The previous recommendation was that infants born to mothers who test negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen receive their 1st dose of Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The 2nd dose will happen between 1 and 2 months. The 3rd dose is administered between 6 and 18 months.

The ACIP voted to change the authority for parents to decide when, or whether, their child receives the Hepatitis B vaccine. For those who don’t receive the birth dose, the initial dose should not be given before 2 months of age. (Only infants born to HbsAg-negative mothers)

Going forward, Hepatitis B will be given at birth only for infants born to women who test positive or for whom the status is unknown.

Women with a negative Hepatitis status are advised to speak with their doctors about vaccination.

They second vote was for testing children’s antibody levels after each Hepatitis shot to determine if additional shots are necessary. This means, post-vaccine serology should be offered to parents to determine whether additional vaccine doses are needed. Testing should be covered by insurance.

These new recommendations have been met with opposition.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) issued a statement calling the new guidance “irresponsible” and ‘purposely misleading”.

The APP continues to recommend that all infants receive routine Hepatitis B. The current Hepatitis B vaccine program has been in place since 1991 and has reduced pediatric Hepatitis B infections by 99%.

“We know vaccines are safe,” said Dr. Cody Meissner, a professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and the only current member who has served on the committee in previous years. “The hepatitis B vaccine recommendation is very well established. We know it is safe, and we know it is very effective.” Speaking Friday before the final vote, he said if the committee made the proposed change, “we will see more children and adolescents and adults infected with hepatitis B.”

In summary, the advisory committee believes these changes will provide flexibility for lower-risk infants, but strong recommendations remain in place for higher-risk infants. Some medical groups advocate a universal birth dose to maximize protection.

The post Hepatitis B Birth Vaccine Recommendation Changes appeared first on | Interactive Health.

Officials have emphasized that people who want a COVID-19 vaccine can get one after consulting with a doctor; the narrower approval may limit access to shots for some people who were routinely able to get them in the past.

“FDA has now issued marketing authorization for those at higher risk: Moderna (6+ months), Pfizer (5+), and Novavax (12+). These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reported in a post on X recently.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the conditions that put someone at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 include:

1.) Asthma
2.) Blood cancers
3.) Cerebrovascular diseases
4.) Chronic kidney disease
5.) Some chronic lung diseases
6.) Some chronic liver diseases
7.) Cystic Fibrosis
8.) Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
9.) Gestational Diabetes
10.) Disabilities, including Down syndrome
11.) Heart conditions
12.) HIV
13.) Mood disorders, including depression and schizophrenia
14.) Dementia
15.) Parkinson’s disease
16.) Obesity
17.) Physical inactivity
18.) Current or recent pregnancy
19.) Primary immunodeficiencies
20.) Current or former smoking
21.) Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant recipients
22.) Tuberculosis
23.) Use of immunosuppressive drugs

****These conditions (most of them) can affect the immune system in such a significant way that they would inhibit the body’s ability to fight off a COVID infection. That could increase the risk of an infection causing severe illness or death.

Where to find the vaccine?

Pharmacies

–  For those who meet the standards, major pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS are beginning to receive the updated vaccines.

–  You will need to confirm your eligibility during the scheduling process

Health Care Providers

–  This option is necessary for those who still want the vaccine but don’t immediately qualify.

Health Department and Community Centers

–  State and local health departments and centers have access to free vaccines for uninsured individuals.

The post Who Can Get a COVID Vaccine This Year? appeared first on | Interactive Health.

Let’s take a look at some of the available medications:

Mounjaro – Tirzepatide

– This is a once-a-week injection for Type II diabetes that can help lower blood sugars and can also help with weight loss.
– This is the first in a new class of medications, and it has been shown to lower hemoglobin A1C more than any other medication.
– It is being used off-label to help patients with diabetes specifically target weight loss.
– This is a GLP-1 medication – which will be discussed later.

Tzield – Tepizumab

– This medication can delay the onset of Type I diabetes in children over the age of 8.
– It is the first treatment to change the course of this autoimmune disease.
– It was approved in 2022.

SGLT2 inhibitors

– This class of medications prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, which allows glucose to be eliminated in the urine.
– This can improve blood sugars, contribute to weight loss, and slightly lowers blood pressure.
– Some potential side effects include UTI’s and vaginal yeast infections.
Examples:
.  Farxiga – Depagliflozin
.  Jardiance – Empagliflozin
.  Invokana – Canagliflozin

GLP-1 – Glucagon-like peptide 1

– These medications provide glycemic control by helping to affect the feeling of fullness in the stomach in those with Type II
– They help improve blood sugar control and help with weight loss.
– They can have side effects that affect the stomach such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
– Each medication is unique in their schedule, dosing, and administration requirements.
Examples:
.  Byetta – Exenatide   (Given twice a day)
.  Victoza – Liraglutide  (Given once a day)
.  Bydureon – Exenatide ER  (Given once a week)
.  Tanzeum – Albiglutide  (Given once a week)
.  Trulicity  –  Dulaglutide  (Given once a week)
.  Adlyxin – Lixisenatide  (Given once a day)
.  Rybelsus – Semaglutide (Given twice a day – by mouth)
.  Ozempic – Semaglutide (Given once a week)

DPP-4 – Dipeptidyl peptidase-4

– These medications attempt to lower blood sugars without causing Hypoglycemia
– These medications can help the pancreas make more insulin which is helpful in most Type II diabetes patients.
Examples:
.  Nesina – Alogliptin
.  Kazano – Alogliptin + Metformin
.  Tradjenta – Linagliptin  
.  Jentadueto – Linagliptin = Metformin 
.  Onglyza –  Saxagliptin  
.  Kombiglyze – Saxagliptin   + Metformin  
.  Januvia – Sitagliptin 
.  Janumet – Sitagliptin  + Metformin
.  Juvisync – Sitagliptin + Simvastatin 

The post The Landscape of Diabetes is Changing with New Medications appeared first on | Interactive Health.

The impact of these infectious diseases, mental health, and more, significantly affects both the communities involved and those invaders who continue the onslaught.

If you look at wars like the Crimean War (1854-1856), there were approximately 34,000 combatants killed – British, French, and Russians during the war. Approximately another 26,000 died from their wounds. After all was said and done, another 130,000 died from infectious diseases – such as Cholera and Typhus Fever.

Fortunately, over time, the war against disease has progressed, with advances in antibiotics, laboratory methods, surgery, microbial understanding, mental health care, and more. As the 1900’s came along, there were still deaths from diseases, but they became far less than those killed by war itself.

Trench Fever became an issue during World War I.  If was first described in 1915 and became one of the leading causes of death by 1917. Its most famous victim was AA Milne, the author of Winnie-the-Pooh. Trench Fever was transmitted through body louse by inoculation of louse feces during scratching. Headaches were the first symptom, followed by shin pain, an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and an evanescent rash and fever that recurred for weeks. Soon, Trench Fever seemed to disappear and was deemed an oddity for the time.

Typhus Fever also struck during World War I, but wasn’t seen much on the Western Front. When Austria-Hungary fought Serbia, nearly 150,000 people killed in the region were from typhoid fever.

Another surprise killer was Gas Gangrene. New surgical measures were performed to save lives. The tissue, either during injury or prior to injury, was often infected with bacteria of the genus Clostridium. These soil-borne anaerobes are particularly well-adapted to surviving in conditions after war and extremely harsh circumstances. It was necessary, after the initial injury, that the tissue be debrided as quickly as possible. Sometimes, amputation became necessary. If left untreated, it can be a potentially fatal infection.

Influenza becomes a highly concerning disease following a war. The virus becomes easily transmitted through hospitals and areas where people come together for protection. When you are compromised or already sick, often the Influenza affects the lungs, and a serious case of pneumonia can be seen. Advancing antibiotics has been necessary to treat the infections secondarily caused by the Influenza virus.

Yellow Fever is a viral disease that can be transmitted quickly. There is a vaccine and some countries require the vaccine prior to entry. However, during the time after the war, when supplies and medical conditions are at their worst, this virus can be transmitted quickly. It has a short duration, maybe five days or so, but it can be devastating to a war torn community. The virus is transmitted through a mosquito bite. Back in 2013, 130,000 severe infections were seen with 78,000 deaths.  There is an estimated 20-50% of deaths for those who develop severe disease. Symptoms range from Jaundice, fatigue, heart rhythm problems, seizures, fever, and much more.

Malaria is another concerning condition that is transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes. In 2021, an estimated 247 million people contracted malaria. This was seen in 80+ countries and it was believed that 619,000 lives were lost. Malaria outbreaks have been seen, especially after wars. The treatment of Malaria was through quinine from the 17th century until around 1930s.  American troops, fighting in the South Pacific, were hit hard, and new treatments were discovered in 1943. Shortly after the war, chloroquine was identified, which has had an important impact on the treatment of Malaria.

Dysentery has been a concerning medical condition for many years and is often seen on the battlefield. It is believed that around 1915, soldiers from Egypt brought this infection with them. It is transmitted through flies and deposited on food. The transmission from there was quick. Stomach pains, diarrhea, and more are the typical symptoms. The more advanced conditions can cause Amoebic Hepatitis and Liver Abscesses.

Cholera outbreaks are often seen in war torn areas. This diarrheal disease can kill within hours if left untreated. It is estimated that each year, there are 1.3 – 4.0 million cases and between 21,000 and 143,000. It occurs when individuals ingest food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. This disease is easily treatable but the problem is that during the aftermath of war, the area involved may have a lack of healthcare, supplies, and much more. Patients can become dehydrated rapidly due to the loss of fluids through diarrhea.

After war, the displacement of people, the poor quality of food and water, poor healthcare, and lack of access to food and water can all contribute to the significant medical risks that can be seen. It is essential that steps be taken to ensure food, medicine, water, and more are all accessible for those involved in war.

The post Medical Disease May Become More Prevalent Because of War appeared first on | Interactive Health.

