Popular and recent diseases for

UPSC Prelims examination- 2015

by

Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari(Faculty of Science & Tech.)Dr.

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CANCER

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History-The disease was first called cancer by Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC). He is considered the “Father of Medicine.” Hippocrates used the terms carcinos and carcinoma to describe non-ulcer forming and ulcer-forming tumors. In Greek this means a crab.

Causative Agent- - Genetics- Tobacco consumption- Radiation exposure

Symptoms-> Abnormal lump> Changes in your skin> Persistent cough or hoarseness> Unexplained weight loss> Constant fatigue > Persistent pain, Indigestion or trouble swallowing> Changes in bowel habitsDr.

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Treatment- - Bone marrow/ stem cell transplantation- Chemotherapy - Immunotherapy and Vaccines - Radiation therapy- Surgery

Steps taken by Government-The National Cancer Control Programme was initiated in the year 1975. Subsequently it was revised in the year 1984-85 with emphasis on primary prevention and early detection of cancer.

The Government of India had launched a comprehensive National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010 with focus on three sites of cancer namely breast, cervical and oral Cancer. From 2013-14 onwards, interventions under NPCDCS for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of Cancer, which can be taken up upto district level, have been brought under the umbrella of National Health Mission. Dr.

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The National Cancer Grid is envisaged to be a network of existing and future major cancer centers in the country.

Government of India under “Strengthening of Tertiary Care of Cancer” scheme of NPCDCS will assist 20 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 50 Tertiary Care Cancer Centers (TCCC) in different parts of the country. The maximum assistance inclusive of State Share for SCI is Rs.120 crores and for TCCC is Rs.45 crores.

The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) within the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi has been set up in 2009 wherein 27 erstwhile Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) are provided with revolving funds to provide immediate financial assistance upto Rs.2.00 lakh to BPL Cancer patients.

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AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome)

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History-Scientists identified a type of chimpanzee in West Africa as the source of HIV infection in humans. They believe that the chimpanzee version of the immunodeficiency virus (called simian immunodeficiency virus or SIV) most likely was transmitted to humans and mutated into HIV when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came into contact with their infected blood. Over decades, the virus slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world.

Causative Agent-The human immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Lentivirus is a genus of viruses of the Retroviridae family, characterized by a long incubation period.Dr.

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Symptoms

• dry cough or shortness of breath

• diarrhea lasting for more than a week

• white spots or unusual blemishes in and around the mouth

• pneumonia-like symptoms

• fever• vision loss• severe headaches and

neck stiffness

• nausea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting

• red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

• seizures or lack of coordination

• neurological disorders such as depression, memory loss, and confusion

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Cure- There's no cure for HIV/AIDS, but a variety of drugs can be used in combination to control the virus. Each class of anti-HIV drugs blocks the virus in different ways. It's best to combine at least three drugs from two classes to avoid creating strains of HIV that are immune to single drugs.

Government Measures-NACO:In 1986, following the detection of the first AIDS case in the country, the National AIDS Committee was constituted in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As the epidemic spread, need was felt for a nationwide programme and an organisation to steer the programme. In 1992 India’s first National AIDS Control Programme (1992-1999) was launched, and National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) was constituted to implement the programme.

National AIDS Control Organisation is a division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that provides leadership to HIV/AIDS control programme in India through 35 HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Societies.Dr.

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The Human Immunodeficiency Virus And Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention And Control) Bill, 2014

The Bill, said to be the first disease-centric Bill in the country, was drafted in 2006. Once implemented, it could help protect HIV/AIDS-affected people against discrimination and curb human rights violations meted out to them.

The bill is introduced and pending in Rajya Sabha.

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INFLUENZA

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Causative Agent-Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection caused by an influenza virus.There are 3 types of seasonal influenza viruses – A, B and C.

Type A influenza viruses are further classified into subtypes according to the combinations of various virus surface proteins. Among many subtypes of influenza A viruses, influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) subtypes are currently circulating among humans.

