but pregnant women and those individual with chronic kidney diseases should take the alternative anti viral drug known as Zanamir (Relenza).
To date the evidence for effectiveness of Tamiflu is nonexistent. There are not many studies are available which have studied the drug in detail. Some clinical studies show that it works very well for the common cold virus and isolated reports show that the drug is effective for most cases of swine flu when taken within the first 48 hours.
Moreover, there are ample laboratory studies which show that Tamiflu is effective against swine flu. However, there are also just as many reports indicating that the drug is not effective.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a relatively new antiviral drug. It acts by stopping growth of the virus. Tamiflu works best when it is taken soon after symptoms of swine flu occur – within the first 48 hours. This is the time period when the virus is dividing fast. If the drug is delayed, the virus burden is quite high and the virus has most likely spread and Tamiflu does not work well.
Tamiflu is available as a capsule or liquid. It must be taken for 5 consecutive days when one develops an acute infection.
All adults and children can be treated with Tamiflu, but pregnant women and those individual with chronic kidney diseases should take the alternative anti viral drug known as Zanamir (Relenza).
To date the evidence for effectiveness of Tamiflu is nonexistent. There are not many studies are available which have studied the drug in detail. Some clinical studies show that it works very well for the common cold virus and isolated reports show that the drug is effective for most cases of swine flu when taken within the first 48 hours.
Moreover, there are ample laboratory studies which show that Tamiflu is effective against swine flu. However, there are also just as many reports indicating that the drug is not effective.
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