Latest news with #JohnBurke


Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Flu-like' symptoms could be infection that affects all ages
A doctor shared the early symptoms of shingles to be aware of, before the tell-tale rash appears. A doctor has shared the 'flu-like' symptoms that could actually be a sign of something more serious. Dr John Burke, Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health insurance, has revealed the early symptoms of shingles to be aware of, before the tell-tale rash appears. Characterised by a red skin rash that causes pain and burning, shingles is a viral infection caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus. The virus, which also causes chickenpox, can lie dormant in the body after you recover from chickenpox. In some cases, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles to develop. Dr Burke revealed the main symptoms of shingles to be aware of, other than the red rash that forms on the skin, after a few days of being unwell. The doctor said: 'Often presenting flu-like symptoms in its early stages, shingles can often be mistaken for other viral infections, such as the common cold, before the skin rash forms. " Being able to identify symptoms other than the red skin rash, that usually forms after a few days of being unwell, can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness, as you can seek antiviral medications and pain management sooner. The red skin rash often develops on one side of the body and advances into fluid-filled blisters, which can be itchy and burst. "It's important to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus during this stage, in addition to avoiding scratching and using topical creams to ease the pain. You are no longer contagious once the blisters dry out and scab over.' Seven early symptoms of shingles Headache Fever Nerve pain Muscle aches Stomach pain Vomiting Burning, tingling, or throbbing sensations on the skin Dr Burke also shared a list of factors that could 'trigger' the virus. He said: 'While the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus can occur unpredictably, there are certain factors that can trigger the virus reactivating, such as a weakened immune system, increased stress levels and age.' These factors include a weakened immune system, increased stress levels and age. The doctor added that anyone with an autoimmune disease or going through chemotherapy could be "more susceptible" to reactivating the virus. He said: "Chronic stress is known to impact overall immune health. High cortisol levels, associated with prolonged stress, can impair the immune system's ability to suppress dormant infections, which can increase the chances of the virus reactivating. 'Shingles can affect anybody who has previously had chickenpox, but as we age our immune response naturally weakens, increasing the risk of the virus reactivating.' The doctor added that there are a number of myths or misconceptions around shingles that are incorrect. Specifically, he discussed whether shingles is contagious and if it affects people of all ages. He said: "The misconception that shingles affects only the older generations is incorrect. Shingles can affect anybody, at any age, who has previously had chickenpox (Varicella Zoster Virus). This virus lies dormant in the body and can activate, causing shingles to develop. Whilst children can get shingles, it's more common in people 50 years and above.' He added: "If you have shingles, it's best to stay home until your rash has scabbed over, especially around people with weakened immune systems, or those who haven't had chickenpox."


New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur rise in ICCA global rankings
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur have strengthened their global standing in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 Country & City Rankings, reaffirming their position as premier destinations for international business events. The country hosted 129 international association meetings last year, moving up two spots to 31st in the global country rankings and holding firm at 9th place in the Asia Pacific, remaining within the region's Top 10. Kuala Lumpur also made impressive gains, jumping six places to 26th in the World City Rankings. "Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur's growing reputation reflects their compelling value proposition," said Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's (the Centre) general manager John Burke. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport served by 79 airlines and visa-free access for 175 countries, Malaysia provides the great connectivity that global business events demand, he said in a statement. "On top of that, we have a mature supply chain aligned with global standards, wide English proficiency and a favourable exchange rate. Combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural assets, Malaysia is a competitive choice." According to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), business events are projected to contribute RM42.12 billion to the economy by 2030 and attract 5.9 million delegates. These events are expected to drive trade, boost tourism, and support job creation. The Centre was a key venue last year, hosting many of the city's 78 international association events. Owned by KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a Petroliam Nasional Bhd subsidiary, the Centre is located beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in the KLCC precinct. It offers 34,000 sqm of flexible, purpose-built space with integrated facilities. Burke noted that with sustainability becoming a growing priority in global events, responsible and long-term growth will be vital.

Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hudson man, 19, charged with intentionally causing fatal Litchfield motorcycle crash
A Hudson man is facing manslaughter and other charges in connection with a fatal crash Wednesday night in Litchfield between a car and motorcycle that police allege was intentional. John Burke, 19, is charged with manslaughter - reckless, negligent homicide, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated DUI - serious bodily injury, reckless conduct - deadly weapon, witness tampering and vehicular assault. Litchfield Police Chief Daniel Jones initially said Burke was being charged with second-degree murder, than a short time later sent an updated statement saying, the second-degree murder charge "is not being brought at this time." Around 9:17 p.m., Litchfield police responded to a crash notification from Toyota Safety Connect and a 9-1-1 call reporting a motor vehicle accident on Route 102, between Cutler Road and Woodburn Road. Emergency responders from the Litchfield Fire Department, Hudson Ambulance, and Londonderry Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found a Toyota Corolla and a Mitsubishi Outlander that police say were involved in a head-on collision. Nearby, a motorcycle was found in the wood line, and an adult male, wearing a helmet, was found unresponsive on the shoulder of the road. The identity of the male, who was pronounced dead at the scene, has yet to be released pending notification of next-of-kin. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed Thursday by the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The driver of the Mitsubishi was treated for minor injuries at the scene and released. The driver of the Toyota, later identified as Burke, was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and treated for minor injuries. An investigation led by Litchfield police, and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit (CAR), determined the crash between the Toyota and the motorcycle was intentional, based on witness statements and physical evidence. The later crash involving the Mitsubishi is not believed to have been intentional, police said, but happened as a result of Burke allegedly pursuing the motorcycle into the oncoming lane of traffic. Burke was allegedly driving under the influence at the time of the incident, Litchfield police said. Burke is expected to be arraigned at Merrimack District Court on Thursday. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Litchfield Police Department at 603-424-3423.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police: NH man charged with murder for ‘intentionally' striking motorcyclist with car while drunk
A New Hampshire man is facing a slew of charges for allegedly hitting and killing a motorcyclist in an intentional road rage incident on Wednesday night. John Burke, 19, of Hudson, is charged with second degree murder, reckless manslaughter, negligent homicide, first degree assault with a deadly weapon (car), aggravated DUI causing serious bodily injury, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon (car), witness tampering, and vehicular assault. According to Litchfield Police, officers responded to a crash notification around 9:17 p.m. from Toyota Safety Connect, along with a 911 call, in the area of Route 102 between Cutler Road and Woodburn Road. Arriving law enforcement agencies found that a Toyota Corolla, driven by Burke, and a Mitsubishi Outlander had been involved in a head-on collision. Officers also located an unresponsive man wearing a helmet on the shoulder of the road, and his motorcycle in the wood line. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his identity is not being released at this time. Burke was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for minor injuries and the driver of the Mitsubishi was treated for minor injuries on scene and released. According to authorities, a subsequent investigation of the crash determined the collision between Burke's Toyota and the motorcycle was intentional. Police say Burke pursued the motorcycle into the oncoming lane, causing the motorcycle to crash and Burke's Toyota to collide with the Mitsubishi head-on. Authorities also allege Burke was drunk at the time of the crash. He will be arraigned at Merrimack District Court on Thursday. As the incident remains under investigation, anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Litchfield Police Department or New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW