Clearly,Oftentimes people do not realize that our fear overwhelms us because ignorance overtakes us. Often, others -- maybe the media -- play on our fears to get our attention about a disease, but do not do a good enough job to educate and empower us.
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A man who had recently returned from Togo, an Ebola-affected country in West Africa, and shown symptoms of the virus died on Tuesday at a hospital in Faisalabad.
Speaking to Dawn, an official at Allied Hospital confirmed that the suspected Ebola patient had died early on Tuesday.
According to initial reports, 40-year-old Zulfiqar Ahmed, who hailed from Punjab’s Chiniot district, was admitted to Faislabad's Allied Hospital on Saturday with high fever.
Doctors suspected that Ahmed might have contracted the deadly Ebola virus since he returned from Togo only a week ago and was bleeding from his nose and mouth.
Speaking to Dawn, Dr Rashid Maqbool at the Allied Hospital had earlier said that the patient’s blood samples had been sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad for laboratory tests and it would take at least two weeks for the results to arrive.
Meanwhile, taking notice of the reports, the Punjab Health department had shifted the patient to the isolation ward at Allied Hospital.
Punjab Health Advisor Khawaja Salman Rafique had told DawnNews that government medical teams had reached Chiniot, where they would perform tests on Ahmed’s relatives and friends in case they also displayed similar symptoms.
World Health Organisation (WHO) teams are also expected to reach the Punjab town.
Eight women test HIV positive after only discovering lothario had virus - at his funeral
The search for victims of Daniel Decu has widened to Italy after it was revealed he spent a year there living a 'party lifestyle'
Romanian Romeo: Daniel Decu's funeral was attended by many of his lovers
Eight young women have tested HIV positive - after discovering at the funeral of a local lothario that he had been living with the virus.
The search for victims of 25-year-old Daniel Decu has now widened to Italy, after his mother admitted he had spent a year in the country apparently living a party lifestyle that left him sick when he returned to Romania. He died a year later.
The funeral of Daniel, which was attended by many of his lovers, turned into an angry shouting match when it was revealed he had been HIV positive.
It was also revealed that he'd had his first girlfriend at the age of 12, when his mother had given him a lecture on living with HIV and told him to make sure he always carried a condom with him.
He is said to have contracted the condition in a hospital as a young child.
Although he was registered as living with HIV, it only became known to the public when an autopsy was carried out and a coroner's report published.
Incredibly, it was also revealed that when a local doctor in the town of Segarcea, in south-eastern Romania's Dolj County, tried to warn people he had the disease, he was threatened with a lawsuit by the man's mother.
Doctor Cornel Stanciu, their family physician, knew that Daniel was HIV positive and tried to make his health condition public after the 24-year-old had a relationship with his daughter.
CEN
Panic: Dozens of women are awaiting test results after finding out Decu was HIV positive
But when Daniel's mother Elena Secu, 45, found out what the doctor was doing, she had threatened to sue him unless it stopped.
The doctor said: "I knew he had a lot of female friends but there was nothing I could do about it."
The mother however says that all of the women that her son had relationships with knew that he had been suffering from HIV since he was little. She said: "They all knew, I don't know why they are saying these things now."
She added: "Dani went to the psychologist to prepare himself for living with the virus, and I told him he had to use protection, I was telling it to him from the age of 12. My boy had condoms in his pocket all the time."
And she said she welcomed the investigation ordered by prosecutors.
"I want this case to be resolved, and for my boy to rest in peace in his grave. He died because of tuberculosis, not from any complications as a result of suffering from the HIV virus."
However, critics of the mother pointed out that tuberculosis was often a consequence of having the HIV virus, with around 25 percent of deaths among HIV-positive people due to TB.
She also claimed that her son had been in good health despite living with the HIV virus, and had only started to get sick after deciding to move to Italy where he lived for a year.
She said that when he came back from Italy he seemed pale and sick and that a year after that he had died.
It was not known where he lived in Italy, or if he had continued his Romeo lifestyle there as well.
