Author

Medically Speaking Team

Uncategorized

India logs 3,157 new infections of covid

by Medically Speaking Team May 2, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

India reported 3,157 new infections in the previous 24 hours, 167 fewer than on Sunday, resulting in another drop in daily COVID-19 cases.

On Sunday, India registered 3,324 COVID-19 instances. According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of active cases in the country has risen to 19,500, accounting for 0.05 percent of all cases.

In the previous 24 hours, a total of 2,723 COVID patients recovered, bringing the overall number of recoveries since the start of the pandemic to 4,253,38,976.

The rate of recovery is 98.74%.

The daily case positive rate rose from 0.71 percent on Sunday to 1.07 percent today. The weekly optimism rate rose from 0.68 percent last Sunday to 0.70 percent this week (Monday).

The government recorded 26 COVID-related deaths in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 5,23,869.

In the previous 24 hours, a total of 2,95,588 COVID-19 tests were performed, bringing the total to 83.82 crore tests.

In terms of immunisation, 4,021,170 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were delivered throughout this time period. With this, the total number of vaccines provided as part of the countrywide immunisation campaign has risen to 1,892,23,983,347.

May 2, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

World Malaria Day 2022: History, Theme and Significance

by Medically Speaking Team April 25, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

On April 25, the world observes World Malaria Day to raise awareness about malaria control and eradication. It is a disease that may be avoided and treated. The topic for this year is “Utilize innovation to minimise the malaria illness load and save lives.” On this day, learn about malaria, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, vaccine, and malaria-free nations, including Indian states.

According to the WHO, there will be 241 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2020, with an estimated 627,000 deaths. In addition, the WHO African Region was home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths in 2020. Children under the age of five accounted for around 80% of all malaria deaths in the region.

What is Malaria:

As per WHO, Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat.

Symptoms of Malaria:

– Chills

– Fever

– Headache

– Feeling of discomfort generally

– Nausea and Vomiting

– Diarrohea

– Abdominal Pain

– Muscle or joint pain

– Fatigue

– Rapid breathing

– Rapid heart rate

-Cough

World Malaria Day 2022: Prevention

Certain measures are listed below to avoid mosquito bites:

– Cover skin, by wearing pants, long-sleeved shirts, etc.

– Apply insect repellent to the skin. It should be registered with the Environment Protection Agency on any exposed skin.

– Also, apply repellent to clothing.

– Use bed nets or sleep under a net.

WHO recommends the broad use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission since October 2021. The medicine showed a significant reduction in cases of malaria and deadly severe malaria among children.

April 25, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

Over 17 lakh people contracted HIV in India in last 10 years, RTI replies

by Medically Speaking Team April 25, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

HIV in India in the last 10 years

According to statistics released by the National AIDS Control Organization in response to an RTI request, over 17 lakh people in the nation caught HIV in the previous ten years as a result of unprotected intercourse.

However, in the last ten years, the number of people developing HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has decreased dramatically. HIV transmission through unprotected intercourse was detected in 2.4 million people in 2011–12, but this figure is expected to drop to 85,268 in 2020–21.

In response to the RTI query filed by Madhya Pradesh-based activist Chandra Shekhar Gaur, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) stated that 17,08,777 people contracted HIV by unprotected sex between 2011-2021 in India.

Among the states, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest number of such cases of HIV transmission at 3,18,814 followed by Maharashtra at 2,84,577, Karnataka at 2,12,982, Tamil Nadu at 1,16,536, Uttar Pradesh at 1,10,911 and Gujarat at 87,440 cases.

Also, 15,782 people contracted HIV by transmission through blood and blood products from 2011-12 to 2020-21, and 4,423 contracted the disease by mother to child transmission according to 18 month antibody testing data.

According to the data, there has been a continuous drop in HIV transmission cases across all states and union territories.

As of 2020, the country has 23,18,737 HIV-positive people, including 81,430 children.

The counsellor captured the information on HIV transmission mechanisms from the responses given by HIV positive patients during pre-test and post-test counselling. Hence, the data is self-reported, according to the RTI application.

HIV wreaks havoc on the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), AIDS can develop.

