Covid nasal vaccine: Will it be a game-changer as new cases rise? (2023)

Covid-19 is still looming large in several countries, which has led to a scare among the authorities in India. Ahead of the coronavirus scare, the Indian government approved the use of a nasal vaccine for Covid. Reports suggest that India is the first country in the world to approve the emergency use of the nasal. 

Nasal immunogen for Covid-19: can or not it's a game-changer as new cases rise?

Listen to this text.Covid-19 continues to be looming massive in many countries, that has semiconductor diode to a scare among the authorities in India. prior the coronavirus scare, the Indian government approved the employment of Covid nasal immunogen. Reports recommend that India is that the 1st country within the world to approve the emergency use of the nasal immunogen. With vaccination still your best guard against virulent sickness, it's best to induce inoculated with the booster, that is that the immunogen given to patients once they need received the primary 2 doses of Covid-19 immunogen.

If you’re inquisitive what the Covid nasal immunogen is and the way it works, we've you covered! Health shots reached dead set Dr Suruchi Mandrekar, UN agency could be a advisor medical specialty at Manipal Hospitals in Baner-Pune to grasp a lot of concerning it.

nasal immunogen for covid

Is the nasal immunogen effective? Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

What is the nasal immunogen for Covid?

For the inexperienced, the govt of India approved the employment of the nasal immunogen for Covid-19. it'll function a heterologous booster. The immunogen, that is called iNCOVACC, are going to be additional to the Co-win portal to permit folks to access it in Associate in Nursing emergency. The nasal coronavirus immunogen will be accessible in camera establishments as a neighborhood of the vaccination campaign.

“The nasal immunogen is comparable to Covaxine and it's a vector immunogen. Therefore, a similar animal virus is altered and built in a very means that doesn't cause any damage however instead provides immunity,”

As per reports, 2 doses of the nasal immunogen are going to be given because the primary and booster among twenty eight days.

How will the Covid nasal immunogen work?

Previously, folks were obtaining inoculated with a immunogen full of liquid, that was injected into their nerves. Now, Hyderabad-based drug company Republic of India Biotech has introduced the Covid nasal immunogen, which is able to be delivered through the nose.

Dr Mandrekar explained, “The nasal immunogen was recently introduced, which is able to work all right as a booster to boost immunity. it'll additionally improve the immunogenicity of the nasal space that is precisely the world from wherever the Covid virus enters the body. it's had 2 trials – section one and section a pair of thus we tend to area unit nevertheless to ascertain its impact on the larger population.”

nasal immunogen for covid

Is Nasal immunogen effective against Covid-19? 

Nasal immunogen are going to be effective against new variants

With new variants resurfacing and leading the charge in countries like China, USA, and UK, India is additionally strengthening the curbs and ensuring that the virus remains in restraint as has been the case for the past year. The introduction of latest booster shots is a boon within the thick of the rising concern.

Highlighting the effectiveness of the immunogen, Dr Mandrekar says, “As the new variant of COVID is egression, this nasal immunogen are going to be terribly effective. As most of our population has already been insusceptible, this sub-variant of alphabetic character won't be terribly serious as we've already developed immunity against this virus.”

Are there any facet effects of the nasal vaccine?

Since it's administered nasally, the skilled shared that it's a “good step towards combating the virus and can not have any facet effects as per the clinical trials of section a pair of.”

She additional that the nasal immunogen goes to tend as a booster. Hence, those that area unit insusceptible and have shown no facet effects area unit possibly to not expertise facet effects.

In the in the meantime, it's best to mask up, maintain physical distance and keep your hands clean and sanitized.

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Edible flowers play an important role in promoting health: Study

A dark brown chocolate cake looks so pretty with colourful edible flowers. Even a cheesecake with a little pink edible flower looks more appetising. The same goes for a cup of tea and a bowl of salad. In some cultures, fresh flowers are also eaten as snacks, especially by children. They are said to be. 