Influenza viruses circulate in all parts of the world. Type C influenza cases occur much less frequently than A and B. That is why only influenza A and B viruses are included in seasonal influenza vaccines.

Influenza A and B viruses have two types of spikes that cover their surface – the haemagglutinin (H) and the neuraminidase (N).

Viruses attach by their haemagglutinin onto receptors on the surface of cells in order to infect them, like a grappling hook. And the neuraminidase removes these receptors from infected cells at the right time to allow newly synthesised viruses to escape and spread.

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Structure of the influenza virion. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins are shown on the surface of the particle.

The viral RNAs that make up the genome are shown as red coils inside the particle and bound to Ribonuclear Proteins (RNPs).

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Among influenza A viruses there are 17 different types of haemagglutinin, from H1 to H17 and nine different types of neuraminidase, from N1 to N9. Each virus has one type of H (such as H1) and one type of N (such as N1).

While most strains of influenza A viruses infect multiple types of birds, including poultry, ducks and geese, some strains also infect pigs. Indeed, avian influenza strains are endemic in wild birds, especially in Asia. But, interestingly, most birds don’t get ill from the flu.

The new H7N9 strain emerging in China does not make birds ill, for instance, but has been killing about a third of infected humans.

The H5N1 strain, on the other, has evolved to kill birds and some humans who are infected from these birds.Dr.

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So, while there are many combinations of H and N seen in birds, widespread human infection has only been caused by a few. H1N1, which was responsible for the 1918 pandemic virus and the recent swine flu pandemic, H2N2, the 1957 Asian flu pandemic strain, and the H3N2 Hong Kong pandemic strain in 1968, which displaced the Asian flu.

The seasonal influenza A strains currently circulating in humans are H1N1 and H3N2, but they have changed a lot since their first introduction into humans.

Influenza B strains do not circulate in animals, so they cannot cause a pandemic. But, like influenza A viruses, they continually change, so we will never become immune to every strain. These are the other component of the flu vaccine.Dr.

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H1N1, which caused Spanish Flu in 1918, and Swine Flu in 2009H2N2, which caused Asian Flu in 1957H3N2, which caused Hong Kong Flu in 1968H5N1, which caused Bird Flu in 2004H7N7, which has unusual zoonotic potentialH1N2, endemic in humans, pigs and birdsH9N2H7N2H7N3H10N7

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Symptoms-Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of

High fever, Cough (usually dry), Headache, Muscle and joint pain,Severe malaise (feeling unwell),Sore throat and runny nose.

Influenza can cause severe illness or death especially in people at high risk.

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Cure-Antiviral drugs for influenza are available in some countries and may reduce severe complications and deaths. Ideally they need to be administered early (within 48 hours of onset of symptoms) in the disease.

There are 2 classes of such medicines:-

Adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine); and Inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir; as well as peramivir and laninamivir licensed in several countries).

Some influenza viruses develop resistance to the antiviral medicines, limiting the effectiveness of treatment.

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What's the difference between H1N1 flu and influenza A?Flu (influenza) viruses are divided into three broad categories: influenza A, B or C. Influenza A is the most common type. H1N1 flu is a variety of influenza A. H1N1 indicates the viral serotype; it's a kind of shorthand for characteristics that identify the virus to your immune system and allow the virus to enter your cells. There are many different strains of H1N1 flu.

Difference b\w Swine flu and Bird fluSwine flu: Influenza is a virus that infects people, birds, pigs and other animals. Swine flu, or swine influenza, is a form of the virus that normally infects pigs. Occasionally, pigs transmit influenza viruses to people, mainly hog farm workers and veterinarians.

Bird Flu: Bird Flu or Avian influenza is a disease whose causative agent is H5N1 virus, which is carried by animals especially Birds. It is characterized by rapid spread and sudden death. The outbreak of avian influenza of most concern - H5N1 - began in poultry in South Korea in mid-December 2003, and has affected birds in many countries in Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

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Difference between Swine flu and Bird flu:

Swine flu spreads quickly as comparison to Bird Flu, but casualty rate not much high. Bird flu spreads very slowly, but has a high casualty rate.

