Influenza: Symptoms, Risks, and How to Protect Yourself During Flu Season

Influenza: Symptoms, Risks, and How to Protect Yourself During Flu Season

by | Sep 9, 2024 | Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads quickly, especially during flu season, which typically peaks in late autumn and early winter. While most cases of influenza are mild, some can lead to serious health complications, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Symptoms of Influenza

Influenza symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever: Often high, but not everyone with flu experiences a fever.
  • Cough or sore throat: A persistent dry cough is typical.
  • Runny or stuffy nose: Accompanied by sneezing or nasal congestion.
  • Body aches and chills: Muscle pains and chills are common indicators.
  • Fatigue: Flu-related fatigue can be severe, lasting for weeks.
  • Headache: A frequent but sometimes overlooked symptom.
  • Diarrhea and vomiting: More common in children but can occur in adults.

Complications of Influenza

While many people recover from the flu within a week or two, certain individuals are at higher risk of developing severe complications, such as:

  • Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can be life-threatening.
  • Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
  • Heart attack or stroke: Influenza can exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
  • Sepsis: A potentially life-threatening response to infection that can lead to multiple organ failure.

High-Risk Groups for Influenza Complications

Certain populations are more vulnerable to flu-related complications, including:

  • Children under 5 years: Their developing immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.
  • Adults aged 65 years and over: The elderly are at higher risk due to weaker immune systems.
  • Pregnant women: The immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy, making the body more susceptible to infections.
  • People with pre-existing conditions: Individuals with heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are at increased risk of flu complications.
  • People with weakened immune systems: This includes those undergoing cancer 

treatments, organ transplant recipients, or people living with chronic illnesses.

Preventing Influenza

The most effective way to prevent influenza is through annual vaccination, which is updated to combat the most common strains. Other preventive measures include:

  • Frequent hand washing: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Especially important for high-risk groups.
  • Disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you’re experiencing symptoms of influenza and belong to a high-risk group or have worsening symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Early intervention can prevent complications and speed up recovery. 

Feeling under the weather? Visit Dr. MV Rao for expert care and a personalized treatment plan to help you recover quickly and safely from the flu.

Understanding Viral Hepatitis

Understanding Viral Hepatitis

by | Aug 28, 2024 | Uncategorized, Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis is essentially liver swelling or inflammation of the liver in reaction to a kind of irritation or injury, and it can be painful. While there are many causes of hepatitis, “6000 people are newly infected with viral hepatitis each day” according to the World Health Organization. There are two types of viral hepatitis: acute, which lasts less than six months, and chronic, which lasts more than six months. Hepatitis viruses can transfer from person to person. Sexual contact can spread some viral hepatitis strains. Avoiding risky behaviors including sharing needles, having unprotected sex, and consuming significant amounts of alcohol may reduce your risk of contracting hepatitis. 

Different Types of Hepatitis:

There are 5 types of hepatitis viruses known, categorized as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and  Hepatitis E. 

  • Hepatitis A

The most common ways to contract hepatitis A are through contaminated water or food or by coming into close contact with an infected person or object. Treatment for mild cases of hepatitis A is not necessary. The majority of infected individuals fully recover and experience no long-term liver impairment.

  • Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be transmitted by body fluids such as blood or semen. Coughing and sneezing do not transfer the virus. Hepatitis B is acute or doesn’t last longer than six months, for a large number of individuals. Acute infections can be controlled with rest, lots of fluids, and infection monitoring; they may not require medical attention. However, if hepatitis B persists for longer than six months, it may become chronic for some individuals. A chronic infection can remain untreated until severe liver disease symptoms present.

  • Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C results in inflammation or swelling of the liver. Liver damage from hepatitis C can be quite severe. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted by coming into contact with the infected person’s blood. Most patients with a continuous hepatitis C infection, often known as a chronic infection, respond well to therapy with more recent antiviral medications. These drugs usually treat chronic hepatitis C.

  • Hepatitis D

Only those with a history of hepatitis B infection can develop hepatitis D. You will be immune to the hepatitis D virus if you have had the hepatitis B vaccination.

  • Hepatitis E

Eating or drinking of contaminated water or food can transmit this particular strain of hepatitis. Globally, hepatitis E is a prevalent infection. Vaccines do exist, but they are not accessible everywhere.

Medical professionals may fail to recognize the virus that causes hepatitis as one from the above list. Aside from HSV, EBV, and CMV, other viruses can also cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis A & E- What are they & their Symptoms?

Hepatitis A accounts for 20% to 25% of hepatitis cases in developed countries, and is usually transmitted through:

  • The fecal-oral route
  • If an infected person neglected to thoroughly wash their hands after using their bathroom. 
  • Eating shellfish that has been collected from polluted water.

The infected person is contagious for two to six weeks during incubation. is another way to contract hepatitis A. Hepatitis A outbreaks are common in developing nations and are brought on by ingesting water polluted with raw sewage. Patients with hepatitis A have a great prognosis, a self-limiting course, and full recovery. The majority of hepatitis A patients (around 85%) recover in three months, and nearly all do so in six. 

Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E is more common in Asia and Africa and is also known as enteric hepatitis (enteric meaning related to the intestines). It can also spread via the fecal-oral pathway. Although it is more serious in pregnant women and can lead to fetal challenges, it is usually not fatal. The majority of hepatitis E patients fully recover.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A & E:

  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Rash
  • Swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice
  • Irritated skin lesions

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Hepatitis?

There are several ways in which you can protect yourself from Hepatitis:

  • Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B strains
  • Use protection during coitus
  • Avoid sharing needles
  • Practice good personal hygiene
  • Avoid using an infected person’s items
  • Take precautions when traveling to poorly sanitized areas
  • Drink bottled water when traveling. 

If you engage in risky behaviors, you must take these precautions. Also take preventive measures if you work in environments where you have prolonged contact with people and a chance of contracting the disease, such as restaurants, nursing homes, dorms, or daycare centers.

In case you have recently traveled to a hepatitis-prone country, or unknowingly indulged in unhygienic practices, and you think you might have the symptoms indicative of hepatitis, or even a little yellowing of your eyes accompanied by fever, book a consultation with a physician at the earliest, and get a professional diagnosis urgently. 

Asthma – Symptoms and Triggers

Asthma – Symptoms and Triggers

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Asthma

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from the chronic respiratory disease known as asthma. It is characterized by airway restriction and inflammation, which can cause breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Asthma sufferers can lead active, satisfying lives even though there is no known treatment for the condition. Proper management and knowledge of symptoms and triggers can help.

Some symptoms include:

  • Wheezing is the sound of whistling or squeaking that occurs during breathing, particularly during exhalation.
  • A chronic, dry cough that is usually worse at night or in the morning.
  • A sensation of pressure or constriction in your chest is known as chest tightness.
  • Breathlessness is often caused by difficulty breathing.

Some triggers to keep an eye out for:

  • Mold, pollen, dust mites, cat dander, and other airborne allergens can cause asthma episodes.
  • Irritants include air pollution, tobacco (including secondhand smoke), harsh scents, and chilly air.
  • Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are two examples of pharmaceuticals that can cause asthma attacks in certain individuals.
  • Although a typical trigger for exercise-induced asthma (EIA), most asthmatics are still able to enjoy physical activity with the right medication and a warm-up regimen.
  • Anxiety and emotional stress can occasionally exacerbate asthma symptoms.
  • Gastritis (GERD), or stomach acid reflux, can occasionally irritate the airways and precipitate symptoms of asthma.

Asthma shouldn’t hold you back. With proper care and rest, you can tackle your asthma and lead a fulfilling life. 

What is Malaria?

What is Malaria?

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Seasonal Diseases

Malaria is a deadly disease transmitted by a mosquito infested with microscopic parasites. When the insect bites, it injects malaria parasites into your circulation. Malaria is caused by parasites rather than a virus or bacteria. Malaria, if not treated, can cause severe health issues such as seizures, brain damage, difficulty breathing, organ failure, and death. 

Malaria occurs all across the world, but is more common in developing countries and locations with warm temperatures and high humidity, such as:
  • Africa.
  • Central and southern America.
  • Dominican Republic, Haiti, and other Caribbean islands.
  • Eastern Europe.
  • South and Southeast Asia.
  • Islands in the Central and South Pacific Ocean.

What are the symptoms of Malaria?

Malaria symptoms are similar to flu symptoms. They include the following:
  • Fever and sweating.
  • Chills that shake your whole body.
  • Headache and muscle aches.
  • Fatigue.
  • Chest pain, breathing problems and cough.
  • Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
  • As malaria gets worse, it can cause anemia and jaundice.

Malaria symptoms often occur 10 days to one month after the person is infected. Symptoms may be minimal, depending on the parasite. Some people do not feel sick for up to a year following a mosquito bite. Parasites can sometimes stay in the body for years without creating symptoms. Some kinds of malaria, depending on the parasite, can recur. The parasites remain inactive in your liver before being discharged into your bloodstream years later. When the parasites resume their circulation, the symptoms return.

What really causes malaria?

When a mosquito bites someone with malaria, the mosquito becomes infected. When a mosquito bites another person, it transmits a parasite into their circulation. There, the parasites multiply. Humans can be infected with five different forms of malaria parasites.