Concerns: Revelations about Decu's condition caused anger in Segarcea
The eight people women who have now tested HIV positive will be added to two previously confirmed victims.
In total 40 women are known to have applied to take the test, although many more are suspected to have had the test done secretly in other counties.
Although it is impossible to take any action against the dead man, his mother and family are being investigated as well as others who knew about his condition, and said nothing.
AIDS remains the only disease specifically mentioned in a Romanian criminal law, where it says the transmission of the virus by a person who already knows he or she is infected can be punishable with a jail term of between five and 15 years.
Nicolae Popa, the mayor of Segarcea, said: "The boy's mother is to blame for the terrible situation that we now find ourselves in.
"It is only now that it has become clear that the family physician knew he was HIV positive and tried to make the situation public. When he started to do so he was threatened with a lawsuit by Daniel's mother."
But the young man's aunt Maria said: "Dani contacted the HIV virus at the Segarcea Hospital. At the time he was taken to hospital, several children were also infected.
"I know another three individuals that died, while others still live. My nephew is not guilty of anything.
"There are girls who had intimate relations with him, and the blood test came out negative so why is he to blame for those that are positive?"
When it comes to health hazards, it's all about the journey, not the destination.
Air travel is a trying ordeal at best—long lines, cramped seats, tiny bathrooms, canned air, and everyone’s favorite part: getting sick after a flight.
But are airplanes actually dangerous to your health? Let's find out.
The Tray Table
A study from 2007 found methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant bacteria, on three out of three planes tested for the "super bug." Specifically, it was found in highest concentrations on the flip-down tray table in front of each seat, with a whopping 60 percent of tray tables testing positive.
“The tray table according to our study had the highest prevalence of MRSA,” said Jonathan Sexton, research specialist at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, and lead author on the study, in an interview with Healthline. “The tray tables are not commonly cleaned and get used heavily. Travelers eat and sleep on them, which allows for bacteria and viruses to transfer to the table and get passed along to the next traveler in that seat. MRSA can be isolated from many different environments so it was not surprising to find it on the plane.”
This is a much higher rate of MRSA than in most public areas (save for hospitals). “Other studies that I have conducted found that 3 percent of personal vehicles, 3 percent of work offices, 37 percent of home offices, and 6 percent of public restrooms had MRSA,” said Sexton.
The Seat Pocket
What’s the part of the plane that everyone touches but never gets wiped down or disinfected between flights? That handy pocket on the back of the seat in front of you and its contents.
“Surfaces that are porous retain pathogens for longer periods of time—the pocket cloth, for example, or the armrest, or the leather seats."
A new study has found that two nasty bugs, MRSA and E. coli, can live for a long time in airplane environments. The researchers tested six types of materials from airplanes (armrest, plastic tray table, metal toilet button, window shade, seat pocket cloth, and leather) by spreading the germs onto each material and then putting the samples into an environmental chamber that mimicked the pressure and humidity of an airplane.
The MRSA lasted the longest on the seat-pocket material, surviving for 168 hours, while the E. colimade it 96 hours on the armrest material.
“Surfaces that are porous retain pathogens for longer periods of time,” said Kiril Vaglenov, PhD, of Auburn University and author on the study, in an interview with Healthline. “The pocket cloth, for example, or the armrest, or the leather seats. In these little pores that bacteria find, they attach and stay safe from environmental stressors, such as low humidity, UV light, or dehydration. On top of that, when you try to clean those surfaces, the bacteria are more difficult to remove than from, say, metal toilet handles.”
Bacteria aren’t the only culprits. In 2008, a flight from Boston to Los Angeles got hit with an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus characterized by causing vomiting and diarrhea. Sick passengers rushed to the bathrooms. Enough people got sick that the plane had to make an emergency landing in Chicago to get the sickest passengers to the hospital.