The bird flu virus affects all systems of human body, but the swine flu virus affects only the respiratory system.

The main symptoms of swine influenza are vomiting and diarrhea. Apart from cough, fever, sore throat bird flu patients suffer from eye infections, pneumonia, and other severe problems.

Bird flu is transmitted by direct contact with birds, their excretory products contaminated by infected people. Whereas swine flu is transmitted from direct contact with pigs, waste matter contaminated by infected people.

Pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions are most vulnerable target for swine influenza, Small children and rural workers are soft target to get infected from Bird flu.

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EBOLA

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History-In 1976, Ebola (named after the Ebola River in Zaire) first emerged in Sudan and Zaire. The first outbreak of Ebola (Ebola-Sudan) infected over 284 people, with a mortality rate of 53%. A few months later, the second Ebola virus emerged from Yambuku, Zaire, Ebola-Zaire (EBOZ).

Causative Agent-The Ebola virus is a member of the family filoviridae and the order mononegavirales and is the causative agent of Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola HF).

The family Filoviridae consists of two genera, the Ebola and Marburg viruses, which are among the most virulent pathogens in humans.

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Symptoms-

Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea (may be bloody), Red eyes, Raised rash, Chest pain and cough, Stomach pain, Severe weight loss, Bleeding, usually from the eyes, bruising and Internal bleeding

Treatment-There is no specific treatment for the disease. Patients must be managed in isolation facilities to prevent the spread of the infection. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. Patients are frequently dehydrated and require oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes or intravenous fluids.

Healthcare workers should put on protective gears and adopt strict infection control measures when caring for suspected patient.

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Cure-There is no licensed vaccine available for Ebola. Experimental vaccines and treatments for Ebola are under development, but they have not yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness.

To prevent the disease, it is important for the travellers to observe the following:-

- Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas.- Observe good personal and environmental hygiene, always remember to use liquid soap or alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth.- Avoid close contact with feverish or ill persons, and avoid contact with blood or bodily fluids of patients, including items which may have come in contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids.Dr.

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- Avoid contact with animals.- Cook food thoroughly before consumption; and Upon returning from affected area, observe closely the health conditions for 21 days. - If you develop symptoms of EVD, you should call 999 and inform the staff about your condition to arrange consultation in Accident and Emergency Department.

Government Measures-The government had implemented the following steps:-

- Tracking of passengers arriving from the affected countries by the Airport Health Organizations based on the information provided by Ministry of External Affairs.- Tracking and monitoring health of passengers, who travelled from the affected countries, in their respective States, by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.- The Government had advised Indians against non-essential travel to the four West African countries –Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria – which form the epicenter of EVD. Dr.

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SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)

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History-It is believed that the disease was initially transferred to humans through civets, a mammal with a cat-like appearance. SARS virus was first reported in 2002 in Asia and cases were reported until mid-year 2003. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of July 2003, a total of 8,437 people worldwide became ill with SARS and 813 died during the outbreak or epidemic. Illness was reported in more than 30 countries and on five continents.

Causative Agent-SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a viral respiratory illness caused by a corona virus - the SARS associated corona virus (SARS-CoV)Corona viruses are a group of viruses that have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under a microscope and are a common cause of mild to moderate upper-respiratory illness in humans and can cause severe disease in animals where they can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver and neurologic disease – corona viruses have also sometimes been linked to pneumonia in humans, especially those with weakened immune systems.

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Symptoms-- Fever (temp of more than 100.4 F)- Headache- Fatigue (tiredness)- Muscle aches and pain- Malaise (a feeling of general discomfort)- Decreased appetite- Diarrhea- Dry cough- Shortness of breath- Runny nose and sore throat

Cure-There's currently no cure for SARS but research to find a vaccine is ongoing. Treatment is mainly supportive and may include:-- assisting with breathing using a ventilator to deliver oxygen.- antibiotics to treat bacteria that cause pneumonia.- antiviral medications.- high doses of steroids to reduce swelling in the lungs.