EDIBLE FLOWERS ROLE IN LIFE 

Edible flowers play a crucial role in promoting health: Study

Listen to this text, A dark brown cake appearance therefore pretty with vibrant edible flowers. Even a cheesecake with a touch pink edible flower appearance a lot of tasty. an equivalent goes for a cup of tea and a bowl of dish. In some cultures, recent flowers also are ingested as snacks, particularly by kids. they're aforementioned to be fair-haired by children thanks to their sweet style, because of the nectar. Nowadays, a lot of individuals, particularly chefs, ar seen mistreatment edible flowers in change of state delicacies. they're fair-haired not just for their aesthetic properties, however additionally thanks to health edges of edible flowers. Now, a study has tried that they assist to fight diseases and promote gold health.

According to MDPI, the new study enclosed information of over 250 varieties of plants, and it checked out multiple edible flowers employed in some countries round the Mediterranean Sea, their inclusion in numerous ancient styles of food and medication and their health impact.

It was found that edible flowers ar known as practical foods for his or her nutraceutical properties yet as for his or her content of inhibitor compounds. they'll play a crucial role in promoting health and additionally preventing differing kinds of diseases.tips to form perfume

Rose is one in every of the edible flowers with health edges. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Health Shots reached dead set Mohini Dongre, senior specializer at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram to search out out that edible flowers have health edges.

Edible flowers facilitate to fight diseases

Elderflowers are found to be effective in fighting against chronic diseases like vas and inflammatory diseases, and additionally cancer and polygenic disorder, as per MDPI. alternative fascinating edible flowers embody the false tree (black locust), and it’s been found that its flowers ar made in polyphenols with inhibitor and tumor-fighting properties. they need been wont to treat contagion, induce calmness, or maybe enhance general health. Dongre shared that plants like wild carrot, picrorhiza kurroa, Bombax ceiba and Andrographis paniculata facilitate in vas diseases.

Commonly found flowers in Asian nation that have health edges

We have seen pink, yellow and lavender-coloured flowers on dishes. It’s time to grasp their names and their health edges. in line with the knowledgeable, flower helps to heal bruises, rose reduces the chance of heart diseases, lavender is thought for being smart for hair growth and liliaceous plant helps to stop a chronic headache.

eating habits to avoid dyspepsia

Don’t eat raw edible flowers. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How to eat edible flowers?

You might be speculative whether or not ought to|you ought to|you must} simply wash them and eat like fruits or should they be consumed with alternative food things. The knowledgeable steered that edible flowers will be employed in sugar syrups and rose petals also can be employed in sweets.

Avoid intake raw edible flowers

As a kid, you would possibly have ingested rose petals. however it's not the most effective plan to eat raw edible flowers as you would possibly find yourself with infections when taking them. Dongre aforementioned they could cause adverse reactions, like mouth and skin irritation and ulcers, flora infections, vomiting, symptom and even seizures.

Next time, you opt to go away out the edible flowers from your food, consider all the health edges associate degreed why you shouldn’t treat it simply a flavour attention or an ingredient to beautify your dish.

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Covid fear grips China: Does the threat loom large in India? (world)

Just when the world started living with Covid and its variants as a part of their lives, the situation in China comes as a scary reminder of the earlier days when the pandemic took over the world. Cases of coronavirus are increasing yet again in several countries, especially China where the landscape has changed massively.

Covid fear grips China: Does the threat loom large in ASIA?

Just when the world started living with Covid and its variants as a part of their lives, the situation in China comes as a scary reminder of the earlier days when the pandemic took over the world. Cases of coronavirus are increasing yet again in several countries, especially China where the landscape has changed massively. After Chinese cities lifted restrictions following mass protests at the end of November, Covid-19 infections skyrocketed in the country. Reports suggest that the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in China is driven by the Omicron sub-variant BF.7. The surge in China has shifted the attention to Covid in India with the government asking people to get vaccinated and mask up. If you’re wondering what will be the impact of Covid in India, let’s find out.

Is Covid back in India? Image courtesy: Shutterstock

China’s ZERO Covid policy backfires

China was one of the countries which took the most stringent measures to curb the surge of coronavirus cases. From mass testing to a strong vigilant system to shutting down all public forums, Covid-19 restrictions in China were imposed even when there were few cases of the disease. However, the Chinese government was forced to lift these restrictions post violent protests.

