Jan
01
2007

Acetaminophen Overdosing Hazards

By | Arthritis, Infectious Disease, Pain, Prevention

The FDA has expressed some concerns about the self-medicating with acetaminophen as this can led to an acetaminophen overdose. The over-the-counter medication is commonly used and especially in the winter season many sufferers of colds or influenzas will keep it handy. It is readily available, not only in pharmacies but also in supermarkets under the generic name or under brand names such as the commonly used Tylenol. It exists in dosages for adults and there are pediatric preparations like Children’s Tylenol. Acetaminophen is also a common ingredient in cold remedies. Every vial displays a clear warning that the content is enough to cause serious harm. Dosage instructions are also clearly spelled out.
More than 200 million people take Tylenol each year and 400 people die of liver failure every year, as they have accidentally taken too much.
Dr. Charles Cain from the New York Presbyterian Hospital has cautioned that overdoses can happen relatively easy. A patient is not to exceed 4 grams of acetaminophen per day. If the pain reliever is taken every 4 hours instead of the recommended interval of 6 hours, such as 2 extra-strength Tylenol at 500 mg each and some cold medication is added to that, patients may easily reach 4-6 grams of acetaminophen per day. If this practice continues for a few days, it can lead to liver damage, because the liver cannot keep up with the elimination of the drug. Other substances metabolized by the liver such as alcohol can become a serious hazard, if they are combined with acetaminophen. The effects of alcohol slow down the elimination of Tylenol by the liver.

Acetaminophen Overdosing Hazards

Acetaminophen Overdosing Hazards

It is for this reason that it is important to observe closely how much of the medication is taken in total: if a patient is already taking Tylenol for headaches, more acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the form of an over-the-counter cold medication should not be added as  would be reached.
These medications have to be used with an eye to overall daily use and the amount used over a period of time. Used with care acetaminophen remains very safe.

Reference: December 20, 2006 online issue of Time

Last edited December 5, 2012

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Dec
01
2006

Vaccine Can Protect Against Bird Flu

By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

To take the flu shot or not to take it becomes an issue as the northern winter and with it the flu season is approaching.
It has to be stressed that the influenza vaccine not only limits flu epidemics and saves lives. It is the only reliable protection available to protect all age groups. Of course it does not offer protection against the common cold, but it is a preventative weapon against many influenza strains that cause serious illness and death.

Dr. Robert Webster, a virologist and internationally recognized influenza expert recently quoted data from his laboratory at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He noted that the currently recommended seasonal influenza vaccines contain A/New Caledonia 20/99 that is an H1N1 virus. Its composition is very similar to the bird flu virus H5N1.

In animal experiments this immunization was given, after which the test animals were exposed to the highly lethal Vietnam 1203/04 strain of H5N1. The treated animals had a survival rate of 50%. Controls without the vaccination prior to exposure had a death rate of 100 %. There is indeed a basic cross-protection and people who take the current influenza vaccine 2006/2007 will have this partial protection against the bird flu should it suddenly become an epidemic. The bird flu (H5N1) has not made its appearance in the Americas.

Vaccine Can Protect Against Bird Flu

Vaccine Can Protect Against Bird Flu

Dr. Webster pointed out that the greatest concern is its entry through the illegal trade of animals. After drug smuggling, the smuggling of animals is probably the greatest illegal trade in the world and at the same time the most likely way in which the virus could come into the country and spread. The other concern is the entry of the virus through migratory birds.

