Health
Women are more vulnerable than men to gonorrhea due to rising antibiotic resistance.
Don’t engage in sexual activity. It is “the only way to completely avoid STIs,” according to public health organizations. Avoid engaging in any oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
It is a sobering piece of wisdom. However, it also makes perfect sense when you look at the most recent data on the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial STIs, such as gonorrhea, from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Antibiotics including azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and cefixime are frequently used in medicine to treat gonorrhea, but their efficacy is declining. And that might be a factor in the rise in gonorrhea infections and STI cases in general throughout Europe, if not the world.
In a study released on June 10, 2024, the ECDC stated that there were 70,881 confirmed cases of gonorrhea in 28 EU/EEA (European Union/European Economic Area) nations in 2022, a 48% increase from the previous year.
AMR is one reason why antibiotics across the board — whether it’s for STIs or an earache — are failing public health efforts. Either we use them too much, or we don’t bother to take all the pills, with the result that bacteria are able to build up a resistance to many of our “go-to” drugs of the past 100 years.
Gonorrhea: What is it?
The Neisseria gonorrhoea bacteria is the cause of gonorrhea. It may impact the esophagus, rectum, or genitalia. Infections are common in young persons (ages 15 to 24).
Women are more likely than males to get an infection since diagnosis is more difficult for them. Women also frequently don’t have symptoms, and when they do, they are typically minor and can be confused for another vaginal or bladder infection. particularly expectant mothers, who may transmit STI infections to their fetus. Undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections can cause pregnancy problems in women or cause infertility.
However, men do experience symptoms, such as painful or enlarged testicles, a burning feeling when peeing, and a discharge that can be white, yellow, or green.
However, this is less common in women than it is in them. Teodora Elvira Wi, who oversees the global HIV, hepatitis, and STI programs at the World Health Organization in Geneva, stated that women must be given priority because they are asymptomatic.
“We need opportunities for women to be screened for STIs, and especially people at higher risk, people who have multiple partners and sexually active adolescents,” stated Wi.
‘Concerning’ antimicrobial resistance to popular medications for gonorrhea
In the ECDC paper, 4,396 gonorrhea samples (also known as “isolates”) from 23 different nations were analyzed. These samples were taken in 2022.
They discovered that “isolates resistant to azithromycin increased significantly to 25.6%, compared to 14.2% in 2021.”
Since azithromycin and ceftriaxone are frequently used together, the ECDC deemed this result to be “particularly concerning.”
Ciprofloxacin resistance rose as well, though not as dramatically: in 2022, 65.9% of isolates showed resistance, up from 62.8% in 2021.
Cefixime resistance remained “low at 0.3%.”
All things considered, the World Health Organization’s data from other regions—Africa and Asia, for example—reflects the ECDC figures.
According to Wi, 73 countries worldwide have reported antimicrobial resistance data in gonorrhea. “Antimicrobial resistance is not the only cause [there], but in countries where antimicrobial resistance is even higher than in Europe, it is contributing to the increase in bacterial STIs,” Wi added.
Pharyngeal (throat) gonorrhea was on the rise in 2022, according to ECDC data, although genital and anorectal gonorrhea cases stayed steady.
How to reduce STI transmission
According to WHO data from 2020, 374 million new cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis among individuals aged 15 to 49 occur worldwide each year. The increasing incidence of STI cases was attributed by the WHO to the following factors:
An increase in risky sexual conduct, such as the usage of fewer condoms and a rise in the number of casual and committed relationships
Socioeconomic factors and asymptomatic infections; biological considerations
Due to underfunding of services, there is a paucity of STI services, poor access to STI services, and a shortage of diagnostic test instruments.
Stigma: As a result of stigma, STI services and research are underfunded, and patients are less likely to seek treatment.
In public health initiatives to limit STIs, addressing and/or reversing these variables would be a smart place to start.
Wi advised against quitting entirely, saying that having sex should be accompanied by education. “Have sex, have pleasure in sex, make it a voluntary thing, do it for your sexual well-being and protect yourself the way you protect yourself from other infections,” she stated.
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Fashion
In a lavender Manish Malhotra saree, Hania Aamir sports her most gorgeous ethnic ensemble to date. View its astounding cost.
Hania Aamir serves stunning ethnic fashion inspiration in lavender Manish Malhotra tissue saree. Wondering how much it costs? Scroll down for all the details.
Hania Aamir is leaving fashion lovers spellbound with her stunning ethnic diaries. The Pakistani actor has been rocking back-to-back traditional outfits by Indian designers, turning her Insta feed into a goldmine of fashion inspo. For her latest look, the 27-year-old slipped into six yards of grace and looked straight out of a royal fairytale. Let’s break down her saree look and steal some style tips for your ethnic wardrobe. Hania Aamir stuns in lavender saree
On Monday, Hania took to Instagram and uploaded a series of gorgeous snaps accompanied by the caption “gave mermaid.” Draped in a dreamy lavender saree, the star looked absolutely breathtaking while serving some striking glam poses. Let’s take a moment to soak in her ethereal beauty.
Hania’s saree is crafted from luxurious tissue fabric and features intricately embroidered borders, showcasing stunning zari work, beads, and sequin detailing throughout. Draped to perfection, she let the pallu elegantly cascade from her shoulder, adding a regal charm to her look. She teamed it up with a matching embroidered blouse, complete with delicate handmade tassels at the back.
How much does her saree cost?
Can’t stop swooning over Hania’s gorgeous saree? We’ve got all the details you need to add this stunner to your collection. Her six yards is straight from the shelves of ace designer Manish Malhotra and is priced at ₹3,95,000.
