#diagnosis and complications of measles

[fidicusraredisease]

Call : +917997101303 | Whatsapp : https://wa.me/917997101505 | Website : https://fidicus.com

Precautions, neglect Complications SSPE, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis | Treatment Cure Relief | Rare Orphan Unique Disease | Dr. Bharadwaz

Speciality Clinic

Fidicus Rare Disease

highest success with homeopathy

Any Disease | Any Patient | Any Stage

About Video : Diving into SSPE, let's navigate through essential precautions and prognosis means what happens when you neglect this disease. Explore crucial steps to safeguard against SSPE, understanding the disease's trajectory and potential outcomes. Gain insights into preventive measures, prognosis factors, and proactive approaches for managing this challenging condition. Empower yourself with knowledge for a better understanding of SSPE's journey.

[divinejhonson]

Trusted Child Health Experts in Islamabad: Clinics and Services

 As a parent, ensuring the health and well-being of your child is a top priority. This includes regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and addressing any medical concerns with trusted professionals. For families in Islamabad, finding a reliable child specialist is essential for your child's growth and development. This article explores the role of child specialists, key services they offer, and how Amanat Eye Hospital provides comprehensive pediatric eye care as part of its services.

Why Choose a Child Specialist in Islamabad?

A Child Specialist in Islamabad is a pediatrician or a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing the medical needs of children, from infancy through adolescence. They are trained to understand the unique medical requirements of children, making them essential for your child’s overall health.

The Importance of Pediatric Healthcare

Preventive Care: Regular visits to a child specialist ensure timely vaccinations and health monitoring to prevent diseases.

Developmental Milestones: A child specialist tracks your child’s growth and development, ensuring they meet age-appropriate milestones.

Expert Guidance: From nutrition to behavioral concerns, child specialists provide professional advice tailored to your child’s needs.

Child Specialist Services in Islamabad

Islamabad is home to a wide range of clinics and hospitals offering specialized pediatric care. Here’s an overview of some of the key services provided by child specialists in the city:

1. General Pediatric Consultations

Child specialists conduct routine health check-ups to monitor growth, ensure proper nutrition, and address any minor health concerns. These consultations are crucial for identifying early signs of potential health issues.

2. Immunization Programs

Vaccination is a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare. Child specialists ensure your child receives all recommended vaccines on time, protecting them from diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis.

3. Management of Chronic Conditions

Children with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or congenital disorders require specialized care. Child specialists create individualized care plans to manage these conditions effectively.

4. Emergency Pediatric Care

Accidents and illnesses can occur unexpectedly. Pediatric clinics in Islamabad are equipped to handle emergencies, including high fever, injuries, and allergic reactions.

5. Specialized Eye Care

Eye health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of pediatric care. Conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia), squint (strabismus), and refractive errors require early intervention by specialists. Amanat Eye Hospital, the Best Eye Hospital in Islamabad, excels in providing expert eye care for children.

Why Eye Care is Vital for Children

Good vision is crucial for a child's learning and overall development. Regular eye check-ups can detect issues early, preventing long-term complications.

Common Pediatric Eye Conditions

Refractive Errors: Problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness can affect a child’s ability to see clearly.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): This condition occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, potentially leading to permanent vision problems if untreated.

Strabismus (Squint): Misalignment of the eyes, which can affect depth perception and vision clarity.

Eye Infections and Injuries: Children are prone to infections like conjunctivitis and injuries during playtime.

Amanat Eye Hospital’s Pediatric Eye Care

At Amanat Eye Hospital, we offer state-of-the-art pediatric eye care services to address these conditions. Our child specialists and ophthalmologists work together to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plans.

How to Choose the Best Child Specialist in Islamabad

Finding the right child specialist involves more than just proximity to your home. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Qualifications and Experience

Look for a pediatrician with specialized training and a proven track record in child healthcare.

2. Reputation and Recommendations

Word of mouth from friends and family or online reviews can provide insights into a specialist’s competence and approach.

3. Hospital or Clinic Facilities

Ensure the facility is child-friendly, clean, and equipped with modern medical technology.

4. Accessibility and Availability

Choose a child specialist who is easily accessible and has flexible appointment hours to accommodate emergencies.

Beyond Eye Care

While Amanat Eye Hospital is renowned as the Best Eye Hospital in Islamabad, its commitment to pediatric care extends beyond eye health. We offer:

Collaborative Care: Our pediatricians and eye specialists work together for holistic child health.

Modern Facilities: Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and child-friendly spaces.

Experienced Specialists: Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care for children.

What Sets Amanat Eye Hospital Apart?

Comprehensive Services: From general pediatric consultations to specialized eye care, we cover a wide spectrum of services.

Child-Friendly Environment: Our facilities are designed to make children feel comfortable during their visits.

State-of-the-Art Technology: We use cutting-edge tools for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Dedicated Pediatric Team: Our specialists are not only highly qualified but also skilled in communicating with children and parents.

Ensuring Your Child’s Health

As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s health journey. Here are some tips:

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Make it a habit to visit your child specialist for routine health and eye check-ups.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your child’s physical and mental development. Ensure they consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Regular exercise is essential for a child’s overall well-being. Engage your child in activities they enjoy, such as sports or outdoor play.

4. Monitor Screen Time

Excessive screen time can lead to eye strain and other health issues. Set limits and encourage outdoor activities.

5. Stay Updated on Vaccinations

Follow your child’s vaccination schedule and consult your pediatrician for any additional vaccines needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right healthcare providers is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. For families in Islamabad, finding a trusted child specialist ensures your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Additionally, incorporating specialized eye care from the Best Eye Hospital in Islamabad like Amanat Eye Hospital can address any vision-related concerns, setting your child on a path to a healthy and bright future.

[healthcare-skyquest]

Pediatric Healthcare Market: Ensuring the Health of Future Generations

The Pediatric Healthcare market is critical in providing specialized medical care for children, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment for a range of health issues. With advancements in healthcare technology, rising awareness of pediatric diseases, and growing investments, this market is on the path of significant expansion. In this article, we explore the latest trends, market segmentation, growth drivers, and leading companies in the pediatric healthcare industry.

Market Overview

According to SkyQuest’s Pediatric Healthcare Market report, the market is valued at USD 13.08 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.40%. The increase in pediatric diseases, improved healthcare infrastructure, and growing focus on child health are driving the growth of this market.

Request Your Free Sample: - https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/pediatric-healthcare-market

Market Segmentation

By Type of Care:

Primary Care: Focuses on the prevention and management of diseases in children, from routine checkups to immunizations.

Acute Care: Deals with short-term but urgent healthcare needs, including infections and injuries.

Chronic Care: Provides long-term care management for conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and congenital heart defects.

By Application:

Neonatal Care: Specialized care for newborns, especially those born prematurely or with complications.

Infectious Diseases: Management and treatment of diseases like pneumonia, measles, and other childhood infections.

Respiratory Conditions: Treatments for common pediatric issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Care for digestive issues, food intolerances, and malnutrition in children.

By End-User:

Hospitals and Clinics: Primary providers of pediatric healthcare, from specialized care to routine services.

Pediatric Research Institutes: Centers focused on understanding and developing treatments for pediatric diseases.

Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies: Leading the development of drugs and therapies for pediatric conditions.

Take Action Now: Secure Your Report Today - https://www.skyquestt.com/buy-now/pediatric-healthcare-market

Key Growth Drivers

Rising Pediatric Disease Burden: Increasing cases of diseases like asthma, obesity, and diabetes in children drive demand for advanced pediatric care.

Advancements in Pediatric Treatments: Ongoing research and the development of new medications and technologies are enhancing treatment options for children.

Improved Healthcare Access: Growing global efforts to improve healthcare access for children, especially in developing countries, contribute to market growth.

Increased Awareness of Child Health: Parents and caregivers are more informed about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, driving demand for pediatric healthcare services.

Leading Companies in the Market

SkyQuest’s Pediatric Healthcare Market report lists key players such as:

Abbott Laboratories

Johnson & Johnson

Pfizer Inc.

GlaxoSmithKline Plc

Merck & Co., Inc.

Novartis AG

Bayer AG

Sanofi

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

AstraZeneca

Read More at: - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/pediatric-healthcare-market

Challenges and Opportunities

The pediatric healthcare market faces challenges, such as high treatment costs and limited access to advanced care in some regions. However, opportunities exist in expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving access to affordable pediatric care solutions.

Future Outlook

The pediatric healthcare market is set to grow as demand for advanced treatments and healthcare services for children increases. With innovations in medical technology and a focus on preventive care, the market will see continued expansion, particularly in regions with growing populations and improving healthcare systems.

The pediatric healthcare market plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of future generations. Decision-makers in the healthcare industry need to stay ahead of emerging trends and capitalize on growth opportunities in this evolving sector. For more detailed insights, consult SkyQuest’s Pediatric Healthcare Market report.

[williamhospital]

How Can Regular Check-Ups Benefit Your Child's Health?

Regular check-ups are a fundamental aspect of maintaining and promoting your child’s health. These routine visits to a pediatrician or family doctor offer numerous benefits that extend beyond immediate medical needs. Here’s how regular check-ups can positively impact your child's health and well-being.

1. Early Detection of Health Issues

One of the most significant benefits of regular check-ups is the early detection of potential health problems. During these visits, doctors perform thorough examinations to identify any signs of developmental delays, vision or hearing problems, or chronic conditions such as asthma or allergies. Detecting these issues early allows for prompt intervention, which can prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes. Early diagnosis is especially important in children, as many conditions are easier to treat when caught early.

