Immunization is the key to protection from critical diseases. Vaccinations during childhood and adulthood have brought down the high mortality rates caused by life-threatening illnesses. Meningococcal infection was one such dreaded disease that claimed the lives of many people. Thanks to meningitis vaccine shots, meningococcal disease is now preventable. Although rare, meningococcal disease can cause grave conditions in teens and young adults. Once a person contracts this infection, it spreads rapidly, infecting the lining of the brain and spinal cord. In worst cases, the meningococcal infection spreads to the entire brain and spinal cord within a few hours. To get protection from meningococcal disease, it is vital that one takes meningitis vaccine shots. Vaccination is the best way to guard oneself against contracting this dangerous and rapidly spreading infection. All you need to know about the meningitis vaccine Meningococcal infection is not contagious like flu or cold, but the disease can spread through infected respiratory and throat secretions. An infected person can spread this infection by coughing or sneezing around others or by kissing them. Currently, three vaccines shots for meningitis are available in the country. None of these vaccines contain live bacterial cultures. These vaccines essentially contain antigens that trigger the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the meningococcal disease. When the infection enters the body, the antibodies present in the immune system attack and kill the infectious bacteria. The three vaccines available for meningococcal disease are: Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB) The first two options in the list offer protection against four types of meningococcal infections. These infections make up 70% of the meningococcal infection cases in the country. Meanwhile, the MenB vaccine prevents meningococcal disease caused by the Meningococcal B strain of bacteria. The MCV4 vaccine is administered to people aged 55 and younger.

Unpleasant, inconvenient, and unfortunately very common, diarrhea is one of the second most common illnesses in the US and has happened to almost everyone at least once. While an adult gets diarrhea for any reason at least four times on an average in one year, American children typically display seven to fifteen cases of diarrhea from infancy up till the age of five. Stress, medication, and even everyday food can cause diarrhea. It could also be a signal toward an underlying medical condition. There can be different triggers for diarrhea—it can happen to anyone, anytime. What are the common diarrhea causes? Bacterial causes As a part of everyday life, bacteria co-exist with humans in various forms and places. There are different types of bacteria—some bacteria are good for the human body while others can be very bad for the digestive system. These microscopic organisms make a breeding ground in places like unpasteurized milk, raw meats, shellfish, and even eggs, apart from stale or rotting food. Poultry, eggs, and meat should be cooked completely and thoroughly to reduce the risk of bacteria-related diarrhea and all surfaces, utensils, as well as hands, should be kept clean. Any food leftovers should be refrigerated quickly and should not be left out at room temperature for any longer than necessary. Before going out to dine in a new place, one should clarify the ratings of the health department online or the ones posted at the restaurant as these ratings offer insight into the cleanliness and hygiene conditions of the kitchen in the restaurant along with food safety practices. By following such safety tips, you would be able to curb the common diarrhea causes and lead a healthier life. Viral causes Viral infections are also one of the most common diarrhea causes. Moreover, these viral strains are very contagious and can easily travel from one unwashed hand to another.

In meningococcal meningitis, the meninges or the lining of the spinal cord and the brain is infected. The infection can be caused by bacteria or virus. However, the meningococcus bacterium is more commonly known to cause meningitis as well meningococcemia. The bacterium is categorized into five groups known as serogroups: A, B, C, W, and Y. The bacterium is often present in the throat region of many people. It is quite benign. But, once it enters the bloodstream or the spinal fluid, the disease can cause a lot of damage. One way to protect against this disease is to get the meningococcal meningitis vaccine. Given below are a few things to know about meningitis and meningococcal meningitis vaccine. Although the meningitis bacterium is present in a lot of people, certain sections are more prone to this disease. The most common groups who are at a high risk of contracting this disease are Infants, teenagers, and young adults. It has been observed that people in a community setting, such as a college campus, are prone to meningitis. Also, people who lack a spleen in their body, have a deficiency of a complement component, or are infected with HIV can easily contract meningitis. Specific geographical regions such as the sub-Saharan African region have frequent outbreaks of meningitis. People who stay in or travel to such regions are prone to meningitis. Meningitis does not spread through casual contact or breathing. However, it is contagious through saliva or spits. Meningitis has been known to spread through secretions of the throat or the respiratory system. Anyone who is in close physical contact with a patient with meningitis is at a high risk of contracting the disease. Antibiotics treatment or meningococcal meningitis vaccine is advisable for such a person as a preventive measure. The meningococcal meningitis vaccine is used to immunize against all five serogroups of the meningococcus bacteria.