Experts are of the opinion that the Covid restrictions in China were lifted suddenly without even notifying hospitals. The abrupt abandonment of ZERO Covid policy due to increasing protests is being touted as the main reason why the outbreak has happened.

Omicron sub-variant BF.7 drives the coronavirus situation in China

Just like other virus, coronavirus mutates and gives birth to other sub-lineages – a process called convergent evolution. The current surge in China is believed to be due to the BF.7 variant, which is the sub-lineage of the Omicron sub-variant BA.5. Different names are given to different variants, depending on which variant they are derived from.

The BF.7 variant has affected 5 per cent of the cases in the US and more than 7 per cent of cases in the UK, suggests data from several health authorities. A study published in ‘Cell Host and Microbe’ Journal reported that BF.7 sub-variant is 4.4 times more resistant to neutralization than the original D614G variant.

What is the Covid situation in India?

The epidemic has moved back to the centre of India’s attention following the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in China, which is expected to kill millions of people there.

Dr Ashutosh Shukla, Senior Director- Internal Medicine and Medical Director, Max Hospital Gurugram, Harayana, explains, “As cases of Covid are once again surging in countries like China, USA, and Korea with 4 new cases of the BF-7 variant being reported in India, it is high time for us to go back to following the Covid norms. This is because the chances of this variant spreading across the country can be high. So, Covid appropriate behaviour like wearing a face mask, frequently washing our hands, and avoiding crowded places, is necessary.”

With Christmas and New Year, crowds are inevitable, increasing the risk of the new variant to spread. So, it is important to practice proper precautions.

“It is also advised that if one is going to a crowded place, they should wear a face mask and wash hands frequently and properly with water, if not available then use hand sanitiser and maintain social distancing, which will help prevent the spread of Covid again,” advises Dr Shukla.

Government plans to enforce strict measures to curb a likely Covid-19 surge in India

In the wake of the Covid situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting. He stressed the need to ensure that the entire infrastructure is well-prepared in terms of equipment, processes, and human resources while chairing a high-level meeting to review the government’s Covid-19 preparedness in the wake of the surge in cases in China.

The PM urged that testing and genome sequencing activities be stepped up. The INSACOG genome sequencing facilities have requested that the states daily provide a substantial quantity of samples with them. He further urged people to follow Covid-19 norms, especially ahead of the festive season

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Under stress before exams? Try eating walnuts to stay calm, says study

Exam stress is quite common, so irrespective of how much you study hard or prepare for it, you do get a bit jittery before seeing the question paper. Some might burn the midnight oil, others might spend time praying for the best result. But how about adding walnuts to your daily diet in the weeks 

Under stress before exams? Try eating walnuts to stay calm, says study

Exam stress is quite common, so irrespective of how much you study hard or prepare for it, you do get a bit jittery before seeing the question paper. Some might burn the midnight oil, others might spend time praying for the best result. But how about adding walnuts to your daily diet in the weeks leading up to your next exam? Walnut has been recognised for its nutritious properties over a long period of time, and it is also called a superfood as it gives enormous health benefits. Now, a study has found that walnut is a brain superfood, which is why stressed college students can think of eating it before sitting for their next exam.

Positive effects of eating walnuts on mental health and general health were seen in a new clinical trial of undergraduate students.

Walnuts may be good during exam stress

The study was done by the University of South Australia, and published in the journal Nutrients. It also suggested that walnuts may even counteract the effects of academic stress on the gut microbiota during stress, especially in girls. The results add to the growing evidence that links walnuts with improved brain as well as gut health, said lead researchers PhD student Mauritz Herselman and Associate Professor Larisa Bobrovskaya.

Walnut is a powerhouse of health benefits. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Walnuts have many health benefits. So to know more, Health Shots reached out to Haripriya. N, executive nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai.

Walnuts are full of nutrients

Some people start their day by having walnuts or munch on it as evening snacks. It’s tasty and has many nutrients. Haripriya says that walnut kernel is a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and fats. It is also a good source of flavonoids, sterols, phenolic acids and related polyphenols. It also has a high amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are considered as essential dietary fatty acids.