2. Monitoring Growth and Development

Child Health Care

Regular check-ups provide an opportunity to monitor your child’s growth and development. Pediatricians track height, weight, and head circumference to ensure your child is growing at a healthy rate. These measurements help assess whether your child is meeting developmental milestones, such as walking, talking, and social skills. If any concerns arise, healthcare providers can recommend additional testing, therapies, or referrals to specialists to address developmental challenges.

3. Keeping Vaccinations Up to Date

Vaccinations are a crucial part of preventive healthcare for children. Regular check-ups ensure that your child receives all necessary immunizations to protect against various diseases, such as measles, mumps, polio, and whooping cough. Staying up to date with vaccinations helps build your child’s immunity and protects them from potentially severe illnesses. It also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the spread of contagious diseases within the community.

4. Building Healthy Habits and Preventive Care

Regular check-ups are an excellent opportunity for healthcare providers to educate both parents and children about healthy habits and preventive care. Doctors can offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and hygiene, which are essential for your child’s overall well-being. By fostering good habits early on, you can help your child develop a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime. These visits also provide a chance to discuss safety measures, such as car seat use, sun protection, and injury prevention.

5. Strengthening the Doctor-Patient Relationship

General Medicine Doctor near Me

Consistent check-ups help build a trusting relationship between your child, you, and the healthcare provider. This rapport is essential for ensuring that your child feels comfortable discussing any health concerns as they grow older. A familiar relationship with a trusted doctor can make your child more at ease during medical examinations, leading to better communication and more accurate assessments of their health.

6. Addressing Parental Concerns

Check-ups provide a dedicated time for parents to ask questions and express any concerns about their child’s health, behavior, or development. Whether it’s about sleeping patterns, diet, or behavioral issues, having open discussions with a healthcare professional can offer reassurance and guidance. Parents can receive expert advice tailored to their child’s specific needs, reducing anxiety and fostering confidence in their parenting choices.

Conclusion

Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining your child’s health and supporting their development. By ensuring early detection of health issues, monitoring growth, keeping vaccinations up to date, promoting healthy habits, building a strong doctor-patient relationship, and addressing parental concerns, these routine visits play a vital role in safeguarding your child’s well-being. Making regular check-ups a priority sets the stage for a healthier future for your child.

[miraridoctor]

When a red, spotty rash appears, it can be alarming, especially when it affects a child. Several viral infections, including chickenpox, rubella, and measles, can cause these rashes. Knowing the differences between these conditions is important for g... #Mirari #MirariDoctor #MirariColdPlasma #ColdPlasma

[saimasyedofficial]

Saima Syed's Latest 4 Insights on Infection Management

Infection management is crucial in healthcare, particularly when emerging infectious diseases pose significant challenges. Saima Syed, a dedicated physician in Snellville, United States, shares her latest insights on effective infection management. Her expertise provides valuable guidance for both healthcare professionals and the general public in preventing and managing infections.

1. Emphasize Preventive Measures

Dr. Syed highlights the importance of preventive measures as the first line of defense against infections. Hand cleanliness remains a basis of infection prevention. Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, can significantly reduce the spread of pathogens. Additionally, she stresses the importance of vaccinations in preventing infectious diseases such as influenza, measles, and COVID-19. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to community immunity, reducing the overall incidence of disease.

2. Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential in managing infections effectively. Dr. Syed advocates for the use of rapid diagnostic tests to quickly identify pathogens and tailor appropriate treatment plans. She emphasizes the importance of not delaying medical consultation when symptoms of an infection appear, as early intervention can prevent complications and reduce the spread of disease. Healthcare providers should stay updated on the latest diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

3. Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, making antibiotic stewardship a critical component of infection management. Dr. Saima Syed advises healthcare providers to prescribe antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant strains of bacteria, complicating treatment efforts. She encourages the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare settings to monitor and promote the appropriate use of antibiotics, ensuring they remain effective for treating bacterial infections.

4. Educate and Empower Patients

Patient education is a vital aspect of infection management. Syed emphasizes the need to educate patients about the importance of completing prescribed treatments, understanding the difference between bacterial and viral infections, and recognizing when to seek medical help. Empowering patients with knowledge about hygiene practices, the role of vaccinations, and the dangers of self-medicating with antibiotics can significantly enhance infection control efforts. Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients fosters better adherence to treatment plans and preventive measures.

Conclusion

Dr. Saima Syed’s latest insights on infection management underscore the importance of a proactive and informed approach to preventing and treating infections. By emphasizing preventive measures, ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment, promoting antibiotic stewardship, and educating patients, we can effectively manage infections and mitigate their impact on public health. Dr. Syed's expertise serves as a valuable resource in the ongoing effort to combat infectious diseases and protect community health.

[anjaliverma123]

Pediatric Infectious Disease Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

Infectious diseases are a significant concern in pediatric healthcare, affecting children worldwide. From common infections like the flu to more serious illnesses such as meningitis, proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure the health and well-being of children. This comprehensive guide explores various aspects of pediatric infectious disease treatment, including common illnesses, diagnostic techniques, treatment options, preventive measures, and the role of caregivers and healthcare providers.

Understanding Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Pediatric infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These infections can range from mild to severe and may affect various organ systems in children. Common pediatric infectious diseases include:

Respiratory Infections: Including the common cold, influenza (flu), bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and croup.

Gastrointestinal Infections: Such as gastroenteritis (stomach flu), rotavirus, norovirus, and food poisoning.

Skin Infections: Including impetigo, cellulitis, fungal infections (such as ringworm), and scabies.

Central Nervous System Infections: Such as meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscesses.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections: Such as otitis media (ear infections), sinusitis, strep throat, and tonsillitis.

Bloodstream Infections: Including sepsis, bacteremia, and infections related to central venous catheters.

Diagnostic Techniques

Diagnosing pediatric infectious diseases often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and sometimes, microbiological cultures. Common diagnostic techniques include:

Physical Examination: Healthcare providers carefully assess symptoms, signs, and medical history to identify possible infectious diseases.

Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, urine tests, stool cultures, throat swabs, and other samples may be analyzed to detect pathogens or antibodies.

Imaging Studies: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans may be performed to evaluate the extent of infection or complications.

Microbiological Cultures: Culturing samples from infected sites helps identify specific pathogens and determine antibiotic susceptibility.

Treatment Options

Treatment for pediatric infectious diseases varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. It may include:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, bacterial pneumonia, and skin infections. It's important to use antibiotics judiciously and follow healthcare provider instructions to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be used to treat certain viral infections such as influenza.

Antifungal Medications: Antifungal drugs are used to treat fungal infections like candidiasis (yeast infection), ringworm, and fungal meningitis.

Antiparasitic Medications: Antiparasitic drugs are prescribed for parasitic infections such as giardiasis, malaria, and pinworm infestations.

Supportive Care: Supportive measures such as adequate hydration, rest, pain relief, and fever management are important for managing symptoms and promoting recovery.

Intravenous Therapy: Severe or systemic infections may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics, fluids, or other medications delivered directly into the bloodstream.

Antipyretics: Fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may be used to alleviate fever and discomfort.

Preventive Measures

Preventing pediatric infectious diseases involves a combination of vaccination, hygiene practices, environmental measures, and lifestyle modifications. Key preventive measures include:

Vaccination: Following recommended vaccination schedules helps protect children from various infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, influenza, pneumococcal disease, and meningococcal disease.

Hand Hygiene: Teaching children proper handwashing techniques and encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers helps prevent the spread of germs.

Respiratory Hygiene: Teaching children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing helps reduce the transmission of respiratory infections.

Avoiding Close Contact: Encouraging children to avoid close contact with individuals who are sick or showing symptoms of infectious diseases helps prevent the spread of illness.

Healthy Lifestyle: Promoting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

Environmental Cleaning: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, toys, and countertops, helps prevent the spread of germs.

Safe Food Handling: Teaching children about safe food handling practices and ensuring proper storage, preparation, and cooking of food helps prevent foodborne illnesses.

Role of Caregivers and Healthcare Providers

Caregivers, including parents, guardians, teachers, and childcare providers, play a crucial role in preventing and managing pediatric infectious diseases. They can:

Promote Vaccination: Ensure children receive recommended vaccinations according to schedule and stay up-to-date with immunization requirements.

Educate About Hygiene: Teach children about proper handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and other hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infections.

Monitor Symptoms: Monitor children for signs and symptoms of infectious diseases, seek prompt medical attention when necessary, and follow healthcare provider recommendations for treatment and follow-up.

Adhere to Treatment Plans: Administer medications as prescribed, follow treatment plans, and attend follow-up appointments to ensure optimal management of infectious diseases.

Advocate for Prevention: Advocate for vaccination, hygiene practices, and other preventive measures in the community to protect children from infectious diseases. Healthcare providers, including pediatricians, nurses, and infectious disease specialists, play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing pediatric infectious diseases. They can:

Provide Expertise: Offer expert medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment for pediatric infectious diseases based on evidence-based guidelines and best practices.

Perform Diagnostic Tests: Order and interpret diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of infectious diseases and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

Prescribe Medications: Prescribe antibiotics, antiviral drugs, antifungal medications, or other treatments as needed to manage infectious diseases and prevent complications.

Administer Vaccinations: Administer vaccines according to recommended schedules and provide guidance on vaccine safety and efficacy.

Educate Patients and Families: Educate patients and families about infectious diseases, treatment options, preventive measures, and the importance of vaccination and hygiene practices.

Coordinate Care: Collaborate with other healthcare providers, specialists, and community resources to ensure comprehensive care for children with infectious diseases.