References: The Medical Post, November 3, 2006, page 19

Last edited December 5, 2012

Dec
01
2006

Cold Virus Lurks In Hotel Rooms

By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

It seems to be a bit overdone to wash your hands after touching a light switch or clicking the remote control, but researchers from the University of Virginia do not think that it is such a far-fetched idea during cold and flu season.
They found that rhinovirus that was live and capable to infect, typically found in people who have a cold and a runny nose, could still be transferred to a fingertip 24 hours after a person with a cold stayed in the room. Dr. Owen Hendley and his colleagues recruited 15 adults who had just come down with a rhinovirus cold to stay overnight in a hotel room. They were not to have visitors, get all their meals from room service and do hand washing only after using the washroom. They spent five hours in the evening, the night and two hours in the morning in their room before checking out. After checkout they were asked to name the 10 to 12 objects they touched most frequently, when they were in the room. Those were door handles, the hotel pen, light switches, TV remote control and the phone. All of those were sampled for residual virus, and on average on 40% of them rhinovirus was found. In the second part of the study, a group returned to the hotel several months later, but only after researchers had placed a drop of the subjects’ own stored rhinovirus-containing mucus on the sites most frequently touched. The test persons were asked to touch the contaminated sites by flipping light switches or using the phone. After each contact they rubbed their fingertip in a collecting fluid, after which they washed their hands. If the site had been contaminated 30 minutes earlier, viral transfer to the fingertip occurred 60% of the time. If the contamination was done the night before viral transfer still occurred in 33%.

Cold Virus Lurks In Hotel Rooms

Cold Virus Lurks In Hotel Rooms

It is still a step from picking up the virus on a fingertip to developing a cold: it requires self-inoculation. Dr. Hendley points out that it is as prosaic as keeping fingers away from eyes, nose or mouth and do frequent hand washing. While transmission of rhinovirus through dried nasal mucus is not efficient, it is still important to understand that the virus remains transferable at least one day.

Reference: The Medical Post, November 3, 2006, page 19

Last edited December 5, 2012

Nov
01
2006

Eat Your Salad Greens, But No Spinach

By | Cancer, Heart Disease, Infectious Disease, Nutrition

Spinach has traditionally been regarded as a healthy, green leafy vegetable and a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, in particular iron. The tedious chore of cleaning the tender greens and removing soil and sand traces has been taken care of by packinghouses. As a result, the consumer could purchase ready to eat spinach in plastic bags. These greens were a welcome ingredient for spinach salads or other dishes.
Lately all spinach has been recalled from the world’s largest producer of organic produce. Natural Selection Food has recalled a total of 34 brands that were distributed nationwide, and some of which were available also in Canada. Consumers are still being warned not to eat fresh spinach from the U.S., even though there have been no reported cases of ill effects or diseases in Canada itself. Problems have surfaced in September in form of food borne illness in the U.S. The culprit seems to be contamination with E. coli 0157:H7. Food borne illness can be serious. So far there have been 109 cases of illness in the U.S. and possibly two deaths. The worst affected area so far is Wisconsin, where 29 illnesses were reported and one person died of the disease.
As a result of this alert, salad mixes that contained a variety of greens including spinach leaves have also been pulled from the shelf. It should be mentioned that washing the spinach leaves does not make it safe to consume, as the E.coli bacteria stick to the leaves.
While it seems good-bye to spinach leaves for now, it remains important to eat your greens. Researchers at University of California in Los Angeles and colleagues at Louisiana State University analyzed the salad consumption based on the intake of salad, raw vegetables and salad dressing on 9,406 women and 8,282 men. The researchers also found from their studies that daily consumption of salad and raw vegetables is not the norm in any population group and even less prevalent among African Americans.

Eat Your Salad Greens, But No Spinach

Eat Your Salad Greens, But No Spinach

There were data from lab tests on serum nutrient levels, and it showed that consumption of salads was positively associated with above-median serum micronutrient levels of folic acid, vitamin C and E, lycopene, and alpha carotene and beta carotene. All of these nutrients are important for healthy daily functioning. They are weapons that help fight infection, heart disease and cancers. The consumption of salad and raw vegetables remains the most effective strategy for increasing the intake of important nutrients.

Reference: The Medical Post, October 3, 2006, page 21

Here is a follow-up on this story: Apparently the outbreak was caused by a wild boar and by a nearby cattle field:  http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/09/meaningful-outbreak-7-dole-spinach-e-coli-outbreak/#.VFaWXPTF-88

More information about food safety: http://nethealthbook.com/health-nutrition-and-fitness/nutrition/food-safety/

Last edited November 2, 2014

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Oct
01
2006

Antiviral Drugs Not For Flu Prevention

By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

With the arrival of the fall and winter season concerns about viral illnesses crop up. The most common ailment is the flu, which occurs seasonally. Prevention measures come in the forefront, and over-the-counter remedies and herbal supplements make their appearance.
Yet at this point the most effective measures remain very basic: good hygiene, hand washing, non-exposure to people who have the flu and non-sharing of personal items that could carry the virus. Flu shots for flu prevention remain the single most effective way to prevent widespread epidemics.
Antiviral agents zanamivir (also known as Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) have come under discussion. They have been very effective in the treatment of influenza symptoms. It is not too late to treat with oseltamivir after the patient has been infected with the flu, as the drug prevents lower respiratory tract complications. For the symptomatic relief of influenza 75 mg per day were 61% effective, and 150 mg were 73% effective. Using the drugs strictly as a prophylaxis proved to be a fallacy. Results showed that neither zanamivir nor oseltamivir prevented influenza-like illnesses.

Antiviral Drugs Not For Flu Prevention

Antiviral Drugs Not For Flu Prevention

Even though both antiviral agents are not 100 % effective, they still can be useful in the setting of a flu pandemic. They are also of help in population groups with chronic health problems or immunocompromised persons to whom any viral infection can be serious.

More info about the flu: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/flu/

Reference: The Medical Post, September 1, 2006, page 61

Last edited November 1, 2014

Sep
01
2006

Moral Preaching Is Not Enough In AIDS Intervention

By | Infectious Disease, Men's Health, Prevention, Women’s Diseases

At a recent conference of the International AIDS Society in Toronto the full spectrum of the disease was covered: science, community, activism, and people with AIDS.
News Canada data released before the conference suggests that HIV infection remains a serious problem. There were somewhere between 2,300 and 4,500 new cases of HIV in Canada. The numbers are up from the estimated 2,100-4,000 cases that came up in 2002.
There is one statistic that can be a source of hope: the number of deaths from the infection has shown a steep decline in the mid-90’s. This effect is largely due to the discovery and application of three-drug antiretroviral therapy. The widespread use of this therapy has also reduced the viral load, and as a result infectiousness may be reduced.
UBC epidemiologist Dr. Evan Wood sees the encouraging development, but he emphatically spoke of the horrendous effect of AIDS. He stated, ” HIV remains the biggest threat to humanity globally.” He feels that the threat of terrorism pales in comparison to the carnage HIV results in every day. In this light it is short sighted and non-supportive of Canada’s PM, not to appear at this conference, as he had other commitments.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of AIDS’ discovery, but it is known that the disease was ravaging Africa at least 25 years before it first appeared in the West.
The diagnosis of HIV infection does no longer sound like a death sentence. Things have been improving, but not fast enough, says Dr. Wood. Also one of the speakers, Bill Gates, spoke against naïve insistence on abstinence as a primary weapon in the battle against AIDS.

 

Moral Preaching Is Not Enough In AIDS Intervention

Moral Preaching Is Not Enough In AIDS Intervention

Dr. Wood shared this sentiment. He stated that while the whole idea is well intended, sexuality is part of normal human behavior, and everybody knows that abstinence cannot exist forever.

More information about AIDS: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/sexually-transmitted-disease/aids-introduction/

