Epstein Barr Virus Infection - The Kissing Disease

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) was discovery in 1964 by Sir Michael Anthony Epstein and Ms. Yvonne Barr. Acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM), also known as mono or the "kissing disease" is caused by this virus. This virus spreads through body fluids, such as saliva, which makes it getting transmitted easily through kiss, and got the disease named "kissing disease". EBV affects 90% American population at some point in life.

Epstein Barr Virus

Scientifically it is human herpesvirus 4 and belongs to herpes virus family. It is a common virus that affects humans and found all over the world. The bad news about this virus is that it is associated with various types of cancer and also connected to some medical conditions related to HIV infection.
Important :

• Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) can survive on an object (such as toothbrush or drinking glass) as long as the surface remains moist.
• Sometime symptoms may take weeks to appear after the infection.
• A person infected with EBV can pass on the virus to others even before showing any visible symptoms.
• Even when the symptoms are gone the person can spread the virus for next 18 months.
• Many people infected with EBV don't develop any symptom as the virus become latent (inactive) after entering the body.
• People with weaker immune system are more prone to showing symptoms as virus can reactivate after sometime.
• Once a person is recovered after developing the symptoms, he / she will never suffer from it again as the immunity get developed.

How to improve your immune system to combat EBV Virus

Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Causes

• Infection through Saliva : Kissing, sharing utensils for eating or drinking
• Infection through sexual contact and genital fluids
• Infection through blood transfusion
• Infection through organ transplant

First two causes of infection are most common and responsible for most of the spread of EBV virus.

Epstein Barr Virus Infection Symptoms

Epstein Barr Virus can infect a wide range of cells in human body including B cells and epithelial cells. It gives rise to various symptoms. Some of them are listed below.

• Feeling of Low Energy Level and tiredness.
• Fever
• Inflamed / swollen throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Enlarged spleen
• Swollen liver

Epstein Barr Virus Infection Diagnosis

EBV infection is hard to be diagnosed as the symptoms are similar to some other common diseases. However antibodies can be detected through blood test. Nine out of every ten blood tests will show positive result of these antibodies, which indicates that either the person is currently infected or recovered from a EPV infection in past. If the blood test remains positive for antibodies and the person is showing symptoms then it means that he/she is currently infected.

Lifestyle factors that weaken your immune system

Epstein Barr Virus Infection Treatment and Cure

There is no vaccine or medicine to save to from EBV infection. If you are infected with EBV then treating the symptoms is the only way to treat it. Your doctor may recommend some pain relievers and anti inflammatory medicines for such symptoms along with adequate rest. If you want to save yourself from Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) then don't share drinks or food, never indulge in unprotected sexual activity and avoid kissing (as there is nothing like protected kissing). But the truth is that it is nearly impossible to save yourself from EBV as this virus is already spread across the globe. So improve your immune system to always be ready to combat this virus.

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Humans are Eight percent Virus : Viral Genes in Human DNA

Yes, you heard it right. Human DNA has traces of genetic material of some ancient Viruses. They are part of human genome and it become evident on completion of Human Genome Project. It is really hard to find those genes in human genome as it is like finding a needle in haystack. Previously it was thought they these genes in human body are idle and don't function, but later researchers found that they are there for a purpose and may be helping us to increase our immunity.

How did Virus Genes enter the human genes permanently ?

When a virus infects the human body, it transfers its genetic material into the infected cells and alters the DNA of that cell. But it can't be permanent part of human genome. Researchers believe that millions of years ago some retrovirus infected ancestors of humans and entered sperm cells. When those infected sperm cells were used in fertilization during normal reproductive process, they created an infected offspring which has got those viral genes. In the beginning it must have been like some inborn disease, but as generations progressed genetic mutations occur and those genes were altered and shutdown by our immune system. As the time progressed those viral genes spread in whole humanity.

Are those ancient viral genes helping us today ?

Some of these viral genes sits near those human genes which are responsible for immunity. Some more research made scientists believe that those viral genes are improving our immunity and help us fight against infections in a better way. Those genes might be a reason behind survival of human race for so long. Those genes must have helped in evolution of humans.

Some researchers believe that we have got hundreds of genes from bacteria, archaea, fungi, other microorganisms and plants we we have evolved from those forms of life. We are not something directly created. We have evolved from a number of other forms of life and thus contain genetic material from a number of those old species.

Unknown facts about Viral Genes in Human DNA

• We have got around 100,000 pieces of DNA that come from retroviruses. It means our 5 to 8% DNA is made up of virus genes.
• Syncytin is a protein which is essential in building placenta in mammals. A viral gene is responsible for creation of this protein. If this gene would not have been there then mammal evolution might have taken some other turn and humans might not have been formed.
• Hemo is a protein made by a fetus and the placenta. This protein is produced from viral DNA that entered our ancestors’ genomes 100 million years ago. Its usage is still unknown.
• Viral Genes in Human Genome are the primary reason that we can fight most of the viral infections on our own.
• Some researchers believe that development of fetus is impossible without viral genes in our body. Some viral proteins are made around fetus for unknown reasons which might be holding some unknown key to fetal development.  

Some researchers feel that viral genes are part of human genome and it will take time to find which one are good and which one are bad. But like everything else it has got two sides of the coin. Some genes might be increasing our immunity but some might be making us prone to killer diseases like cancer.

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Deadliest Viruses in the World

Viral infections we discovered in late nineteenth century and since they were known for some of the deadliest diseases in the world. The worst thing about some of the deadliest viruses in the world is that most of them don't have any effective vaccine or medicine to treat them. Treatment for some of the infections is done just by treating the symptoms.

Here we have listed some of the deadliest viruses in the world.

• Smallpox: This deadly disease scared humans for thousands of years. 90% of native american population was killed by this disease. In 20th century alone more that 300 million people died due to smallpox. Worst thing about this disease was that it kills one-third of the infected people and leaves the rest with either blindness or lifelong scars on the body. In 1980 World Health Assembly declared the world free from smallpox.
• Rabies: Vaccine against rabies was developed in 1920 and given to pets so that this infection can't be spread to humans. However its treatment is possible, but if you don't get it on time then there are 100% chances of death of a person. Rabies is a deadly virus which destroys the brain. India and Africa are the worst affected regions by this deadly virus.
• Marbug Virus: This infection was discovered in 1967 when some lab workers in Germany were infected through some infected monkeys imported from Uganda. High fevers and bleeding throughout the body caused organ failure killed 25% of infected people in that outbreak. Its outbreak in 1998-2000 and 2005 at Conga and Angola respectively was responsible for 80% mortality.
• Ebola: Its first outbreak was discovered in 1976 in Congo. Its 2014 outbreak in West Africa was the deadliest. Its mortality rate ranges from 50 to 71% for different strains of the bacteria.
• HIV: Human Immune Virus (HIV) is responsible for one of deadliest diseases that humans have faced without any effective treatment. HIV causes AIDS which destroys our immune system and the infected person easily gets several other diseases and finally dies after a long struggle. More than 36 million people have died due to HIV since 1980, when it was first discovered.
• Hantavirus: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) gained the attention of scientific community in 1993 when a young couple in US collapsed to it within few days after complaining about shortness of breath. Later it was found that same outbreak happened during Korean war where 3000 troops were infected and 12% died due to it. Researches found that people get infected by this virus from exposure to the droppings of infected mice. It has killed 36% of the 600 infected people in US so far.
• Influenza: Normally we know this disease by the name Flu. According to WHO the normal mortality due to flu in a season in around 500,000 . Worst ever spread of a flu strain was Spanish flu which began in 1918 and infected 40 percent of world's population and killed around 50 million people. According to scientific community if a new and developed strain of influenza emerges than it could be worst than 1918 spread.
• H5N1 Bird Flu: This virus is a subtype of the influenza A virus and it has recently feared a number of people around the world. Recent Asian Strain of H5N1 was reported to have a mortality rate of 60%.
• Dengu: This virus has easy access to around 40% of worlds population as mosquitoes are its carrier and its newer strains are often reported. This virus was first reported in 1950 in Philippines and Thailand. 50 to 100 million people are infected every year by this virus. Its mortality rate is 2.5% and mostly kids and old age people are worst affected by it due to weaker immune system. In some cases dengu can cause ebola-like disease known as "dengue hemorrhagic fever" where mortality rate is above 20% .
• Rotavirus: This virus affects kids upto age of 5 years and it killed around 453,000 children in year 2008 around the world. It causes severe diarrheal illness and it spreads through fecal-oral route. Its vaccine is available in market and has sharply declined the cases of rotavirus infection.
• CCHF: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne virus and first discovered in 1944 in Crimea. Its infection causes initial symptoms like fever and headache and later leads to nosebleeds and uncontrolled bleeding. Mortality in CCHF infection remains between nine to fifty percent.
• West Nile Virus (WNV):  This virus in mosquito borne and prior to 1990 it was not considered as a threat. Its outbreak in Algeria in 1994 and in New York City in 1999 changed that perception as it caused neurological disease among the infected people causing inflammation of the brain. During year 2012 WNV killed 286 people in US. There is no vaccine for this deadly virus till date.

Instead of getting feared by these viruses, it is better to remain prepared. If you are visiting any of the countries known for these viruses then it is better to get vacinated if possible and having cleanliness around you. Better hygiene means better health. 

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Why Viruses are more harmful than Bacteria for Humans

Virus and Bacteria, both are known as harmful microorganisms that can harm our body. But virus has got a bad reputation compared to bacteria. Bacteria are sometimes good for us as they help in several functions of body, but it is not same for virus. Virus are known for some of the worst diseases that mankind has faced, such as HIV and Ebola. Virus are usually harmful and we will tell you the reason why.

What is a virus?
Virus is a protein, either DNA or RNA. It is a genetic material which needs some host cell to survive. So you can say that virus is a genetic material with no cell. Cell is known as the smallest living entity. Virus don't have a cell of their own, so they are always in need of a host cell that they can infect to multiply themselves.

Size of virus vs bacteria
Virus vary in size and they range from 17 nanometer to 1000 nanometer. One nanometer is 0.000000001 m. This size is so small that you can't see it even with a light microscope. Electron Microscope are necessary to study a virus. Size of virus is so small that they can be compared to atoms. Size of a hydrogen atom is 0.1 nanometer. Bacteria are much bigger than virus. They range from 200 to 10000 nanometer.

When were Virus discovered ?
Existence of virus was suspected near the end of nineteenth century when biologists were unable to find any bacteria responsible for some diseases/infections. They found these microorganisms much smaller than bacteria and they were unable to multiply in a solution as they were extracted out of a living body.

Virus is neither dead nor alive !
Viruses can't live on their own, so some biologists consider them as dead. They need a host body made up of living cells to let them survive. When virus enter a cell, then it replicates its proteins and infects other cells, which makes it something living. Virus is something between living and dead. It is a non-living genetic code without any cell and needs a host cell to be something living.

Are viruses more harmful than Bacteria ?
Yes, in most of the cases. Name of diseases like Ebola and AIDS can take your breath away. But there are some nasty bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis which can make you dead within a  day even after taking antibiotics. Some bacteria are equally harmful as viruses. There are lesser medicines to fight viral infections. New generations of resistant bacteria are equally harmful as we don't have any antibiotic to kill them.

Why viruses are more dangerous ?
It is because of the fact that virus can infect a cell. Both bacteria and human cell are prone to that infection. Virus is not a separate entity, as it infects by entering itself into a cell. Virus is nothing but a genetic code which disrupts the working of a cell and then starts multiplying itself. There are several good bacteria inside the human body, which can also be infected with a virus. To kill a virus we need to kill the infected cell itself which makes it more harmful for any living creature including humans.

How do our immune system fights with virus ?
Different types of white blood cells (WBC) are main part of our immune system and they can reach any part of body as they reside in the blood. Our body makes millions of them in the bone marrow every day. Macrophages (a type of WBC) destroy any germ that the detect inside the body, but virus infected cells need more advanced defense system. In order to do that more advance WBC known as T and B lymphocytes come into action. B cells make antibodies that bind themselves to virus infected cell in order to tag them and stop them from replicating. T cells act as the guard dog and informs other cells of immune system about the viral infection. Now other cells of our immune system can easily identify these tagged infected cells and kill them to destroy the virus completely. Even when a virus a destroyed some advance T and B cells creates an "acquired immunity" in our body to make our body more safe from the same virus. This acquired immunity can sometimes save our body from the same virus for complete life.

Even after all these facts about virus and bacteria, virus should be considered as more harmful. Our body has already got more bacterial cells in it than human cells. So we are more bacterial than human. But virus is something harmful to both bacteria and human cells. Virus can infect even a bacteria.

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Swine Flu Symptoms and Treatment

Swine Flu or the so called H1N1 Virus first became a news in 2009 when it was spread in Mexico. The flu virus which usually infects humans is different from the one that infects the pigs. But those who work closely with pigs in the pig farms often get flu from each other, but it remained a local infection and never spread to large populations until the 2009 Mexico outbreak. After that this infection became worldwide people became aware of this kind of flu. As it was an infection commonly found in pigs with the same symptoms of flu, people called it swine flu.

Swine Flu Symptoms in Adults

Swine Flu symptoms resemble to seasonal flu. Following symptoms may occur.

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny or Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Even if any one of these occur then it may be swine flu. Number of symptoms increase with severity.

Swine Flu Symptoms in Kids
Symptoms in Kids is same as seasonal flu. If you feel that kid is getting high fever or being irritating then you must consult a doctor.

How does Swine Flu Spreads ?

This disease can spread through air. If you are near an infected person then you may get the virus through air or through a tiny droplet of sneeze or cough. If a person in infected by this virus then it may take 1 to 4 days to develop the symptoms. An infected person can start spreading the virus 24 hours before appearance of symptoms and continue to do so after 5 to 7 days after the symptoms are developed.

Who is at risk of Swine Flu ?

However Swine Flu can infect person of any age and sex but a few groups are at more risk as the H1N1 virus can do more harm in these groups. These groups are

• People with weakened immune systems
• Children below three years of age
• Adults above 60 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People already suffering from heart disease, lung disease, asthma or diabetes

Swine Flu Prevention

Swine Flu prevention can  be done by avoiding exposure to the H1N1 Virus. It can be done by taking following precautionary measures.

• Avoid touching things at a public place
• Washing hands more frequently, especially if have been to a public place or touched some things which is accessible to others such as door handles.
• Avoid touching your face, especially nose and mouth
• Don't go near a person showing symptoms of flu.
• Clean your door handles and other touchable items with some disinfectant regularly and H1N1 virus may survive on such surfaces for upto 48 hours. 

Foods that prevent Swine Flu

A good immune system is best to save you from swine flu. So you may eat foods rich in protein, vitamin C and Zinc, which help in building a healthy immune system. Green Vegetables, orange fruits (such as carrots, pumpkins, apricots, and mangoes) and protein rich diet can help you in saving yourself from Swine Flu.

Swine Flu Treatment

Swine Flu treatment is usually same as seasonal flu. But its better to consult a doctor and let him decide which treatment is best for you. Vaccine to prevent you from getting H1N1 infection is also available in market. The groups listed above who are at higher risk of swine flu need special attention of medical practitioners. People with healthy immune system and good resistance power can easily recover from this infection. Apart from antiviral medication and pain relievers doctors may suggest rest and plenty of fluids to save you from dehydration. 

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HIV vs AIDS - They are different !

Most of the people often consider both HIV and AIDS as same thing while there is a basic difference among them. HIV is a virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS is the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which is a disease caused by HIV. It is possible to get infected with HIV and yet live a complete life without AIDS. Before we proceed further with the difference between HIV and AIDS, it is important to know both of them.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV is a virus which is known to affect only humans. That is why it is named so. It can affect the immune system of a human being and destroys it to the level where human body can't resist from normal diseases and looses its capability to fight with normal bacteria. Being HIV positive does not mean that mean that you will definitely face such situation.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

When the HIV virus starts affecting and destroying the immune system of a human being then its is called AIDS. Our immune system protects us from different bacteria/ viruses by generating antibodies and thus saves us from different diseases. AIDS don't have its own symptoms as it depends on the other diseases that affect a person and last longer due to inability of the immune system.

After reading the above definitions you must have understood the fact that HIV and AIDS are different. HIV is a virus and AIDS is the disease/condition caused by that virus. It is not always necessary for a HIV positive person to suffer from AIDS.

HIV infection without AIDS

A a person is infected with HIV then this virus can't be removed from our body. Neither our immune system can flush it out nor any any medicine can kill it. But still one can live for years without getting AIDS. Today the medical science has developed so much that AIDS can be prevented for years if it is known on time that a person is HIV positive. Even some HIV positive people have lived their complete life without AIDS.

One of the important part of our Immune system are CD4 Cells, also known as T Cells, which are a type of white blood cells. These CD4 cells are able to detect any foreign bacteria or virus in our blood stream and send signals to activate the immune system. In a normal person the count of these CD4 cells range from 500 cells/mm3 to 1,600 cells/mm3. When a person is found HIV positive, then doctors usually prescribe him some health supplements to empower his/her immune system. If the CD4 cell count does not go below this range of 500 to 1600 cells/mm3 then it means that person is not suffering from AIDS. But if the CD4 cell count goes below 200 cells/mm3 the it is called AIDS.

If you have ever had unprotected sex then it is better get tested for HIV. Knowing that you are HIV positive, not only saves you from getting AIDS but can also protect others from HIV infection.

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The Man who beat HIV AIDS : Andrew Stimpson

Andrew Stimpson is the only reported case where a person succeeded in getting rid of HIV AIDS. However more than one such cases were reported in Africa but with no proper medical reports to claim it. But the case of Andrew Stimpson is perfectly diagnosed. He was found HIV positive in year 2002, but after fourteen months he was found negative. At first he suspected the negative result and sued the hospital for the false results and giving false hopes as it is something impossible to happen. But in some more tests negative results were confirmed and he became the first ever person on planet to successfully getting rid of this deadly virus. We have collected some information about Andrew Stimpson.

Andrew Stimpson was born in 1980 at Largs, Scotland. He got infected from his boyfriend Juan Gomez in April 2002. At that time Andrew was just 22 while his HIV positive boyfriend was 44. It happened due to a condom split. However in such cases it takes at least 3 months to get the HIV positive result as the virus takes that much time to appear in tests results, but Andrew was having a gut feeling that he is infected. Later the results confirmed his belief. According to Andrew prior to getting infected with HIV he never get sick, not even cold or flu, but HIV totally changed his life and belief. Only his boyfriend Juan and sister Louise were aware of the fact. Andrew even started to plan his end as he never wanted to die on a hospital bed after going through painful illness. He continued to enjoy his life with his boyfriend with no protection as both of them were HIV positive. He was also having some health supplements to stay healthy but not taking any medicines to fight AIDS. Every 2 months he need to go through some routine checks of blood, liver, heart and immune system. In October 2003 the miracle happened and his test results came negative. At that time Andrew was in so much state of disbelief that he sued the hospital for false results, but some more results confirmed that he is really cured. What surprised him more was the fact that he was in constant touch of HIV through his boyfriend during that period.

People have their own theories about how Andrew was cured. Some say that its a mutated gene, while some say that the key lies in the supplements he was having. Some believe that his immune system was better that a normal human being and it found the way to kill HIV virus. Whatever the real reason was, but still we have not found the treatment to this disease even after 14 years of this incident. Lets hope that year 2017 can provide a breakthrough and hope for 40 million AIDS patients around the world.

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Zika Virus Infection Symptoms Cure Treatment and Facts

Zika Virus

Family: Flaviviridae
genus: Flavivirus
Other viruses related to this family and genus are dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses.

Facts about Zika Virus Infection

• Zika virus is enveloped and icosahedral and has a nonsegmented, single-stranded, 10 kilobase positive-sense RNA genome.
• There are two types of Zika Viruses according to their lineages. One is of African lineage and other is of Asian lineage. The virus spreading in America is 89% similar to African lineage.
• Zika Virus Infection is spread by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active mostly in the daytime.
• This Virus was first isolated in Zika Forest of Uganada during year 1947. The name of the the virus comes from that Zika Forest.

How does Zika Virus transmits in Humans ?

• Zika Virus is primarily spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• This can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
• Another common mode of transmission is blood transfusions.

Zika Virus Infection Symptoms
Zika virus causes fever commonly known as Zika Fever. Other symptoms of Zika infection are similar mild symptoms of Dengu. Other symptoms of Zika infection may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash.

Zika Virus Infection Cure
Zika virus infection can not be prevented by using any medication or vaccine. The best preventive measure is to prevent yourself from mosquito bites. Avoiding sexual contact with people showing symptoms of zika infection is also necessary if the infection has already spread in your locality.

Zika Virus Infection Treatment
There is no specific treatment of Zika Virus Infection. Paracetamol is normally used medicine for fever. Other treatments are done according to the symptoms to get rid from them. Getting admitted in hospital is rarely needed when the symptoms are not reduced.

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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Symptoms Infection Vaccine & Cure

Human Papillomavirus, inshort known as HPV, is a virus from Papillomavirus family. It has more than 170 different types. Its different types are designated with numbers, starting from HPV1 to HPV170. Most commonly its harmful to humans and found connected to cancer of different organs in human body. Cancer of the penis, anus, cervix, vulva, vagina, mouth, or throat can occur due to HPV infection.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Symptoms

In most of the cases the HPV infection causes no symptoms and get resolved spontaneously. But in some cases this Human Papillomavirus (HPV) persists and causes warts or precancerous lesions. Symptoms depend on the the type of HPV. HPV5 may remain your body throughout your life without any symptoms. Diseases connected to other HPV types are listed below.