Walnuts are beneficial for kids’ brain health

Walnuts are considered as gold mine when it comes to a child’s brain health. They have a significantly high concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. The expert shared that among other things, DHA has been shown to protect brain health in toddlers, improve cognitive performance, and boost brain cell as well as development. According to her, just a quarter cup of walnuts provides nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of DHA.

Walnuts help to strengthen bones

Walnuts are packed with essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, folate, calcium, zinc and selenium which are bone nutrients that are needed for optimal growth of the child. While calcium strengthens their bones, iron manages the levels of hemoglobin, shared Haripriya. They also exhibit antioxidant properties which prevent free radical scavenging, boost immunity and fight against infections.

Walnuts may be good to deal with exam stress. Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

The list of health benefits of walnuts doesn’t end here. They are also an excellent snack for fighting sugar cravings, thus helping you reduce your intake of excessive added sugar, shared the expert. They are also associated in enhancing the healthy bacteria located in the gut and even nourishing as well as maintaining the gut health.

Now that you know walnuts are highly nutrient-rich foods with several health benefits, you should include them in a healthy diet pattern. But Haripriya advised that if any hypersensitivity towards tree nuts persists, you must avoid eating walnuts. We all know that too much of anything is not good for health. She suggested that you should eat walnuts in moderation as its high consumption has been linked to diarrhea and weight gain.

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Intermittent fasting may reverse diabetes, Here's how?

             image credits:-shutter stock 

When millennials think of weight loss or dieting, intermittent fasting pops up in their mind. It has made them happy as it has helped them in bringing down their weight. The good news is that it might be beneficial to those with diabetes too. A quick online search will show you that many people have …

Intermittent fasting may reverse diabetes, Here's how

When millennials think of weight loss or dieting, intermittent fasting pops up in their mind. It has made them happy as it has helped them in bringing down their weight. The good news is that it might be beneficial to those with diabetes too. A quick online search will show you that many people have looked up if it’s safe for diabetics to opt for intermittent fasting. A new study has revealed that it may help put diabetes in remission, and the benefits are not limited to millennials. Nearly half of the participants of the study were aged between 38 and 72. They followed an intermittent calorie-restrictive diet for three months and managed to achieve diabetes remission.

According to the study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the participants no longer had to take their diabetes medications and were able to maintain that remission at one-year mark.

Health Shots delved into it a little deeper with the help of Dr Aravinda J, Diabetologist, National Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, Executive Committee Member, Delhi.

Intermittent fasting may put diabetes in remission. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

What is intermittent fasting and how is it linked to diabetes remission?

Time of eating is very important when it comes to intermittent fasting as it involves eating food in a certain time period. Dr Aravinda said that it can be 5:2 fasting or daily time-restricted fasting or alternate-day fasting. While 5:2 fasting includes a normal diet for five days and fasting for two days a week, in alternate-day fasting, you can eat one day and fast the next day or you can have a small meal. It can consist of less than 500 calories.

As for daily time-restricted fasting, it requires eating food within an eight-hour window every day. The expert said that this process helps in cutting off calories that results in weight loss, which can be “one of the reasons for an increase in the likelihood of diabetes remission.” Explaining further, the expert shared that obesity is one of the main concerns in diabetics as it leads to several other complications, and intermittent fasting can “target this concern and help with diabetes remission.”

What foods should you eat as part of intermittent fasting?

It is important to understand the category of foods one can eat while doing intermittent fasting. Since intermittent fasting requires long breaks from eating, it is essential to include nutritional foods as part of the diet. You need to eat whole foods that are rich in fibre. They should be incorporated into diet plans, which must also include protein-rich foods.

High-calcium foods as well as multi-vitamin-enriched foods are also recommended as part of intermittent fasting food essentials, shared Aravinda. Amid all the nutrient-rich food, ensure that a good amount of water intake is your priority.

There are more chances of remission in type 2 diabetes patients. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Are there more chances of diabetes remission when you have type 2 diabetes?

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the prime factors causing type 2 diabetes whereas type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune insulin disorder, so there are “more chances of diabetes remission in type 2 diabetes patients,” said Dr Aravinda. The expert shared that lack of physical activity, disrupted sleep cycle and malnutrition increase the risk of having type 2 diabetes, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help people with type 2 diabetes to remain stable or even reach remission.

