Meningitis is an infection of the membrane which covers the brain and the spinal cord, and can be caused by infection with bacteria and viruses. There are several types of meningitis of which Hib meningitis is one, and I will discuss each of them in successive articles, published at approximately two weekly intervals.
Hib meningitis the form of meningitis caused by the haemophilus influenzae type B bacterium. This form of meningitis is particularly dangerous to children, and was the form which caused most deaths to under fives from meningitis, particularly those between the ages of 3 to 36 months. Due to the Hib vaccine it is now very rare in developed countries, though has not yet been eradicated. The vaccine is very effective and Hib meningitis is no longer a significant risk in those countries that have included the vaccination as part of its childhood vaccination program.
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Hib Has No Rash
Unlike other forms of meningitis, the Hib bacterium does not cause a rash, but it does display the other symptoms associated with meningitis such as high temperature, sore throat and headache, sensitivity to light and several other symptoms, some of which are evident only to the mother. These, and other symptoms, are discussed in more detail on my website and blog. Due to modern medicine, 95% of cases with Hib meningitis recover, though up to 12% of these are left with long term problems such as deafness, brain damage and epilepsy.
The bacteria live for a short while in the throat and the back of the nose, and are transmitted by contact with aerosol emissions from the throat, such as coughing or sneezing, and other contact with throat fluids. They cannot live outside the body and are not associated with animals other than humans. Hib carriers do not necessarily become ill; in fact the majority do not, so it is not sufficient to stay away from known infections as with most other childhood diseases. It was quite common for the bacteria to be carried by healthy children, though this is now rare due to the almost universal adoption of the Hib vaccine in the developed world.
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The Hib Vaccine Was Difficult To Develop
So, how about the vaccine? The Hib vaccine is what is known as a conjugate vaccine, which means that it is made by combining a small part of the bacteria with a protein. Initial attempts to produce a vaccine were foiled by the physiology of the bacterium. The part which was required to stimulate the human immune system to produce antibodies is a sugar on the surface which is not easily taken up in the body, and after much experimentation with mice a way was found to couple this sugar with a protein which enabled it to be easily absorbed by the human body.
The vaccine is very effective and very safe, and since its initial testing in the mid 1990s and introduction into national vaccination programs, the incidence of Hib meningitis has decreased dramatically by around 90% saving the lives of countless young children. It is now part of the vaccination schedule of most developed countries, though there is a significant difference between those of the USA and the UK which is worthy of investigation.
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Why Do American Children Fece The Needle More Often?
Full details of the American and British childhood vaccination programs are provided on my childhood diseases website, though these differences should be discussed. American children who are afraid of needles are at a decided disadvantage compared to their British counterparts.
By the time an American child reaches the age of two years old, he or she will have been subjected to up to twenty different vaccinations. A child can receive up to five shots during one visit to a doctor, and this is due to the American practice of dispensing one shot per vaccine.
In the UK, however, the same child will have had only ten shots due to the British practice of using multiple vaccines per vaccination. There has never been any indication that a multiple vaccination has done harm to any child. OK, there was the MMR scare regarding autism, but this was bit of nonsense based on financial interests which has since been proved to be without foundation. After all, if the measles part of the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella caused autism, the same would be true of the individual measles vaccine.
So why does the USA administer only individual vaccines? My only conclusion can be money. In the USA the vaccination industry is big money to the pharmaceutical companies and they are dealing with individual hospitals and doctors. In the UK, on the other hand, the National Health Service is a free service to UK nationals and most visitors, so the government is looking for minimum cost. The UK system requires vaccinations to be as cost effective as possible, while this is not the case in the USA. Is the British system less effective: statistics say not.
This is my conclusion, and I have no evidence other than simple deduction to lead me to it. Naturally, if there are other reasons, my email address is on my website. You can make your own deductions, but in the final analysis, the Hib vaccine works and has saved many lives.
The other main difference is that the manufacturer of the vaccine is an important factor in the USA whether a child gets the 6 monthly vaccination or not. British children are vaccinated at 2, 3 and 4 months with a booster shortly after the first birthday. The USA vaccinates against Hib C meningitis at 2, 4 and 6 months. However, in America, three conjugate vaccines are licensed for use with infants, and if PRP-OMP (PedvaxHIB
Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Allergies and asthma can wreak havoc on our daily lives. Just ask any allergy sufferer. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties can keep people from enjoying everyday life to the fullest. What causes allergies and asthma and how can we find relief?
Allergies are typically the result of an impaired immune system. Our immune system begins in the gut (or intestines). When the balance or health of the gut is impaired, chemical and environmental sensitivities in the body arise. Stress and the overuse of prescription and over the counter medications are just a few of the factors that can damage the gut lining and cause a reduction of ‘friendly bacteria’. Stress of all kinds (chemical, environmental, physical and emotional) impairs the flow of Qi or energy in the body and causes blockages and imbalances in the meridian and organ systems of the body, leading to decreased immune function.
Acupuncture, nutritional and herbal therapies rebuild and balance the immune system and heal the gut lining providing long term relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. Acupuncture balances the meridian systems, promotes the free flow of Qi, and boosts the body’s Wei Qi or immune function. Herbal therapies assist acupuncture in balancing the body’s energy and organ systems and boosting Wei Qi, increasing the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatments. The use of specific amino acids, vitamins and minerals heal the rebuild the gut lining, and promote a healthy gut flora.
