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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Infectious variants, viral season behind Covid surge, say experts
Doctors and epidemiologists say that a combination of the emergence of mild but infectious variants, decreased testing and the onset of the viral season is behind the sudden rise in Covid-19 cases from just 35 on April 28 to over 3,700 within a month. This comes as India recorded 3,758 active Covid-19 cases on June 1, with five states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Karnataka — accounting for 76 per cent of the total infections in the country, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Among states, Kerala has the highest caseload of 1,400 — a rise of 970 cases over the last week. It is followed by Maharashtra at 485 cases, of which 50 were reported on Saturday. Delhi too saw an increase of 332 cases since May 26, with the national capital currently reporting 436 active Covid-19 cases. Similarly, Gujarat and Karnataka are also reporting high caseloads at 320 and 238 active cases respectively. The surge has been more pronounced in the last weeks of May 2025, with health ministry data suggesting that India saw a 272 per cent rise in cases within the six-day period from May 26 (1,010 cases) to June 1. Neha Rastogi Panda, consultant–infectious diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said that Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are seeing a notable uptick in infections from emerging subvariants of the JN.1 variant such as NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog), India has already detected six cases of the LF.7 variant from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Similarly, two cases of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant have been detected from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu this month. While these subvariants may not be behind India's current surge, JN.1 still remains the dominant strain in the country. According to sources in the ministry, the surge is being led by the JN.1, XFG and LF 7.9 variants, which belong to the Omicron family and cause mild infections. 'A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses caused by seasonal influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus is being seen in some parts of the country,' sources in the ministry added. Panda added that while high transmission is also being observed, there is no rise in severe cases that may require hospitalisation. Another doctor added that a reason behind the rise in cases could be increased testing. 'Rising case numbers have led to an uptick in testing, which had reduced considerably over the year,' he added. Sabine Kapasi, advisor, public health and healthcare services, and strategist with the United Nations Covid-19 Task Force, said that while the numbers are not alarming, they do signal a need for vigilance. To counter the current surge, several states and union territories have issued advisories asking both government and private hospitals to ensure preparedness in terms of beds, oxygen, antibiotics and other drugs. State governments have also asked hospitals for daily reporting of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses to the Centre's Integrated Health Information Platform. Central health authorities have also swung into action, holding several review meetings to assess the situation in the country. According to reports, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has asked all states to submit an action taken report over preparedness plans by June 2.
India.com
4 days ago
- Health
- India.com
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Expert Reveals Why India's Youth Faces A Health Crisis Amid Rising Vaping And Tobacco-Linked Cancer Cases
World No Tobacco Day 2025: With India witnessing 5,500 children picking up tobacco daily, and e-cigarettes quietly replacing traditional cigarettes in urban youth culture, the current scenario is a 'perfect storm' of public health threats. We all know that tobacco is hazardous to health. Despite being aware of its dangers, most of the individuals around the world continue to consume tobacco in some form. In India, too, the widespread use of bidis, cigarettes, tobacco, and gutkha has significantly increased the risk of various diseases. This year, the theme of World No Tobacco Day is 'Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal,' which focuses on how the tobacco companies are using fancy packaging and sweet flavours to trick young audiences into trying harmful tobacco products. Tobacco is a major cause of several serious diseases, including lung cancer and heart disease. Cigarettes and bidis also contain tobacco, and a large number of young people are becoming addicted to them. Moreover, tobacco is a leading cause of cancer. According to Dr Ankur Bahl, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, "A 5-inch cigarette contains nearly 1,300 chemicals, including nicotine, phenol, toilet cleaner components, and other harmful substances. Smoking and vaping together increase the risk of lung cancer by four times. Tobacco contains nicotine, and young adults are increasingly becoming the new target of nicotine addiction. Also, it's not just smokers developing cancer anymore. There is a surge in lung cancer cases in those exposed to high air pollution. " While immunotherapies and mRNA vaccines show promise, tobacco control is still the most powerful prevention tool. Dr Ankur highlighted, "From what we could observe, around 40% of the lung cancer cases are connected to smoking or vaping. An additional 20% is attributed to long-term exposure to air pollution, whereas around 20% consists of non-smokers who have never directly used tobacco, indicating some other outdoors or hereditary reasons, and the remaining 20% tobacco-related cases involve the use of smokeless tobacco products like khaini and gutka." Dr Ankur explained, With the help of AI Smart Quit-Tech tools, individuals can now quit smoking. He listed below some of the tools: • SmokeMon Smart Necklace: It detects smoking in real time and vibrates as a reminder • AI-powered QuitBots: Personalized messages, triggers, and support — 24x7 • Smartwatch nudges: Detects wrist-to-mouth gestures, alerts users before relapse Dr Ankur concluded, 'Younger generations are the most vulnerable group, and we are witnessing young patients coming in with late-stage cancer. This shift in demographics points to the need to target younger people for awareness campaigns related to early detection and intervention programs. We urge individuals to understand the impact of tobacco and quit it at the earliest."