If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect you this fall and winter. 

Vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available later this week. The CDC believes that vaccines are the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalizations and death. The vaccine is believed to also reduce your risks of Long COVID symptoms. It is essential to remember that the virus is always changing (mutation), which can lead to less potent changes, but that is not always the case.

Receiving an updated vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced protection going forward. Last season, those with the vaccine saw greater protection against both illnesses and hospitalizations when compared to those who didn’t receive the 2022-2023 vaccine. To this date, hundreds of millions of people have safely received a Coronavirus vaccine under the most intense safety monitoring in history.

“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” said Director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older to better protect you and your loved ones.”

If you do get sick, talk to your doctor about proven, effective treatments that can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

It is important to note that this is the first year that there are vaccines for COVID-19, Flu, and RSV.

For more information on updated COVID-19 vaccines visit:   Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC

The post New COVID Vaccine Recommendations appeared first on | Interactive Health.

The issue of staff shortages has become one of the hottest topics for Public Health professionals, hospitals, and Medical Clinics. The problem is complex and has greatly impacted the health care industry.  Fewer and fewer doctors are choosing to become Family Practice Providers. They will often choose a specialty that is more specific such as gastroenterology, Cardiology, or others.  Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are attempting to make up the difference. This is both a good and bad thing. Both PAs and NP are great at what they do and can curb some of the upcoming problems.

What does it mean for you?

1.) Availability of Services

Whenever there is a discussion about staff shortages, it brings up the fact that you will have to wait longer to see your provider, get scheduled for procedures, and even your wait time at the Emergency Room may be impacted. Clinics are closing all the time and your doctor or medical provider may have to move clinics or close entirely because of the headaches surrounding these problems.

2.) Aging Population

When this topic is approached in medicine, it means that the patients are growing older and older. This requires more services and treatment for these patients. But this also has a profound effect on the workforce. More and more experienced providers are retiring and not being replaced.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that nearly 17% of the population is 65 years or older as of 2021. This number (percentage) is anticipated to increase over the next twenty years. More care will be required in Nursing homes and hospitals and fewer providers and nurses will be available.

The number of Chronic Care illnesses will increase. This will impact healthcare drastically.

3.) Burnout

You know that if you are being asked to do more at your job, this can lead to burnout. This cycle is seen in healthcare but often more dramatically. The onslaught of problems, patient care issues, staff shortages caused hundreds of healthcare workers to leave their jobs during and after the COVID pandemic. The number of illnesses did not increase. The responsibility fell onto those already working in the hospitals, clinics, and more. Burnout is the next phase of problems that will be seen in the healthcare industry.

4.)  Infrastructure

Over the next ten years, the lack of Nursing Homes, Rehab centers, Mental Health facilities, Drug Rehab programs, and more will come to a critical level. Specialized care that is best given in specific facilities will find out that they don’t have enough buildings or bed space for the needs that will arise. Even back in 2019 there were thousands of elderly applicants who were denied care/homes because there just wasn’t enough space available.

5.)  Teaching

In healthcare, to become knowledgeable about medicine, you must learn from the best. There will be more nurses and providers trying to learn from fewer mentors. This will greatly effect their learning ability. Nearly 100,000 nursing applicants were turned away in 2020 due to lack of teaching space. Faculty are often underpaid and the increasing demands are difficult to solve. PA and NP programs are trying to train as many as possible to offset the shortage of Doctors, but this can lead to additional problems in some states. Finding faculty has been nearly impossible because some of the standards for training.

Possible Future Strategies

1.)  Increasing pay for Healthcare workers in Underserved Areas

2.)  Load repayment for Healthcare workers who commit to working in an area

3.) Hiring workers from other countries and have a mentoring program to assist in training

4.) Customize Recruitment

5.)  Prioritize Infrastructure changes

6.)  Better scheduling

7.)  Improve Job satisfaction

The post Health Care Staff Shortages Could Effect You Soon appeared first on | Interactive Health.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. This virus belongs to the same class as variola (smallpox). A misconception is that Monkeypox is related to chickenpox – which is not the case.

The symptoms of Monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox but are often milder. They include: Fever, rash, headache, body aches, fatigue, and more.

Back in 1958, there were two outbreaks of a pox-like disease that was found in a colony of monkeys that were kept for research. The named condition of “Monkeypox” was used because they were found in monkeys, but the source of the disease remains unknown.

The first case of Monkeypox in humans was back in 1970. Often, the outbreaks of this virus are seen in central and western African countries. Over the last few decades, most of those individuals that were diagnosed with this condition could be linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals.

The outbreak of 2022 has changed several of these guidelines and additional cases have been nearly impossible to link.

Symptoms:

– Rash
– Fever
– Body aches
– Chills
– Headache
– Swollen Lymph Nodes
– Fatigue/Exhaustion

It is important to understand that the Rash goes through different stages. The illness lasts 2-4 weeks. Often the rash starts as a small area – similar to a pimple or molluscum. The area is often circular. There can be several spots or “pox” seen on hands, back, and other areas.

How does Monkeypox Spread?

A.) Direct contact with scabs, rash, or body fluids
B.) Respiratory secretions
C.) Breathing on someone during close contact such as kissing and sexual activity
D.) Touch clothing, bedding, etc
E.) Pregnant women can pass the virus to their fetus through the placenta
F.) Infected animals – scratches or bitten
G.) Infected animals through preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Animals involved in Transmission

– Rope and Sun Squirrels
– Giant-pouched Rats
– African Dormice
– Prairie dogs
– Monkeys
– Anteaters
– Hedgehogs
– Shrews
– Others
– Science does not know all animals that can be affected or transmit Monkeypox

**Dogs, cats, CPWS, Pigs, Sheep, Goats – Are all unknown transmission.

Prevention

1.) Avoid contact with those who might have Monkeypox or a similar rash

2.) Do not touch scabs and avoid close contact including hugging, kissing, or having sex with someone with Monkeypox

3.) Do not share utensils or cups with someone with Monkeypox

4.) Wear gloves when handling bedding with someone with Monkeypox.

5.) Wash hands often

6.) If traveling to Central and West Africa – avoid touching animals that can spread the virus.

What to do if you are sick with Monkeypox?

1.) Isolate at home during duration of rash

2.) If possible, stay in a separate room or away from people or pets you live with

Vaccine

1.) If you work or travel and are high risk of contacting Monkeypox – you can consider receiving a vaccine to help prevent transmission/symptoms.

Treatment

– No specific cures for Monkeypox
– The virus and symptoms will resolve on their own
– Antiviral drugs can help reduce symptoms
– Vaccines can help protect against smallpox and monkeypox viruses.

. Tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be recommended for some people at risk of becoming severely ill

– Tylenol and NSAIDS may help some of the symptoms.

The post What is Monkeypox? appeared first on | Interactive Health.

The allergy season can be filled with frustration from sneezing, red eyes, skin changes, and itching of the eyes and of the skin. It is really important to know what your symptoms are and what causes them.

Typically the first-line treatment is an allergy medication.

There are a number of options from Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, and Benadryl. You might find one that works better for you so try them all out. Remember, Benadryl can make you sleepy.

However, there are other medications such as Sudafed, Mucinex, and such that can help with the nasal congestion portion of allergies. They are not intended to treat allergies, but we all know that there can be a lot of nasal drainage. These mediations may help.

Keep an allergy diary.

This is especially important when trying to understand foods that are causing problems. Tracking pollen counts, places you went outdoors, and contact with animals may help navigate the frustrations that come with allergies. It doesn’t mean that you will skip going outside, but maybe you take a medication before going into situations that you know will aggravate your allergies.

Keep track of your symptoms.

Not all allergies will work in the same way. For example, some people who are allergic to cats will act differently on a high pollen day. The symptoms may be different. You might also only have itching of the throat with certain things. Knowing your symptoms is equally important to know your allergy triggers. Treatment may depend on your symptoms.

Questions you might ask yourself:

1.)  What time of day?
2.)  What time of the week?
3.)  What time of year?

Experts say that often:

– If symptoms are from March until May – possible that you have a tree pollen allergy
– If symptoms are from Memorial day into middle of July – possible that you have a grass pollen allergy
– If symptoms are from late summer until winter starts – possible that you have a ragweed or seed pollen allergy

Consider an Allergy test

This is a sensitive test that can help you identify what you are most allergic to. Often individuals with multiple allergies, symptoms, and times of the year that they are affected; a specialized test is most beneficial.

These tests could be done with small amounts put into your skin to see what reacts with swelling, redness, or rash. Blood testing is also available but these can be slightly confusing. Sometimes you will get something that tests positives but you know that it isn’t something that bothers you.

Allergy Symptoms vs COVID

It is important to remember that allergy symptoms may be similar to COVID, but not all of them will be.

COVID and allergies can both cause runny nose, sore throat, headaches, cough, fatigue.

Allergies can cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and usually COVID doesn’t

Additionally, COVID can cause shortness of breath, body aches, and loss of taste or smell.

It is important to know some of the differences to alleviate concerns or questions.

The post Tips to Help During the Allergy Season appeared first on | Interactive Health.

Gallbladder Removal During Pregnancy – The Debate

Surgery is always a calculated risk but imagine needing surgery while you are pregnant. This adds an entirely new wrinkle to the problem. This theory becomes reality to hundreds of women every year and in this article, we will look at the complicated decision of choosing or not choosing gallbladder surgery.

Data shows that pregnant women produce a higher level or concentration of progesterone. This, in turn, can increase the women’s risk factors for developing gallstones. In some cases, gallstones lead to Gallbladder Complications and require surgery.

Pain is one of the primary symptoms that a woman might develop that indicates a need for surgery, though there are other symptoms as well. Gallbladder attacks can happen to men and women and can happen during or without pregnancy.  However, the risk for maternal complications can be seen during pregnancy and it is important for all pregnant women to know about the increased risks for gallstones and the risks associated with surgery.

The surgical intervention is called a Cholecystectomy where the Gallbladder is removed. It is often done laparoscopically but can require an open surgical procedure.

As you will see below, there is differing opinion on whether you should have surgery while you are Pregnant. The following information is to allow you to look at both sides objectively.

The Decision – Conflicting Information

Some patients may be given the opportunity to decide whether to have surgery during their pregnancy or wait until after Childbirth. In these types of cases, there are typically minimal risks, no infections, and minimal gallbladder wall thickening. In severe cases, surgery may be an emergency and life-saving procedure.

It is natural to assume that if you were put into the position that you would choose to wait, however, the pain, complications, vomiting, and other symptoms may change your mind. It is hard to know what decision you will make until you are put into that position.

Choosing to wait to have Surgery

“Current guidelines recommend surgery for acute cholecystitis during pregnancy, but many patients and providers delay surgery,” said researcher Dr. Francesco Palazzo, vice-chair of surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, in Philadelphia.

Waiting could result in the following complications:  Stillbirth, Premature Birth, Poor fetal growth, C-section, Bleeding, Blood Clots, Infections, and more.

Dr. Palazzo performed a research study looking into nearly 6,500 pregnant women admitted to a hospital for cholecystitis (Inflammation of the Gallbladder) between 2010 and 2015. Less than 40% of the women had surgery to remove their gallbladder while pregnant. And…pregnant women who did not have surgery were three times more likely to have complications at the birth of their child.

According to researcher Dr. Arturo Rios-Diaz, a surgical resident, “The data doesn’t tell us exactly why these complications occurred, just that they were more common in women whose surgeries were delayed after accounting for differences between the groups.”

Also, women who didn’t have the surgery during pregnancy were 61% more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, and 95% more likely to be readmitted with a complication, the researchers noted.

These data show that there are risks with waiting out the surgery, the researchers explained. The report was published online in the journal Annals of Surgery.

Choosing to have Surgery

Women who have their gallbladder removed during pregnancy are more likely to experience longer hospital stays, increased 30-day readmissions, and higher rates of preterm delivery than those who delay the operation until after childbirth, according to the study results published online as an “article in press” on the Journal of the American College of Surgeons website.

“In light of these findings, whenever possible, women with symptomatic gallstones in pregnancy should wait as long as possible to let the baby mature before having the cholecystectomy,” said study coauthor Henry A. Pitt, MD, FACS, professor of surgery at Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia.

Dr. Pitt and colleagues studied a large database of women in California (the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database) who underwent a laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy between 2005 and 2014 for gallstones or other benign biliary disease. They compared 403 pregnant women who underwent the operation within 90 days prior to childbirth with 17,490 women who had the procedure within three months after childbirth.

“One important finding was that maternal delivery outcomes — including eclampsia and hemorrhage for the mother, and preterm delivery — were significantly worse when the cholecystectomy was done during pregnancy as opposed to postpartum,” Dr. Pitt said.

References

Delaying gallbladder surgery raises risk of complications:  https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2019/10/31/Delaying-gallbladder-surgery-raises-risk-of-complications/9791572532606/

Gallbladder removal operation during pregnancy associated with adverse maternal outcomes: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190212134759.htm

Is It Safe to Manage Acute Cholecystitis Nonoperatively During Pregnancy?: A Nationwide Analysis of Morbidity According to Management Strategy

Gallbladder Removal Operation During Pregnancy Associated with Adverse Maternal Outcomes, Longer Hospital Stays, and Higher Hospital Costs

The post Gallbladder Removal During Pregnancy – The Debate appeared first on | Interactive Health.

The Vaccines for the Coronavirus have been a whirlwind of protection, promises, and changes. But there is little to dissuade the medical community of the vast relief and improvement that has happened in our hospitals, clinics, and everyday lives. But, as with everything, changes have cast another round of doubt and even despair. The Delta Variant has changed the death projections and the hospitalizations around the world. This has led to many discussions on the need for a booster. If you’ve received the Moderna Vaccine – it is almost certain that you will need a booster.

Those With the Moderna Vaccination

Moderna has reported that the vaccine, even after six months, has retained its effectiveness. That means that the vaccine is working and it appears that it will continue working. However, with the Delta Variant, a booster is in the works.

The company stated – “In final analysis of Phase 3 COVE study data, the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine showed 93% efficacy, with the efficacy remaining durable through six months after administration of the second dose.”

Moderna is currently in Phase 2 studies of a Moderna booster. It appears that they have a few different boosters currently being studied.

Therefore – the when for those with a booster is likely before winter and projections have Moderna starting to roll out the booster Vaccine sometime in September. Additional thoughts are that the booster will be made available first for those with comorbidities, elderly, and at-risk such as hospital workers, first-responders, and more.

The concern for the booster points to the past and the slow rollout of the first vaccine. It took months longer than expected for this to happen. Let’s hope we don’t repeat the failures of the past.

This data points to a need for the booster vaccine and this is largely because of the delta variant. But a booster won’t end our need for yearly vaccines.

Will Yearly Boosters or Vaccines be Required for COVID?

CEO Stephane Bancel had recently said, “We are looking forward towards our vision of a single dose annual booster that provides protection against COVID-19, flu and RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] for adults.” He also added, “We believe this is just the beginning.”

The goal of additional vaccines, boosters, and yearly vacines is to save lives and prevent hospitalizations. Technological advancements have allowed medical teams to prevent deaths. Despite the political arena, social media, and missinformation – vaccines save lives.

For more Information Check out: Moderna Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results and Provides Business Updates

The post If You Received the Moderna Vaccination, When Should You Expect a Booster? appeared first on | Interactive Health.

The Delta Variant is a mutation of the COVID virus that is leading to a highly contagious strain of this virus.  The SARS-CoV-2 Delta virus was first recognized or identified in India. It quickly moved throughout the country and was found in Great Britain. From there, the virus was found in the United States a few months ago.

It isn’t unusual or even unexpected that a virus will evolve or change over time. This is a process that occurs during the viruses’ spread and replication. But, in the case of the Delta Virus, it is spreading very quickly around the world. It will accelerate the pandemic for those who are unvaccinated. It will also cause some issues for those who have already been vaccinated.

We are not sure of the severity of transmission for the Delta Virus. It is possible that the virus is more contagious and more deadly. More research needs to be done. For those who have received the vaccine, there is data that shows you have a much greater chance of protection. Further vaccines may be recommended such as a booster or such.

8 Things to know about the Delta Virus and more.

1.)  The public and the scientific community need to take this variant seriously.

2.)  It was first identified in India in December of 2020.

3.)  Delta is more contagious than other COVID types.

4.)  If you are unvaccinated, you are at greater risk.

5.)  This virus could lead to groupings of transmission rates, meaning that entire families or communities could be affected.

6.)  Vaccination is the best protection – better than masks and social distancing.

7.)  There is more to learn about the Delta Virus

8.)  Additional shot/vaccines for those who have already received a vaccine may be recommended in the future.

For the first time in months, the general public is feeling a sense of optimism. The Delta Virus may impede the reality for many who are not vaccinated.

The post 8 Things to Know About the Delta Virus and More appeared first on | Interactive Health.

Screening means that a healthy individual with no symptoms or concerns should get a colonoscopy at age 45. Those who get a colonoscopy sooner may be due to symptoms, risk factors, genetics, a family member with cancer, and others.

It is important to recognize the difference between screening and colonoscopy because of symptoms.

The Task Force

The task force is a group of individuals that makes up a panel of professionals that give guidelines for those providers treating patients. The initial guideline was discussed back in October of 2020 but the recommendation comes this week.

“We think by screening, starting at age 50, we prevent about 50 cases of colorectal cancer in a population of 1,000 people and avoid about 25 deaths. If we drop to age 45, we’ll prevent two or three additional cases and maybe one death,” Dr. Michael Barry, vice-chair of the task force, told news outlets. “We thought it was appreciable enough that it was time to change the recommendation to go down to age 45.”

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States.  Approximately 52,000+ individuals in the US are projected to die from it in 2021. Though most cases are diagnosed in people ages 65 to 74, the recommendation reflects a trend in recent years of cases among younger people.

Around 10% of new colorectal cancers are seen in those younger than age 50. Treatment is far better when the cancer is found in the early stages.

“It’s a major area of concern and investigation theories abound,” Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl, a gastroenterologist with New York-Presbyterian and Columbia University Medical Center. “To some extent, it may be driven in part by obesity, but there are plenty of people younger than 50, who are not obese, who are developing colorectal cancer, without any discernible risk factors.”

Dr. Lebwohl, along with Alfred Neugut did a study back in 2013 and has updated his findings compared to that research time. These new cases and the trend of younger individuals diagnosed have been seen in the last five years or so. The new recommendations reflect those findings.  His paper from 2013 –  Colonoscopy and colorectal cancer mortality: both sides of the story.

Colorectal Cancer in Black Adults

The task force, along with the American Cancer Society has recommended the lower age of 45 for Black men and women as far back as 2018. Research has shown that in America, Black Adults are more likely to get and die from Colorectal Cancer.

Cases from 2013 – 2017 confirmed this finding. Approximately 37.8 cases per 100,000 were seen in White Adults while 43.6 per 100,000 were seen in Black Adults.  Right now, the task force did not make any changes to specifically target Black Adults. Therefore the changes to age 45 are for All Adults regardless of race or color.

For More information:

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Officially, the vaccine produced by Johnson and Johnson has been halted for an unknown amount of time. This vaccine is a one-dose vaccine that has been approved since Feb 27th, 2021. The vaccine is a one-dose vaccine that has a 60-80% effective rate depending on global location and virus type.

It is believed that nearly 7 million people have received the Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine. Anther 9 million doses have already been sent out to all 50 states.

However, as of April 13th, the vaccine has been placed on hold due to 6 women who developed blood clots, including one that died.

The Food and Drug Administration announced the pause, saying that there have been a half dozen reports of a “rare and severe type of blood clot” in patients who received the J&J vaccine.

Additional to the blood clots, a low platelet count was seen, and this combination makes the typical treatment with Heparin – potentially dangerous.  Clearly, women appear at more of a risk than men, though this could change.

Patients who had a blood clot

1.)  Six women between the ages of 18 and 48.

2.)  Developed the blood clots in the first two weeks following vaccination.

3.)  One woman died

4.)  A second woman, in Nebraska, was hospitalized in critical condition.

5.)  A direct link has yet to be found between the vaccine and blood clots

The Pause

“We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” the FDA said. “Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be administered.”

The main concern at this point is if the immune system of these women triggered the response to both the clot and platelets.

Federal distribution channels, including mass vaccine sites, will pause the use of J&J vaccine and most states have followed suit.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not affected by the pause.

The FDA added: “CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. Until that process is complete, we are recommending this pause. This is important to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.”

What about the AstraZeneca Vaccine?

The J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines are both made with the same technology.

The AstraZeneca Vaccine is primarily found in Great Britain and other European countries.

Just last week, European regulators indicated that they might have found a possible link between the shots and a very rare type of blood clot that occurs together with low blood platelets, one that seems to affect younger people.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has not been granted approval in the United States.

The technology and process of vaccine production are different from one vaccine to another. However, J&J uses a human adenovirus to create its vaccine while AstraZeneca uses a chimpanzee version. These two companies and vaccines have similar technology.

What is a Blood Clot?

A Blood Clot is when the blood is no longer liquid and it changes to a semi-solid state. It could be a gel-like substance.

When you injure yourself, clotting material prevents you from bleeding forever. It turns into a scab and the healing process can begin. A blood clot, that is traveling through your veins or arteries is not an ideal thing.

It won’t always dissolve on its own and can become very dangerous and even life-threatening.

When the clot moves – it could go to the heart and get stuck. This would lead to a Heart Attack. If the clot moves and goes into the Brain – this could cause a Stroke.  Therefore, a known clot moving freely is dangerous and a medical emergency.

There are many risks and causes for a blood clot. In this article, we are talking about an increased risk with the J&J Vaccine. There are other medications, medical conditions, risks, and problems that can cause blood clots. The J&J Vaccine is not the only risk.

It is also important to know – according to the Mayo Clinic – COVID-19 can cause micro clots that block tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the Heart Muscle. This can lead to heart damage and more. Larger clots are less likely but still possible with COVID.

Check out this similar article related to blood clots alone:  What is the Real Risk of Blood Clots in Your Legs?

Are you at Risk?

Likely, the answer is no.

This side effect, so far, has affected 6 people out of 7 million, while the Coronavirus has killed more than 3 million globally.

All medications, medical treatments, and Vaccines have an associated risk. You must ask yourself – Does the risk outweigh the benefit? For most people – that answer is no. However, if you have a risk of blood clots, low platelets, and more, you probably should not take this vaccine.

You should be made aware of the risk and have the option to choose to go forward.

Likely, the pause will be limited for this vaccine, and it will again be able to be given to help treat and prevent COVID 19 from spreading.

A single dose option is ideal for smaller communities, rural communities, prisons, jails, and so much more.

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5 Common Health Conditions

1.)  Memory Issues

Memory loss can be a common occurrence in the Elderly. There are normal age-related memory problems but there are also several significant medical conditions that cause memory loss. It is important as your family members or yourself ages, that you understand the difference.

Loss of memory on small things is normal. Forgetting where the keys are, or forgetting something is in the microwave can be a sign of a normal aging process. However, when that memory loss becomes intense, daily, and there is a loss of mental function and/or cognitive deficit – the cause may be more alarming. If the memory loss causes significant problems to having a productive life, that’s when seeking help is important.

When the concern of memory loss becomes more than being forgetful, it is important for the individual to have a complete medical work-up.

Potential Causes for Memory loss

1.)  Age
2.)  Stress
3.)  Anxiety
4.)  Lack of Sleep
5.)  Dementia
7.)  Alzheimer’s Disease
8.)  And more

2.)  Urinary Problems 

Bladder control issues such as leakage or urinary incontinence can happen as we get older. The ability to control these issues may decrease progressively over time. Urinary incontinence is when the person is not able to hold in their urine. This is an involuntary loss of control that includes muscles and urinary sphincter. It is much more common in women than men. Age, Obesity, Smoking, and other risk factors may be included.

Often, a person will have leakage after coughing, laughing, exercising, bending over, and more. For many women and men, it can be embarrassing. Women often see an increased amount of incontinence following pregnancy.

Bladder control and pelvic floor exercise – such as Kegel exercise can help prevent or reduce symptoms.

In men, urinary retention, from BPH [Benign Prostate Hypertrophy] can result in an inability to completely empty the bladder. As some men age, they often need to use the restroom more frequently, especially at night. An enlarged prostate can cause several problems. This condition increases as the age increases.  Treatment is often related to medications that shrink the prostate or allow better urinary flow.

Women can also have problems of being unable to empty the bladder.