Eliminating allergies using acupuncture and nutritional therapies is not an overnight cure. It takes time for the body to heal and reach a place of balance. Patience and dedication to your health and wellness are necessary for complete success. Immediate relief from symptoms is often noticed with just a few treatments, however it is important to adhere to your treatment plan until your immune system is completely healthy. Always consult a licensed practitioner concerning which herbal and nutritional therapies are best suited for your individual needs.
Monday, April 11th, 2011
Allergy symptoms range from hugely irritating sneezing and a constant runny nose to watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy skin and or flaky skin, sore throats and post nasal drip. For many people allergy season means shutting the doors and windows and not opening them again until the first frost. But wouldn’t you still love to enjoy warmer weather and the good health you otherwise have in spite of your allergies?
You may eventually need to augment the following suggestions with either over the counter medicine, or have an allergist prescribe medications that will help.
Saturday, April 9th, 2011
Bunions and hammertoes are two common problems people have with their feet. Oh yes, corns too. Many people try to live with these annoyances by wearing modified shoes, wearing shoes of different sizes, or simply bearing with the discomfort of disfigured and mis-shapen toes.
Many foot doctors, known as podiatrists, are more than happy to recommend surgical procedures to get rid of bunions, hammertoes and corns. Some podiatrists fail to inform the patient of significant risks associated with these seemingly “routine” and “simple” procedures. Patients get lulled into a false sense of simplicity and assume that it’s a ‘quick’ procedure and they’ll be up on their feet in days.
That’s not always the case where bone is removed from one’s toes. In some cases the remaining ends of bone must be connected together with wires, usually known as ‘k-wires’. If those wires are removed prematurely, the bones may become unstable and heal in an unnatural and awkward position, leaving you with a permanent deformity. In other cases, a doctor may take too much bone off, leaving you with an overly-shortened toe which sticks up in the air.
Why are podiatric mishaps so significant?
Here’s a good analogy:
When you build a house, you first need a good foundation. You can then build layer upon layer on top of that foundation without fear the house will collapse. When dealing with feet, if you damage your ability to walk or stand, your entire skeleton and muscles will now shift to accomodate your changed in gait (the way you walk) and your legs will begin to hurt as well as your back. Your ‘foundation’ will be affected, placing undue stress on other areas of your musculo-skeletal system.
What’s the alternative to having surgery to correct those bunions, hammertoes and corns?
The first line of defense is called ‘conservative treatment’. This includes modifying your shoe gear. It also includes using orthotics, also known as shoe inserts. Those shoe inserts can be bought from your pharmacy, over the counter, or can be custom made. In any event, they’re certainly worthwhile as an attempt to reduce the pressure placed on your foot. In the event the orthotics do not work, podiatrists may sometimes try giving you anti-inflammatory medication or a course of steroid injections to reduce inflammation and associated pain.
If after those ‘conservative treatments’ you still have problems, you will probably be asked to consider having surgery to correct your bunion, hammertoe or corn. Before you agree to have surgery, make sure to ask your foot doctor about the risks and benefits to the procedure. Ask how long you’ll be off your feet (this is known as being non-weight bearing). How long will you be on crutches? Importantly, get references of other patients who have had this procedure with this doctor. Learn as much as you can about the doctor and the type of procedure that’s being recommended. Only by being fully informed can you make an intelligent decision about what procedure is right for you.
You may also want to get a second opinion, just to make sure this is the correct procedure for you.
I hope these tips make you informed about your choices.
Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
There are many kinds of toenail infections but among them toenail fungus which is scientifically known as onychomycosis is the most common. If you have toenail fungus or is concerned about it then you have come to the right place because this article will tackle everything there is to know about toenail fungus or onychomycosis, particularly nail fungus symptoms, causes and cures.
What causes onychomycosis?
It is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes. This is the same kind of fungus that causes other infections such as ring worm and jock itch. Dermatophytes are anaerobic organisms meaning they thrive well even in conditions without oxygen and they feed on keratin, which is the protein that makes up the nails and hair. In the process of eating off the keratin from the toenails, the dermatophytes eventually destroy the whole foundation of the nail. Dermatophytes can be found in warm and wet places. A good example of which are public water facilities such as public swimming pools and public showers.
What are the symptoms of onychomycosis?
The main symptom of this disease include discoloration and distortion of the nails. People suffering from onychomycosis will see their nails turn from pale yellow, to dark brown to black. The nails will also begin to get bent and soon after pain and irritation will be felt. People are advised to immediately see a doctor upon seeing the initial symptoms of toenail fungus. When left untreated, this disease will spread to the cover the whole nail and will greatly deteriorate the appearance of the whole feet.
Who can acquire fungus?
No one is safe from toenail fungus. Anyone who gets exposed to dermatophytes are at risk of getting this disease. If you have diabetes, psoriasis or leukemia, then you should be extra careful because studies haves shown that persons with the above mentioned diseases are several times more likely to acquire onychomycosis than those who do not have these diseases. Men and individuals 60 years old and above are also at greater risk from getting toenail fungus.
How to cure nail fungus?
This disease is very hard to treat. This is because the infection usually sets deep within the nail. There are many available treatments for toenail fungus both conventional and alternative. Generally, alternative treatments are considered safer because they don’t have any of the side effects that are common among conventional medicines. Before choosing any mode of treatment for toenail fungus, be sure to consult your doctor first.
I hope you have learned a lot about nail fungus symptoms, causes and cures in this article.
