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Mint
an hour ago
- Health
- Mint
Covid-19 variant ‘Nimbus' with ‘razor blade throat' symptom spreads in California – should you worry?
A new Covid-19 variant – NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' – may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world. The rise is cases in primarily seen in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions, the World Health Organization said on May 28. The new variant had reached nearly 11 per cent of sequenced samples reported globally in mid-May, an AP report said on Wednesday. Airport screening in the United States detected the new variant in travelers arriving from those regions to destinations in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York. You aren't likely to get sicker from this variant than others. The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in Covid cases and hospitalisations, but there's nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants, the report added. The variant has earned a new nickname – 'razor blade throat' Covid. That's because the variant may cause painful sore throats. The symptom has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, according to various media outlets. According to the AP report, other Covid-19 symptoms of any variant include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. Experts say there isn't major cause for concern with the Nimbus variant. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and considers the public health risk low at the global level. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective. A US government scientist who oversees the team responsible for collecting data on Covid-19 and RSV hospitalisations used to shape national vaccine policy has resigned, citing concerns over how such data would be used by the Trump administration. The scientist, Dr Fiona Havers, told colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday that she no longer had confidence that the Covid and RSV data would be used "objectively or evaluated with appropriate scientific rigor to make evidence-based vaccine policy decisions," according to an email seen by Reuters. Havers, leader of the RESP-NET Hospitalization Surveillance Team, did not respond to requests for comment. Her resignation follows moves by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to abruptly fire all 17 members of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory panel and drop a recommendation for administering Covid shots to healthy children and pregnant women. Kennedy, who has long sown doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, replaced the advisory board with eight members of his own choosing, some of whom have histories of objecting to Covid shots or vaccines in general.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- United News of India
In a world facing environmental crisis, yoga offers a path to sustainability: WHO's Saima Wazed
New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) On the eve of the International Day of Yoga, Saima Wazed, regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for South-East Asia, emphasised the role of yoga in fostering sustainability and holistic well-being in the face of escalating environmental challenges. In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability by encouraging us to live simply, consume mindfully, and respect the natural world. In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet, she said in a statement issued ahead of the global observance on June 21. 'By embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.' Highlighting scientific studies, Wazed noted the profound impact of yoga on human health. 'The benefits of yoga are well-documented. Studies have shown that 77 per cent of people report feeling physically stronger after practising yoga regularly. 82 percent of patients with chronic inflammation experienced a nearly 50 percent reduction in inflammation after just six weeks of daily yoga. 'Yoga can also help mental health. A study by Harvard Medical School found that 60 percent of participants with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks,' Wazed said. WHO's South-East Asia Region comprises 10 member states including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. This year's theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' underscores the vital connection between personal well-being and the health of the planet, Wazed added. She also acknowledged India's leadership in bringing global attention to yoga. 'The initiative to celebrate June 21 as International Day of Yoga was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was adopted by the United Nations in 2014 with support from 177 member states. The first celebration was held in 2015, marking the beginning of a global wellness movement.' Calling on individuals and communities across the region to take part, Wazed said, 'As we observe this important day, let us remember that each breath is a sacred gift from nature. Every mindful moment we cultivate through yoga is a step toward a brighter, healthier future—for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet.'
3 hours ago
- Health
Annual Economic Losses from Workers' Health Issues Reach 7.6 T. Yen
Tokyo, June 20 (Jiji Press)--Economic losses in Japan stemming from workers' mental or physical disorders, including shoulder stiffness and sleeplessness, total around 7.6 trillion yen each year, a study by Japanese researchers has shown. The losses, linked to lower labor productivity, represent about 1 pct of the country's nominal gross domestic product for 2024. The World Health Organization describes "presenteeism" as a condition where work efficiency declines due to mental or physical disorders, despite employees being present at work. It is often difficult to recognize such a condition as a loss for companies or society because the workers in question appear to be performing their jobs. In 2022, Koji Hara, associate professor at Yokohama City University, and other researchers conducted an internet survey of about 27,000 workers in Japan to assess symptoms related to mental and other health issues. As a result, the study estimated that annual losses from presenteeism and related factors amount to 7.6 trillion yen. Among men, the estimated losses were the highest for those aged 45-49, an age group that has a large working population and high average income. For women, the highest losses were estimated for those aged 25-29. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
USFDA approves first HIV prevention shot needing only two doses a year