HPV type	Disease
2, 7, 22	Common warts
1, 2, 4, 63	Plantar warts
3, 10, 8	Flat warts
6, 11, 42, 44	Anogenital warts
6, 16, 18, 31, 53, 58	Anal dysplasia (lesions)
16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, 82	Genital cancers
more than 15 types	Epidermodysplasia verruciformis
13, 32	Focal epithelial hyperplasia (mouth)
6, 7, 11, 16, 32	Mouth papillomas
16	Oropharyngeal cancer
60	Verrucous cyst
6, 11	Laryngeal papillomatosis

How does Human Papillomavirus spreads?

Usually Human Papillomavirus (HPV) spreads through sexual contact. Some factors increase the risk of HPV infection. These factors are Multiple partners, weak immune system, smoking and sex during teenage.

Some Facts about Human Papillomavirus

• Its a DNA Virus
• There are more than 150 types of HPV
• More than 40 of its types spread through sexual contact.
• It does not spread by toilet seats.
• It can spread from a pregnant mother to her baby.
• HPV only affects humans
• Same person can get affected by more than one type of HPV
• HPV is the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection) around the world.
• In USA, 27000 cases of HPV infection are reported every year.
• HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for more than 70% cervical cancer cases.
• HPV16 is responsible for more than 90% Anal Cancer cases.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine can save you from HPV infection only if you are vaccinated before the infection happens. According to doctors the best age to get HPV Vaccine is between 9 to 13 years.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Cure

The best cure for HPV infection to get vaccinated between 9 to 13 years of age and not indulging into sexual activities at an early age. Even if you are an adult its better to avoid multiple partners and practicing safe sex.

Cancer and Human Papillomavirus

As we have stated earlier that Cancer of the penis, anus, cervix, vulva, vagina, mouth, or throat can occur due to HPV infection. More than 90% of the Cervical Cancer occur due to HPV16 and HPV18. More than 60% of all other cancers occur due to different types of Human Papillomavirus.

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HIV Symptoms in Men and Women | Signs of AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is considered as one of the most dangerous virus in the history of diseases in mankind. The infection caused by this virus is called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

AIDS is a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and people often suspect themselves at its risk after an unprotected intercourse. People often try to diagnose it themselves, without going for a test. The best way to diagnose a HIV infection is to get it diagnosed in a lab. But still we will tell HIV symptoms in Men and Women. These are signs of AIDS but not 100%. If you feel that you are feeling some of those symptoms then don't conclude that you are suffering from AIDS. These symptoms also belong to some other diseases. But if you were indulged in some risky behavior in recent past then you may be at risk.

HIV Symptoms are usually same in both Men and Women. Women have a few extra organs compared to men and immune system of women is expanded into these organs, so women feel few extra symptoms related to those organs. Most of the common HIV symptoms of men and women are listed below.

HIV Symptoms in Men and Women

• Fatigue: HIV infection often makes you getting tired early compared to your previous stamina. Fatigue is caused due to inflammatory response caused by immune system.
• Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS): This is a condition when you experience flu like symptoms. A mild fever of around 102 degree is also noticed.
• Short term Nausea: 30 to 60% patients in the early stages of HIV infection experience Short- term nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Weight Loss: HIV infection can cause weight loss in a short period of time even if you are having a good diet.
• Skin Rashes: Rashes on the trunk of body and boil-like pink areas on arms are both early and late symptoms of AIDS.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph Nodes are a part of our body's immune system and Lymph Nodes usually get inflamed when HIV is present in our body.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: People often take it as a viral infection but sometimes muscle and joint pain is a result of HIV infection.
• Prolonged Dry Cough: Dry Cough is an early symptom of HIV infection.
• Confusion and Difficulty in Concentration: This symptom is often taken as a psychiatric problem, but its a sign of HIV- related dementia. Its also accompanied by memory and behavioral problems.
• Numbness or Tingling sensation: numbness and tingling sensation is also noticed in some cases of HIV AIDS.
• Menstrual Irregularities: Menstrual irregularities are also noticed by women suffering from HIV Infection.

