Latest news with #VibhuKawatra
India Today
23-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Don't drink raw milk directly from animal: Liver Doc's warning on health risks
Milk is an important source of nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. But to be safe and healthy, it must be handled and prepared India, many people still drink raw milk - milk that hasn't been boiled or pasteurised - because they believe it's more natural or healthier. But health experts warn this trend is risky and even do not feed your child cow's milk directly from the animal's udder,' he wrote. 'Raw milk has become a 'trad fad' among so-called educated people who don't understand how diseases spread. This level of child endangerment is beyond irresponsible.' He added that microbes on the cow's udder can be even more dangerous than those in the milk itself. 'Always drink pasteurised milk,' he stressed. WHAT'S SO DANGEROUS ABOUT RAW MILK?Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria such as:E. coli – Can release deadly toxins in the gut, causing bloody diarrhoea and, in severe cases, kidney – Causes food poisoning and – Can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and serious infections, especially in pregnant women and the – Leads to food poisoning and stomach bacteria – Indicates poor hygiene in milk bacteria are invisible and cannot be detected by taste or smell. Drinking milk with these germs can result in severe a detailed social media post, Dr. Philips described how just one untreated glass of raw milk could lead to a child suffering from kidney failure, seizures, and hospitalisation. He warned that even seemingly 'fresh' milk can hide deadly RAW MILK A CURE FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE?Some people believe raw milk contains natural probiotics (good bacteria) that help with digestion and prevent lactose according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raw milk does not contain probiotics that are proven to help the gut. Instead, it can contain dangerous VS. SAFETYIn many Indian households, people get milk directly from dairy farms and boil it before drinking - a practice that helps kill harmful bacteria. But some are now skipping this step and consuming raw milk straight from the source, influenced by online health Vibhu Kawatra, Senior Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist at Vibhu Nursing Home in New Delhi, warned against this. 'Raw milk can carry bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, which cause serious infections. It's especially risky for children, pregnant women, and the elderly,' he told Kawatra added that repeated exposure to such bacteria can even lead to kidney THE EXPERTS RECOMMENDBoil milk as soon as possible after purchase to kill pasteurised milk from trusted giving raw milk to children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened viral trends that promote raw milk without scientific US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that drinking raw milk can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and other flu-like symptoms, especially in vulnerable a process where milk is heated to kill harmful microbes, makes milk safer without significantly affecting its nutritional value. With rising concerns over unregulated milk production and chemical use in dairy farming, buying pasteurised milk from a reliable source is the safest option.- EndsMust Watch
India Today
12-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Is India's Covid testing facing price gaps and delay in data?
India is seeing an uptick in Covid-19 infections, reaching over 7,000 cases. But in contrast to earlier waves, there seems to be gaps in diagnosis and the current season of rampant viral infections and many individuals showing symptoms, RT-PCR tests are neither being prescribed widely nor being voluntarily taken."Most of the Covid-19 testing we're seeing today is happening within hospitals, where viral panel testing is mandatory before procedures or in cases of severe symptoms. Neither clinicians nor patients are approaching it with the same urgency anymore," said Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a Delhi-based pulmonologist and allergy RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction), which remains the gold standard for detecting Covid-19, works by identifying the virus's genetic material in nasal or throat Dr. Kawatra pointed out, "Only a doctor can prescribe an RT-PCR test, and unless the symptoms are severe or hospitalisation is required, the test is often skipped."Even when testing is sought, accessibility and affordability are serious barriers. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction), which remains the gold standard for detecting Covid-19, works by identifying the virus's genetic material in nasal or throat samples. (Photo: AFP) In the private sector, RT-PCR test prices vary drastically depending on the diagnostic lab. Dr. Path Labs charges upwards of Rs 5,000 for a home collection, while Max Healthcare offers the same at Rs 500. At Dr. Dangs Lab, a home visit costs Rs 700. Similar price ranges are being seen across neighbourhood clinics as wide pricing disparity reflects the fragmented nature of the diagnostic sector, proving to be despite this inconsistent pricing model, there seems to be reduced testing rates, coupled with the closure of many free government testing centres.A recent visit to Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi revealed that the Covid testing window had been shut down. Many other government-run facilities have scaled back or completely discontinued RT-PCR testing, further limiting testing options for the general cases highlight the need for routine testing to monitor its spread."The patients who have died not just had Covid-19 but also had underlying health conditions. It is not always the virus alone, but the comorbidities that tip the scale," said Dr. Sudeep Khanna, gastroenterologist and liver specialist at Indraprastha Apollo IN VIRUS GENOMIC DATASurveillance at the national level is also facing Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the official body monitoring Covid-19 variants in India, has been slow in releasing updated epidemiological data. There seems to be reduced testing rates, coupled with the closure of many free government testing centres. () Only limited information has been shared so far for newer variants like LF.1, NB.1.8.1, and XFG, making it difficult to gauge the evolving nature of the health experts stress the need for proactive surveillance, affordable and accessible testing, and better data STOCKPILEGovernment sources told India Today that there are enough Covid-19 vaccines in storage and ready to use. "We are fully prepared for any situation. We have enough stockpile to meet the requirements of our citizens. Moreover, if needed, we can even supply vaccines to other countries," the sources 1 billion people in India have taken at least one dose of either Covishield or Covaxin. Only limited information has been shared so far for newer variants like LF.1, NB.1.8.1, and XFG, making it difficult to gauge the evolving nature of the virus. () Covishield, manufactured and distributed by the Serum Institute of India under a licence from AstraZeneca, stopped being produced in December 2021 because fewer people were taking Covaxin, India's first home-grown Covid-19 vaccine made by Bharat Biotech with ICMR-NIV, also stopped production in early the halt in manufacturing, officials say that vaccine availability is not a believe the current rise in cases may be due to seasonal changes in respiratory infections though global health experts say the protection from past infections and vaccines may be wearing off, which could be causing new spikes in some general information about Covid-19 continues to be available, there seems to be hindrances in the timely response to the InMust Watch
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Corona Virus Symptoms: JN.1 Variant, Immunity बढ़ाने वाले Foods & Safety Tips
वर्षा दुबे Produced by: | Navbharat Times• 2 Jun 2025, 6:57 pm Corona Virus Symptoms: JN.1 Variant, Immunity बढ़ाने वाले Foods & Safety Tips | Dr Vibhu Kawatra