Reference: National Review of Medicine, August 30,2006, page 14

Last edited November 1, 2014

Jul
01
2006

Avian Flu Threat Exaggerated

By | Health, Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

Disconcerting headlines about avian influenza has caused widespread concern. Warnings have been issued to brace for an onslaught of a pandemic that could paralyze and decimate entire nations. Countries that showed cases of avian flu were scrutinized closely. Travel stopped to areas where poultry was affected. Despite reassurance to the consumer, buyers felt unsure about choosing chicken for dinner. It has been stated before, that at this point the virus of the avian flu has not made a mutation, and it is not passed from human to human. It can be transmitted from diseased fowl to human who are in close contact with the diseased animal.
The word pandemic seems to trigger a response of fear, but it has to be mentioned that a pandemic is not new. It is universally accepted that there have been 3 pandemics in the 20-th century. Pandemics are defined by an increased number of influenza deaths. One influenza wave hit in 1968, prior to this the year 1957 showed a similar picture. Pandemics are not all equal. The outbreak of influenza in 1918/19 was severe, and young and old were affected alike. Death was in many cases due to the primary viral infection.
In the meantime flu preparedness is much more common than in previous years. Flu shots are available, antibiotics can help treat secondary infection, laboratories are working on vaccines for new influenza strains, and lately antiviral medications have come into the picture.
While the work of scientists is invaluable, in some cases the statements are too simplistic. The avian flu virus H5N1 could mutate. Looking at the facts, the virus has been around since 1997, and it has not mutated. Reporters write stories about possible future pandemics, and there is worry in the population. They need to know the truth! The truth is that we should plan. The truth is also, that a pandemic is not more imminent today than it has been since 1918. In fact it is not more imminent than a multitude of other emergencies. The outbreak of SARS has shown that it is the front-line public health and hospital staff that handles the virus most of all. The production of vaccines and a strong vaccination program is being worked on. This does not leave the rest of the population with nothing what they can do.

Avian Flu Threat Exaggerated

Avian Flu Threat Exaggerated

Good hygienic measures have to be followed. The most important one (and often neglected one) is hand washing. It does not stop a pandemic like the one in 1918/19, but it certainly makes a difference to annual influenza rates. The annual vaccination against influenza is a highly effective weapon against the influenza outbreak that happens every year, and improved vaccines will make a difference between wellness and the opposite!

More information about:

The flu: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/flu/

The swine flu: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/swine-flu/

Reference: The Medical Post, June 20, 2006, page 47

Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

Jun
01
2006

Antibacterial Hand Soaps Pose Hazard

By | Infectious Disease, Prevention

In the quest of killing hazardous bacteria, antibacterial hand soaps are claiming a slice of the market. Bacteria can be hazardous and it remains a fact, that hand washing is an effective way to eliminate harmful bugs. It is not the quick, five-second wash under the water tab that gets rid of the bugs. The old trick of telling kids to sing the “ABC Song” while washing their hands with soap and water still has some merit: you need 20 to 30 seconds of washing and rinsing to combat bacteria effectively.
In the meantime Researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report, that the antibacterial agent in hand soaps, triclocarban, is not without risk. Triclocarban, commercially known as TCC, is a pesticide and is used extensively in soaps and body washes. One commercial survey found it in 30% of bar soaps. If it sounds questionable to the consumer to wash hands or body with a product that contains a pesticide, it rings even more alarm bells with scientists that observe the impact of the product on the environment. After 19 days of treatment time in the sewage treatment plant, 76 % of the ingredient is still present in the treated sludge. Treated sludge is later used as a fertilizer! Triclocarban is toxic when ingested and is part of toxic waste. After reviewing all these facts, the consumer has to make the decision whether overkill with antibacterial hand soaps is such a good idea.

Antibacterial Hand Soaps Pose Hazard

Antibacterial Hand Soaps Pose Hazard

Reading product labels and sticking to less toxic products may very well be the more sensible choice.

More information about:

1. Toxins in the bathroom: https://www.askdrray.com/toxins-in-the-bathroom/

2. Detoxification: https://www.askdrray.com/get-rid-of-toxins-safely/

Reference: The Medical Post, May 16, 2006, page 47

Last edited Nov. 1, 2014

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May
01
2006

Avian Flu Needs Preparedness Instead Of Panic

By | Infectious Disease, Lung Disease, Prevention

Nobody can predict when the next pandemic will hit and whether it will be from an avian flu, but Canada and other countries are not taking any chances. The feds have commissioned a mock vaccine that can be adapted to whatever strain comes along. The Canadian Public Health Agency is also calling for alertness to patients coming back from countries where avian flu has occurred, especially countries with human cases. Canada is erring on the side of caution when it comes to the national flu pandemic preparedness plan. There is preparation for up to 138,000 people in need for hospitalization and between 11,000 and 58,000 death could occur. The economic impact is estimated between $ 10 and 24 billion.
It is true that public health agencies are worried, as three conditions for a possible pandemic are present: the viral strain is a new one, humans have no immunity to this new virus, and the strain is virulent.
The fourth condition would be that the strain could be spread from person to person. However this condition has not developed at this point.
A lot of hype has gone through the press, misinformation is rampant, and as a result people are mixing up influenza preparedness with an avian flu pandemic. Anxiety runs high in the population. Some health professionals are already suffering from pandemic burnout before the virus has even landed, which is not a surprise: in the last few years warnings were sounded due to the outbreak of SARS. West Nile, Ebola, and Lassa fever have been other diseases that caused concern and anxiety. Before jumping to frightening conclusions that the avian flu will jump from person to person, it is important to see the facts in perspective. H5N1 at this point is not spread from person to person. The virus is transmitted from affected birds (chicken ducks, and other fowl) to humans, who have to be in close contact with the animal. The virus is found deep in the lungs of the infected person, and as a result it is more difficult to transmit than a virus that is found in mouth, nose or throat.
Human fatalities have occurred in Asia and the Middle East. Vietnam has had the highest number of deaths related to H5N1: 93 infections, 42 fatalities. Turkey has had 12 documented cases, four of them fatal.
In the meantime the world is not defenseless. Vaccines are in preparation, and vaccination trials are have been introduced in Vietnam. Work with horse antibodies is ongoing and the results are encouraging. Researchers in China developed a passive immunization by using horse antibodies. The advantage is the fact, that larger amounts of vaccine can be produced faster than with the culturing of the virus on eggs.

Avian Flu Needs Preparedness Instead Of Panic

Avian Flu Needs Preparedness Instead Of Panic

Public health agencies and health professionals are aware of the fact that pandemics have been around in the past. They are still a threat now. They agree that programs have to be in place to help mitigate the impact by doing the best they can. Disaster preparedness and alertness are definitely in order. Panic is not.

More information about other flus:

1. the Flu (influenza, H3N2): http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/flu/

2. Swine flu (H1N1): http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/respiratory-infections/swine-flu/

3. Bird Flu (H5N1): https://www.askdrray.com/worldwide-alert-for-avian-influenza-bird-flu/

Reference: National Review Of Medicine, March 30, 2006, page 5.

Last edited Oct. 31, 2014

May
01
2006

Vaccinate Kids Against Hepatitis A

By | Gastrointestinal Disease, Infectious Disease, Prevention

To vaccinate or to not vaccinate is often a point of dispute, especially if new vaccinations come into the forefront. Often the vaccinations have been used for a long time in areas where certain diseases were a threat to the population.
Hepatitis vaccines have been tried and tested for a long time (for hepatitis A and B). They have made their way into TV commercials, warning travelers to get vaccinated before they embark on exotic trips. It is true that the ice cube in a tropical drink could be the source of hepatitis, but it is a fallacy to believe, that staying home means being safe from hepatitis A and B. The demographics are also different: it is not only adventurous adult travelers that can get infected with hepatitis. Children share the same risk. They don’t even have to travel!
In October 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an advisory panel to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommended that all children age 12 to 23 months should receive a hepatitis vaccination. The vaccination would protect the young population not only against endemic but also imported viruses. A common source of infection can be agricultural products. Vaccination reduced the incidence of infection by 80% between 1999 and 2003.
There is always the question, whether this is just one vaccination too many, but bearing in mind that hepatitis can be a killer, the answer is more obvious.

Vaccinate Kids Against Hepatitis A

Vaccinate Kids Against Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A has devastating consequences when super-imposed on chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C has been on the rise in the U.S., and there is no vaccination available. In order to avoid more serious consequences it is very likely of benefit to vaccinate children early.

More information about hepatitis: http://nethealthbook.com/infectious-disease/sexually-transmitted-disease/viral-hepatitis/

Reference: BMJ 2006; 332:715-718 (25 March)

Last edited Oct. 31, 2014