Diet to follow after experiencing diabetes remission

Diabetes or no diabetes, you should always take a healthy diet, but you must focus more on food habits post-diabetes remission. The expert said that it is advisable to consult a dietician and inculcate healthy eating in your lifestyle even after achieving diabetes remission. After all, experiencing diabetes remission does not give a free hand to ignore health concerns

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Be cautious! Artificial sweetener and anxiety may have a connection?

Do you have weight loss on mind or are you cutting down intake of sugar due to diabetes? An artificial sweetener is often something people fall back upon as it is widely promoted as an ingredient that can be used in drinks and food items without worrying about the harmful effects of sugar on your 

Be cautious! Artificial sweetener and anxiety may have a connection

Do you have weight loss on mind or are you cutting down intake of sugar due to diabetes? An artificial sweetener is often something people fall back upon as it is widely promoted as an ingredient that can be used in drinks and food items without worrying about the harmful effects of sugar on your health. But a new study has revealed that there is nothing sweet or good about it. Aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener found in almost 5,000 diet drinks and foods, has been linked to anxiety-like behaviour in mice by researchers. Before you completely stop taking artificial sweeteners, let’s find out what else the study has found.

A lot of people have a sweet tooth, and if their health doesn’t allow them to have sugar, they go for artificial sweeteners. Seen as an alternative to sugar, they are used in drinks, food items and more. Now, researchers of Florida State University College of Medicine have found a link between aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener, and anxiety-like behaviour in mice.

A study has explored relationship between artificial sweeteners and anxiety. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Anxiety not limited to mice who consumed artificial sweetener

The study, which is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that the anxiety-like behaviour was not only produced in the mice who consumed aspartame. But the effects were also seen in two generations from males exposed to the artificial sweetener.

Co-author Pradeep Bhide, the Jim and Betty Ann Rodgers Eminent Scholar Chair of Developmental Neuroscience in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, said that what the new study showed was that they need to look back at the “environmental factors.” Those factors are important because what “we see today is not only what’s happening today, but what happened two generations ago and maybe even longer.”

The new study involving artificial sweetener and mice came about, in part, because of previous research. It was from the Bhide Lab on the transgenerational effects of nicotine on mice. It showed temporary, or epigenetic, changes in mice sperm cells, and unlike genetic changes (mutations), epigenetic changes are reversible. They don’t change the DNA sequence, but they can change how the body reads a DNA sequence.

Bhide said that the research team was working on the effects of nicotine on the same type of model like if the father smokes then “what happened to the children?”

Aspartame has been given a thumbs up by the FDA

In 1981, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave green signal to aspartame as a sweetener, and now, almost 5,000 metric tons of the artificial sweetener are produced each year. Aspartame becomes aspartic acid, methanol and phenylalanine when consumed. These three can have potent effects on the central nervous system.

The study, which was led by doctoral candidate Sara Jones, involved providing mice with drinking water that contained aspartame at approximately 15 percent of the FDA-approved maximum daily human intake. It is equivalent to six to eight 8-ounce cans of diet soda a day for human beings. The dosage continued for 12 weeks in a study that spanned four years.

Artificial sweeteners have side effects. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Through several maze tests across multiple generations descending from the aspartame-exposed males, pronounced anxiety-like behaviour was observed in the mice.

Jones said that it was such a robust anxiety-like trait that she didn’t think any of researchers “were anticipating we would see.” She shared that it was completely unexpected as usually “you see subtle changes.”

Diazepam, which is a drug used to treat anxiety disorder in humans, was given to mice in all generations. Then they stopped showing anxiety-like behaviour.

Possible links between artificial sweeteners and other diseases

Artificial sweeteners are found in thousands of food and beverage brands across the globe, but they remain a controversial topic. According to the BMJ, a study published in September, suggested a potential direct link between higher artificial sweetener consumption, especially aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Earlier, a study that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that people who consumed artificial sweeteners on a regular basis, had a higher risk for health issues like obesity and weight gain. So, they might not really be your friends when it comes to weight loss.

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Does eating potatoes increase the risk of diabetes?

Whether you like it boiled or mashed or baked, a hearty meal feels incomplete without potatoes. Potatoes not only taste amazing but are considered great for your health. They are an indispensable part of Indian cooking and we couldn’t agree more! They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals,

manganese, potassium, and more.

Does eating potatoes increase the risk of diabetes?

Whether you like it boiled or mashed or baked, a hearty meal feels incomplete without potatoes. Potatoes not only taste amazing but are considered great for your health. They are an indispensable part of Indian cooking and we couldn’t agree more! They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, manganese, potassium, and more. The best thing about potatoes is that it adds that extra flavour in your dish, which is why it is a favourite in kitchens in Indian households. Moreover, it offers a plethora of health benefits that make it special. While it is a healthy vegetable, a new study has found that potatoes might not be the best for people with diabetes.

Scroll down to know how potatoes can affect people with diabetes and whether they should be including this vegetable in their diets.

All vegetables except potatoes are good for diabetics, says a study

A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that including vegetables in your diet can help lower diabetes risk, except potatoes. As per the researchers, potatoes neither reduce diabetes risk nor increase the risk of diabetes.

Are diabetics good for people with diabetes? Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

The researchers of the study analysed the data of 54,793 participants and assessed the effects of vegetables and potatoes separately. They found that green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables helped reduce diabetes risk, whereas potatoes did not have a positive or negative effect on people with diabetes.

The researchers believe that potatoes are not as beneficial as vegetables for people suffering from diabetes. They also concluded that there is no need to eliminate potatoes from your diet as it is not that bad.

Are potatoes harmful for people with diabetes?

Dr Aishwarya Krishnamurthy, Consultant Endocrinology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Uttar Pradesh says, “It’s a widespread myth that individuals with diabetes should stay away from starchy foods like potatoes because of their tendency to have a high glycemic index (GI).”

If you think potatoes are bad for diabetics, think again as the expert that potatoes are safe for people with diabetes mellitus (PWD). “They are rich in potassium and B vitamins, and the skin is a great source of fibre,” she adds.

How you prepare potatoes matters

Another extremely important is the way the food is prepared. The way you prepare potatoes matters a lot when it comes to managing diabetes.

“For example, cooking potatoes with high-fibre vegetables like greens (methi) or ladyfingers (bhindi) or leaving the skin on can lower the overall glycemic index. Boiling potatoes instead of frying them also reduces the number of carbohydrates they contain. Therefore, a person with diabetes can enjoy this delicious vegetable while being careful about portion size and considering some changes to the way they consume it,” concludes Dr Krishnamurthy.

How you prepare potatoes if you are a diabetic matters! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Eating a balanced diet is key to reducing type-2 diabetes risk

Including vegetables in your diet is beneficial for people with diabetes, but it is not the only thing that benefits diabetics or prediabetics. Medical research suggests that the key to balancing diabetes is eating a balanced diet, rich in all essential nutrients. A healthy diet along with regular exercise and no stress can reduce the risk of diabetes.

Caution: Talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes in your regimen.

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First case of Zika virus reported in Karnataka: Know its symptoms, diagnosis and precautions

After battling lumpy skin disease, Karnataka has reported the first case of the Zika virus. Health minister K Sudhakar revealed that a five-year-old girl from the Raichur district tested positive for the Zika virus. Following the case, the health department has asked people to take precautions and be on alert. The state administration has also

First case of Zika virus reported in Karnataka: Know its symptoms, diagnosis and precautions

After battling lumpy skin disease, Karnataka has reported the first case of the Zika virus. Health minister K Sudhakar revealed that a five-year-old girl from the Raichur district tested positive for the Zika virus. Following the case, the health department has asked people to take precautions and be on alert.

The state administration has also informed the health department to begin all preventive measures from Tuesday to control the surge, especially after the first case of the disease has been discovered.

A 5-year-old girl develops Zika virus in Karnataka

It was reported that the girl caught a fever on November 13. She was found to be suffering from dengue illness at first. However, she was later found to be suffering from Zika virus.

First case of Zika virus reported in Karnataka. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Reports suggest that the authorities compiled the travel history of the girl and her family. Security measures have already been put in place in the girl’s neighbourhood and immediate surroundings. So far, five people have tested negative suggests the blood reports.