Diarrhea is one of the most common issues that almost everyone faces at least once in their lives. Some common symptoms that one can notice about this condition are bloating of the stomach, abdominal cramping, and watery and frequent stools. Diarrhea occurs due to disruptions within the gastrointestinal system. It typically lasts for less than two weeks. What are the causes of diarrhea? Many sources can lead to this condition. Here are a few of them: Food poisoning Bacterial infection Viral infection Recent use of antibiotics Use of contaminated water How to get rid of diarrhea? You can try several remedies that can help with diarrhea. The most popular methods are probiotics that can provide relief from diarrhea. Probiotics to get relief from diarrhea Probiotics are one of the best ways of managing diarrhea. It is an excellent source of a bacteria which is good for the body. Probiotics are present in the intestinal tract and help create a healthy gut, which treats diarrhea as well. Probiotics may also refer to living microorganisms found in several foods. Here is a list of the best probiotics that can provide relief from diarrhea. Dark chocolate Cottage cheese Green olives Kefir Sauerkraut Beet Kvass Kombucha Natto Miso Tempeh Pickles Yogurt While you can get probiotics in their natural form from these foods, they are also available as pills. How do probiotics provide relief from diarrhea? The healthy bacteria present in the intestinal tract aid the gastrointestinal system and ensure that it functions normally. Probiotics play a vital role in protecting the intestine from infections. When there is a change in the system due to the use of antibiotics, or if you catch an infection from an unhealthy virus or bacteria, you can get diarrhea. At such times, taking probiotics from an external source can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

Diarrhea is a type of gastrointestinal infection that leads to people suffering from irregular bowel motions which are sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain. Diarrhea usually results in dehydration, i.e., the loss of the required amount of liquids in the body. Diarrhea is generally categorized into two types, acute and chronic diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is common and may last for 2–3 days; however, chronic diarrhea is a serious condition that may last over a month and requires more attention as it may occur due to irritable bowel syndrome or poor absorbability of nutrients. Diarrhea symptoms Some of the symptoms of diarrhea include the following: – Pain in the abdominal area – Bloating – Cramps in the abdominal area – Recurrent bowel passing – Weakness – Nausea or dizziness Role of probiotics in treating diarrhea Probiotics are also known as “good bacteria” that help maintain a good health by multiplying themselves and dominating over problem-causing bacteria. Probiotics help in making digestion better, in better absorption of nutrients, and also the elimination of waste from our bodies. In patients suffering from diarrhea, the count of good bacteria in the gut reduces and this results in bowel irregularities. Probiotics help solve the issue by restoring the good and healthy bacteria that in turn balance the normal intestinal function. Benefits of using diarrhea relief probiotics There exist three primary benefits of consuming probiotics that provide relief from diarrhea – Diarrhea relief probiotics help restrain the growth of bad bacteria and prevent them from holding onto the intestinal walls. – Maintain a good count of healthy or good bacteria that in turn leads to good immunity. – Get relief from abdominal pain by wiping out the toxins discharged by the bad bacteria. Probiotics to get effective relief from diarrhea There are different types of probiotics that help in getting rid of diarrhea.

Cancer is a life-threatening condition that typically forms particularly in one area or region of the body and this region is known as the primary site. Cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body, breaking away from its primary site through the bloodstream or the lymph system and is called metastasis. Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from a tumor formed in the lungs and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or the lymph system. Even though the cancer cells have traveled and spread to a new location in the body, it is still named after the body part from where it all started. It is common for lung cancer to metastasize even before it is diagnosed, as symptoms generally do not show up when the lung cancer is already present. The most common sites of metastasis for lung cancer are the other lung, adrenal gland, bones, brain, and liver. Metastatic lung cancer is very different from recurring lung cancer, as recurring lung cancer affects the same part of the lung after being treated rather than moving to some other parts of the body. A metastatic cancer is always caused by the cancer cells developing in some other regions and traveling to another part of the body. Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer The symptoms of metastatic lung cancer are related to the area to which cancer spreads and these symptoms can be general. These general symptoms are often confused with some other issues. Hence, this condition is very difficult to identify as it does not always cause discernible symptoms. However, we have listed some of the common symptoms which are related to the site where a new tumor has developed: Bones Patients with lung cancer have a 40 percent chance of developing bone metastases which include symptoms such as pain.