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TUBERCULOSIS

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History-Tuberculosis has been known to mankind since ancient times. Earlier this disease has been called by numerous names including consumption (because of the severe weight loss and the way the infection appeared to “consume” the patient), phthisis pulmonaris and the white plague (because of the extreme pallor seen among those infected).

Causative Agent-Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.

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Symptoms-Cough with sputum and blood at times, Chest pains,Weakness, Weight loss, Fever and night sweats.

Cure-TB is a treatable and curable disease. Active, drug-sensitive TB disease is treated with a standard six-month course of four antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer.

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Government Measures-India started its TB program with National TB Control Project in 1962 and used BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) as its main intervention. Few years later The Expanded Program on Immunization took over BCG vaccination (1978).

India launched Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) on the backdrop of WHO recommended DOTS strategy after piloting tests from 1993 to 1996.RNTCP is a fully Central Sponsored Scheme and works for free from diagnosis to treatment. It uses DOTS strategy of WHO and all component of STOP TB strategy of WHO.

Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS)The DOTS strategy along with the other components of the Stop TB strategy, implemented under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India, is a comprehensive package for TB control.

TB-Mission 2020 is Government of India's mission to eliminate tuberculosis from India by year 2020

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Meningitis

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Meningitis is a relatively rare infection that affects the delicate membranes meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is because of various causing agent like bacteria, virus and fungi.

Bacterial meningitis can be deadly and contagious among people in close contact.

Viral meningitis tends to be less severe and most people recover completely without specific therapy.

Fungal meningitis is a rare form of meningitis and generally occurs only in people with weakened immune systems.

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Bacterial MeningitisBacterial meningitis is an extremely serious illness that requires immediate medical care. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death within hours or lead to permanent damage to the brain and other parts of the body.

1. Neisseria meningitidis ("meningococcus"), 2. Streptococcus pneumoniae("pneumococcus") 3. Listeria monocytogenes. 4. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

The bacteria can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. If you are around someone who has bacterial meningitis, contact your health care provider to ask what steps you need to take to avoid infection.

In many instances, bacterial meningitis develops when bacteria get into the bloodstream from the sinuses, ears, or other part of the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria then travel through the bloodstream to the brain.Dr.

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Who Is Most at Risk for Meningitis?

Studies have shown that meningitis is more of a danger for people with certain medical conditions, such as a damaged or absent spleen, chronic disease, or immune system disorders.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually appear suddenly. Symptoms of viral meningitis may appear suddenly or develop gradually over a period of days. For example, the symptoms of viral meningitis after mumps may take several days or weeks to develop.

The most common symptoms of either form of meningitis include:-

- Fever, Severe and persistent headache.- Stiff and painful neck, especially when trying to touch the chin to the chest.- Vomiting.- Confusion and decreased level of consciousness.- Seizures.

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Other symptoms of meningitis include:

Sluggishness, muscle aches and weakness, and strange feelings (such as tingling) or weakness throughout the body.Eye sensitivity and eye pain from bright lights.Skin rash.Dizzy spells.The incubation period-the time from exposure to the infection to when the first symptoms develop-depends on the type of organism causing the infection.

Antibiotics for Bacterial MeningitisGeneric Name Branded NameCefotaxime ClaforanCeftriaxone Rocephin Gentamicin -------------penicillin G ------------Rifampin ------------Vancomycin VancocinDr.

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Encephalitis

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The physician often will order some blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC). Depending on the patient's unique situation, the doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:

- CT scan or magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) - polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genetic material of the virus - A reading of the electrical activity of the brain with an EEG - A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, may be necessary to isolate and identify the virus. - The virus may also be isolated from tissue or blood.- Brain biopsy is an option although it is rarely done and usually only if the other tests do not give an answer

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Medical TreatmentEncephalitis is usually a viral illness, which means that antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections. However, some antiviral drugs have been used to treat HSV infections. No antiviral drugs to date are used to treat arboviral infections.