Note: In the early stages of HIV infection its hard to detect it. Most of the HIV tests depend on the antibodies generated by body to combat HIV infection. But in the early stage of HIV body don't produce any antibodies, hence its hard to be traced as HIV positive.

HIV Virus attacks the immune system of our body and destroys its ability to combat with different types of infections and diseases. Therefore our body become prone to other diseases and its becomes hard to get rid of those diseases with medicines.

Researches are going on to find an answer to HIV virus. We hope that mankind will find an answer to AIDS and millions of lives can be saved.

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Dengue Fever Symptoms and Treatment

Dengue Overview

Causes of Dengue

Dengue Symptoms

Dengue Treatment

Dengue Miscellaneous Facts

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is a severe type of viral fever. It is transmitted by mosquitoes who carry this virus from one person to another. Mostly dengue fever affect those who have a compromised immune system. Children under 10 years of age and weak people are more prone to this disease. Usually dengue fever lasts up to two weeks. Other common names of Dengue Fever are "breakbone" and "dandy fever".

What causes Dengue Fever ?

• Transmission of fever from one person to another through mosquito bite.
• Lack of cleanliness and providing good atmosphere for mosquito breeding.
• Blocked drains and water logs near schools, hospitals and residential areas.
• Aedes Mosquito which is known by other common names such as tiger mosquito or forest mosquito act as the main carrier of this disease.

Dengue Fever Symptoms

• Sudden High Fever
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Pain
• Headache
• Pain behind the Eyes
• Vomiting
• Skin Rash (usually appear after 2 to 5 days of infection)
• Bleeding (Nose bleeding or bleeding gums)

Dengue Fever Treatment

Dengue fever is treated on the basis of treatment of symptoms. There is no accurate medicine or vaccination for this disease. Its necessary to keep this disease from spreading to others.

Dengue Ayurvedic Treatment

How to protect yourselves from Dengue outbreak ?

To protect yourselves from a dengue outbreak your have to follow a few safety measures.

• Prevent Mosquito Breeding in your locality. Try to clean all blocked drains and water logged on road sides.
• Protect your kids. Kids are most prone to Dengue as their immune system is weaker than grown up people. In case of a dengue outbreak, don't let them go outside in evening as during that time mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear full sleeves clothes to prevent mosquito bite.
• Use some mosquito repellents to prevent the spread of dengue.

Miscellaneous facts about Dengue Fever

There are five different types of Dengue virus. If you have recovered from a dengue fever then you become immune to that particular type of virus. But still can get dengue fever again through remaining four types of dengue virus. Symptoms and severity of symptoms differ from one virus to another.
  

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Enterovirus Symptoms (Adults & Infants) EV-D68

Enterovirus (EV-D68)

Enterovirus (in short EV) is a group a viruses which are responsible for causing nothing more than cold. There are around 100 different viruses that come in this group. Enterovirus cause 10 to 15 million infections every year in US alone. Recently one of these viruses, EV-D68 to be specific, has created a fear among people. Death of a kid was reported and some reports have suspected that its due to Enterovirus D68. That kid slept without any symptoms and died in sleep.

Who is at Risk of Enterovirus EV-D68 ?

Adult, Child or infant, anybody can get infected with Enterovirus EV-D68. But Adults may survive

after the infection as their immune system is more strong. Those who are asthmatic are at risk, as this Enterovirus is reported to cause breathing problem, which may make the condition worse if it combines with Asthama.

Enterovirus Symptoms (EV-D68 Signs)

Most of the symptoms of Enterovirus symptoms are same as a bad cold. To be precise we are listing the symptoms of Enterovirus below.

Simple Enterovirus Symptoms

• Fever
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Body and Muscle Aches

Extreme Enterovirus Infection Symptoms

• Difficulty in Breathing
• Muscle Paralysis (in Rare Cases)

How Does Enterovirus EV-D68 Spreads ?

EV-D68 is found in the respiratory secretions of infected person, such as saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. It can easily spread from person to person if the infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface that is then touched by others.

What to do if you think you are infected with Enterovirus ?

If you or your child / infant shows the symptoms of Enterovirus and having difficulty in breathing then visit your doctor immediately. If you or your child have a history of Asthma then you should hurry up as EV-D68 is more dangerous for asthmatic people.

Preventative Measures from Enterovirus

Enterovirus spreads like the common cold so you should take following preventive measure to protect yourselves and others from this virus.