News18
22-05-2025
- Health
- News18
In Rare Surgery, Doctors Unburden 70-Year-Old Gurugram Man Of 8,000 Gallstones
Last Updated: An ultrasound led to the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, an infection of the gallbladder, with additional complications like gangrene, pus formation, and signs of chronic disease In a major medical accomplishment, doctors at a private hospital in Gurugram said on Thursday that they had surgically removed over 8,000 stones from the abdomen of an elderly man—possibly the third highest number of gallstones ever extracted in India. The 70-year-old Gurugram-based patient was admitted to Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), complaining of persistent abdominal pain, irregular fever, loss of appetite, and weakness, along with a feeling of heaviness in the chest and back that had persisted for more than four years. Like many elderly patients, he was reluctant to seek treatment and visit a doctor despite months of abdominal discomfort. However, when his condition deteriorated due to increased and uncontrollable pain, his family rushed him to the hospital. Upon admission, an ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a densely packed gallbladder. 'The ultrasound led to the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, which is an infection of the gallbladder, with additional complications like gangrene, pus formation, and signs of long-standing chronic disease," Dr Amit Javed, senior director, gastrointestinal oncology, who led the team of doctors to perform the gallstone removal surgery, told News18. 1 hour for surgery, 5 hours for counting stones Looking at the condition, the team of doctors immediately performed 'minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery" to remove the massive number of gallstones visible on ultrasound. While the surgery was completed in an hour, it took almost five hours for the team to count the stones. 'While laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a routine procedure, this case was exceptional due to the massive number of stones," Javed said while sharing that 'the surgery itself took only one hour. However, it took six hours to perform the post-surgery task of manually counting the stones. The support team spent this time meticulously sorting and counting all 8,125 stones to document this rare occurrence." The patient was discharged in a stable condition within two days, the hospital said. In 2015, a team of doctors in Kolkata set a record by removing 11,950 gallstones from a 51-year-old woman's gallbladder—an achievement that was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. In another notable case that occurred in 2016 at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, surgeons extracted 11,816 gallstones from a 46-year-old man. Why and how does such a condition develop? The key challenge for doctors was to avoid puncturing the gallbladder during the surgery, as doing so could have released thousands of stones into the abdomen, complicating the surgery and increasing the risk of infection or further complications. 'What sets this case apart is the exceptionally high number of stones removed. Most gallstones are composed of cholesterol and are often linked to obesity and high-cholesterol diets," Javed explained. However, he said, 'The exact cause of the collection of these many stones is not known but may be related to being overweight, underlying diabetes, and long-standing disease. The patient was symptomatic for the last four to five years. The gallstones may have been present much before symptoms started." The key takeaway, Javed believes, is the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment. 'Delaying care for gallbladder-related symptoms can lead to serious and complex complications, some of which can be life-threatening. People should not ignore persistent abdominal discomfort and should seek medical attention promptly. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can also reduce the risk of gallstone formation." First Published: May 22, 2025, 21:13 IST
News18
17-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Hypertension Is Preventable: Here's How to Manage It Effectively
Last Updated: Hypertension is largely preventable and manageable through conscious lifestyle choices and increased awareness Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often called the 'silent killer" because it can quietly damage the body for years before symptoms appear. The good news? Hypertension is largely preventable and manageable through conscious lifestyle choices and increased awareness. Dr. Satish Koul, Senior Director & Unit Head, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, shares all you need to know: Maintain a Healthy Diet A heart-friendly diet plays a crucial role. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Reduce salt intake—excess sodium raises blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a proven method for lowering blood pressure. Exercise Regularly Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Walking, cycling, swimming, or even dancing can improve heart health and help keep your blood pressure in check. Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking Drinking in moderation and avoiding tobacco significantly reduce your risk. Both habits are strongly linked to elevated blood pressure and heart disease. Manage Stress Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or engage in hobbies you enjoy to help stay calm and centered. Take Medications If Prescribed If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe medications. Always follow medical advice carefully and never skip doses. First Published: May 17, 2025, 15:18 IST
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘That next-day blah after drinking?': Celebrity nutritionist highlights alcohol's devastating impact on sleep
Alcohol's detrimental impact on our health is a well-established fact – backed by science and medical experts for decades now. In a recent Instagram upload, celebrated nutritionist Pooja Makhija shared how an alcohol-induced hangover messes up our sleep cycle 'That next-day blah after drinking? It's not just the alcohol — it's your brain paying for fake sleep. Alcohol sedates you, suppresses REM, and messes with your circadian rhythm — leaving you tired, moody, and craving more the next night,' she mentioned in the caption of her Instagram post. And when it comes to chronic use? Makhija shared that it raises cortisol, disrupts emotional regulation, and trains your body to depend on an external off-switch. reached out to a health expert to understand the long-term effects of alcohol abuse on sleep patterns. Deepti Khatuja, head clinical nutritionist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon explained that alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on one's sleep. Quoting studies that have revealed numerous neurotransmitter systems and other substances to be involved in the regulation of sleep and various sleep stages, she said, 'Both acute and chronic consumption alter the activity of many of these neurotransmitters such as – serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, Glutamate and noradrenaline- as well as affect other sleep factors. These alterations may contribute to sleep disturbances observed both in alcoholics and in people undergoing alcohol withdrawal.' She added that studies have suggested that some sleep problems observed among alcoholics may persist despite sustained abstinence and the three possible explanations can be: Although many people believe alcohol facilitates sleep, Dr Arpan Chaudhuri, consultant (internal medicine) and intensivist at Manipal Hospitals in Kolkata's Salt Lake told that alcohol use is actually shown to impair sleep quality and the amount of dream sleep a person gets. This can affect memory and concentration. Alcohol use can also make sleep apnoea worse. 'When alcohol is consumed just before bedtime, its percentage remains high in blood and that leads to instant sleep. But as the liver starts to metabolise the alcohol, it eventually disrupts sleep, especially the REM stage, and one tends to wake up soon after falling asleep owing to alcohol consumption just before bedtime. This is what is called as a fake sleep,' he further explained. 'Shorter sleep duration and more sleep interruptions may be the results of this imbalance, which lowers total sleep quality. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) also contributes to daytime sleepiness and exhaustion. People frequently use caffeine-containing products such as coffee and cigarettes to help them remain awake during the day, fueling an unhealthy cycle,' he added. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