Contact with contaminated blood, sperm, or vaginal secretions can spread the virus.

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and exhaustion can arise within a few weeks following HIV infection.

The condition is therefore typically asymptomatic until it advances to AIDS. Weight loss, fever or night sweats, weariness, and repeated infections are among signs of AIDS.

There is no effective cure for HIV. It is, however, treatable with adequate medical attention.

According to Satish Koul, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, the HIV situation in India has stabilised over the previous decade.

“India has a very good network of NACO, a Government of India organisation, which is responsible for managing HIV patients right from his/her diagnosis.

With easy availability of Highly Active Anti Retroviral Treatment (HAART), the prognosis of HIV patients has improved over the last two decades. In fact since the year 2000, the prevalence of HIV infected patients is on a declining trend,” he told PTI.

On the declining trend in the transmission cases of HIV, Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka said due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, HIV detection has been low in the country for the past two years.

“Now that Covid has passed us by, the number of HIV patients is likely to rise. If a person tests positive for HIV, he should begin antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible,” he added.

Also read: INDIA HAS RECORDED 3,451 NEW COVID CASES AND 40 DEATHS IN LAST 24 HOURS

April 25, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

Covid Case Update: India logs 2,451 new cases, 54 deaths

by Medically Speaking Team April 22, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

COVID-19 cases in India continue to grow, with the country reporting 2,451 new cases (71 more than yesterday) and 54 deaths on Friday.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said today that the country’s overall caseload has risen to 4,30,52,425 as a result of this single-day increase.

On Thursday, Delhi registered 965 COVID-19 cases, Uttar Pradesh recorded 205 cases, Maharashtra recorded 91 cases, and the remaining cases were reported by other states. As of Thursday, India had reported 2,380 cases of COVID-19, including 56 deaths.

The country’s active caseload is now 14,241, accounting for 0.03 percent of all cases.

A single day rise of 54 fatalities today pushed India’s death toll to 5,22,116. Of the 54 fatalities, 48 were reported in Kerala on Thursday.

As a sign of relief, the ministry data said that as many as 1,589 recoveries were logged in the last 24 hours increases thereby taking the total recoveries from this virus to 4,25,16,068. The recovery rate currently is at 98.75 per cent, 0.01 per cent lower than yesterday.

With these details, the ministry data added that the daily positivity rate is at 0.55 per cent. This is because 83.38 crore total tests have been conducted so far to detect the presence of the Coronavirus in individuals of which 4,48,939 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

On the front of India’s nationwide vaccination drive, as many as 187.26 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far.

Also read: STUDY SUGGESTED, AUTISM SELF-AWARENESS FROM YOUNG AGE MAY LEAD TO HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE

April 22, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

As Omicron is milder than other elements, top scientists believe that school closures are not necessary

by Medically Speaking Team April 21, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

With mounting worries about student safety and the possibility of a fourth wave due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, the top scientist highlighted that the Omicron is milder than other types and that closing schools would be unnecessary.

“The nation’s future is dependent on the education we offer for youngsters.” It would be unreasonable to close schools because Omicron is milder than the other COVID-19 types, “Dr. R. Gangakhedkar, former Chief Scientist of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told ANI. “I don’t think we should close the schools right now.” We must keep in mind that the Omicron variation is rather moderate in comparison to the other varieties.

So essentially, the closure of schools is not right. When there is very little risk of hospitalisation or the emergence of a similar COVID surge, perhaps the closure of schools would be unjustified because their future depends on education. The nation depends on the education that we provide to children. “I don’t find any reason why we should close schools now,” the former head scientist of epidemiology and communicable disease at ICMR added.

Speaking on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) methodology of claiming 4 million COVID deaths in India, Dr. Gangakhedkar said, “They (the Ministry) are right. Actually, I do not know what methodology they have adopted.

That is something I have not experienced. If the Ministry has stated that the procedures are most likely different, I would always believe that they are correct because there is no reason why we should have a different approach than the rest of the world that we couldn’t implement, which is possibly problematic. “

Since the beginning of April, India has seen an increase in COVID instances on a daily basis. On Monday, though, the country saw an almost 90% increase with 2,183 cases.