In rare situations, pregnant women with malaria might transmit the disease to their infants before or during birth. Malaria can be transmitted by blood transfusions, organ donations, and hypodermic needles, however this is extremely unusual. 

How is malaria diagnosed?

Your health care practitioner will evaluate you and inquire about your symptoms and travel histories. Your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a lab to determine whether you have malaria parasites. The blood test will inform your doctor whether you have malaria and which sort of parasite is causing your symptoms. This information will be used by your provider to decide the best course of therapy.

Can Malaria Be Prevented?

Medications can significantly minimize the odds of contracting malaria. You should also take care to prevent mosquito bites. To decrease your risks of contracting malaria, you should:
  • Apply mosquito repellent with DEET to any exposed skin.
  • Drape mosquito net over the mattresses.
  • Install screens on windows and doors.
  • Permethrin is an insect repellent that can be applied to clothing, mosquito nets, tents, sleeping bags, and other materials.
  • To keep your skin covered, wear long pants and sleeves. 

Malaria, a severe parasite disease caused by mosquitos, is common in warm, humid climates. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and exhaustion may emerge 10 days to a month after infection. Early detection and treatment are critical for avoiding consequences like seizures and organ failure. While medication can dramatically lower infection risk, preventative measures such as insect repellents and bed nets are critical. Remember that malaria is treatable, but taking preemptive measures is essential for remaining safe.

 Dengue 101: A Beginner’s Guide

 Dengue 101: A Beginner’s Guide

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Seasonal Diseases, Viral Diseases

Dengue fever is a sickness caused by the bite of a mosquito carrying one of four varieties of dengue virus (DENV) – DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3, or DEN 4 – that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The virus is most typically found in tropical and subtropical areas such as Central and South America, Africa, sections of Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Mild dengue fever results in a high fever and flu-like symptoms. The severe type of dengue fever, commonly known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can result in severe bleeding, an abrupt decline in blood pressure (shock), and death. Dengue fever is not communicable from person to person, except when transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child. 

Dengue fever is most prevalent in Central and South America, Africa, sections of Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Research suggests that about 400 million people get infected with dengue each year, yet most (about 80%) exhibit no symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of Dengue fever to look out for? 

The majority of dengue infections are symptomless. If you experience any symptoms, a high fever (104°F/40°C) is usual, as well as:

  • Rash.
  • Severe pain behind your eyes.
  • Vomiting or nausea.
  • Joint, bone, and muscle aches.

The symptoms of dengue fever can linger for three to seven days and begin four to ten days after a mosquito bite. 

What causes Dengue fever?

Of the four dengue viruses, one is responsible for dengue fever. The dengue virus can enter your bloodstream and replicate when you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. Blood clot-forming components and blood vessel structure can be destroyed by the virus. This, along with some chemicals produced by your immune system can cause blood to flow out of your vessels and cause internal bleeding. This results in the potentially fatal symptoms of severe dengue. 

What is Dengue Hemorrhagic fever?

Severe dengue or Dengue Hemorrhagic fever is the potentially fatal escalation of dengue fever symptoms. Severe dengue warning signals typically appear 24 to 48 hours after the fever has subsided.

It is a potentially lethal medical emergency. If you have dengue or reside in a dengue-prone area, get help as soon as possible if you encounter any of the following symptoms:
  • Abdominal or stomach ache.
  • Throwing up often.
  • Vomiting blood or getting blood in your stool.
  • Bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
  • Excessive exhaustion, agitation, restlessness or irritation. 

How is Dengue fever diagnosed?

Blood testing is used to diagnose dengue fever. To check for dengue virus symptoms, your healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein and send it to a lab. In addition, it can reveal which of the four versions you have. A blood test might be used by your medical expert to search for additional infections that may be causing your symptoms.

How is Dengue fever treated?

Dengue fever cannot be treated with medication. Symptom management is the sole treatment available for dengue fever. Pay attention to the advice given by your healthcare provider, which may include:
  • Consuming an adequate amount of water and other liquids to stay hydrated.
  • Resting as much as you can.
  • Solely using acetaminophen to treat pain.
  • Take no aspirin or ibuprofen. Your risk of potentially fatal internal bleeding may rise as a result. 

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can range in severity from mild to fatal. A high fever and flu-like symptoms are typical, however most people don’t feel anything. Severe dengue hemorrhagic fever can cause shock and internal bleeding. It’s critical to identify warning indicators early on, such as intense stomach pain or recurrent vomiting. While there isn’t a known treatment, symptoms can be managed with the use of appropriate pain medicines like acetaminophen, lots of rest, and staying hydrated. As soon as possible, seek medical advice from a physician if you suspect dengue.