Good Health with Dr. Shweta

Two research papers are in the news recently. Nature Medicine: A group of Researchers tested a universal flu vaccine on mice and ferret. Science: A team tested similar universal flu vaccine on monkeys. The vaccine contained an antigen that could target multiple strains of Type A Influenza, with a possibility of one time, ideally once-in-a-lifetime flu shot instead of present day scenario of annual flu shots. Both results came positive. Infectious Disease Experts quote this as a pivotal discovery.

• It exhibits the shortest time-span for mutation and hence quickest mutation rate of all three.
• Wild Birds are its primary natural hosts. It makes its way into human species through the domestic poultry, often resulting in pandemics.
• Recent pandemics include subtype H5N1 Bird Flu of 2004 and subtype H1N1 Swine Flu in 2009.

A limitation of Flu Vaccine is that they have to be developed every year to adapt major known mutations of Influenza Virus.   

The methodology adapted to create Universal Vaccine targets stem of virus instead of the ever-changing HA portion. Ideally, one shot of such vaccine will generate antibodies to fight flu virus for a life time, instead of present practice of taking a shot every year.  

Some experts have served a concern that the Influenza Virus might begin to mutate in its stems in response to the vaccine rendering the universal flu vaccine useless. 

With the hope the universal flu vaccine turns from a promising research to shear reality putting an end to billions of sufferings in form of sneezing and coughing, I believe this article helps grasping the importance of this recent development.  

Content of this blog is for health awareness purposes only and should not be construed as a medical prescription or advice. Be advised to always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medical conditions, medications or medical procedures.

Diabetes is mainly classified in Type 1 and Type 2, less than 1% people are unlucky enough to fall prey to a less known variation that combines Type 1 and Type 2, namely Flatbush Diabetes.

• Insulin Resistance
• Inadequate Insulin Administration
• Substance Abuse - Cocaine in particular
• Pregnancy
• Intercurrent  Illness such as pneumonia
• Stroke
• Mayocardial Infraction

1. Nausea, vomiting sensation
2. Deep and laboured breathing pattern
3. Dry mouth indicating dehydration
4. Tachycardia, increased heart rate
5. Fruity odour, indicating presence of ketones

2 - 3 years

• By the age of 2 to 2.5 years, kids will be responding to the mother/the primary care taker's verbal instructions.  Psychological development-wise, sense of autonomy is still developing and weather I can do this or I can't do this....to do or not to do, in its primitive form...is the part of daily crisis.  
• This is the right time when kid should learn from the mother about basic things like: 
• "Don't pick your nose", "Don't eat this, it's a toy!" or "It's not right to lick your fingers".  
• Remember, at all ages, appreciation works wonders. "Good Job !" "Good Boy/Girl !" will produce nice results. 

3-4 Years

• Coinsiding with further lingual development, is the one and a half to two years, till about age of four years, when a kid can speak in sentences, the period by which all the basic health habits should be imparted to kids.
• The hygienic virtues are also learned during play dates, baby sittings and pre-school by observing other kids, but it can go both ways.  A good baby sitter or pre-school instructor will play an important role in this regard. 

4 - 5 Years

• From 3.5 to 4 years of age, kids now have the core values well established when it comes to health and hygiene.  
• The mode of teaching should be differentiating "right" actions from "wrong" actions. 
• Such as "It is not right to eat with dirty hands!" "It is wrong to not to brush the teeth before sleeping!" "We don't eat the cookie from the floor!", "This is the proper way to wash hands!!" These kind of instructions will often result in self-initiation of all personal hygiene. In some cases, the kid will be driven by the fear of getting sick and medicine during this age.

5 Years onwards...