Monitor Progress: Monitor patients' progress, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and adjust treatment plans as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

Pediatric infectious diseases are a significant public health concern, requiring prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures to protect children's health and well-being. By understanding common infectious diseases, diagnostic techniques, treatment options, preventive measures, and the roles of caregivers and healthcare providers, we can work together to ensure that children receive the care and support they need.

FAQ’s

What are the most common symptoms of pediatric infectious diseases?

Common symptoms of pediatric infectious diseases include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, fatigue, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. The specific symptoms depend on the type of infection and affected organ systems.

How can I prevent my child from contracting infectious diseases?

Prevention strategies include ensuring your child receives recommended vaccinations, practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, teaching respiratory hygiene habits like covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, promoting a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, and keeping your child's environment clean and hygienic.

[ranimenoneyeclinic]

Understanding the Main Causes of Congenital Cataracts

Cataracts, a condition characterized by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are often associated with aging. However, when cataracts develop in infants or children, it is referred to as congenital cataracts. This rare condition raises questions about its origins and causes. In this blog, we will delve into the main causes of congenital cataracts, shedding light on this unique aspect of eye health.

Genetic factors:

One of the primary causes of congenital cataracts is genetic mutation. These mutations can be inherited from one or both parents or may occur spontaneously during the early stages of foetal development. Genes associated with the formation and maintenance of the eye’s lens can undergo changes, leading to the development of cataracts at birth.

Infections during pregnancy:

Certain infections contracted by the mother during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital cataracts in the developing foetus. Rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis, and herpes simplex are examples of infections that, when present during pregnancy, may contribute to the occurrence of cataracts in the newborn.

Metabolic disorders:

In some cases, congenital cataracts may be linked to metabolic disorders affecting the infant. Galactosemia, a rare genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to metabolize galactose, has been associated with an increased risk of cataracts. Early detection and management of metabolic disorders are crucial in preventing complications like congenital cataracts.

Intrauterine factors:

Exposure to certain intrauterine factors, such as medications or substances, can play a role in the development of congenital cataracts. For instance, the use of corticosteroids during pregnancy has been linked to an elevated risk of cataracts in newborns.

Trauma or injury during pregnancy:

Physical trauma or injury to the developing foetus during pregnancy can contribute to the formation of congenital cataracts. Trauma may affect the delicate structures of the eye, leading to abnormalities in the lens.

Complications of premature birth:

Premature birth and low birth weight can increase the likelihood of congenital cataracts. Babies born prematurely may experience complications related to the development of various organs, including the eyes.

Radiation exposure:

Exposure to radiation during pregnancy is a known risk factor for congenital cataracts. Whether from medical procedures or environmental sources, radiation can interfere with the normal development of the eye and contribute to the formation of cataracts in newborns.

Treatment and management:

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing congenital cataracts. In many cases, surgical removal of the cataract and the implantation of an artificial lens can restore clear vision. The timing of cataract surgery may vary depending on the severity of the cataract and its impact on the child’s vision.

For expert guidance and comprehensive care for congenital cataracts, consider Dr. Rani Menon Maxi vision Eye Hospital – Best eye clinic in Thrissur. With a focus on patient-centred care and advanced treatment options, Dr. Rani Menon and her dedicated team are committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients with congenital cataracts.

Book an appointment or Call us for Bookings @ +91 98468 78222

[fidicusraredisease]

Call : +917997101303 | Whatsapp : https://wa.me/917997101505 | Website : https://fidicus.com

What is SSPE? or Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis or Dowson Disease - Homeopathy | Treatment Cure Relief | Rare Orphan Unique Disease | Dr. Bharadwaz

Speciality Clinic

Fidicus Rare Disease

highest success with homeopathy

Any Disease | Any Patient | Any Stage

About Video : In this video, we explore Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain disorder. Learn how SSPE develops as a complication of the measles virus, typically appearing years after the initial infection. We discuss its symptoms, which include behavioral changes, motor dysfunction, and seizures, and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and vaccination in prevention. Join us to understand the medical complexities and the critical need for awareness about SSPE.

[lavanyasphear]

Hearing Impairment: Causes and Solution

Hearing impairment is a prevalent functional disability, affecting millions of people of all age groups across the world. This article discusses the various reasons for hearing impairment and highlights the importance of seeking professional help. Besides, this article will be brief about availability of Hearing Aid in Jaipur.

Causes of Hearing Impairment

Infections

Infectious like measles, mumps, and meningitis are significant contributors to hearing loss. These infections, if not treated promptly, can lead to permanent damage to the auditory nerves or the middle ear's tiny bones.

Birth Complications

Preterm births, low birth weight, and neonatal jaundice are common issues that can result in hearing impairments in newborns. Lack of proper neonatal care in rural areas further exacerbates this problem.

Genetic Factors

Genetic predisposition plays a role in hearing impairment, with some individuals inheriting hearing loss from their parents or grandparents. In some cases, genetic mutations might lead to hearing impairment at birth or later in life.

Noise Exposure

Prolonged exposure to loud noises in urban and industrial environments can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation are particularly susceptible to this type of hearing impairment.

Ototoxic Medications

Certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and chemotherapy agents, can cause hearing loss as a side effect. The unregulated use of such medications exacerbates the problem.

Aging

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a natural part of the aging process. The gradual decline in hearing ability occurs due to the degeneration of the inner ear structures or the auditory nerves.

Earwax Buildup

An accumulation of earwax can block the ear canal and cause temporary hearing loss. In some cases, improper ear cleaning can lead to impacted earwax, which may result in permanent damage to the eardrum or middle ear structures.

Trauma or Injury

Accidents or injuries to the head or ear can damage the auditory system, leading to hearing impairment.

Hearing Aid in Jaipur: Comprehensive Hearing Solutions

Timely intervention and treatment for hearing impairments is crucial for improving quality of life. Lavanya: Speech and Hearing Center provides best hearing aid in Jaipur, including:

Diagnosis: Our team of experienced audiologists conducts thorough assessments to diagnose the type and severity of hearing loss.

Hearing Aid Selection: Based on the diagnosis, our experts recommend the most suitable hearing aids from leading brands, tailored to your specific needs.

Fitting and Fine-tuning: Our professionals ensure a comfortable fit and provide necessary adjustments to optimize the performance of your hearing aids.

Follow-up and Maintenance: We offer regular follow-ups and maintenance services to ensure your hearing aids remain in top condition.

Counseling and Rehabilitation: Our team provides counseling and aural rehabilitation to help you adapt to your new hearing aids and improve your communication skills.

Hearing impairment is a widespread issue with various causes, ranging from infections to aging. Seeking professional help from Lavanya Speech and Hearing Center can ensure accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and comprehensive aftercare services to enhance your hearing experience and overall quality of life.

So, contact us today for hearing aid in Jaipur!

[drhomeremedies]

Home remedies for hand, foot and mouth disease itching

Hand, foot and mouth disease, also known as HFMD, is a viral infection commonly found in infants and young children. It leads to the formation of painful sores or blisters in the mouth, hands and feet. One of the most troublesome symptoms of HFMD is the itching that it causes. Although the virus usually goes away on its own within a couple of weeks, the itching can be quite uncomfortable and can even disrupt sleep. To alleviate this itching, there are several home remedies that can be used. These include cold compresses, oatmeal baths and calamine lotion. Additionally, natural remedies such as aloe vera, honey and coconut oil can also be used to soothe the skin and reduce itching and discomfort caused by HFMD. These natural remedies are safe and effective for reducing itching and discomfort associated with hand, foot and mouth disease.

The main cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease, statistics, seasons, etc.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, with the most common being Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). These viruses are highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person through close contact, such as touching or shaking hands, or by touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the virus and then touching one's mouth or nose . HFMD is most commonly seen in infants and young children, with the majority of cases occurring in children under the age of five. According to the World Health Organization, the peak age for infection is between 6 and 23 months. HFMD usually occurs in outbreaks, with the highest incidence during the summer and fall months. The disease is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, but cases can occur anywhere in the world . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no specific statistics on the number of cases of HFMD in the United States, but it is considered a relatively common childhood illness. In some parts of Asia, the disease has been responsible for large outbreaks, with high numbers of severe cases and deaths, especially in EV71-related outbreaks. It is important to note that some people can have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and may not even realize they have the disease, but they can still spread the virus to others. In some cases, HFMD can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and even death, particularly in infants and young children. Therefore it is important to take precautions such as washing hands frequently and keeping good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease.