When the CDC followed up with passengers from the flight, they found that fliers who were seated on the aisles got sick at the highest rates. As infected passengers moved about the cabin to get to the bathrooms, they touched the seats to keep stable, spreading their germs onto surfaces that other passengers would touch.
Even when norovirus isn’t infecting an airplane, the bathrooms are still disease central. Each toilet is shared among dozens of people, increasing the spread of infection. Then, many people struggle to fit their hands into the tiny sinks. Water splashes everywhere and is usually only wiped down between flights, leaving standing pools as breeding grounds for whatever the previous passenger just washed off.
“I would recommend being proactive about hygiene,” said Sexton. “Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face and high contact surfaces if possible. Allow plenty of time for traveling so you aren't rush as being rushed is an easy way to forget about the simple interventions to avoid getting sick.”
At least as of 2009, the EPA is making sure there aren’t fecal bacteria in the water supply.
The Air
One common complaint about air travel is the quality of the cabin air: sharing recycled air with a hundred other people. Surely all that time in a pressurized can breathing other people’s germy air is what gets you sick?
Actually, no.
As the plane flies, the jet engines pull in the thin cold air from the outside, compressing and heating it to make it breathable. Then, it runs through high-efficiency particulate air filters, which remove 99.97 percent of particles, including germs. Some of the existing cabin air is vented back outside, while the rest is run through the filters then mixed back in with the new, pure air. The cabin’s air is typically replaced about every two minutes. Compared with the high particle count of, say, an office building, airplane air is downright clean.
This filtration process also removes humidity from the air. If the moisture from a hundred people’s breath was allowed to accumulate in the cabin, it could affect the electronics. But this low humidity also dries out mucous membranes such as eyes and the inside of the nose. Rubbing your eyes after you’ve touched a contaminated surface is one way to catch a disease. Dehydration can also set in, weakening your immune system.
In addition to being dry, airplane air is pressurized to an altitude of 3,000 feet or higher, which numbs your nose’s scent receptors and makes your in-flight meal seem tasteless. “This affects your whole nasal passages, much like a cold would,” said Guillaume de Syon, professor of history at Albright College, in an interview with Healthline.
The food is often minimalist to save the airlines money. “Every meal is dead weight,” said de Syon. “An extra couple of olives [are] not factored into most household [budgets]. Multiply them by, say, 20,000 in a day, and your bill just raised a few eyebrows in the comptroller's office.”
De Syon stresses that airline food is actually quite safe. “Caterers are subjected to rigorous checks,” he said. And as for the quality of the food? “We do not give a second thought when we pull into a fast-food joint, and we pay good money for something generally bad for us. Unlike standard fast food, airline meals actually have the basics for a balanced meal.”
The Royal Society for Public Health has called for alcoholic products to display calorie content alongside unit warnings in a bid to tackle public health problems
Most people 'have no idea' how many calories they are consuming in alcoholic drinks - and irresponsible drinking is causing an obesity epidemic.
That's the view of the Royal Society for Public Health, who have called for all alcoholic products to display a calorie content in a bid to tackle health problems.
One pint of lager contains 180 calories, about the same as a slice of cake, while a pina colada with rum contains 644 calories - about the same as a Big Mac burger.
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Calorific: What's in your alcoholic beverage?
A survey conducted by the RSPH found three-quarters of the public did not know - or wrongly guessed - the calories in a large glass of wine.
Nine out of 10 had no idea what a pint of lager contained.
RSPH chief executive Shirley Cramer described the poll findings were "quite startling".
"80% of adults have no idea what the calorie count is in anything they're drinkingand if they do think they have an idea they totally underestimate it anyway," she told the BBC.
Adults with no idea what the calorie count is in alcoholic drinks
80%
"It [calories on labels] could help the nation's waistlines as well as probably reduce alcohol consumption."
Around 56 calories are contained in a unit of alcohol, which is a small glass of low-strength wine, and the recommended daily intake is 2,500 for men and 2,000 women.
Currently, wine and beer are not recognised as food and under European legislationdo not have to display calorie content on packaging.