If reports are to be believed, the situation might get worse with the Mandous cyclone. The chilly and rainy weather in the state might make things worse because the virus spreads more quickly in these conditions.

What is Zika virus?

First identified in Uganda in 1947, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines Zika virus as a vector-borne disease that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes genus. It spreads just like dengue and chikungunya. The disease can also be transferred from a pregnant woman to the fetus, through sexual contact and organ transplantation.

As per WHO, the majority of Zika virus victims do not exhibit any symptoms. When they develop, they often begin 3–14 days after infection, are mild in nature, and last 2–7 days. Symptoms of the disease include:

Since both arboviral and non-arboviral diseases share these symptoms, laboratory testing is necessary to establish the diagnosis of Zika virus infection. It must be distinguished from cross-reactive related flaviviruses like the dengue virus, to which the patient may have been exposed or previously immunised, as per WHO.

Here’s everything you need to know about Zika virus. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Diagnosis and treatment of Zika virus

Diagnosis of Zika virus can be done through blood tests and testing of bodily fluids.

Several medical authorities have pointed out that there is no specific treatment for infection or sickness caused by the Zika virus.

How you should prevent the risk?

People who experience symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint discomfort should obtain plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and use antipyretics and/or analgesics to relieve their symptoms.

Due to the danger of bleeding, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines should be avoided until dengue virus infections have been ruled out. Patients should seek medical attention and counselling if their symptoms get worse, advises WHO.

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Type 2 diabetes risk increasing in young people: Low GI foods to reduce the chances

Did you know that diabetes is a growing concern among teenagers and young people? There is a misconception that diabetes only affects the elderly. That’s not the case, at least no longer. Well, a new study which analysed the data from 200 countries found that the risk of type-2 diabetes among teenagers and young peoples. 

Type 2 diabetes risk increasing in young people: Low GI foods to reduce the chances
Did you know that diabetes is a growing concern among teenagers and young people? There is a misconception that diabetes only affects the elderly. That’s not the case, at least no longer. Well, a new study which analysed the data from 200 countries found that the risk of type-2 diabetes among teenagers and young people increased significantly between 1990 and 2019.
For the unversed, type-2 diabetes disrupts the way your body uses or regulates glucose. If left untreated, it can lead to complications later in life. Let’s understand what the study found and what increases the risk of type-2 diabetes among teenagers.
Risk of type-2 diabetes is higher in young people
The study published in the journal British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that the onset of type-2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common among people under the age of 40. It was also found that women under the age of 30 were also at a higher risk. High body mass index was found to be the primary risk factor that increased the risk of type-2 diabetes in young people.


Risk of type-2 diabetes is increasing among young people. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
Studies have found that developing diabetes at a young age can increase the risk of complications for people. A Medscape Medical News study suggested that teenagers with type-2 diabetes were at a higher risk of developing diabetes-related problems.
After knowing the statistics, you must be wondering how you can lower the risk of type-2 diabetes in people. While there are several ways to lower the risk, eating foods with a low-glycemic index is one of the many methods that may help you.


Low GI foods to reduce diabetes risk
A low-glycemic index (low-GI) diet is a meal plan that takes into account how meals affect blood sugar, commonly known as blood glucose. The glycemic index ranks food from 0 to 100, with foods at the lower end of the range having little impact on your blood sugar levels.
A 2009 review published in Cochrane Database System Review found that eating a diet with foods with low glycemic index appears to be a possible method to control your blood sugar levels.
Mayoclinic categorises different foods according to their glycemic index. Here are the foods with a low glycemic index that you can include in your diet.
Foods with low GI index (1-55)
• Eat more vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and eggplants.
• Include more fruits like apples, pears, limes, strawberries and lemons in your diet.
• Dark chocolate with 70 per cent of cocoa are good for you.
• Nuts like cashews and peanuts also have a low GI.
• You can include dairy products like milk and plain yoghurt.
• Chickpeas and dried or boiled legumes are also good options.
Studies have also pointed out that while it is a good idea to eat foods with low Glycemic Index, you should practice moderation. Also, talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes to your regimen.
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