April 21, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

Scientists assuage concern of fresh Covid outbreak, stating that instances are increasing but focusing on hospital admissions

by Medically Speaking Team April 21, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

Though COVID instances are increasing in Delhi and its satellite cities, the focus should be on hospital admissions that have stayed stable or have changed very little, according to various scientists, emphasising that the increase is not indicative of a fourth wave throughout the country at this time.

The elimination of COVID-19 limitations, including the reopening of schools for offline lessons, more socialising, and economic activity, they believe, may be causing the uptick in the national capital and its surrounding areas, as well as in some other pockets.

For more than two weeks, all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. It is the holiday period, and people are meeting and intermingling. This is also reflected in social mobility and economic activity, which are higher than in pre-pandemic periods, “physician-epidemiologist Chandrakant Lahariya told PTI while also advising caution and stressing continued surveillance.”

“Merely counting cases has no meaning,” he said. “Though cases are rising in Delhi, hospital admissions remain unchanged or marginally changed,” he said.

Given the epidemiological and scientific evidence, the current rise in cases in Delhi is not the start of the fourth wave.

“SARS CoV-2 is going to stay with us for a long time, and therefore, there is not going to be any period when the new cases will be zero,” he said.

Delhi’s COVID-19 positivity rate on Monday jumped to 7.72 percent with 501 fresh cases, according to health department data. The last time the positivity rate was above seven percent in the city was on January 29 (7.4 percent) and January 28 (8.6 percent), officials said.

This is in stark contrast to India’s overall positive rate of 0.31 percent revealed on Tuesday by the Union Health Ministry, when 1,247 coronavirus infections were confirmed.

While experts don’t know why, Amita Gupta, a US-based infectious disease researcher, said that the increase in cases in Delhi and other states might be due to looser restrictions, pandemic weariness, and the virus’s increased transmissibility.

Gupta, chief of the Division of Infectious Disease and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told PTI that “we believe that, despite the enhanced transmissibility, this will not result in a significant rise in severe cases needing hospitalization.”

“It truly helps that India has done a wonderful job vaccinating its people, and now it is crucial to continue doing so and to offer booster injections to those who are eligible,” she added.

Manindra Agrawal, a modeller who has been studying India’s COVID-19 trajectory since the outbreak began, agreed.

According to Agrawal, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, to PTI, “Increased social mobility, reduced guard, and elimination of mask mandates are likely factors for the increase in COVID cases.”

For the time being, there is also no hint of a fourth wave. “That will require the emergence of a new mutant,” Agrawal continued.

Because testing rates have declined, it is unclear if the instances recorded are a real reflection of the issue, according to epidemiologist Ramanan Laxminarayan.

“Testing has decreased, and we are certainly missing cases, but given where we are in the pandemic, I would focus on hospitalizations rather than caseloads,” Laxminarayan, head of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy in Washington and New Delhi, told PTI.

There is a global upswing of cases, and we can expect more synchrony in COVID cases internationally now that travel obstacles between nations have been reduced.

“The BA.2 subvariant of Omicron appears to be more capable of evading immunity to produce infections but is also less fatal, probably due to past infection and vaccine immunity,” he added.

Scientists also warned against becoming complacent.

For example, Lahariya, for example, stated that the globe is still recovering from the epidemic and that it is difficult to anticipate when new variations may arise and how they will behave.

“We should maintain tight monitoring for early identification of COVID cases using current surveillance networks in the country, and be ready to trigger suggestions to restore masking and social distancing if and when spikes emerge,” he added.

The use of masks by individuals in Delhi has decreased significantly since officials waived a Rs 500 punishment earlier this month. Experts disagree on whether this was a wise decision given the increased occurrence of illnesses.

Agrawal remarked that reintroducing mask regulations would be a positive move, but the data available at the moment is inadequate to make any predictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic’s future trajectory in the nation.

Lahariya said that, like with any respiratory virus or sickness, we should always expect a surge at regular intervals.