The most common symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease

The primary symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are : - Mouth sores or blisters, which can be found on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks and the back of the throat, making it painful or difficult to eat or drink. - Rashes or red spots on the hands, feet and/or buttocks, which may develop into blisters. - A fever, which can range from mild to high. - Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell. - Loss of appetite. These symptoms usually appear 3-7 days after exposure to the virus and can last for a few days to a week. HFMD is commonly diagnosed based on the symptoms and physical examination, a throat swab or blister fluid sample may be taken to test for the presence of the virus. In certain cases, blood tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to note that the symptoms of HFMD can be similar to other viral infections such as chickenpox or measles, thus consulting a doctor for a proper diagnosis is important. It is also worth noting that people can have HFMD and not show symptoms or have very mild symptoms, yet still spread the virus to others. Thus it is important to keep good hygiene and take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

home remedies for hand, foot and mouth disease itching

Here are some of the home remedies used worldwide to reduce the itching in hand, foot, and mouth disease . - Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. To make a cold compress, wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. - Oatmeal baths: Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the rash. To make an oatmeal bath, grind 1 cup of oatmeal in a food processor and add it to a lukewarm bath. Soak for 15-20 minutes. - Calamine lotion: Calamine lotion can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the rash. Apply a thin layer of calamine lotion to the affected area 2-3 times a day. - Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the rash. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area 2-3 times a day. - Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the rash. Apply a thin layer of honey to the affected area 2-3 times a day. - Coconut oil: Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the rash. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area 2-3 times a day. - Salt water: Salt water can help relieve pain from mouth sores. Mix 1 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. - Baking soda: Baking soda can help neutralize the acidity in the mouth and relieve pain from mouth sores. Mix 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. - Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can help relieve pain from mouth sores and promote healing. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool, then use it as a mouthwash. - Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea can help relieve pain from mouth sores and promote healing. Brew a cup of peppermint tea and let it cool, then use it as a mouthwash. - Clove oil: Clove oil has numbing properties that can help relieve pain from mouth sores. Dilute a few drops of clove oil in a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. - Lemon juice: Lemon juice can help relieve pain from mouth sores and promote healing. Mix 1 tsp of lemon juice in a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. - Yogurt: Yogurt can help relieve pain from mouth sores and promote healing. Eat plain yogurt 2-3 times a day. - Papaya: Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the rash. Eat ripe papaya 2-3 times a day. - Papaya leaf juice: Papaya leaf juice can help boost the immune system and promote healing. Drink a glass of papaya leaf juice 2-3 times a day. - Garlic: Garlic has antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and promote healing. Eat 2-3 cloves of garlic a day. - Turmeric: Mixing 1 tsp of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it 2-3 times a day can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. - Lemon balm: Lemon balm has antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and promote healing. Drink a cup of lemon balm tea 2-3 times a day. - Echinacea: Echinacea has antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and promote healing. Drink a cup of echinacea tea 2-3 times a day or take echinacea supplements as directed. - Vitamin C: Vitamin C can help boost the immune system and promote healing. Consume vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, kiwi, strawberries, papaya, or take vitamin C supplements as directed by a doctor.

Medical treatments for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a self-limiting illness, meaning it will typically resolve on its own within a week or two. The main focus of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and provide comfort. Medical treatments for HFMD include : - Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to decrease fever and relieve pain caused by mouth sores. - Topical creams or ointments, such as calamine lotion, to alleviate itching and discomfort associated with the rash. - Cold compresses, such as a damp cloth or ice pack, to reduce pain and swelling in the mouth. - Oral numbing agents, such as benzocaine, can be used to reduce pain from mouth sores. - Drinking fluids, eating soft foods, and avoiding acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth sores. - Oatmeal baths and colloidal oatmeal can be used to alleviate itching and discomfort from the rash. - Hospitalization may be required in severe cases to provide supportive care, such as hydration and nutrition. A doctor will typically evaluate the patient's symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other illnesses. It is important to note that there is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD, and antibiotics are not effective against the viruses that cause it. The best way to manage the illness is to provide symptomatic care. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a doctor.

Can hand, foot, and mouth disease become dangerous?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is generally considered a mild illness, and most people recover without any complications. However, in rare cases, it can lead to serious complications, particularly in infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems . Complications that can occur as a result of HFMD include : - Neurological complications: HFMD can sometimes lead to meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). These can cause symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and even coma. - Myocarditis: HFMD can also cause inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), which can lead to heart failure. - Pneumonia: In rare cases, the virus can infect the lungs, leading to pneumonia. - Death: In very rare cases, HFMD can lead to death, particularly in severe cases of meningitis, encephalitis, or myocarditis. If someone shows signs of severe complications such as difficulty breathing, severe lethargy, seizures, or severe abdominal pain, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. It is important to note that while severe complications are rare, it is essential to take appropriate precautions and seek medical attention if you suspect that a person has contracted HFMD and the symptoms are severe or persistent.  

Which doctor to visit and when for foot, and mouth disease

If you suspect that you or someone you know has hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), it is recommended to visit a pediatrician or a general practitioner. They can evaluate the symptoms, perform a physical examination and may take a sample of fluid from the blisters or a throat swab to confirm the diagnosis. They can also rule out other illnesses that may have similar symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know has HFMD and any of the following symptoms: - High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) that lasts for more than a day or two - Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing - Dehydration, such as dry mouth, little or no urine, and dark urine - Sign of severe neurological complications such as seizures, confusion, or difficulty speaking - Severe lethargy or difficulty waking up - Severe abdominal pain - Shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid breathing In most cases, people with HFMD recover without any complications, but if you have any concerns about your symptoms or if they worsen, it is best to consult a doctor.  

How to prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is highly contagious and can be spread easily through direct contact with the saliva, mucus, or stool of an infected person, or through contact with the fluid from the blisters. To avoid spreading the disease, it is important to practice good hygiene, including the following: - Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or caring for someone who is sick. - Clean and disinfect surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and counters to prevent the spread of the virus. - Avoid close contact with sick people: Stay away from people who are sick, particularly if they have symptoms of HFMD. - Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, and utensils with others, as the virus can spread through contact with these items. - Keep sick children at home: Keep children with symptoms of HFMD at home until they are no longer contagious, which is typically around 7 days after symptoms first appear. - Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of used tissues immediately. - Wear a mask: Wear a mask when you are around other people, particularly in crowded places, to reduce the risk of infection. - Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your face, particularly your mouth, nose, and eyes, as the virus can enter the body through these areas. It is important to keep in mind that even if you are not showing symptoms, you may still be able to spread the virus, so it is important to take these precautions even if you feel well.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about hand, foot, and mouth disease

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease? A viral infection that commonly affects children under the age of five, characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. How is hand, foot, and mouth disease transmitted? The virus is spread through close contact with an infected person, their saliva, or feces. What are the symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease? Fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet are common symptoms. Is hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious? Yes, it is highly contagious and can spread easily among children in daycare settings and schools. How long does it take for hand, foot, and mouth disease to appear after exposure? Symptoms can appear 3-7 days after exposure to the virus. Is hand, foot, and mouth disease dangerous? In most cases, it is a mild illness that resolves on its own, but complications can occur in rare cases. How is hand, foot, and mouth disease treated? Treatment is focused on symptom relief, such as pain relief for mouth sores and fever management. How long does hand, foot, and mouth disease last? Symptoms usually last 7-10 days but can persist for up to two weeks. Can adults get hand, foot, and mouth disease? Yes, adults can get the virus, but it is more commonly found in children. What is the incubation period for hand, foot, and mouth disease? The incubation period is typically 3-7 days. Is there a vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease? No, there is no vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease be prevented? Practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can help prevent the spread of the virus. What is the best way to treat mouth sores caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease? Over-the-counter pain relief medication can be used to manage pain and discomfort caused by mouth sores. How is hand, foot, and mouth disease diagnosed? A healthcare provider can diagnose the virus based on symptoms and a physical exam. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause a fever? Yes, fever is a common symptom of the virus. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause a rash on the body? Yes, a rash can appear on the body, particularly on the hands and feet. Is hand, foot, and mouth disease a type of herpes? No, hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by a different virus than herpes. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause vomiting? Yes, vomiting and nausea can be symptoms of the virus. How is hand, foot, and mouth disease spread? The virus is spread through close contact with infected individuals, their saliva, or feces. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause blisters on the hands and feet? Yes, blisters are a common symptom of the virus. How long is an individual with hand, foot, and mouth disease contagious? Individuals can be contagious for several weeks after their symptoms have resolved. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause a sore throat? Yes, a sore throat is a common symptom of the virus. How can I prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease in my household? Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, can help prevent the spread of the virus. Is there a cure for hand, foot, and mouth disease? There is no specific cure for the virus, but treatments can help relieve symptoms. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause itching? Yes, itching can be a symptom of the virus. How can I relieve itching caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease? Applying cool compresses or taking over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve itching. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause joint pain? Yes, joint pain can be a symptom of the virus. Is hand, foot, and mouth disease the same as foot and mouth disease in animals? No, they are caused by different viruses and are not related. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause diarrhea? Yes, diarrhea can be a symptom of the virus. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause loss of appetite? Yes, loss of appetite can be a symptom of the virus. Is hand, foot, and mouth disease seasonal? The virus is more common in the summer and fall months. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause a rash on the buttocks? Yes, a rash can appear on the buttocks, as well as on the hands and feet. Can hand, foot, and mouth disease cause mouth ulcers? Yes, mouth ulcers are a common symptom of the virus. Can I use home remedies to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease? Read the full article

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Is Natural Immunity More Effective Than the COVID Shot? 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data,1 COVID-19 “cases” have trended downward since peaking during the first and second week of January 2021.

At first glance, this decline appears to be occurring in tandem with the rollout of COVID shots. January 1, 2021, only 0.5% of the U.S. population had received a COVID shot. By mid-April, an estimated 31% had received one or more shots,2 and as of July 13, 48.3% were fully “vaccinated.”3

However, as noted in a July 12, 2021, STAT News article,4 “cases” had started their downward trend before COVID shots were widely used. “Following patterns from previous pandemics, the precipitous decline in new cases of Covid-19 started well before a meaningful number of people had been vaccinated,” Robert M. Kaplan, Professor Emeritus at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, writes. He continues:

“Nearly 50 years ago, medical sociologists John and Sonja McKinlay examined5 death rates from 10 serious diseases: tuberculosis, scarlet fever, influenzae, pneumonia, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, smallpox, typhoid, and polio. In each case, the new therapy or vaccine credited with overcoming it was introduced well after the disease was in decline.