Occasional bowel movements that are watery and loose are not uncommon in most people. However, if this condition lasts for extended periods of more than a few weeks, it needs to be taken seriously and has to be treated accordingly. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Statistics show that at least two billion cases of diarrhea occur annually worldwide and it has been the cause of death of nearly 1.5 million children below the age of five. What is diarrhea? Frequently passing loose, watery or soft stools, with or without accompanying stomach cramps, flatulence, bloating, and stomach pressure, which is excreted suddenly is termed as diarrhea. This condition may also be complicated when there is blood in the stools, severe pain, fever, nausea, and uncontrollable urge to pass stools. It can happen to people of any age, but children and senior citizens are at a higher risk. Complications The most serious complication of diarrhea is dehydration—loss of water and electrolytes in the body—which happens because the water passes out from the body without getting absorbed by the intestines. Drinking copious amounts of water does not always compensate for the corresponding loss. Types of diarrhea The condition is classified into the following types: Chronic: This typically lasts for more than two weeks Enteritis: It involves the inflammation of the intestine Gastroenteritis: It involves stomach flu, with nausea and vomiting Dysentery: It involves loose stools with pus, mucus, and blood Common causes of diarrhea The most common chronic causes of diarrhea and acute diarrhea include microbial attacks by viruses, bacteria, or certain microorganisms that enter the intestinal tract. Viruses: They cause various mild to moderate symptoms. These may last for 3–7 days and comprise watery, frequent stools, stomach cramps, and a mild fever. Common viruses include rotavirus (common in children), Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis virus.

Probiotic supplements are evaluated on the basis of certain criteria that can help a person decide the best possible option for them in terms of using probiotics. These criteria include packaging and delivery system of the probiotics and probiotic strains included in the probiotic supplements. Packaging and delivery system One of the most important factors in choosing a probiotic supplement is understanding the different ways in which manufacturers package and deliver probiotic supplements. No matter what product is chosen, the packaging and delivery system is of key importance since probiotics need to be maintained under specific conditions. Also, the system of delivery is important as it refers to the form in which the product is created and how it enables the bacteria to remain alive and healthy as it sits on store shelves, or when it is in transit to reach the part of the gut in the human body where it is supposed to get activated. A waste of money would be a probiotic supplement that is full of dead bacteria or unstable bacteria that die in the stomach acid. Caplet, which is a controlled release tablet, is one delivery system that has worked particularly well in the recent years. The new Beadlet technology is another viable option while the capsule formulation has come a long way since the days when the capsules were instantly destroyed by the stomach acid. Good delivery systems for probiotic supplements are created in a way wherein they ensure that a right amount of bacteria will reach the intestines alive and work properly, making it an important selling point. The details on the packaging or marketing materials of a product are a good indication of this since any company that is willing to explain the manner in which its product works is most likely to be selling a product that works.

Meningitis vaccine shots are used to provide immunization against the bacteria called as meningococcus that can cause meningitis and meningococcemia. The bacterium is round, and it forms pairs. Hence it is also known as diplococcus. There are five serogroups of this bacteria: A, B, C, W, and Y. According to experts, at least 1 in 10 people is a carrier of this bacteria. However, they do not show any symptoms or signs of the disease. It has been observed that in nearly 10% of meningitis cases, there might be the possibility of developmental impairment. Risk factors of meningitis The following groups of people are at a high risk of contracting meningitis. Infants, teenagers, and young adults are more prone to meningitis. A large group of people, especially in a community setting such as a college campus or, are at a risk of contracting meningitis. People who lack a spleen in their body, have a deficiency of a complement component, or are infected with HIV have a high possibility of getting meningitis. The sub-Saharan African region is known common and frequent outbreaks of meningitis. People who travel to this area may be at a risk of getting this disease. How does a person contract meningitis? Meningitis can spread through saliva or spit, mostly through secretions from the throat or the respiratory system. The contact has to be close and for a long duration. It is does spread through breathing the same air as a person affected by meningitis or by casual contact. However, the people who live with the person with meningitis are at a high risk of contracting the disease. It is recommended that people, who are in the same living space as the person with meningitis, should receive antibiotics treatment to avoid contracting meningitis. Prevention of meningitis Meningitis can be easily prevented with antibiotics and meningitis vaccine shots.

Portable ultrasound systems have helped make a complex diagnosis simple and easy. These devices are accurate, easy to transport, and able to generate high-quality images. Nonetheless, there are a ton of great options available in the market that may make it hard for you to take a pick. So, to make it easy for you to choose, we have put together a list of the top five best portable ultrasound systems of 2021. Philips CX50 The CX50 system is equipped with a high-resolution monitor that helps generate superior-quality pictures. Its compact design and travel-friendly case ensure seamless transportation, while its wireless DICOM gives room for flexibility. It has various assessment capabilities and applications, including cardiovascular, anesthesia, and general imaging. Moreover, it is equipped with a SmartExam feature that reduces the need for exam time by 50%. Mindray M6 Mindray M6 is lightweight and compact, making it very easy to travel with it. Its sharp and clear image display increases the efficiency of its applications and features that including cardiovascular, general imaging, and women’s care. Its iNeedle™ feature allows a more detailed biopsy, and the iStation™ features help to archive, retrieve and manage patient information. Moreover, you can also switch between modes using a single key. Esaote MyLab ™ Sigma The Esaote MyLab™ Sigma has various imaging technologies, including 3D-4D and Color Doppler mode, that help provide clear and accurate images for accurate analysis. Monitoring is more accessible because of its ergonomic, high-end LCD screen. Moreover, its compact size and laptop-like design help make transportation manageable. This system supports various applications, including some OB/GYN and cardiovascular. GE Vivid iq Managing the GE Vivid iq is almost effortless because of its portability and convenience. It is also equipped with a touchscreen and intuitive control panel features that make it easy to use.

Viruses and bacteria cause ear infections, and these occur more commonly in children rather than adults. Upper respiratory infections, wax buildup, environmental allergies, genetics, food allergies, fetal alcohol syndrome, nutritional deficiencies and internal injuries are some of the most common causes of ear infections. The common signs that point towards the ear infection include: Difficulty sleeping Ear tugging Poor or lack of response to sounds Fluid drain from the ear High fever Headache Diarrhea Pain in the inner part of the ear Minor bleeding in the ear The ear has inner, middle and outer parts. Each of these parts has a specific function, and together they help a person with the hearing. The outer ear is shaped like a leaf and captures traveling sound waves. There is also a section known as the pinna from which the sound waves enter the ear canal. The sound waves then reach the ear canal through the eardrum located in the middle part. This middle part of the ear also includes other ear organs like the anvil, hammer, middle canal, stir up and semicircular. The sound waves travel through this part into the inner sections of the ear. The inner part consists of parts like the Eustachian tubes, nerves, and cochlea. Sound waves travel through the canal and are sent to the nerves, from where the brain processes the sound. Considering the complex mechanism and structure of the ear and its three parts, the ear infection can occur in any one of these three parts. Out of all the infections that can occur, the one that occurs in the inner ear is the most serious. Ear infections need to be treated immediately to prevent further complications and damages like rupturing of the eardrum. Deafness and constant recurrence can also occur as a result of untreated ear infections.

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose or watery stools, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Usually, the condition can leave a patient for itself. However, sometimes diarrhea can become severe enough to cause fatality to a sufferer. It is recommended by doctors to stay careful while suffering from diarrhea. It is important to regulate the food and drinks we consume during such time. Not only this, medications are a popular mean to get instant relief from diarrhea. Here are some over-the-counter medications that one can take to get relief from diarrhea. One important precaution about medication to get relief from diarrhea is that there are separate medications for adults and children. Thus, it is necessary not to give a medicine that provided relief to your child. Therefore, never hesitate to recommend a pediatrician before purchasing any diarrhea medication for your child. Over-the-counter medications It is suggested to try over-the-counter medication. In a majority of cases, these over-the-counter medications can be used to avoid bouts of diarrhea. If you have not heard a term called traveler’s diarrhea, you should know that this condition is usually a result of consuming a food or drink that is contaminated. People on travel often end up compromising their health after eating food that can bad for their health. Some of the over-the-counter medications include Imodium (loperamide), Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) to get relief from diarrhea. However, it is highly recommended to take medication after the advice of physicians. The medications just mentioned are reasonable to take occasionally. But, these medications should not be taken for more than two days. People believe that in case you take pharmaceutical remedies for traveler’s diarrhea, they are good as they make a sufferer better in no time. However, they are not efficient enough to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and viruses from the system so early.