• Frequently wash your hands
• Keep yourselves away from suspects of Enterovirus
• Cough into a tissue and then dispose it. If you don't have tissue then use your upper sleeve, not your hands.

Most of the cases of enterovirus infection occur in the summer and fall.

Labs is your city can diagnose Enterovirus by taking sample from your throat or nose, but they can't specify if its EV-D68. It can be diagnosed only at CDC or State Health Department.

To know the exact number of cases of Enterovirus EV-D68 outbreak you may visit the following page of CDC.
http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/outbreaks/EV-D68-outbreaks.html

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Ebola Virus Symptoms and its Treatment

Ebola Virus is spreading just like virus of a Hollywood movie. We have only heard of such virus in Science Fictions. Hopefully it will get its treatment soon, but till now there is no known cure for this disease. Here we are providing some known symptoms of Ebola Virus because prevention is better than cure. These Ebola Virus symptoms will help you in identifying a possible patient of Ebola Virus. If you notice any of these cases in your neighborhood then immediately call your nearest Ebola Virus Helpline. Most of the countries have established Ebola Virus Helpline considering it as an emegency. 90% of the reported cases of Ebola Virus have already died as there is no exact cure of this disease and patients are usually treated for symptoms with known medicines.

Ebola Virus Symptoms

• High fever
• Headache
• Joint and muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Lack of appetite

How does Ebola Virus Spread

Ebola Virus Spread through body fluids such as sweat, blood transfusion, saliva, and seamen. Ebola Virus don't spread through air. It can't survive in heat and direct sun light. Ebola virus also can't survive if it comes in contact with detergent or soap water. So proper hygiene may help you in keeping you protected from Ebola Virus.

Important Note: You can’t get Ebola from air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms can’t spread the disease, either.

How does Ebola Virus affect your body

Ebola Virus affects the blood stream of the person. Its symptoms start to appear after two days after infection. This virus damages our immune system and various internal organs. As this virus spreads inside our body through blood stream so it can damage any part of our body. As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding.Within 2 to 3 weeks the patient may die to bleeding as this bleeding can occur in any part of our body. Even the blood vessels in internal organs can start bleeding which may lead to death.

How you may get affected with Ebola Virus

Ebola is a contagious disease but it is not as contagious as cold, influenza, or measles. It spreads through contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, like a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat. After that it can pass from humans to other humans in the same way. if you too much a sick person or someone who has died due to Ebola virus then you may also get it. Apart from these normal consequences you may also get it through contaminated needles or surfaces.

Ebola Virus Treatment

There is no licensed vaccine for Ebola Virus. Several vaccines are being tested, but none are available for clinical use.
An experimental drug ZMapp developed by San Diego has saved lives of two American Missionaries. (Reference: Read More)
Please share this information with your near ones. It may help in preventing some lives.

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Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Virus Vaccine Causes Symptoms and Treatment

Herpes Zoster  is also known as Shingles. It is caused due to a virus named “Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)”. Initial infection of VZV causes Chickenpox. Once chickenpox is over and if virus still remains in the body then it can cause Shingles. Sometimes it occurs several years after chickenpox. VZV remains latent in nerve cell bodies and travel down to nerve axons and cause a viral infection. This infection occurs at a particular area of body which is connected to one spinal nerve. This infection takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal but pain may remain for months. Shingles is less painful in children as compared to elders. If it occours around eyes or ears then sufferer might face loss of vision or hearing.

Herpes Zoster Symptoms:

Early Symptoms:

• Headache


• Fever


• Malaise

Afterwards Symptoms:

• Burning Pain


• Itching


• Oversensitivity(Tingling or Numbness)


• Painful Rashes


• Quick Stabs

Herpes Zoster Causes:  Shingles only occur in those people who have earlier fallen prey to Chickenpox. The reason behind the dormant nature of VZV virus and its reactivation is not known.

Herpes Zoster Treatment: Its treatment can only shorten the duration of pain and infection. Antiviral treatment is recommended within 72 hours of appearance of rash.

Herpes Zoster Medicine:

• Antiviral Medicines ( Valaciclovir and Famciclovir).


• Topical lidocaine may reduce pain.


• Shingles Vaccine : Zostavax (It contains weakened chickenpox virus to stimulate our immune system)

Herpes Zoster and AIDS : If a person is suffering from AIDS and already had chickenpox at a young age, then chances of Shingles are very high as his/her immune system will not suppress VZV virus.

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