Other potential problems related to age and urinary includes: Kidney problems, Prostate Cancer, and more.

3.)  Sleep Problems

According to research- it is a myth that older people need less sleep. Guidelines show that people over age 65 should get 7-8 hours of sleep at night.

Poor quality of sleep in the Elderly can significantly reduce the quality of life.  It is an area that is commonly overlooked.

It is common for older adults to experience changes in their sleep patterns. This could be caused by a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are overall health, other medical conditions, stress, Sleep Apnea, anxiety, changes to the body’s internal clock, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, obesity, and more.

It is extremely important to address both mental health and physical health in order to adequately address problems with sleep. Often the two issues are not clearly connected with the changes in sleep an older adult is experiencing.

Those elderly who report four or more health conditions often have less than 6 hours of sleep a night. Additionally, those who did sleep – reported a poorer quality of sleep and subsequently – sleep disorders.

In order to make up for sleep problems – the elderly are more likely to have daytime napping. More than 25% of older adults take naps. Sometimes this can be beneficial – if done occasionally – patterns of behavior changes can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night and the cycle becomes more difficult to change.

4.)  Joint pains

Not all joint pains can be associated with age-related changes. Some of the joint pains are because of specific medical conditions and often joint pains will decrease or improve if appropriate treatment is undertaken.

Some of the treatments may be weight loss, better nutrition, exercising, or changes to the exercise patterns, supplements, medications, joint replacement surgery, and more.

Joint pains can seriously affect every aspect of your life. Pain can affect your mood, your movement, your relationships, your sleep patterns, and much more. To say that pain is part of life only shows the length required to get appropriate treatment. Letting pain happen without seeking help will cause significant changes to life expectancy, happiness, and quality of life.

Potential Causes of Joint pains:

1.)  Arthritis
2.)  Gout
3.)  Pseudogout
4.)  Diabetes
5.)  Need for joint replacement
6.)  Rheumatoid Arthritis
7.)  Obesity
8.)  Lack of movement
9.)  Fibromyalgia
10.)  Many more

It is vitally important to treat joint pain correctly. Without appropriate treatment the patient could experience increase depression, feeling of worthlessness, and even more serious problems.

Treatment could be as simple as some medications, good footwear, and some better exercise options.

5.)  Diabetes

Diabetes can be seen at any age. However, the elderly have been living longer with diabetes and therefore have more significant risks. More than 25% of all the U.S population, over the age of 65, has diabetes. This is a large number of individuals who have an increasing burden of cost, medications, treatment, and complications.

Diabetes is an expensive medical condition because most diabetics need more than one medication. Sometimes they need several. Complications of diabetes includes: feet/leg pains, eyesight loss, cardiovascular events, kidney problems, strokes, and much more.

Obesity, poor health, poor exercise, and poor eating are some of the most common causes of diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested that if something isn’t done soon – the rates of diabetes may double in the next 20 years. They fear that the number of diabetics aged 65 or greater will increase 5 fold. This will add an additional burden to hospitals, medical clinics, and will cost millions of extra dollars.

The quality of life, life expectancy will change dramatically if Diabetes levels continue to worsen. For those numbers to increase – those individuals are currently 40-55 and are trending to have increased problems over the next 10-15 years.

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Britain has seen over 70,000 deaths and on Tuesday, December 29th saw a record one-day jump of 53,135 new infections.

The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine is believed to be a game-changer. It is less expensive and can be stored and transported under normal refrigeration, rather than the Pfizer vaccine which must be supercooled to -94 degrees Fahrenheit or -70 degrees Celsius. This has presented a huge problem in places other than hospitals and such.

AstraZeneca/Oxford Vaccine

However, the AstraZeneca/Oxford shot has been overwhelmed with questions and concerns about the effective dosing schedules following the release of its data showing less than an 80% success rate for the administration of two full doses – three months apart. In fact, the Oxford-AstraZenca Vaccine showed a 62% effectiveness – although the cases of those infected had zero serious illness needing hospital treatment. This means, that the severity of infection was far less critical.

Jeremy Farrar indicated that the approval of the AstraZeneca/Oxford shot was a day of celebration. Mr. Farrar, one of Britain’s leading public health experts, however, urged the need for continuing scrutiny and data on when the best timing of the second dose would be recommended. He indicated that a randomized trial would be needed.

Jonathan Stoye, a virologist at the Francis Crick Institute, believes that there remain questions regarding the efficacy of the vaccine. He pointed out concerns about how it works in the elderly, and what data exists to support the change in dosage interval.

“In light of the sharply increasing number of cases, the approval… is tremendous news,” Jonathan Stoye said. “However, the reported news does leave unanswered a number of important questions, particularly regarding the longer term.”

This statement was made following the approval of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. The approval of this vaccine was made by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) who believes this shot is essential for mass immunizations during this pandemic and accordingly as a response to the surge of infections.  It is believed that due to some of the questions in the trial data, it would not have been approved so rapidly by the European Medicines Authority (EMA) or the United States.

Pfizer COVID Vaccine

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