“The BA.2 and XE sublineages are now worldwide, and we are expected to witness further global convergence in COVID patterns as transmission across nations becomes simpler,” Laxminarayan stated.

The BA.2 subvariant of the coronavirus has caused an increase in COVID cases in various nations, including the United States, in recent weeks, but the hospitalisation rate has been modest.

According to Lahariya, comparing comparisons with other countries or drawing conclusions from global trends is illogical.

“Whatever happens in another nation has no bearing on India and bears no lessons.” The emphasis must be on making decisions based on local evidence. Every country’s situation is unique. “BA.2 or XE, a recombinant of the BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages, is unlikely to produce a significant increase in cases in India.”

“The current Omicron rise in India in January-February 2022 was caused by BA.2. We know from science that the same variety (of which XE is a sub-type) can not trigger a new wave for at least six to nine months.

The caveat is that “if a new variety is more transmissible than Omicron and has immune escape, then there is just the chance of a new wave,” he noted.

Other cities, in addition to Delhi, have observed an increase in their COVID graphs. Kerala reported a five-day increase of 940 new cases on April 18th.

The number of Covid positive cases in Haryana increased from 514 between April 5 and April 11 to 1,119 between April 12 and 18, with Gurugram and Faridabad reporting the most instances, both of which are close to Delhi.

The number of illnesses in Noida and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, increased from roughly 45 daily cases across the state at the beginning of the month to 135 cases on Monday.

Also Read: INDIA CROSSED 3000 MARK WITH FRESH COVID-19 CASES

April 21, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

2,380 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours with daily positivity rate at 0.53 pc

by Medically Speaking Team April 21, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday, with the number of new COVID infections steadily increasing, India registered 2,380 new cases in the previous 24 hours, with the case positivity rate rising to 0.53 percent.

As compared to yesterday, India recorded 313 more COVID-19 instances today. On Wednesday, the nation recorded a total of 2,067 COVID-19 instances. With this, the country’s active caseload stands at 13,433, or 0.03 percent of all cases.

In the previous 24 hours, 1,231 COVID patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries since the pandemic’s inception to 4,254, 1494, and 479. The rate of recovery is 98.76%.

According to the Ministry, 56 individuals died as a result of the infection. The country’s death toll has now reached 5,22,062.

The daily case positivity rate has risen from 0.49 percent on Wednesday to 0.53 percent today (Thursday).On Wednesday and Thursday, the weekly positive rate increased from 0.38 percent to 0.43 percent.

In the previous 24 hours, 4,491,114 COVID samples were examined. So far, 83.33 crore tests have been performed across the country.

In terms of immunisation, 15,47,288 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were delivered throughout this time period. With this, the total number of vaccines provided as part of the countrywide immunisation campaign has risen to 1,87,07,08,111.

April 21, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

Covid-19: Mask mandate revamped, ₹500 fine for violators

by Medically Speaking Team April 20, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

According to reports, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is going to re-impose the fee for not wearing face masks in public areas because to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the city.

The DDMA met on Wednesday to discuss the current COVID-19 issue. According to sources, it has been agreed to make masks mandatory and to increase the Rs 500 penalty for breaking the rule.

When the number of daily illnesses in Delhi fell about three weeks ago, the DDMA issued an order eliminating the fee for not wearing masks. It had, however, recommended people to continue using them in congested areas.
Schools will stay open, according to sources, who added that standard operating guidelines would be released following consultation with specialists.

According to insiders, DDMA officials have also asked for more testing. The daily COVID-19 infection rate has been increasing in recent days. According to yesterday’s briefing, 632 new cases were reported in Delhi. For the third day in a row, the national capital recorded more than 500 daily infections.

The optimism rating, on the other hand, fell to 4.42 percent from 7.72 percent on Monday.

April 20, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

PM Modi lays out five objectives for WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

by Medically Speaking Team April 20, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

Noting that demand for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani formulations is increasing internationally as a result of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted five priorities for the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine on Tuesday, including the use of technology to develop a traditional medicine library.