People with viral encephalitis are kept hydrated with fluids while monitoring for brain swelling. Anticonvulsants can be given for seizure control. Steroids have not been established as being effective although they may still be used in some cases.

Herpes encephalitis can cause rapid death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The recommended treatment is acyclovir (Zovirax) given for two to three weeks. Acyclovir-resistant herpes encephalitis can be treated with foscarnet (Foscavir). Liver and kidney functions are monitored through the course of medication.Dr.

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Encephalitis PreventionThe following measures are suggestions for prevention of encephalitis that is transmitted by vectors (mosquitoes, ticks):-

Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid ticks and mosquitoes when in forests or grassy areas.

Use insect repellant in exposed areas of the body.

Avoid spending a long time outdoors during dusk when insects tend to bite.

A Caesarian section (C-section) can be performed if the mother has active herpes lesions of the genital tract to protect the newborn.

Vaccinate children against viruses that can cause encephalitis (measles, mumps).

Japanese encephalitis can be prevented with three doses of the vaccine. Take precautions when traveling to areas where this strain is common (available mainly for ages 17 and older).

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vaccine is not recommended for all travelers to Asia. It should be offered to people spending a month or longer in areas where the disease-causing mosquitoes are known to be present and during the transmission season. However, travelers spending fewer than 30 days should receive the vaccine if the area is experiencing an epidemic outbreak.

The benefit of the vaccine should be weighed against the side effects and the risk of developing the disease by getting the shot. The risk of developing a serious allergic reaction such as hives is low.

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Special consideration should be given to the elderly and pregnant women. The elderly have a higher chance of developing symptoms with infection. The Japanese encephalitis virus can infect the fetus and cause death. Therefore, these two groups should be cautious when traveling abroad.

Prevention methods of human-to-human transfer of specific viral, bacterial, and other rare causes of encephalitis are detailed in individual articles available in links to the specific diseases (for example, herpes, HIV, and specific bacterial types).

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Dengue

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Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with dengue virus in their blood. It can’t be spread directly from one person to another person.

Symptoms of Dengue FeverSymptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include-

- Sudden, high fever- Severe headaches- Pain behind the eyes- Severe joint and muscle pain- Nausea- Vomiting- Skin rash, which appears three to four days after the onset of feverMild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)Dr.

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Sometimes symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for those of the flu or another viral infection. Younger children and people who have never had the infection before tend to have milder cases than older children and adults. However, serious problems can develop.

These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, a rare complication characterized by high fever, damage to lymph and blood vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver, and failure of the circulatory system.

The symptoms may progress to massive bleeding, shock, and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.Dr.

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Diagnosing Dengue FeverDoctors can diagnose dengue infection with a blood test to check for the virus or antibodies to it. If you become sick after traveling to a tropical area, let your doctor know. This will allow your doctor to evaluate the possibility that your symptoms were caused by a dengue infection.

Treatment for Dengue FeverThere is no specific medicine to treat dengue infection. If you think you may have dengue fever, you should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid medicines with aspirin, which could worsen bleeding. You should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see your doctor. If you start to feel worse in the first 24 hours after your fever goes down, you should get to a hospital immediately to be checked for complications.Dr.

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Preventing Dengue FeverThere is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes, particularly if you are living in or traveling to a tropical area. This involves protecting yourself and making efforts to keep the mosquito population down.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

MS is a chronic disease that damages the nerves in the spinal cord and brain, as well as the optic nerves .

Sclerosis means scarring, and people with MS develop multiple areas of scar tissue in response to the nerve damage.

Depending on where the damage occurs, symptoms may include problems with muscle control, balance, vision, or speech.

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Chicken Guinea

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Chikungunya or CHIKV (chikungunya virus) is also often called a monsoon disease. This may be because there is an increase in the number of mosquitoes during the monsoon, which means that there is a higher probability of the disease being spread.

What causes chicken guinea?

