US Study: Aspirin Cuts Colon Cancer Death Risk

By VOA News 12 August 2009

http://www.ccalliance.org/

U.S. researchers say colon cancer patients taking aspirin could lower the risk of dying from the disease.

Previous studies have already shown that aspirin reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. But a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association released Wednesday shows aspirin can also prevent colorectal cancer deaths in patients already diagnosed with the disease.Dr. Andrew Chan of Harvard Medical School led the study.

Chan and his team of researchers studied aspirin use in nearly 1,300 patients with colon cancer.They found the people who took aspirin regularly were nearly 30 percent less likely to die from their cancer than the people who did not take the drug.Chan said aspirin likely works against the cancer by blocking an enzyme that promotes inflammation and cell division. Aspirin is already recommended for preventing heart attacks and strokes, along with its traditional use for relief of aches and pains.

However, despite the possible benefits, the researchers say more trials need to be done before the drug can be used routinely by colon cancer patients.Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the United States, after lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute says colon cancer will kill an estimated 50,000 Americans this year.

http://www.ccalliance.org/

How To Prevent Dengue

Dengue is an infection of the dengue virus and one of the most common arthropod borne viruses. It is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes in the Aedes genus and is considered a major health threat. Dengue is usually a minor febrile illness that resolves without treatment, but it can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal, on rare occasions.

Dengue fever is an acute viral disease caused by the Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae. The term “dengue” is a Spanish attempt at the Swahili phrase “Ki denga pepo” meaning “cramp-like seizure” caused by an evil spirit.
It’s a disease of tropical and subtropical regions that occurs epidemically, very much similar to chikungunya.

This disease is also called “breakbone” fever because it sometimes causes severe joint & muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking, hence the name.
The illness is usually self-limiting and can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month.

How dengue spreads?

Dengue fever is noncontagious i.e., not an airborne infection (an infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons but can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days from the start of symptoms).

Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, a specific species of mosquito usually Aedes aegypti (but frequently Aedes albopictus) which bites during morning hours. The mosquito transmits disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else, similar to the spread of chikungunya.

The incubation period (i.e., period from infection till the manifestation of symptoms) is 4 to 6 days, but may vary with a range of 3 to 14 days.
This disease is a vector borne infection i.e., mosquito is the vector (carrier) of the virus believed to cause this fever and the vector is common both in dengue and chikungunya.

Dengue symptoms

Symptoms of typical (classic) dengue usually start with fever within 5 to 6 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are more or less similar to that of chikungunya and include:

High-grade fever.

Severe headache.

Severe joint and muscle pain.

Nausea and vomiting.

Skin rash – The rash may appear over most of the body 3 to 4 days after fever.

Bleeding from the nose, gums or under the skin, causing purplish bruises.

Dengue severity classification

Four grades of severity are recognized: Grade I, fever and constitutional symptoms; grade II, grade I plus spontaneous bleeding (of skin, gums, or gastrointestinal tract); grade III, grade II plus agitation and circulatory failure; grade IV, profound shock.

Dengue synonyms

Exanthesis arthrosia, Aden fever, bouquet fever, breakbone fever, dandy fever, date fever, dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, polka fever, solar fever, scarlatina rheumatica.

Dengue diagnosis

Dengue fever can be diagnosed by performing blood test to detect antibodies against the virus.

How to prevent dengue?

Prevention is basically by:

Avoiding mosquito bites (by using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus)

Eliminate potential breeding grounds for the vector mosquitoes. This includes even small amounts of stagnant water, especially those around human habitation. Pots and old tires should be kept empty and even water in flower vases should be changed regularly.


Not storing water in open containers. Covering all water containers with lids.

Preventing mosquito entry by keeping doors closed and windows screened.


Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors.

Using mosquito nets at home.

Scrubbing and cleaning margins of containers used for water (to dislodge the eggs of Aedes aegypti)

Covering overhead tank to prevent access to mosquitoes.

Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day; therefore, special precautions should be taken during early morning hours before day break and in the late afternoon before dark.

There is no commercially available dengue vaccine (for dengue Flavivirus).

Dengue treatment and prognosis

Prognosis for dengue fever is good, if the infectious disease is treated on time. However the mortality rate can be as high as 15%. Hence immediate medical attention should be sought in suspected cases with dengue fever.

Influenza A(H1N1) (Swine Flu)

Frequently Asked Questions about Influenza A (H1N1) (also known as Swine Flu)

What is Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu)?Influenza A (H1N1) is caused by a new flu virus that was first reported in Mexico and in the United States in March and April 2009. Influenza A (H1N1) spreads from person to person in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It was originally referred to as swine flu because initial laboratory tests showed it to be very similar to a virus that caused flu in pigs. However, further study has shown that this virus is very different to that which normally circulates in pigs.

What are the signs and symptoms of Infection?The signs and symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) are like those of the seasonal flu, they include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How long is an infected person infectious?People infected with Influenza A (H1N1) may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick and up to 5 - 7 days after. The infectious period may be even longer in some people, especially children and those with weakened immune systems.

How severe is the illness associated with Influenza A (H1N1)?The severity of the illness ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majority of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.

What can I do to protect myself from catching Influenza A (H1N1)?The following measures are recommended by WHO in order to protect oneself from Influenza A (H1N1). These preventive measures are the same as for seasonal influenza. You can prevent infection by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 meter if possible) and taking the following measures:

Avoid touching your mouth and nose
Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated)

Avoid close contact with people who might be ill
Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible
Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows
Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active

What about using a mask?WHO recommends not wearing a mask if you are not sick. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact. Cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose. Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential, because incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible
Rest and take plenty of fluids.
Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly
Wash hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing
Inform family and friends about your illness and seek help for household chores that require contact with other people(such as shopping)
When should someone seek medical care?A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
Is there a vaccine for Influenza A (H1N1)?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Influenza A (H1N1) virus. However, a vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the upcoming months.

If you need medical attention:

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider and strictly follow the advice given to you for care.
If it is not possible to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of having influenza A (H1N1) immediately upon arrival at the healthcare facility.

Take care to cover your nose and mouth during travel.

Source:WHO http://www.who.int/

CDC www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.html