The Prime Minister remarked today, while laying the groundwork for the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, that India’s traditional medicine system is more than just therapy; it is a comprehensive science of life. The Prime Minister stated that an individual’s ultimate objective should be to achieve wellbeing, and while keeping disease-free is vital, the ultimate goal must be wellness.

He stated that there is a growing worldwide demand for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani formulations since many nations rely on traditional medicine to combat the epidemic. Yoga is also becoming increasingly popular across the world.

He stated that yoga is proven to be extremely beneficial in the battle against ailments such as diabetes, obesity, and depression. Yoga also assists people in lowering mental strain and achieving mind-body-consciousness equilibrium.

The Prime Minister established five objectives for the new centre.

First, utilising technology, GCTM can construct a database of traditional knowledge systems; second, GCTM can develop worldwide standards for testing and certification of traditional medicines, increasing trust in these treatments.

Third, the GCTM should expand into a forum where world specialists in traditional medicine may gather and exchange their knowledge. He also requested that the centre look into the potential of holding an annual traditional medicine festival.

Fourth, the GCTM should raise funds for traditional medical research and establish guidelines for the holistic treatment of certain diseases so that patients may benefit from both traditional and contemporary medicine.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the GCTM in the presence of Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus (WHO).

The GCTM will be the world’s first and only global outpost centre for traditional medicine. It will become a worldwide wellness destination on a global scale.

Prime Minister Modi stated that the World Health Organization’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine will not only provide the greatest medical answers to the world, but will also usher in a new age for traditional medicine.

Through this centre for traditional medicine, WHO has formed a new collaboration with India. “This complements and expands on the contribution and potential of conventional therapies,” he stated.

The Prime Minister is in Gujarat for three days. Earlier in the day, PM Modi dedicated to the nation a new dairy complex an potato processing plant built at a cost of over Rs. 600 crores in Diyodar, Banaskantha district.

April 20, 2022 0 comment

Uncategorized

Special AYUSH visa for foreign nationals on anvil: PM Modi

by Medically Speaking Team April 20, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

In the presence of WHO DG Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit in Gandhinagar on Wednesday, and stated that India will introduce a special AYUSH visa category for foreign nationals who want to come to the country to take advantage of traditional medicine.

To address the growing demand of foreign nationals in traditional medicine, PM Modi said, “Soon, India is going to introduce a special AYUSH visa category for foreign nationals who want to come to India to take advantage of AYUSH therapy.”

In his address, PM Modi said that the possibilities of investment and innovation in the field of AYUSH are limitless. “We are already witnessing an unprecedented boom in the production of AYUSH medicines, supplements and cosmetics,” added the Prime Minister.

“We are going to make a special AYUSH hallmark. This hallmark will be applied to the highest quality Ayush products made in India,” added PM Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that it is essential that farmers who cultivate medicinal plants have the ability to quickly connect with the market. According to him, the government is also focusing on modernising and expanding the AYUSH e-marketplace for this purpose.

“So far, this year, 14 startups have joined the unicorn club. I am confident that unicorns will soon emerge from among the AYUSH ecosystem” said PM.
Speaking about Ayush’s contribution during the COVID pandemic, PM said, “It’s the first time an investment summit is being held for the AYUSH sector. I thought of this at the time COVID19 outbreak. During this time ‘AYUSH Kada’ and other similar products have helped people boost their immunity.”

Besides the WHO DG, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were present at the ceremony.

Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he feels “privileged to come to the land of Mahatma Gandhi”.

Emphasising the areas of development, Tedros said, “Long term strategic investments and government commitment needed to support innovation, innovators. The government needs to develop traditional medicine in a sustainable way, bringing traditional medicine to market must make sure communities that gave this knowledge also benefits out of it”, added Dr Tedros.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said that it is a matter of pride for him to participate in the AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit. “According to WHO, 80 per cent of people in the world use traditional medicine. The knowledge of this medicine should not only be respected but should also be protected and promoted,” added Mauritius PM.

Speaking on the occasion, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel lauded PM Modi’s efforts in Yoga and traditional medicine. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts have made a place in the world for Yoga and for now traditional medicine. People across the world are now moving towards traditional medicine. It’s time to now move toward preventive medicine.”

April 20, 2022 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts