Emergency Department Visit Rates for Acute Upper Respiratory Infections in U.S. Children and Adolescents (2021-2022) Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay October 19, 2024 at 7:24:45 AM Quickstats, child and adolescent health, upper respiratory infection In the year 2021-2022, children and adolescents in the United States had an emergency department (ED) visit rate of 38.6 per 1,000 for acute upper respiratory infections (URI). The highest visit rate was observed in infants under one year at 120.5 per 1,000, while the lowest was in adolescents aged 12-17 at 14.4 per 1,000. Regardless of whether they were viral or bacterial, these infections had a significant impact on younger age groups, and the rates decreased as age increased. The data was collected from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey , which focused on general hospitals throughout the United States, excluding federal and military facilities. Click here to read more Previous Next

Streamlining of WHO's approach to airborne pathogens Streamlining of WHO's approach to airborne pathogens Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay Kelkar May 1, 2024 WHO News Section Infectious Disease Epidemiology, WHO, Public Health Collaboration The W orld H ealth O rganization (WHO ) has published a new report that introduces standardized terminology for pathogens transmitted through the air. This was developed through extensive collaboration with public health agencies and experts worldwide. The goal is to improve communication and response strategies for airborne illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and tuberculosis. T he report introduces the term "infectious respiratory particles (IRPs)" to describe particles released by infected people through breathing, speaking, etc. This moves away from the previously used distinction between "aerosols" and "droplets". Collaboration and Next Steps: This consultation involved leading public health agencies like Africa CDC, China CDC, ECDC, and the US CDC, showcasing a global commitment to this issue. The WHO considers this the first step, with further research and exploration of the practical implications of these new descriptors planned. Click here to read more.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine safety: A multinational project Content Editor: Dr.Urmimala March 2, 2024 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19 Vaccine, Research findings, AEFI The study was conducted in Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand, France and Scotland. The AESI list was specified by the Safety Platform for Emergency vACcines (SPEAC), following the roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccines in 2020. The researchers estimated the Observed/Expected ratio of selected AESI retrospectively, across certain risk intervals. More than 99 million individuals participated in the study. The potential vaccine safety signals were prioritized for the following vaccines based on a higher OE ratio: ChAdOx1 vaccine for Guillain-Barre syndrome, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pericarditis and myocarditis mRNA-1273 vaccine for Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, pericarditis and myocarditis BNT162b2 vaccine for pericarditis and myocarditis The present study provides stronger evidence of the previously identified rare side effects. Although the global generalizability of the results is higher, the result’s applicability to the Indian population is still questionable. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Impending outbreak of flu in the US Impending outbreak of flu in the US Content Editor: Dr. Rashmi Verma March 7, 2024 Center for Infectious Disease Research And Policy Communicable disease, International Health News As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of the US regions still exhibit high levels of flu activity, whereas COVID-19 and RSV levels are on the decline . The national test positivity rate for respiratory viruses has decreased to 14.8% , although outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms have remained stable at 4.5%. In the previous week, flu activity increased in five US regions, with Influenza A comprising 71.7% of positive flu samples and Influenza B accounting for 28.3%. This flu season, 91 children have succumbed to the flu , with nine fatalities recorded between November and February. H1N1 and influenza B were responsible for five and four deaths, respectively. Conversely, RSV levels are diminishing in numerous areas, leading to a decline in hospitalizations among infants and seniors, according to the CDC.

Optimizing heart health: New guidelines for lipid management Optimizing heart health: New guidelines for lipid management Content Editor: Dr. Mohammed Kashif July 16, 2024 Indian Heart Journal Non-Communicable diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, LDL Dyslipidemia, referred to as elevated total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein -cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and low High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL), significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. In India, this condition is widespread, with a prevalence of 81%, with the urbans areas having a higher percentage. The Cardiological Society of India recommends Initiating lipid profile screenings at age 18, emphasizing non-fasting tests as the new standard practice. For individuals with existing heart conditions, achieving LDL-C levels below 30 mg/dL is advised, while those without such issues should target levels below 70 mg/dL. Measurement of Lipoprotein(a) levels is recommended at least once in a lifespan. These guidelines are tailored to address India's unique health challenges, including higher rates of low HDL and central obesity. They highlight the importance of lifestyle modification s such as reducing sugar intake, regular physical activity and cessation of tobacco and alcohol use. Pharmacological treatments, including statins and advanced drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors, are suggested for severe cases. Early detection, particularly among individuals with a family history or known risk factors, is crucial for effective management. The guidelines reflect a proactive approach to managing dyslipidemia in India , aligning strategies with local epidemiological data and health needs. Click here to read more.

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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Empowering Nari Shakti: Finance Minister Unveils Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive Empowering Nari Shakti: Finance Minister Unveils Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive Content Editor: Dr.Manjeet February 17, 2024 Press Information Bureau Health Budget Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, unveiled the Interim Budget 2024-25, highlighting a vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 and empowering Nari Shakti. Key proposals include a vaccination drive targeting girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer, with a focus on encouraging participation. Additionally, various maternal and child care schemes will be amalgamated into a comprehensive program, enhancing services at Anganwadi Centers under 'Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0' to boost nutrition and early childhood development. This forward-looking budget also underscores the commitment to digital advancement, with the rollout of the U-WIN platform to streamline immunization management and support Mission Indradhanush's objectives nationwide. read more

Innovative hearing solutions: Piezoelectric implants Innovative hearing solutions: Piezoelectric implants Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay April 20, 2024 Press Information Bureau Health technology, Hearing loss, Implants The Department of ENT at Command Hospital (Southern Command) in Pune has successfully performed two piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI). These procedures were conducted on a 7-year-old child with congenital ear anomalies and severe hearing loss and an adult with Single Sided Deafness (SSD), making it the first government hospital in India to achieve this feat. The designated Neurotology Centre of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), has been offering implantable hearing solutions for years. The piezoelectric BCI system is crucial for patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss who aren't candidates for cochlear implants or benefit from hearing aids or middle ear surgery. The surgeries were performed by Lt Col (Dr) Rahul Kurkure, under the guidance of Col (Dr) Nitu Singh, at the helm of Command Hospital (SC), Pune, led by Maj Gen B Nambiar, the success was praised by high-ranking officials. Click here to read more

A systematic review reveals the risk factors of psychiatric symptoms in long COVID-19 Patients Content Editor: Dr. Sowmiya April 14, 2023 at 3:19:47 PM Long COVID-19, Mental health A systematic review of 23 studies provides an overview of psychiatric symptoms in Long COVID-19 patients and the risk factors associated with it. The most prevalent reported psychiatric symptoms, from the most to the least reported, were anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor sleep qualities, somatic symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Being female and having previous psychiatric diagnoses were risk factors for the development of the reported symptoms. Detailed screening for mental disorders and early intervention is recommended to improve the quality of life of patients with Long COVID-19. Previous Next