But RSPH organisation claims calorie labels are wanted by two out of three people.
In a paper on "invisible" calories, the RSPH says the information should be displayed alongside units, daily guidelines advice and pregnancy warnings.
Drinks companies agreed to include this information on their packaging as part of a 2011 Government deal.
Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: "If you think, if you have a couple of glasses of wine with a meal that's like having an extra course.
"Calorie labelling is a great idea and we know it does help some people improve their calorie intake, but for others of us, we don't notice it, so calorie labelling is one of a number of things that can be helpful."
Calories in a unit of alcohol
56
According to the Portman Group, which represents alcohol producers, a decision on labelling would rest with the EU and could take years to complete.
Jackie Ballard, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: "Much more needs to be done to raise awareness of both the contents and the harms which can be caused by alcohol.
"People are often unaware of how many calories or units of alcohol are in their drinks and health warnings and nutritional information on drinks would rectify this. Information is vital in helping the public to change their behaviour.
"You walk into any shop and the calorie, fat content, sugar and more are on the back of food packets and we don't see why alcohol should be any different."
When you SHOULD and SHOULDN'T use antibiotics to avoid doing yourself more harm than good
Most of us still see the drugs as a ‘cure-all’ and demand them from our GPs - but they are ineffective against most winter ailments
Complete the course: Stopping taking antibiotics early is a mistake
It’s the start of the cold and flu season and an alarming eight million adults say they would visit their GP or A&E as a first port of call.
Nearly half do so because they want antibiotics even though the drugs are ineffective against most winter ailments.
And doctors are also to blame for this confusion, say experts.
GPs write around 35million prescriptions for antibiotics every year in England – an increase of 30% since 2000, according to NHS figures.
Yet while antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, almost half of GPs recently admitted prescribing them even when they know they won’t help against viral infections – with 90% saying they felt pressure from patients to do so.
Hospitals and out of hours services are also fuelling the increase in antibiotic prescribing, according to a new report from Public Health England.
And it seems that patients may deliberately seek help from out-of-hours GPs or urgent care centres because they are more likely to hand over antibiotics than their regular doctor.
“There are two problems with prescribing antibiotics that aren’t necessary,” explains Dr Rob Hicks, GP and spokesperson for new health campaign Treat Yourself Better with Pharmacist Advice .
“The first is the increasing global problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria making it harder to treat some infections.
"Secondly, if medicines are given to individuals who don’t need them, the risk of side effects is far greater than any potential benefits.”
Are you guilty of regularly running to your GP for antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not a ‘cure-all’ but it is hard to change public perception. Patients may have been given antibiotics for similar ailments in the past and attributed their recovery to them when they would have got better anyway.
“Patients are also too quick to seek treatment because they underestimate how long winter ailments can last,” adds Dr Hicks.
For instance, research shows that 98% of people expect a cough to last, on average, for only eight days when it can last up to three weeks.
And 80% expect flu symptoms to last only 10 days, when two weeks is the normal duration.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage the public to treat themselves and seek advice from their pharmacist before going to their GP.
“Pharmacists are a fantastic resource,” says Dr Hicks. “They have a vast knowledge of over-the-counter remedies and have been trained to redirect people to their GP if necessary.”
So, to cut through the confusion, here Dr Hicks advises when you do – and don’t – need antibiotics for common conditions…
When you do: Vulnerable patients, such as those with a weakened immune system because they have HIV or cancer, may require antibiotics, says Dr Hicks. “And if symptoms don’t improve or get worse or you have associated symptoms, such as drooling and difficulty swallowing, that could indicate a nasty bout of bacterial tonsillitis and you should see your GP,” he adds.
When you don't: “The majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections. We’ve now discovered that even if a bacterial infection is the cause, most get better on their own without antibiotics,” says Dr Hicks. “In fact, research shows that antibiotics have very little effect on symptoms or recovery time. It’s far more effective to rest, drink plenty of fluids and try home remedies, such as honey, lemon and ginger in a hot drink. Sucking on over- the-counter throat lozenges can also soothe the soreness.”
