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WHO finally grants EUL status for Covaxin

by Medically Speaking Team
written by Medically Speaking Team

The World Health Organization (WHO) authorised Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin emergency use listing on Wednesday.

“WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to COVAXIN (developed by Bharat Biotech), adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of COVID19.

“The Technical Advisory Group, convened by WHO and made up of regulatory experts from around the world, has determined that the Covaxin vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks & the vaccine can be used,” the organisation tweeted.

The organisation added that the vaccine should be administered in two doses, with a dose interval of four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above.

“Covaxin vaccine was also reviewed by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), and recommended use of this vaccine in two doses, with a dose interval of four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above.

“Available data on vaccination of pregnant women with the Covaxin vaccine are insufficient to assess vaccine safety or efficacy in pregnancy; studies in pregnant women are planned, including a pregnancy sub-study and a pregnancy registry,” the organisation tweeted.

The TAG-EUL is an independent advisory group that provides recommendations to WHO on whether a COVID-19 vaccine can be listed for emergency use under the EUL procedure.

Covaxin was shown to be effective against symptomatic COVID-19 in 77.8% of cases and 65.2 percent of cases against the novel Delta variant in 65.2 percent of cases.

The company announced in June that it has completed the final study of Covaxin effectiveness from Phase 3 studies.

Covaxin from Bharat Biotech and Covishield from AstraZeneca and Oxford University are the two most extensively used vaccinations in India.

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Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulates scientists of ICMR and Bharat Biotech after WHO grants emergency use listing to Covaxin

by Medically Speaking Team
written by Medically Speaking Team

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya commended ICMR and Bharat Biotech scientists on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to issue COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin emergency use listing (EUL) today.

“WHO today granted for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Made-in-India Covaxin. On this occasion, I congratulate scientists of ICMR and Bharat Biotech (the manufacturer of Covaxin),” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The nod of the global health body comes after the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), an independent advisory committee of WHO recommended EUL status for Covaxin.

Dr Poonam Khetarpal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South East Asia, in a tweet, said, “Congratulations India for Emergency Use Listing of its indigenously produced COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin.” The WHO said the TAG convened by it and made up of regulatory experts from around the world determined that Covaxin meets its standards for protection against COVID-19, and that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks and thus can be used.

Covaxin was found to have 78 per cent efficacy against COVID-19 of any severity, 14 or more days after the second dose, and is extremely suitable for low- and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements, it said.

“Covaxin EUL expands the availability of Syringe, the most effective medical tools we have to end #COVID19. It was assessed under the WHO EUL procedure based on the review of data on quality, safety, efficacy, a risk management plan & suitability in low- & middle-income countries,” it stated.

The EUL process, developed by the World Health Organization, evaluates the quality, safety, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and is a requirement for COVAX vaccine delivery. It also permits nations to speed their own regulatory clearance for COVID-19 vaccine import and administration.

The TAG had requested “additional clarifications” from the firm on October 26 in order for Covaxin to undertake a final “risk-benefit assessment” for the vaccine’s Emergency Use Listing.

At the recent G20 conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Besides demonstrating 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19, Covaxin has shown 65.2 per cent protection against the new Delta variant.

In June, the company said it concluded the final analysis of Covaxin efficacy from Phase 3 trials.

Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s Covishield are the two widely used vaccines in India.

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Covid case update: India reports 11,903 cases

by Medically Speaking Team
written by Medically Speaking Team

In the previous 24 hours, India has recorded 11,903 new Covid-19 cases, up 14.2 percent from yesterday. According to figures issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare early on Wednesday, the country’s entire caseload has now risen to 3,43,08,140.

Across the previous 24 hours, 311 deaths have been reported in the country, bringing the overall death toll to 4,59,191.

Active cases decreased by 2,567 in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total active caseload to 1,51,209.

India’s recovery rate now stands at 98.22 per cent.

A total of 14,159 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, which brings the total recoveries to 3,36,97,740 across the country.

India has administered a total of 41,16,230 doses in the last 24 hours, which brings the total tally of doses administered to 1,07,29,66,315.

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‘Not a time to relax’, says PM Modi’s warning at Covid meet

by Medically Speaking Team
written by Medically Speaking Team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with senior authorities from at least 40 districts on Wednesday to discuss the severe delay in adult Covid-19 immunisation. The Prime Minister praised healthcare workers for their dedication, but warned that now is not the time to rest.

“The progress made so far is due to your hard work. Every member of administration, ASHA workers worked a lot. They walked for miles and took vaccination to remote locations. But if we become lax after one billion (doses), a new crisis can come,” PM Modi said.

“They say one must never underestimate disease and enemies. They have to be fought against till the very end. So, I would want that we should not bring even a slight laxity,” he added.

The meeting was attended by several chief ministers. It was called to discuss situation with district magistrates (DMs) from districts where less than 50% of the adult population has received at least one shot of a Covid-19 vaccine, and also those ones that have very low second-dose number. The 40 districts are spread across Jharkhand, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Meghalaya, among other states, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“In this biggest pandemic in 100 years, nation faced several challenges. A significant thing in nation’s fight against Corona was that we found out new solutions, used innovative methods,” he told the officials and he asked them to work on innovative methods to increase the vaccination rate in their respective areas.

“You will have to remember that the states that have achieved the goal of administering 100% first dose of vaccine, also faced different challenges in many areas. There were challenges of geographical situation, resources but these districts overcame those challenges to go ahead,” PM Modi said.

Further speaking, PM Modi also suggested officials to form different strategy each town and a village. He also asked them to constitute a team of 20-25 people in their areas to execute the door-to-door vaccination policy.

“We can also try to have a healthy competition in the teams you have formed,” he also suggested.

“So far you’ve been working to take people to vaccination centres, now it’s time to reach every house for door-to-door vaccine… You can take help of local religious leaders to spread awareness about Covid vaccines, fight rumours,” PM Modi told district officials.

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Breaking the Hymen: 9 Hymen Facts and the Virginity Concept

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

The concept of “virginity” for people with vaginas has a complicated history, and it has frequently been (incorrectly) linked to hymen rupture. Bleeding after sexual intercourse was mistakenly thought to be proof of an unbroken hymen, and thus proof that a person had not previously had sex. However, the truth is that your hymen has nothing to do with sexual activity.

We’ll separate fact from fiction and explain what a hymen is, how a hymen breaks, and its complicated relationship with the historical concept of virginity with the help of Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified ob-gyn and a spokesperson for Paragard, and Alexandra Eisler, a health and sex educator from Healthy Teen Network. Continue reading for 9 facts about this tiny tissue that you should be aware of. But first, let’s define some terms:

What is a hymen? 

“The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the opening to the vagina,” explains Dr. Shepherd. The hymen is just a portion of the vaginal canal that really doesn’t serve a purpose. It has no known biological function and it does not, in any way, indicate whether or someone has engaged in sexual activity.

1. The hymen can broken in a variety of ways and is not a marker of virginity.

The hymen can be broken in a variety of ways. Sexual activity (including penetration, oral sex, fingering, and masturbation) can break the hymen, yes, but so can the insertion of a tampon or even exercising. It’s also worth noting that you can break your hymen without even knowing it. Dr. Shepherd explains that it’s entirely possible to disrupt the hymen during a weight-bearing exercise and not feel a thing. It’s also possible to notice a bit of bleeding and tenderness. It’s different for everyone.

2. On the flip side, it’s possible to engage in sexual activity and not break the hymen.

It is possible to engage in sexual activity without breaking the hymen. It’s very possible that the hymen could not be broken during fingering or oral sex, explains Dr. Shepherd. It’s even possible (though uncommon) to have intercourse without breaking the hymen.

It bears repeating: the presence or absence of a hymen does not prove or disprove whether someone has engaged in sexual activity.

3. Chances are, even if your hymen is intact, you won’t be able to see it.

If you try to look at an intact hymen, it may be difficult to pinpoint. “If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’d have a really hard time telling the difference, because it will be a fleshy colored membrane in a place where you have flaps and folds and hair,” Eisler says. If you do want to go exploring, though, it’s located about about 1-2 centimeters inside your vaginal opening.

4. There are different types of hymens.

Hymens are not one-size-fits-all. There are actually five types of hymen which are medically classified as:

  • Normal: hymen with a generally crescent shaped opening.
  • Cribriform: hymen with several small openings through which menstrual blood can flow.
  • Imperforate: hymen with no opening at all.
  • Microperforate: hymen with extremely small opening.
  • Septate: hymen with a thin band of tissue in the center.

Imperforate, microperforate, and septate hymens interfere with menstrual flow and tampon use. In these cases, you can have a minor surgery (called a hymenectomy) to remove the extra tissue and open up the hymen so period blood can flow through. This is performed by a gynecologist.

5. Once a hymen has been broken, it does not grow back.

Once a hymen is broken, either naturally or through a hymenectomy, it will not grow back.

6. Virginity is a social construct rather than a medical condition.

According to Eisler, virginity is a social construct, not a medical condition. “While there is no medical definition for virginity, it is an important concept to many people,” she says. “It’s built by social norms and beliefs, even if it doesn’t have a scientific basis.”

So you likely have a definition about what virginity entails based on your friends, what your parents have taught you, and whether or not you have specific religious beliefs. To many, virginity means you haven’t yet had sex, though what is considered sex can vary from person to person. It should also be said that having sex doesn’t change anything about you; it doesn’t add or take away value, just as not having sex doesn’t.

7. “Losing your virginity” does not necessarily mean penis-in-vagina sex.

The concept of virginity has long been tied up with the heteronormative idea that when a penis enters your vagina, you’re no longer a virgin. There are some obvious problems with this definition. “It gets ridiculous when you think, okay, if someone is a lesbian, knows they’re a lesbian from day one, and has never had penetrative sex, are they going to be a virgin until the day they die?” Eisler says. “If someone only has anal sex but not vaginal sex, are they still a virgin? I’m really clear with folks, that when we say sex, we mean oral, anal, or vaginal sex.”

8. You don’t have to prove your sexual history to anyone.

You should never feel you have to prove your status, and furthermore, it’s not even possible to do so. We would argue that the best way to find out if someone has not yet had sex (if they really care to know) is simply to ask — and it’s entirely up to you whether or not you want to discuss it at all!

9. You are in control of your sexual activity.

There are some major problems with the concept of “losing your virginity.” The term implies that it isn’t in your control. If you lose your phone, is that a conscious decision? No! We need to change how we talk about the first time a person has sex. It shouldn’t be something that someone takes from you.

“[I don’t like] this idea that young women should be passive receivers of sex,” Eisler says. In too much of the world, women are still controlled in this way. “The most important thing is to keep yourself safe, and do what you feel good about,” Eisler recommends. “Take it slow and really know what sexual experiences are really comfortable for you and your body, what’s going on down there and relax about a lot of it.” And for sure, don’t worry about your hymen. Or lack thereof.

 

 

 

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Onion juice and hair!

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

Haircare is critical, especially in a hot, humid, and tropical country like ours. Have you ever considered the fantastic results that your own kitchen ingredients can provide for hair care? Let us make you wonder once more. Onions! When we talk about onions, we think of the wonderful pungent aroma and kick they provide in your favourite foods. However, there is an even more wonderful onion substance for haircare. Still have questions?

Onions are high in antifungal and antibacterial compounds, which can keep your hair free of infections and promote hair growth.

  • High is sulphur content, onions help reduce breakage and thinning of hair . Sulphur is essential for regeneration of hair follicles.
  • Onion pulp can nourish your hair follicles and replenish the nutrients you have lost from your scalp.
  • The antibacterial and antifungal properties help to prevent and treat scalp infections. A healthier scalp will reduce hair loss.
  • Natural and powerful antioxidants, onions battle premature greying of hair.
  • When used regularly, onion paste or juice will not only nourish the hair, it will also create a natural shine for the hair. Over the period of time, this shine can become a permanent feature for your tresses.
  • Onion juice or pulp, being pungent and able to fight infections also help with lice treatment, and will prevent infestation in future.
  • Onion juice and oil have shown results of adding volume to hair when used regularly.
  • For treating dandruff, onion juice or pulp can be used on a weekly basis to clear the scalp.
  • The onion pulp improves blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth and health.

Let’s look at some practical ways of how you can use onions for healthy, lustrous, infection-free and long hair:

Can Onion Juice Benefit The Hair?

The onion juice stimulates the scalp, and improves blood circulation. It also nourishes the scalp, tackling any issues.

How to make: Take one onion, and peel and chop it fine. Pulp it in the food processor or blender. Pass this pulp through a thin cloth or through a metal sieve to strain out the juice, so there are no onion bits left in the juice. Alternatively, you can also grate the onions with a vegetable grater and then strain the pulp.

How to use: Dip a cotton pad in a small amount of this juice full so it is soaking with the juice. With this pad, dab the juice on your scalp until you cover the entire scalp. Once you have covered the entire area, massage your scalp gently with your fingers, for about 10 minutes. Leave the juice in your hair for another 15 minutes. Wash it off after 15 minutes with lukewarm or cold water, and a mild shampoo. Don’t forget to condition your hair.

Frequency of use: You can use this treatment safely thrice a week. If you can’t manage thrice a week, at least two it twice a week. You will see a visible difference in your hair after six to eight weeks of regular use.

Tip: If you have enough juice and times, apply it on your hair as well, after you massage the scalp.

Will A Honey And Onion Hair Pack Help Hair Growth?

The honey with onion will add lustre to your hair, and will bind moisture to your hair and scalp, preventing it from drying out. The combination of honey and onion juice will promote hair growth.

How to make: Take two tablespoons of onion juice in a cup. Mix it with one tablespoon of honey and stir it so that it emulsifies.

How to use: Soak a cotton pad in this mixture and apply thoroughly all over the scalp and roots of your hair. Gently massage your hair in small circular strokes. Leave it on for 30 minutes after which you can wash it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

Frequency of use: Try and adopt his routine at least twice a week. It will show instant results even after the first use and some substantial results after six to eight weeks.

Tip: Use raw honey for best results.

How Will Olive Oil And Onion Juice Work For Hair Massage?

Olive oil is a wonderful base oil for hair and skin, and instantly nourishes your hair. It also has anti-dandruff properties and works well with onion juice. The mixture will condition your hair well and boost hair growth.

How to make: Take two tablespoons of onion juice in a bowl, and add one tablespoon of olive oil to it. Mix in a way that it emulsifies well.

How to apply: Soak a cotton pad fully with the mixture and apply it in small sections all over your scalp. Gently massage your head in short, circular strokes to stimulate the scalp. Leave it on at least for an hour, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

Frequency of use: For best results, you can use it on alternate days, that is three times a week. However, if you can’t do it that often, try for at least twice a week. You will see the results in four to six weeks of indulging in the treatment regularly.

Tip: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your mixture to combat dandruff better.

Does An Onion And Curry Leaf Hair Mask Benefit Hair?

Curry leaves are known for many health benefits when consumed and externally, it can work wonders for your hair and skin. It strengthens the hair, and boots hair health. The combination of curry leaves with onion juice will help prevent premature greying.

How to make: Take 15 to 20 fresh curry leaves and wash them well. Blend them in a mortar and pestle or in a blender with two tablespoons of onion juice into a paste. Your hair pack is ready.

How to apply: Apply the ready hair pack on your scalp with a brush or your fingers. Ensure that you cover the entire surface of the scalp. Leave the pack on your scalp for an hour, and then you can wash it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm or cold water. Don’t forget to condition your hair.

Frequency of use: You can use this once a week. Every alternate week, try to use it twice. You will see the results within one or two uses. Regular usage will lead to a smoother texture of hair and more manageable hair.

Tip: Use tender and young curry leaves for best benefits.

 

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Dengue outbreak: Health Ministry dispatches central teams to nine states and union territories

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday, the Union Health Ministry has rushed high-level teams to nine states and union territories reporting high dengue caseloads to assist them in public health measures for control and management of the infection.

These states and UTs are Haryana, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir, according to the release. Earlier, Union Health Minister Mansukh Madaviya directed health ministry officials to assist all States and UTs with high dengue caseloads.

A total of 1,16,991 dengue cases are being reported by states and UTs across the country.

“It has been decided by the competent authority to depute central teams to the identified states to assist the state governments by providing technical guidance, including public health measures, for managing the ongoing outbreak of dengue,” an office memorandum sent to principal secretaries (Health) and directors general of health services of the nine states and Union Territories.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday had directed the Union health secretary to identify and send team of experts to states with high active dengue cases, as he reviewed the situation in Delhi and assured the Centre’s full support.

Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting with the Delhi government to review the public health measures taken for control and management of dengue.

“Reviewed the dengue situation in Delhi and assured Centre’s full support,” the minister tweeted.

“On-ground initiatives like hotspot identification, fogging and timely treatment will be carried out to curb disease. Centre is also sending a team of experts to states with rising dengue cases,” he said.

The minister directed Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to identify the states with high active cases and send the teams. The best practices of these states are also to be recorded in the subsequent review meets, he said, according to a ministry statement.

 

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study: monoclonal antibody therapy prevents severe disease and death in Covid-19 patients

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

Since it was administered to ex-US President Donald Trump, the Monoclonal Antibody-drug cocktail has gained global attention as a miracle cure for Covid-19, but the initial scientific evidence was insufficient. There were a few studies that demonstrated its efficacy, but no studies on the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 were conducted worldwide.

AIG Hospitals along with the Asian Healthcare Foundation, CCMB Hyderabad, and Institute of Life Sciences, successfully proved that Monoclonal Therapy reduces severe disease and death in high-risk individuals infected with the Delta Variant of SARS-CoV-2 by 100%.

The Delta is the worst variant of the SARS-CoV-2 with higher infectivity, is more transmissible, with a diverse set of mutations than any other variant. In India, the second wave of havoc was caused due to Delta. “The results are astonishing and will shape the public health policy for treatment of Covid-19 especially in high-risk individuals, those above 60 years of age or even below with underlying health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, pregnancy, chronic diseases, all will benefit immensely. We have clearly demonstrated in our research that when given at the right time, Monoclonal Therapy stops the progression of the disease completely,” said Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals.

 

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Hyderabad-made, J&J’s Jabs Get CDL Nod, Over 1 Cr Doses Ready for Export

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

News18.com has learned that Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine shots, manufactured in India by Hyderabad-based Biological E, are ready for export.

The country’s apex laboratory, the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, cleared six batches of more than one crore doses for safety last week.

“The doses have been cleared by the CDL in Kasauli. The company has expressed the intent to export those doses. According to Form 28 (required for the grant of licence) filled by the company, the vaccine will be exported,” a senior government official at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare told News18.com. “Once the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approves the report sent by CDL and the request filed by the company, the batches can be exported.”

The move is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at the Quad Summit in September.

“India will make available 8 million (80 lakh) doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the end of October under the Quad vaccine partnership,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had said while adding that PM Modi had made an announcement to the effect at the summit. Shringla also said that the Quad nations, including India, will pay for the vaccines.

Since September, the vaccine batches were stuck at the CDL due to pending data, News18.com had reported earlier.

“Finally, the pending data was submitted by the company late October. Last Friday, the report by CDL was received by the DCGI’s office clearing the vaccines for safety,” said the official quoted above.

A Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson told News18 that it is “premature” to speculate on the timing of vaccine deliveries. “Our teams are working around the clock to develop and broadly activate our manufacturing capabilities to supply our Covid-19 vaccine. We believe Biological E will be an important part of our global Covid-19 vaccine supply chain network, helping to supply our vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and organisations such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility. It is premature for us to speculate on the timing of our vaccine deliveries,” the spokesperson said.

 

 

 

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Scientists discover a new compound that may help to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms

by Medically Speaking
written by Medically Speaking

In the laboratory and on animals, scientists discovered a compound that has the potential to alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

The researchers from the United States Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) investigated the virus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, which is caused by a coronavirus.

MERS is far less common than COVID-19, but far more lethal.

Tens of thousands of measurements of proteins, molecular messengers, and other signals that occur after infection were analysed in the study, which was published in the journal mBio.

The researchers identified a molecular process, part of the body’s quality-control machinery, that plays a critical role in coronavirus damage.

They then searched a vast database of compounds and identified one known as AMG PERK 44 that put a halt to virus reproduction in human tissue in the laboratory.

The team also found the compound has a strong effect in mice infected with the virus. The compound boosted lung function and reduced lung damage and weight loss in the mice, particularly in male mice, according to the researchers.

“Studies like this help us learn more about how deadly respiratory viruses operate, how they do what they do, why they attack certain parts of the lung and not others,” said virologist Amy Sims, one of two first coauthors of the paper from PNNL, along with Hugh Mitchell.

The scientists noted that it is far too soon to know whether the compound could help patients as it is not currently used as a drug. The results of the study are most useful as part of a broader effort to learn more about respiratory diseases, they added.

“Coronavirus infections cause complex disease phenotypes, and new strategies are needed to disentangle which host pathways are contributing to the development of severe, life-threatening outcomes,” Ralph Baric from UNC added.

 

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