Chicken guinea or chikungunya is a virus. The virus infects humans when they get bitten by the Aedes mosquito that carries this virus. It is thought that the mosquito itself gets infected with the virus when it bites certain monkeys.

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Symptoms of Chicken GuineaThe symptoms of chikungunya are very similar to that of dengue or dengue fever. A mistaken diagnosis is common, which is why it is important to relate your symptoms as accurately as you can to the doctor.

- High fever- Overwhelming tiredness; inability to complete normal chores- Weakness- Headache- Pain and/or stiffness in the joints- General body pain- Muscle pain- Certain parts of the body which are in pain may also swell up- Sleeplessness- Nausea- Ulcers in the mouth- Rashes on the body

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It can be up to twelve days after you are infected that these symptoms begin to surface. However, the symptoms can begin as soon as two days after being bitten.

There are a few cases where infection occurs but no symptoms manifest. It is known as silent chicken guinea.

Chicken guinea does not affect children as badly as it does adults (but this is only if the disease is caught early on). And among adults, pregnant women tend to be less severely affected by it. Neither the growing foetus nor the mother is affected in the long run by the infection.

Is there a cure?No, unfortunately there is no cure for chicken guinea. But it is believed that once you contract chicken guinea, your body develops an immunity to it and you won’t suffer from it again. So the key is to be aware of the symptoms, catch it early and get it treated so that you recover fully and are protected in the long run from contracting it again.Dr.

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So how is it treated?Chicken guinea is treated symptomatically. What this means is that it is your symptoms that are treated instead of the disease itself. That is why it is so very important to see a doctor early on if you suspect you have chikungunya.

The longer you wait, the worse your symptoms can get and the worse the disease can take hold over your system.Whether homeopathic or allopathic, the treatment will address your headaches, joint pain, fever, nausea, etc. in the hopes that once these symptoms pass, the chicken guinea will too.

Ayurveda will treat chicken guinea as a disorder arising from an imbalance of the vata (air) dosha. Tulsi and carrots are recommended for recovery. Ayurvedic medicines made of several herbs, spices may be prescribed. See an Ayurvedic doctor for a check up and individual treatment options.Dr.

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It’s Best to Avoid Chicken GuineaWhen it comes to disease or illness of any kind, your best bet is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Prevention really is better than cure. And the precautions for prevention of one type of disease or illness will inevitably protect you from several others too. So it’s a win-win situation if you choose to take care of your health. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep from contracting chicken guinea.

Since the disease spreads through mosquitoes, your first preventive measure is to ensure that you do all you can to prevent mosquitoes from coming into your home or even around the locality you live and work in if possible.

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Use a combination mosquito coils, mosquito mats and insect repellents to keep the pests out of your home. Mosquito nets are also a good idea. Net screens on windows and doors will offer additional protection.

If there is a swampy area around your home or even if there is a small pool of stagnant water from the rains due to lack of proper drainage systems, do something about it. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects which spread disease. See if there are government services you can contact to clean up the mess or do it yourself with the help of a community drive.

Avoid letting water remain in a bucket or pot for too long.Also ensure you don’t let garbage pile up in or around your home. If your garbage gets picked up weekly so you have no choice but to keep it lying around, make sure it is placed in covered garbage cans.Dr.

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When you step out to places where you have no control over the mosquito population, wear protective covering. No one’s asking you to wear a hazmat suit, but full sleeves and full pants are definitely a good idea.

Taking care of your health has a big role to play in preventing chicken guinea.

- Eat healthy to build your immune system. Focus on nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, fish and lean meat. Avoid street food, fast food and greasy dishes.

- Regular exercise also helps make your body stronger.- Don’t forget to hydrate – with water, not alcohol, tea, coffee, soda or juice.- Vitamin C and vitamin E help boost immunity. If you are not getting your daily requirement through food, take vitamin pills.- Learn to manage stress. Studies show that stress has a debilitating effect on the immune system and raises your risk of catching infections. Dr.

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THANK YOU

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