Even after decades of medical progress, HIV continues to infect thousands globally each day, according to estimates by the World Health Organization. In a major breakthrough, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug that offers near-complete protection against HIV with just two doses a year. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences and marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, is the world's first twice-yearly HIV prevention shot. It could transform pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options, particularly for those who struggle with daily medication adherence due to stigma, access issues, or lifestyle factors. How does lenacapavir work? Lenacapavir is a capsid inhibitor, a class of drugs that blocks the protein shell (capsid) the HIV virus needs to replicate. Unlike oral PrEP pills that must be taken daily, lenacapavir is administered as an injection once every six months, providing a discreet and highly effective method of prevention. How effective is lenacapavir against HIV? In two large-scale clinical trials conducted by Gilead: The first trial involved over 2,000 women in sub-Saharan Africa and showed a 100 per cent reduction in HIV infections, outperforming the daily oral PrEP pill Truvada. The second trial, involving over 2,000 men and gender-diverse individuals, reported only two infections, yielding a 99.9 per cent prevention rate. 'This medicine only needs to be given twice a year and has shown remarkable outcomes in clinical studies, which means it could transform HIV prevention,' said Daniel O'Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences. 'With the FDA approval of Yeztugo, we are one step closer to ending HIV.' Is lenacapavir safe? Clinical trials report that lenacapavir is well tolerated, with mild injection site reactions being the most common side effect. No serious safety concerns have emerged, making it a viable long-term option for prevention. Who stands to benefit the most? The twice-yearly dosing offers particular promise for: Young women LGBTQ+ individuals People in remote or underserved regions Public health experts say it will improve adherence and reduce infection rates in communities often left behind by daily-pill-based prevention strategies. When will lenacapavir be available outside the US? While the FDA has cleared the drug, approvals in other countries are still pending. Applications are under review in Europe, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, and Latin America. The World Health Organization is expected to release global guidance on July 14 during the International AIDS Conference in Kigali. How much will Yeztugo cost? Gilead has yet to announce the price of Yeztugo. However, analysts estimate that the US launch could cost up to $25,000 per year. Currently, lenacapavir is priced at $39,000 annually for HIV treatment use, though prices are expected to fall for prevention. Advocacy groups such as UNAIDS and Unitaid are calling for significant price reductions in low- and middle-income countries. Generic manufacturing is being explored, with estimates suggesting a potential price of $25–$46 per year if Gilead grants licences. What's the HIV situation in India? According to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), an estimated 2.4 million people were living with HIV in India in 2021. That year, 41,970 AIDS-related deaths were recorded, underscoring the ongoing public health challenge.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Neuroscientist warns of 3 common toxins found in homes that can damage the brain
Neuroscientist Robert Love warns about the rising cases of Alzheimer's disease due to toxins present in everyday household items. Air fresheners release harmful VOCs, while scented candles emit toluene, affecting the nervous system. Non-stick skillets, especially Teflon-coated ones, can leach fluoride compounds into food, posing risks to brain and overall health. A round 57 million people were diagnosed with dementia worldwide in 2021, and every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is on the rise, and neuroscientist Robert Love is sounding the alarm on everyday household items that may pose risks to brain health. Love, who specializes in helping people prevent Alzheimer's disease, warned about the three most common toxins found in our homes that can damage the brain. 'One of the biggest reasons that Alzheimer's disease is on the rise is that we live in a very toxic environment. Our food, our air, and our water are very toxic compared to what they were a hundred years ago,' he said in a video shared on Instagram. Let's take a look. Air fresheners First on Love's list is air fresheners. Though they make your home smell delightful, it may come at the expense of your health. These products, often used to mask odors, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. When inhaled, these chemicals may irritate the respiratory system and, in some cases, affect brain function, particularly in individuals with allergies or sensitivities. 'These can negatively affect the brain, certainly those who are allergic to them. So you want to avoid those chemical air fresheners ,' the scientists said. Scented candles Scented candles, which are commonly used in houses, however, have hidden health hazards. Love emphasized that, due to their paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances, scented candles are not great for health. Burning paraffin releases potentially harmful compounds like toluene, which can affect the nervous system. The artificial scents added to these candles may also contribute to indoor air pollution. He also suggested an alternative for scented candles: 'If you're going to do candles, try beeswax candles.' Instead of buying scented candles from the market, you can opt for beeswax candles and add essential oils for the smell. Non-stick skillets The third on the list is quite shocking. Skillets, the non-stick ones. We all love non-stick skillets for their convenience. It is easy to clean and requires less oil. But all that convenience might be costing you your health. Non-stick cookware, particularly Teflon-coated pans, is hazardous to health, according to Love. Teflon, a fluoropolymer, can release harmful substances when scratched or overheated, which allows fluoride compounds to leach into food. Ingesting these compounds may pose risks to the brain and overall health. 'Instead try stainless steel or ceramic or titanium,' he suggests. 7 Common factors that cause brain aging One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