More recently, historian Thomas McKeown noted6 that deaths from bronchitis, pneumonia, and influenza had begun rapidly falling 35 years before the introduction of new medicines that were credited with their conquest. These historical analyses are relevant to the current pandemic.”

‘Case’ Decline Preceded Widespread Implementation of Jab

As noted by Kaplan, COVID-19 “cases” peaked in early January 2021. January 8, more than 300,000 new positive test results were recorded on a daily basis. By February 21, that had declined to a daily new case count of 55,000. COVID-19 gene modification injections were granted emergency use authorization at the end of December 2020, but by February 21, only 5.9% of American adults had been fully vaccinated with two doses.

Despite such a low vaccination rate, new “cases” had declined by 82%. Considering health authorities claim we need 70% of Americans vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity and stop the spread of this virus, this simply makes no sense. Clearly, the COVID shots had nothing to do with the decline in positive test results.

To be clear, reported cases mean positive test results, and we now know the vast majority of positive PCR tests have been, and still are, false positives. They’re not sick. They simply had a false “positive.” Right now, we’re also faced with yet another situation that complicates attempts at data analysis, and Kaplan understandably did not address any of these confounding factors.

But just so you’re aware, if you have been fully “vaccinated,” then the CDC recommends running the PCR test at a cycle threshold (CT) of 28 or lower, which dramatically lowers your chance of a false positive result, but if you are unvaccinated, the PCR test is recommended to be run at a CT of 40 or higher, virtually guaranteeing a false positive.

This is just one way by which the CDC is manipulating data to make the COVID shots appear more effective than they are. This also allows them to falsely claim that the vast majority of new cases are among the unvaccinated.

Naturally, if unvaccinated are tested in such a way as to maximize false positives, then they’re going to make up the bulk of the so-called caseload. In reality, though, the vast majority of them aren’t sick.

Meanwhile, those who have received the jabs only count as a COVID case if they’re hospitalized and/or die with a positive test result. These widely differing testing strategies skew the data and allow for false interpretations to be made.

Natural Immunity Explains Decline in Cases

As noted by Kaplan, the most reasonable explanation for declining rates of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be natural immunity from previous infections, which vary considerably from state to state.7 He goes on to cite a study8 by the National Institutes of Health, which suggests SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 4.8 times higher than previously thought, thanks to undiagnosed infection.

In other words, they claim that for every reported positive test result, there were likely nearly five additional people who had the infection but didn’t get a diagnosis. To analyze this data further, Kaplan calculated the natural immunity rate by dividing the new estimated number of people naturally infected by the population of any given state. He writes:9

“By mid-February 2021, an estimated 150 million people in the U.S. (30 million times five) may have had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. By April, I estimated the natural immunity rate to be above 55% in 10 states: Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.

At the other end of the continuum, I estimated the natural immunity rate to be below 35% in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington …

By the end of 2020, new infections were already rapidly declining in nearly all of the 10 states where the majority may have had natural immunity, well before more than a minuscule percentage of Americans were fully vaccinated. In 80% of these states, the day when new cases were at their peak occurred before vaccines were available.

In contrast, the 10 states with lower rates of previous infections were much more likely to experience new upticks in Covid-19 cases in March and April ... By the end of May, states with fewer new infections had significantly lower vaccination rates than states with more new infections.”

COVID Shots Cannot Eliminate COVID-19

So, SARS-CoV-2 cases were actually higher in states where natural immunity was low but vaccination rates were high. Meanwhile, in states where natural immunity due to undiagnosed exposure was high, but vaccination rates were low, the daily new caseload was also lower.

This makes sense if natural immunity is highly effective (which, historically it has always been and there’s no reason to suspect SARS-CoV-2 is any different in that regard). It also makes sense if the COVID shots aren’t really offering any significant protection against infection, which we also know is the case.

The survivability of COVID-19 outside of nursing homes is 99.74%. If you’re under the age of 40, your chance of surviving a bout of COVID-19 is 99.99%.

Vaccine manufacturers have already admitted these COVID shots will not provide immunity, meaning they will not prevent you from being infected. The idea behind these gene modification injections is that if/when you do get infected, you’ll hopefully experience milder symptoms, even though you’re still infectious and can spread the virus to others.

Kaplan ends his analysis by saying that COVID shots are a safer way to achieve herd immunity, and that they are “the best tool available for assuring that the smoldering fire of [COVID-19] is extinguished.” I disagree, based on two major issues.

First, and perhaps most importantly, this is an untested “vaccine” and we have no idea of the short-term let alone long-term damage it will cause, as any reasonable effort at collecting this data has been actively suppressed. Secondly, the survivability of COVID-19 outside of nursing homes is 99.74%. If you’re under the age of 40, your chance of surviving a bout of COVID-19 is 99.99%.10,11,12

You can’t really improve your chances of surviving beyond that, so COVID shots cannot realistically end the pandemic. Meanwhile, the COVID shots come with an ever-growing list of potential side effects that can take years if not decades off your natural life span. The shots are particularly unnecessary for anyone with natural immunity,13 yet that’s what the CDC recommends.14

Why Push COVID Jab on Those with Natural Immunity?

In January 2021, Dr. Hooman Noorchashm, a cardiac surgeon and patient advocate, sent a public letter15 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner detailing the risks of vaccinating individuals who have previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2, or who have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection.

He urged the FDA to require prescreening for SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths following vaccination, as the vaccine may trigger an adverse immune response in those who have already been infected with the virus. In March 2021, Fox TV host Tucker Carlson interviewed him about these risks. In that interview, Noorchashm said:16

“I think it’s a dramatic error on part of public health officials to try to put this vaccine into a one-size-fits-all paradigm … We’re going to take this problem we have with the COVID-19 pandemic, where a half-percent of the population is susceptible to dying, and compound it by causing totally avoidable harm by vaccinating people who are already infected …

The signal is deafening, the people who are having complications or adverse events are the people who have recently or are currently or previously infected [with COVID]. I don’t think we can ignore this.”

In an email to The Defender, Noorchashm fleshed out his concerns, saying:17

“Viral antigens persist in the tissues of the naturally infected for months. When the vaccine is used too early after a natural infection, or worse during an active infection, the vaccine force activates a powerful immune response that attacks the tissues where the natural viral antigens are persisting. This, I suggest, is the cause of the high level of adverse events and, likely deaths, we are seeing in the recently infected following vaccination.”

Despite being widely ignored, Noorchashm continues to push for the implementation of prevaccine screening using PCR or rapid antigen testing to determine whether the individual has an active infection, and an IgG antibody test to determine past infection.

If either test is positive, he recommends delaying vaccination for a minimum of three to six months to allow your IgG levels to wane. At that point, he recommends testing your blood IgG level and use that as a guide to decide the timing of your vaccination.

Those with Natural Immunity Have Higher Risk of Side Effects

Mere weeks after Noorchashm’s letter to the FDA, an international survey18 confirmed his concerns. After surveying 2,002 people who had received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, they found that those who had previously had COVID-19 experienced “significantly increased incidence and severity” of side effects, compared to those who did not have natural immunity.

The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were linked to a higher incidence of side effects compared to the viral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines, but tended to be milder, local reactions. Systemic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, flu-like illness and breathlessness, were more likely to occur with the viral vector COVID-19 vaccines.

Like Noorchashm before them, the researchers called on health officials to reevaluate their vaccination recommendations for people who’ve had COVID-19:19

“People with prior COVID-19 exposure were largely excluded from the vaccine trials and, as a result, the safety and reactogenicity of the vaccines in this population have not been previously fully evaluated. For the first time, this study demonstrates a significant association between prior COVID19 infection and a significantly higher incidence and severity of self-reported side effects after vaccination for COVID-19.

Consistently, compared to the first dose of the vaccine, we found an increased incidence and severity of self-reported side effects after the second dose, when recipients had been previously exposed to viral antigen.

In view of the rapidly accumulating data demonstrating that COVID-19 survivors generally have adequate natural immunity for at least 6 months, it may be appropriate to re-evaluate the recommendation for immediate vaccination of this group.”

CDC Misrepresents Data to Push Jab on Those with Immunity

So far, the CDC has refused to change its stance on the matter. Instead, officials at the agency seem to have doubled down and actually go out of their way to misrepresent data in an effort to harass those with natural immunity to inappropriately take the jab, which is clearly clinically unnecessary.

In a report issued by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) December 18, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was said to have “consistent high efficacy” of 92% or more among people with evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.20

After looking at the Pfizer trial data, Rep. Thomas Massie — a Republican Congressman for Kentucky and an award-winning scientist in his own right — discovered that’s completely wrong. In a January 30, 2021, Full Measure report, investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson described how Massie tried, in vain, to get the CDC to correct its error. According to Massie:21,22

“There is no efficacy demonstrated in the Pfizer trial among participants with evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections and actually there's no proof in the Moderna trial either …

It [the CDC report] says the exact opposite of what the data says. They're giving people the impression that this vaccine will save your life, or save you from suffering, even if you've already had the virus and recovered, which has not been demonstrated in either the Pfizer or the Moderna trial.”

After multiple phone calls, CDC deputy director Dr. Anne Schuchat finally acknowledged the error and told Massie it would be fixed. “As you note correctly, there is not sufficient analysis to show that in the subset of only the people with prior infection, there's efficacy. So, you're correct that that sentence is wrong and that we need to make a correction of it,” Schuchat said in the recorded call.

