World Hepatitis Day falls on July 28 Finding the missing millions

During a time where COVID-19 is winning the limelight of 2020 and all of us are concerned about the preventive measures taken against it, there are some opportunistic evil-doers behind the walls trying to get advantage of the ignorance of our society in other potential epidemics. Hepatitis virus is one of them. On World Hepatitis Day (July 28) we call on people from across the world to take action and raise awareness to find the “missing millions

Six potential COVID-19 strains identified

A research conducted by King’s College London has identified six possible sub-divisions of COVID-19, using machine learning to analyze data from a symptom-tracking app.

Steps to contain next COVID wave

With the re-emergence of COVID-19 positive patients, health officials are reiterating the importance of adhering to health guidelines. “Irrespective of a wave the public should follow physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and wearing face masks,” said Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Chief Epidemiologist at the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit. “They have to follow these guidelines until all cases are reduced to zero,” said Dr. Samar

What you need to know about face masks

Did you know that the protective mask is in fact a strategic scientific device? The protective mask acts as a barrier preventing the Coronavirus harbouring aerosol droplets of saliva, phlegm and nasal exudates from entering a bystander’s airway. Further, the protective mask is a two-way barrier! The protective mask prevents both the exit and the entry of the Coronavirus and other microorganisms from you to others and vice versa. This is why healt

Smokers quit in highest numbers in a decade

More than one million people have given up smoking since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, a survey for charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggests. Of those who had quit in the previous four months, 41% said it was in direct response to coronavirus.

An insight on Craniofacial anomalies

When making first impressions, what is more important than your face? Attitude, one might answer and he would probably be right. However, it is no secret that ones face plays a major role in his life as it serves as part of one’s identity as well as one’s first impression when he takes a seat at his job interview.

Why some PCR Tests give mixed results

The COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is conducted for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory specimens (such as nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, lower respiratory tract aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, and nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate, nasal aspirate, nasal swabs, or mid-turbinate swabs) from individuals suspected of COVID-19.

Preparing for motherhood

Handling motherhood and the process leading up to it is no easy feat. In fact it’s arguably one of the hardest jobs a person can take on. It requires much care, patience, support and effort, from both the woman and her family. There are many complications that can arise during this period. Hence for the safety of the woman and baby, it’s vital that medical advice is sought before conception, during pregnancy and after giving birth. Consultant Obs

What is the best time for men to get married?

Many couples who plan to get married struggle with the decision of when and who. Is there a magic age at which they will be ready? Is there such a thing as ‘love at first sight’ and if so, how do you distinguish instant attraction from infatuation?

Contracting COVID-19 does not mean you will have it for life

Most people who contract COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. Most patients recover with supportive care.

What are the signs to indicate swine flu in pigs?

Signs of swine flu in pigs can include fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed. Some pigs infected with influenza, however, may show no signs of illness at all.

Water births Recommended for women with high pain threshold

Although water births became a topic that caused ripples on social media, legend has it that it had been practised since the times of the Egyptian pharaohs. However, it was in 1805 that the first water birth took place in Europe.

Foot care for a healthy life !

Arthritis is a common term used to describe more than 200 conditions that cause joint inflammation leading to pain, swelling and disability. Among the various forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are frequently encountered at clinics. There is sufficient evidence to show that arthritis has been plaguing our ancestry as well. Whilst, numerous effective means of medications are available for treating arthritis, simple measure

Coronavirus may cause permanent lung damage

Experts are concerned a significant proportion of Covid-19 infected patients could be left with lung scarring, known as pulmonary fibrosis.

Can COVID-19 virus spread through shoes?

The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals is very low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the sole of the shoes.

Face masks and skin issues

Due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, face masks became mandatory when stepping outside home. However, due to the use of face masks, many have reported various skin issues according to Dr.Nayani Madarasinga, Consultant Dermatologist. Skin issues like acne, skin dryness and irritation, contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, scaling and aggravation of persisting skin conditions have been reported.

COVID-19 transmits through fecal matter

The first COVID-19 infected patient reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. The virus spread rapidly to over 165 countries in approximately within 3 months. The primary routes of transmission of the coronavirus were respiratory droplets.

Salt deficiency and its impact on health

Salt contains sodium and is a mineral that plays an important role not only in renal functions, but is also a vital element for the wellbeing of an individual. Speaking to Health Capsule, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at the Colombo National Eye Hospital, Dr. Waruna Gunathilake shared his insights on salt deficiency and its impact on the health. “Salt helps maintain the liquid balance in the body through the presence of sodium. Sodium is

Health hazards of overusing hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizer is a popular product these days due to the outbreak of infectious diseases present worldwide. To overcome the transmission of these infectious diseases the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised the members of the global population to wash their hands and maintain the hand hygiene. They must do this by using hand sanitizers which are formulated according to the standard formulations specified by WHO.

Protecting mental health of COVID-19 patients

People diagnosed with COVID-19 deserve compassionate care. Helping them stay connected to their loved ones by phone, video or messaging can provide comfort during isolation. Source : WHO

Will you self-medicate yourself again ?

While it seems like an inconvenience to visit the doctor for the same symptoms you were treated before, one must think twice before self-diagnosing one’s self, no matter how resourceful the internet maybe. Misuse of medicines has drastic effects on one’s wellbeing.

Dexamethasone proves to be the first life-saving drug

A cheap and widely available drug can help save the lives of patients seriously ill with coronavirus.

Can the prolonged use of surgical masks cause CO2 intoxication or oxygen deficiency?

The prolonged use of medical masks can be uncomfortable. However, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.

Living With a Chronic Disorder during the COVID Pandemic

Amongst the mountain of catch-up work left behind by the temporary hold to our lives brought by COVID 19 is the care of patients receiving care for long term health conditions.

The function of Albumin

Albumin is the most abundant circulating protein found in body fluid and it represents half of the total protein content in a healthy human.

Decline in cancer patients enrolling in trials Is COVID-19 the reason?

The coronavirus pandemic may be associated with a significant drop in cancer patients participating in clinical trials, especially in areas most affected by Covid-19, a new study suggests.

Research shows COVID-19 patients no longer infectious 11 days after illness

SINGAPORE - After 11 days of getting sick, COVID-19 patients no longer pose a risk of spreading the disease - which means they can be safely discharged.

Can COVID-19 spread through faeces?

Like other coronaviruses, this virus can be found in faeces. But COVID-19 spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person or the droplets released when they sneeze or cough.

Relationships between blood groups and potential to contract infections

Nowadays people are paying attention to their blood groups after finding that Chinese research article which is related to the novel pandemic called ‘COVID-19’. There are several factors which influence the occurrence of this virus. According to some research studies, our blood groups also play a vital role during infectious diseases. However, the combination of these factors should be involved to have an infection. Therefore, this week’s health

Ringworm Disease What you shouldn’t do

For the past few months, dermatologists have noted an increased prevalence of ringworm disease but the worrying part of it, as Dr. Nayani Madarasingha, Consultant Dermatologist, states is that the disease does not respond to current treatment methodologies and seems to be extensive.