Hania accessorised her ethnic look with dazzling diamond jewellery, including statement drop earrings, a chic choker necklace, a sleek bracelet, and a stunning ring adorning her finger. Her dewy makeup featured shimmer eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, mascara-coated lashes, blushed cheeks, a luminous highlighter, and glossy nude lipstick. With her long, luscious tresses left loose in a side partition, she perfectly finished off her look.
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Health
Knowing the main distinctions and risks between HMPV and COVID-19.
As India logs 5 cases of HMPV, here’s all you need to know about how human metapneumovirus is different from Covid-19 and warning signs to watch out for.
HMPV virus is not a novel virus – it was first isolated in 2001 by Van den Hoogen and her colleagues in Netherlands in the nasopharyngeal secretions of children with respiratory tract infections. The virus was named human metapneumovirus because it was a metapneumovirus that used humans as a host.
The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001.
The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, hMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with weakened immune systems.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sangeeta V Budur, Consultant – Paediatrics and Paediatric Intensive Care at Aster RV Hospital, shared, “It is known to cause a range of illnesses from mild upper respiratory infections to severe pneumonia , bronchiolitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. About 5 to 25% of the acute pediatric lower respiratory tract infections are associated with HMPV. The viral outbreaks peak in winter and spring season in northern hemisphere and June and July in southern hemisphere.”
Who are the vulnerable population?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur revealed, “No age group is immune to the virus, reinfection occurs throughout the life but subsequent infections are mild. Infants, children under 2 years, elderly, Immuno-compromised persons or those with underlying chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to the severe disease. The HMPV infection appears to be ubiquitous, as virtually all children are exposed by the age of 5 years.”
How does it spread?
According to Dr Sangeeta V Budur, just like any other respiratory illness, HMPV spread via respiratory droplets i.e. coughing, sneezing or contact with infected secretions.
How is it different from Covid -19 ?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur informed, “Both viruses cause minor respiratory symptoms in most of the infected people but Covid -19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms involving multiple body systems and a higher potential for systemic complications. The comparison between the two viruses is difficult though the spread is through the droplets via the respiratory route in both. HMPV is less transmittable and has less severe symptoms as compared to Covid-19.”
What are the symptoms of HMPV virus?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur answered, “Most of the symptoms are mild flu like lasting 5- 7 days requiring outpatient visits. But in children under five , HMPV is responsible for 3-10% of hospital admissions. Among the hospitalized children high grade fever, respiratory distress, wheezing rare the predominant symptoms.”
What are the respiratory illnesses caused by HMPV?
As per Dr Sangeeta V Budur, HMPV is mainly known to cause upper respiratory tract infection in most of the children but bronchiolitis, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome in few which require hospitalization, oxygen therapy including mechanical ventilation.
How to diagnose HMPV infection?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur highlighted, “Diagnosing HMPV based solely on symptoms is difficult, as it mimics other respiratory infections like respiratory syncytial virus( RSV) and influenza. PCR testing on nasopharyngeal secretions for detecting HMPV RNA is the gold standard. In India, surveillance systems like ICMR and the Integrated disease surveillance Programme( IDSP) regularly test for respiratory viruses including HMPV.”
What are treatment options for HMPV?
There is no specific antiviral drug available. Dr Sangeeta V Budur said, “Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive with antipyretics and antihistaminics. Hospitalised children may need oxygen therapy , nebulizations and rarely mechanical ventilation among the severely infected.”
What are preventive measures for HMPV?
As of now there is no targeted therapy/vaccine available for HMPV. Dr Sangeeta V Budur suggested, “Proper hand hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Cough etiquette such as covering the nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, wearing a mask can limit the spread of the virus. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals, regularly disinfecting touched surfaces are additional measures.”
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Health
HMPV: Bengaluru Hospital’s 8-month-old is said to have tested positive.
The infant and its family had no history of recent travel and did not show any symptoms of concern.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens.
As part of ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide, the ICMR detected these two cases. One case involves an eight-month-old male infant in Bengaluru, whose sample collected on January 2 tested positive for HMPV. According to sources in the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) health department, the infant and their family had no recent travel history and showed no concerning symptoms.
The second case involves a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia, who tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has since been discharged and is recovering, the Union Health ministry said.
HMPV primarily affects children and is known to be present in about 0.7 per cent of flu cases globally. However, Karnataka health officials have stated that they lack detailed information on the specific strain in question.
Responding to the developments, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday, “This is not India’s first case. The virus has been around for years, but this could be a new strain. More details are needed to ascertain that.”
What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently garnered attention due to videos and reports circulating on social media, suggesting that hospitals in China are overwhelmed by a surge in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV. Posts also claim that outbreaks of multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, have contributed to overcrowding in both hospitals and cemeteries.
HMPV, first identified in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, is a significant cause of acute respiratory infections, according to the American Lung Association. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, either through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or toys.
In the United States, HMPV typically circulates more frequently during the winter and spring months, overlapping with other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.
Symptoms of HMPV
The symptoms of HMPV can vary in severity and commonly include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some individuals may also experience wheezing and shortness of breath (dyspnea). In certain cases, a rash may develop as part of the infection.
According to Google Trends, searches for ‘HMPV virus symptoms’ surged on Sunday and peaked on Monday. Related queries included ‘fatigue,’ ‘fatigue meaning,’ ‘HPV virus cases in India news,’ ‘nasal congestion,’ and ‘HMPV virus in Bangalore’. Most searches originated from Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The spike followed reports of two HMPV cases detected in Karnataka on Monday.
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