January 29, 2021, the CDC issued its supposed correction, but rather than fix the error, they simply rephrased the mistake in a different way. This was the “correction” they issued:

“Consistent high efficacy (≥92%) was observed across age, sex, race, and ethnicity categories and among persons with underlying medical conditions. Efficacy was similarly high in a secondary analysis including participants both with or without evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

As you can see, the “correction” still misleadingly suggests that vaccination is effective for those previously infected, even though the data showed no such thing. Children of ever-younger ages are also being pushed to get the COVID jab, even though they have the absolute lowest risk of dying from COVID-19 of any group.

Data23 from the first 12 months of the pandemic in the U.K. show just 25 people under the age of 18 died from or with COVID-19.24 In all, 251 children under 18 were admitted to intensive care between March 2020 and February 2021. The absolute risk of death from COVID-19 in children is 2 in 1 million.

Vaccine Provides Far Less Protection Than Natural Immunity

While some claim vaccine-induced immunity offers greater protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection than natural immunity, historical and current real-world data simply fail to support this non-common sense assertion.

As recently reported by Attkisson25,26 and David Rosenberg 7 Israeli National News,27 recent Israeli data show those who have received the COVID jab are 6.72 times more likely to get infected than people who have recovered from natural infection.

Among the 7,700 new COVID cases diagnosed so far during the current wave of infections that began in May 2021, 39% were vaccinated (about 3,000 cases), 1% (72 patients) had recovered from a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and 60% were neither vaccinated nor previously infected. Israeli National News notes:28

“With a total of 835,792 Israelis known to have recovered from the virus, the 72 instances of reinfection amount to 0.0086% of people who were already infected with COVID.

By contrast, Israelis who were vaccinated were 6.72 times more likely to get infected after the shot than after natural infection, with over 3,000 of the 5,193,499, or 0.0578%, of Israelis who were vaccinated getting infected in the latest wave.”

Breakthrough Infections Are on the Rise

Other Israeli data also suggest the limited protection offered by the COVID shot is rapidly eroding. August 1, 2021, director of Israel’s Public Health Services, Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, announced half of all COVID-19 infections were among the fully vaccinated.29 Signs of more serious disease among fully vaccinated are also emerging, she said, particularly in those over the age of 60.

Even worse, August 5, Dr. Kobi Haviv, director of the Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem, appeared on Channel 13 News, reporting that 95% of severely ill COVID-19 patients are fully vaccinated, and that they make up 85% to 90% of COVID-related hospitalizations overall.30

Other areas where a clear majority of residents have been vaccinated are also seeing spikes in breakthrough cases. In Gibraltar, which has a 99% COVID jab compliance rate, COVID cases have risen by 2,500% since June 1, 2021.31

US Outbreak Shatters ‘Pandemic of Unvaccinated’ Narrative

An investigation by the CDC32,33 also dispels the narrative that we’re in a “pandemic of the unvaccinated.” An outbreak in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, resulted in 469 new COVID cases among residents who had traveled into town between July 3 and July 17, 2021.

Of these cases, 74% were fully vaccinated, as were 80% of those requiring hospitalization.Most, but not all, had the Delta variant of the virus. The CDC also found that fully vaccinated individuals who contract the infection had as high a viral load in their nasal passages as unvaccinated individuals who got infected.34 This means the vaccinated are just as infectious as the unvaccinated. According to Attkisson:35

“CDC's newest findings on so-called ‘breakthrough’ infections in vaccinated people are mirrored by other data releases. Illinois health officials recently announced36 more than 160 fully-vaccinated people have died of Covid-19, and at least 644 been hospitalized; 10 deaths and 51 hospitalizations counted in the prior week …

In July, New Jersey reported 49 fully vaccinated residents had died of Covid; 27 in Louisiana; 80 in Massachusetts … Nationally, as of July 12, CDC said it was aware of more than 4,400 people who got Covid-19 after being fully vaccinated and had to be hospitalized; and 1,063 fully vaccinated people who died of Covid.”

It is important to note this data is over 1 month old now and it is likely that many thousands of fully “vaccinated” have now died from COVID-19.

Natural Immunity Appears Robust and Long-Lasting

An argument we’re starting to hear more of now is that even though natural immunity after recovery from infection appears to be quite good, “we don’t know how long it’ll last.” This is rather disingenuous, seeing how natural immunity is typically lifelong, and studies have shown natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is at bare minimum longer lasting than vaccine-induced immunity.

Here’s a sampling of scholarly publications that have investigated natural immunity as it pertains to SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are several more in addition to these:37

Science Immunology October 202038 found that “RBD-targeted antibodies are excellent markers of previous and recent infection, that differential isotype measurements can help distinguish between recent and older infections, and that IgG responses persist over the first few months after infection and are highly correlated with neutralizing antibodies.”

The BMJ January 202139 concluded that “Of 11, 000 health care workers who had proved evidence of infection during the first wave of the pandemic in the U.K. between March and April 2020, none had symptomatic reinfection in the second wave of the virus between October and November 2020.”

Science February 202140 reported that “Substantial immune memory is generated after COVID-19, involving all four major types of immune memory [antibodies, memory B cells, memory CD8+ T cells, and memory CD4+ T cells]. About 95% of subjects retained immune memory at ~6 months after infection. Circulating antibody titers were not predictive of T cell memory.

Thus, simple serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies do not reflect the richness and durability of immune memory to SARS-CoV-2.” A 2,800-person study found no symptomatic reinfections over a ~118-day window, and a 1,246-person study observed no symptomatic reinfections over 6 months.

A February 2021 study posted on the prepublication server medRxiv41 concluded that “Natural infection appears to elicit strong protection against reinfection with an efficacy ~95% for at least seven months.”

An April 2021 study posted on medRxiv42 reported “the overall estimated level of protection from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection for documented infection is 94.8%; hospitalization 94.1%; and severe illness 96·4%. Our results question the need to vaccinate previously-infected individuals.”

Another April 2021 study posted on the preprint server BioRxiv43 concluded that “following a typical case of mild COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells not only persist but continuously differentiate in a coordinated fashion well into convalescence, into a state characteristic of long-lived, self-renewing memory.”

A May 2020 report in the journal Immunity44 confirmed that SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies are detected in COVID-19 convalescent subjects, as well as cellular immune responses. Here, they found that neutralizing antibody titers do correlate with the number of virus-specific T cells.

A May 2021 Nature article45 found SARS-CoV-2 infection induces long-lived bone marrow plasma cells, which are a crucial source of protective antibodies. Even after mild infection, anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies were detectable beyond 11 months’ post-infection.

A May 2021 study in E Clinical Medicine46 found “antibody detection is possible for almost a year post-natural infection of COVID-19.” According to the authors, “Based on current evidence, we hypothesize that antibodies to both S and N-proteins after natural infection may persist for longer than previously thought, thereby providing evidence of sustainability that may influence post-pandemic planning.”

Cure-Hub data47 confirm that while COVID shots can generate higher antibody levels than natural infection, this does not mean vaccine-induced immunity is more protective. Importantly, natural immunity confers much wider protection as your body recognizes all five proteins of the virus and not just one. With the COVID shot, your body only recognizes one of these proteins, the spike protein.

A June 2021 Nature article48 points out that “Wang et al. show that, between 6 and 12 months after infection, the concentration of neutralizing antibodies remains unchanged. That the acute immune reaction extends even beyond six months is suggested by the authors’ analysis of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells in the blood of the convalescent individuals over the course of the year.

These memory B cells continuously enhance the reactivity of their SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies through a process known as somatic hypermutation. The good news is that the evidence thus far predicts that infection with SARS-CoV-2 induces long-term immunity in most individuals.”

Another June Nature paper concluded that “In the absence of vaccination antibody reactivity [to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2], neutralizing activity and the number of RBD-specific memory B cells remain relatively stable from 6 to 12 months.” According to the authors, the data suggest “immunity in convalescent individuals will be very long lasting.”

What Makes Natural Immunity Superior?

The reason natural immunity is superior to vaccine-induced immunity is because viruses contain five different proteins. The COVID shot induces antibodies against just one of those proteins, the spike protein, and no T cell immunity. When you’re infected with the whole virus, you develop antibodies against all parts of the virus, plus memory T cells.

This also means natural immunity offers better protection against variants, as it recognizes several parts of the virus. If there are significant alternations to the spike protein, as with the Delta variant, vaccine-induced immunity can be evaded. Not so with natural immunity, as the other proteins are still recognized and attacked.

Not only that but the COVID jabs actually actively promote the production of variants for which they provide virtually no protection at all, while those with natural immunity do not cause variants and are nearly universally protected against them.

If we are to depend on vaccine-induced immunity, as public health officials are urging us to do, we’ll end up on a never-ending booster treadmill. Boosters will absolutely be necessary, as the shot offers such narrow protection against a single protein of the virus. Already, Moderna has publicly stated that the need for additional boosters is expected.49

Ultimately It’s About Wealth Transfer, Power and Control

Government agencies typically don’t issue recommendations without ulterior motives. Since current recommendations make absolutely no sense from a medical and scientific standpoint, what might the reason be for these illogical and reprehensibly unethical recommendations to inject people who don’t need it with experimental gene modification technology?

Why are they so hell-bent on getting a needle in every arm? And why are they refusing to perform any kind of risk-benefit analysis?

Data already indicate these COVID-19 injections could be the most dangerous medical product we’ve ever seen, and a June 24, 2021, peer-reviewed study published in the medical journal Vaccines warned we are in fact killing nearly as many with the shots as would die from COVID-19 itself.50

Using data from a large Israeli field study and two European drug reactions databases, they recalculated the NNTV for Pfizer’s mRNA shot. To prevent one case of COVID-19, anywhere between 200 and 700 had to be injected. To prevent a single death, the NNTV was between 9,000 and 50,000, with 16,000 as a point estimate.