When you do: If a patient feels very unwell and their cough is accompanied by a persistent fever, difficulty breathing, pain in the chest or blood-stained phlegm, they should see their GP, says Dr Hicks. A chest infection, which affects the lungs, is different from a normal cough, which is usually due to inflammation in the upper airways and congestion – and is more common in young children and the elderly, as well as those who smoke or have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma. Patients with a weakened immune system and those with a chronic condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should also see their GP, he adds.
When you don't: "It’s normal for a cough to last up the three weeks,” says Dr Hicks. “And, although it was thought that a cough producing green phlegm indicated a bacterial infection, antibiotics are no longer prescribed according to the colour of sputum. Again, I would recommend rest and fluids.” The jury is still out on the benefits of over-the-counter cough medicines, he adds. “There’s no science to back claims that they help and coughing is the body’s way of clearing the lungs of any infection. But, if a cough medicine provides short-term relief, there’s no harm in taking it.”
When you do: If earache doesn’t start getting better within a few days or the pain gets worse despite taking age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen, or there is a discharge from the ear, then contact your GP, advises Dr Hicks.
When you don't: Children are prone to ear infections because the narrow air passages in the inner ear can become blocked by mucus. Antibiotics are rarely needed as the cause is usually viral and, even if the infection is due to bacteria, we now know they get better on their own.
Sinusitis
When you do: If there is no improvement after a week or symptoms get worse, then antibiotics might be considered because stagnation of fluid in the sinuses may have allowed bacterial infection to develop.
When you don't: Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, usually due to a viral infection, in which case antibiotics won’t help. People tend to rush to their GP if symptoms last more than a few days when, in fact, sinusitis can last for up to two-and-a-half weeks, explains Dr Hicks. “I would always advise rest, fluids, and simple painkillers,” he says. Steam inhalations – bending over a bowl of steaming hot water with a towel over your head – can relieve congestion in the sinuses. The steam loosens secretions, making them easier to clear through the nose. Decongestants can also relieve the bunged-up feeling.
Skin conditions
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Skin complaint: Most will see no improvement with antibiotics
When you do: Antibiotics are prescribed for infected eczema (a flare-up resulting in skin that’s redder and more weepy than normal) and cellulitis (an infection of the deeper layers of the skin), says Dr Hicks. Cellulitis commonly occurs in the leg (though it can be anywhere) and the affected area becomes hot, red, swollen and tender. The condition spreads rapidly and the person feels generally unwell. Antibiotics are prescribed as a longer term treatment for acne because of their anti-inflammatory effect rather than for the treatment of bacterial infection, he adds.
When you don't: Most skin complaints – dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm etc – will see no improvement with antibiotics.
Eye complaints
Drop the eye drops: Often eye complaints clear up on their own
When you do: If the symptoms are very severe despite sterile bathing (using cotton wool balls to clean the eyes with cooled boiled water) or last longer than two weeks, see your GP.
When you don't: GPs used to routinely prescribe eye drops and ointments for eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, says Dr Hicks. But we know that these are often caused by viruses and, even if the cause is a bacterial infection, it usually clears up on its own.
Urine infections
When you do: Children and men with symptoms of a urine infection should always seek medical advice. Women experiencing symptoms of cystitis for the first time, or when symptoms are very uncomfortable or last more than five days, or those who have recurrent bouts (more than three times a year) should also see their GP. Sometimes the symptoms aren’t due to cystitis but a sexually transmitted disease, such as Chlamydia. If symptoms get worse, despite self-help treatment measures, or the patient develops a fever and abdominal or loin pain, this may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) which would definitely require antibiotics.
When you don't: Urinary tract infections are far more common in women than men because women have shorter urethras, making it easier for bacteria to invade the urinary tract. A UTI (or cystitis) in women can sometimes be cleared up with over-the-counter treatments and by self-help measures, like drinking more fluids, says Dr Hicks.