Meanwhile, the number of people reporting adverse reactions from the shots was 700 per 100,000 vaccinations. For serious side effects, there were 16 reports per 100,000 vaccinations, and the number of fatal side effects was 4.11 per 100,000 vaccinations.

The final calculation suggested that for every three COVID-19 deaths prevented, two died from the shots. “This lack of clear benefit should cause governments to rethink their vaccination policy,” the authors concluded.

As has become the trend, a letter expressing “concern” about the study was published June 28, 2021, resulting in the paper being abruptly retracted July 2, 2021, against the authors’ objections. They disagreed with the accusation that their data and subsequent conclusion were misrepresentative, but the paper was retracted before they had time to publish a rebuttal.

Based on everything we’ve discovered so far, it seems a pandemic virus industrial complex is running the show, with a goal to eliminate medical rights and personal freedoms in order to centralize power, control and wealth.

By the looks of things, the COVID-19 mass psychosis and loss of any rational thinking by nearly half the population will continue to persist as long as the propaganda continues. Fear will continue and if need be, other engineered viruses may be released, for which they’ll create even more gene modification injections.

I believe the truth will eventually be so overwhelming, it’ll sweep away the confusion and the lies.  Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola  August 18, 2021

[williamhospital]

How Can Regular Check-Ups Benefit Your Child's Health?

Regular check-ups are a fundamental aspect of maintaining and promoting your child’s health. These routine visits to a pediatrician or family doctor offer numerous benefits that extend beyond immediate medical needs. Here’s how regular check-ups can positively impact your child's health and well-being.

1. Early Detection of Health Issues

One of the most significant benefits of regular check-ups is the early detection of potential health problems. During these visits, doctors perform thorough examinations to identify any signs of developmental delays, vision or hearing problems, or chronic conditions such as asthma or allergies. Detecting these issues early allows for prompt intervention, which can prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes. Early diagnosis is especially important in children, as many conditions are easier to treat when caught early.

2. Monitoring Growth and Development

Child Health Care

Regular check-ups provide an opportunity to monitor your child’s growth and development. Pediatricians track height, weight, and head circumference to ensure your child is growing at a healthy rate. These measurements help assess whether your child is meeting developmental milestones, such as walking, talking, and social skills. If any concerns arise, healthcare providers can recommend additional testing, therapies, or referrals to specialists to address developmental challenges.

3. Keeping Vaccinations Up to Date

Vaccinations are a crucial part of preventive healthcare for children. Regular check-ups ensure that your child receives all necessary immunizations to protect against various diseases, such as measles, mumps, polio, and whooping cough. Staying up to date with vaccinations helps build your child’s immunity and protects them from potentially severe illnesses. It also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the spread of contagious diseases within the community.

4. Building Healthy Habits and Preventive Care

Regular check-ups are an excellent opportunity for healthcare providers to educate both parents and children about healthy habits and preventive care. Doctors can offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and hygiene, which are essential for your child’s overall well-being. By fostering good habits early on, you can help your child develop a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime. These visits also provide a chance to discuss safety measures, such as car seat use, sun protection, and injury prevention.

5. Strengthening the Doctor-Patient Relationship

General Medicine Doctor near Me

Consistent check-ups help build a trusting relationship between your child, you, and the healthcare provider. This rapport is essential for ensuring that your child feels comfortable discussing any health concerns as they grow older. A familiar relationship with a trusted doctor can make your child more at ease during medical examinations, leading to better communication and more accurate assessments of their health.

6. Addressing Parental Concerns

Check-ups provide a dedicated time for parents to ask questions and express any concerns about their child’s health, behavior, or development. Whether it’s about sleeping patterns, diet, or behavioral issues, having open discussions with a healthcare professional can offer reassurance and guidance. Parents can receive expert advice tailored to their child’s specific needs, reducing anxiety and fostering confidence in their parenting choices.

Conclusion

Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining your child’s health and supporting their development. By ensuring early detection of health issues, monitoring growth, keeping vaccinations up to date, promoting healthy habits, building a strong doctor-patient relationship, and addressing parental concerns, these routine visits play a vital role in safeguarding your child’s well-being. Making regular check-ups a priority sets the stage for a healthier future for your child.

[bullyfemme]

Vaccinate Your Fucking Kids

Hey I'm an angry bio major and I'm here to debunk some of the dumber arguements against vaccines and provide points as to why you should vaccinate your kids bc my area is now on red alert for fucking measles :')

1. "Vaccines cause autism"

This claim was invented by Andrew Wakefield. I've heard a lot of discussion abt his dumb bullshit. He falsified results, which lead to him losing his medical license and eventually having his paper pulled from the lancet. His results could not be duplicated. Also he only ran a study on 12 kids he personally picked out from anti-vaccine parents. Any scientist or statistics student worth the rocks in their shoes can tell you that the sample size is too small and biased.

2. "The Thimersol preservative in vaccines causes autism and is dangerous because it has mercury in it"

Not only is it not used anymore and hasn't been since 2001 with the exception of a few flu vaccines (which you can ask for without thimersol), it's a completely different kind of mercury than what we think of. Methylmercury is the one that poisons people, because our bodies are incapable of breaking it down. Thimersol contains ethylmercury. I know this is a difficult topic to understand, but there are different kinds of mercury in the world. Where as methylmercury cannot be broken down in your body and has a fucking long half-life, ethylmercury's half life is roughly a week and it does not stick around in your body. You shit it out.

3. Nothing can "cause" autism

Autism is a genetic disorder with at least 1000 different genes connected to it, but it is believed to have some outside factors such as parental age and birth complications.

However, none of those outside factors involve vaccines. Not a one. None. Maybe one? Nah fuck off.

The reason more people with autism exist and are being diagnosed now than previous is not because more autistic people exist now than before. Rather, we now have a better, more complete and full understanding of autism and its symptoms.

Here's an analogy: in the year 1980, you have discovered the color green. Awesome. But the only green you know about is the oversatured secondary color. If the green is any lighter or any darker, or slightly more blue or yellow, or less saturated, you cant and will not label it as green. You might say "oh that's just a really weird blue" or "wow what a strange yellow". But you've never processed that its green, just like the other green. The greens were always there: you just never understood that they were green. And so, in 2019, now that we understand more about green, we can see that the more blue and yellow greens are still green even if they dont filt the perfect green mold.

And that's why theres more. autism diagnosis today.

Correlation =/= causation. Yes, more kids are vaccinated today than were in 1950. Yes, more kids are diagnosed as autistic today than there were in 1950. This is because medicine has advanced since 1950. Jackets may be bought when it starts to get cold but that doesnt mean the jackets made it cold.

4. Herd immunity: you are killing kids fighting cancer

Herd immunity is the well-proven idea that revolves around the immunocompromised. Immunocompromised people are people who, as the name suggests, have a compromised immune system. This could be for many reasons including cancer treatment, HIV, down syndrome, and many others. Because vaccines do introduce a small part of a neutered infection into a body to familiarize it with the immune system (more in the next section), their lack of an immune system makes this ineffective. When everyone in a community is vaccinated except for them, this is herd immunity and that immunocompromised person is safe.

5. "Vaccines put the virus in my children!"

You bet your sweet ass they do! And it fucking rules!

If you read any part of this fucking post, read this. Please read this part. So few people understand this about their immune system and its killing kids.

Okay, so for this to make sense, you need to understand the immune system and for that I have to give a small lecture.

You have two different categories of immune cells: adaptive and innate. I wont get in to each individual cell but here's the deal on them: your innate immunity is always active. Always. It's always patrolling your body for an infection. Its nonspecific, and has no memory (which I will elaborate on in a second).

The adaptive memory is fucking awesome. Seriously. It activates after 3-5 days of infection if the innate immune system cant handle it themselves. It sends out hundreds of antibodies which it uses kind of like little tracking devices that attach themselves to bacteria, viruses, or whatever is infecting the body. And they have a memory, meaning they will remember an infection the first time.

If you take anything away from this post, take this: EVERY TIME YOU GET SICK WITH A VIRUS, IT DOES NOT GO AWAY 100%. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE ONE OR TWO VIRAL CELLS LEFT. THIS INCLUDES EVERY TIME YOUVE EVER GOTTEN SICK, FROM THE CHICKEN POX WHEN YOU WERE 6 TO THE FLU TWO WEEKS AGO SO THAT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM CAN REMEMBER THE NEXT TIME YOU GET INFECTED WITH THAT STRAIN.

This is fucking essential to understanding what vaccines do. The memory in immune cells comes from having more or less kept the bacteria in the body in a neutered state.

Vaccines make it so that you can skip right to that right off the bat by introducing the body to a neutered version of a virus. They skip the pain and suffering of an illness and skip right to the introduction of your immune system.

So yes. Your kids are introduced to a neutered version of measles so that they don't have to acquire that immunity through a fever so hot the fucking proteins holding their brain together start falling apart at 104-106°.

In conclusion: vaccinate your fucking kids

[sciencespies]

Why Immunity to the Novel Coronavirus Is So Complicated

https://sciencespies.com/nature/why-immunity-to-the-novel-coronavirus-is-so-complicated/

Why Immunity to the Novel Coronavirus Is So Complicated

Even before the blood left his arm, André Valleteau suspected he knew what his doctors would find.

Just weeks before, the 27-year-old from Toronto had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The symptoms hit him hard: headache, cough, sore throat and fatigue that relegated him to his bed 15 hours a day. “It didn’t matter how many times I napped,” he says. “I was tired until the next time I napped again.”

Valleteau, a researcher coordinator at a pharmaceutical company, spent two weeks self-isolating and recovering, then decided he wanted to help others do the same. He contacted a local researcher and offered up his blood—along with the disease-fighting antibodies that likely teemed within. Indeed, Valleteau’s blood tested positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and a team of scientists is now studying molecules from patients like Valleteau in the hopes they can inform the development of drugs or vaccines to vanquish the virus.

Antibodies, which the body makes in response to dangerous microbes like SARS-CoV-2, are crucial for defending against disease. Many can glom onto pathogens and subdue them before they have a chance to encounter vulnerable human cells. Antibodies are also evidence: Some COVID-19 tests target these molecules because they show that someone has previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2. (And as previously reported, the possibility of false negatives or false positives, which are more common with some tests than others, can sometimes muddle attempts to pinpoint past infections.)

Even then, while a positive antibody test (also called a serology test) can say a lot about the past, it may not indicate much about a person’s future. Researchers still don’t know if antibodies that recognize SARS-CoV-2 prevent people from catching the virus a second time—or, if they do, how long that protection might last.

Immunity isn’t binary, but a continuum—and having an immune response, like those that can be measured by antibody tests, doesn’t make a person impervious to disease. “There’s this impression that ‘immunity’ means you’re 100 percent protected, that you’ll never be infected again,” says Rachel Graham, an virologist studying coronaviruses at the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. “But having immunity just means your immune system is responding to something”—not how well it’s poised to guard you from subsequent harm.

It takes a symphony of cells

In discussions of immunity, antibodies often end up hogging the spotlight—but they’re not the only weapons the body wields against invaders. The sheer multitude of molecules at work helps explain why “immunity” is such a slippery concept.

When a pathogen infiltrates the body, the immune system mounts a defense in two acts. First comes the innate immune response, a blunt, broad-acting ensemble that attacks any invader that doesn’t resemble a normal-looking human cell. Slower but more specific is the adaptive immune response, a second wave of assailants the body custom-builds to recognize unique features of the infectious microbe.

This second wave includes antibodies, which are manufactured by immune cells called B cells. Some antibodies are potent weapons that curb a microbe’s capacity to latch onto and enter cells, while others simply flag germs or infected cells for destruction by other parts of the immune system. The former category, called neutralizing antibodies, are necessary to combat most of the pathogens that plague humans, and their production is generally considered a hallmark of a good vaccine, says Sallie Permar, a virologist and vaccine expert at Duke University says.

A laboratory technician holds a bag with samples ready for COVID-19 testing, including blood for an antibody test, at SOMOS Community Care site in Washington Heights Latino community.

(Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket / Getty Images)

Although antibodies have a short lifespan, disappearing from the blood after a few weeks or months, the immune system retains some of the B cells that produce them. If the same germ returns, these cellular factories will whip up a big batch of antibodies to wage a second war. But antibodies alone aren’t enough to quash an infection, says Diane Griffin, an immunologist at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. “You need an orchestra of responses [for protection] to really be effective.”

T cells—another subset of the adaptive response—are often left out of conversations about immunity.

“You can’t have a great antibody response without T cells,” says Akiko Iwasaki, a virologist and immunologist at Yale University. Among a slew of helpful functions, T cells help young B cells mature into antibody-making machines. “These things really go hand in hand.”

T cells are also formidable fighters in their own right. In a bid to stop the spread of a pathogen throughout the body, some T cells will trigger infected cells to self-destruct. Others linger after an illness has resolved, patrolling tissues so germs can’t reestablish a foothold. (One of the reasons that HIV is such a devastating diagnosis is that the virus destroys some of the body’s T cells.)

Studies of other coronaviruses, including the ones that cause SARS and MERS, show that T cells play integral roles in stamping out sickness, says Stephanie Langel, a virologist and immunologist at Duke University. It’s likely that the same will hold true for SARS-CoV-2. Compared to antibodies, however, T cells—which often hole up in hard-to-reach tissues like the lungs—are more difficult to extract and analyze. That makes T-cell detection unlikely to play much of a role in clinical tests for immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. For researchers, though, T cells “represent a wealth of knowledge” about how our immune systems deal with the new coronavirus, Langel says.

Antibodies aren’t perfect

Even the most sensitive laboratory tests have their limits, and finding antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is no guarantee that those molecules are high-quality defenders or that a person is protected from reinfection.

Most commercially available antibody tests search a person’s blood for antibodies that can recognize SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein, the molecule the virus uses to attach to human cells. Some (but not all) of these assessments can tell how many antibodies a person is producing—the more the better, generally speaking. But typical tests don’t determine whether the antibodies are neutralizing. To come to that conclusion, researchers must mix antibodies with viruses and check whether they stop the pathogens from invading human cells in a laboratory under strict safety protocols.

A T cell (blue) engages its target cell for destruction.

(Alex Ritter, Jennifer Lippincott Schwartz and Gillian Griffiths, National Institutes of Health / flickr)

Though non-neutralizing antibodies can play less direct roles in incapacitating a pathogen, many are duds that have no effect on microbes. Some may even chauffeur active viruses into healthy cells, inadvertently accelerating infection. “Essentially, the antibody helps the virus replicate,” Permar says. This rare phenomenon, called antibody-dependent enhancement, has been observed with the viruses that cause dengue and Zika.

Why antibodies can be so inconsistent is still a mystery, in part because laboratory experiments can’t recreate the conditions these molecules experience in the body, says Marcia Goldberg, a microbiologist at Harvard University. “It’s really important to actually test how well antibodies are working in people.” (One way to do so involves administering antibodies to patients battling COVID-19, something that’s being trialed in hospitals around the world.)

Even antibodies with known neutralizing powers aren’t foolproof. Donna Farber, an immunologist at Columbia University who studies T-cell responses against airway viruses, says that some patients with high levels of neutralizing antibodies in their blood still succumb to COVID-19, another hint that other parts of the immune system are needed to reliably defeat this disease.

That’s why antibody tests shouldn’t be overinterpreted, Iwasaki says. One common misconception is that a positive antibody test means a person no longer has the virus in their system, which isn’t necessarily the case. Antibodies are often roused about a week into a new infection, potentially overlapping with a pathogen’s tenure in the body. Diagnostic tests that search for the virus’ genetic material can help tease that timeline apart, but even these assessments can yield incorrect results.

“So much nuance is being lost by just saying ‘serology [antibody] positive’ and ‘serology [antibody] negative,’” Iwasaki says.

A range of responses

A person who has recovered from their first brush with a new pathogen like SARS-CoV-2 may travel one of several immunological routes, Goldberg says—not all of which end in complete protection from another infection.

One possibility is that the immune system does a great job of cataloguing the invader’s unique features. That intel will get stored in an army of B and T cells that will rally to fight the second time a germ comes around. B cells in particular play a starring role in this scenario, pumping out neutralizing antibodies that can sequester and disable a pathogen before it even has the chance to enter a host cell, Iwasaki says. This phenomenon, called sterilizing immunity, make people essentially resistant to reinfection. The body may rouse this reaction in response to microbes like the virus that causes measles, which tends to be a one-and-done infection for most people.

A scanning electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

(NIAID / flickr)

But not all pathogens prompt such a robust response—and not everyone reacts the same way to a given microbe. People can experience varying shades of partial protection in the wake of an infection, Goldberg says. In some cases, a bug might infect a person a second time but struggle to replicate in the body, causing only mild symptoms (or none at all) before it’s purged once more. The person may never notice the germ’s return. Still, even a temporary rendezvous between human and microbe can create a conduit for transmission, allowing the pathogen to hop into another susceptible individual.

Under rarer circumstances, patients may experience symptoms that are similar to, or perhaps even more severe, than the first time their body encountered the pathogen.

That doesn’t mean people are doomed to experience the same diseases over and over. “The word ‘immune’ makes it sound like the virus gets close to your body, hits a wall, and has to turn away and go find someone else,” says Allison Roder, a virologist at New York University. But even partial protection from the immune system will curtail the amount of pathogen in a person’s body, and, by extension, the likelihood of transmission.

None of these protective states are necessarily permanent or mutually exclusive. A person’s immunity to a pathogen can wane over the course of months or years, eventually dropping below a threshold that leaves them susceptible to disease once again. Researchers don’t yet know whether that will be the case for SARS-CoV-2. The widespread deployment of accurate antibody tests, which can track both where the virus has been and how people are faring after having it, may help answer that question. Scientists are also trying to determine the antibody levels that correlate with protection against reinfection and how durable those responses are over time.

Finding those answers will be a boon for vaccine development, Permar says. “The dream of every vaccine is to be able to say, ‘We need this level of antibody.’ Then vaccines can chase that endpoint. Until we know that benchmark… we’re operating in the dark.”

So far, early studies in both humans and animals suggest exposure to SARS-CoV-2 marshals a strong immune response. But until researchers have more clarity, Graham advises continued vigilance—even for those who have gotten positive results from antibody tests, or have other reason to believe they were infected with COVID-19.

Valleteau, who has received clinical confirmation the coronavirus is no longer in his system, is still practicing physical distancing, frequently washing his hands and wearing protective gear like face coverings. He’s also taking extra precautions around the patients he works with, many of whom have diabetes, a condition that can increase the risk of complications from COVID-19.

“This is not a free pass to act like nothing is going on,” he says. “Just because you’ve had it and recovered, you’re not absolved of social responsibility.”

#Nature