Tag

Asymptomatic

All articles tagged with #asymptomatic

health1 year ago

Syphilis Resurgence: Alarming Rates and Asymptomatic Cases

Health experts in Michigan are concerned about the rising rates of syphilis among adult men and women, as well as infants, with a particular increase in the heterosexual community. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian warns that syphilis can be asymptomatic, especially in women, and emphasizes the importance of testing as untreated syphilis can lead to neurological damage. There has also been an increase in congenital syphilis, prompting a nationwide demand for penicillin, which is the recommended treatment for the disease.

health2 years ago

"Tuberculosis Outbreak Strikes Olathe High School, Multiple Students Infected"

Four new cases of tuberculosis have been linked to Olathe Northwest High School in Johnson County, Kansas. The health department has been offering testing for the school community, with over 270 people tested so far, and four individuals testing positive. These individuals are asymptomatic and have been referred for follow-up evaluations. The student who initially tested positive for active tuberculosis is complying with isolation precautions and receiving medication. The school will conduct a second round of testing, and further information will be released by the health department.

health2 years ago

Unveiling the Contagious Period of COVID: Insights from Positive Tests

The contagiousness of COVID-19 varies depending on symptoms. People are most contagious from 48 hours before developing symptoms to three days after symptoms end. Those without symptoms can still spread the virus, so it's important to wear masks, practice social distancing, and maintain good hand hygiene. Lingering symptoms may persist for several weeks, but individuals are likely not contagious after the recommended 10-day period. Recovery is typically considered three days after the last day of fever without medication, with no respiratory symptoms, and at least a week since symptoms began.

health2 years ago

Duran Duran's Andy Taylor Beats Cancer: 'Asymptomatic' and Grateful

Duran Duran's Andy Taylor, who was previously classified as needing 'palliative, end of life care' due to his stage four metastatic prostate cancer, has revealed that he is now 'asymptomatic' after undergoing a round of pioneering treatment that specifically targets cancer cells. The treatment, which involves the administration of radioactive chemicals intravenously, has shown promising results for Andy. He plans to undergo five more rounds of the treatment, each six weeks apart. Despite the positive outlook, Andy recalled the low point of his diagnosis and the psychological impact it had on him. He also expressed his desire to be a 'working patient' and continue his music career.

health2 years ago

Silent Sufferers: The Hidden Reality of Chagas Disease

Chagas disease, transmitted by "kissing bugs" that carry the T. cruzi parasite, often goes unnoticed until complications arise. Most people with Chagas disease are asymptomatic during the acute and chronic phases, but about 20% of those infected may develop serious heart or digestive problems. Left untreated, the disease can lead to heart failure or other life-threatening conditions. Testing is recommended for individuals from Latin America or those who have traveled to the region and are experiencing heart problems. Global warming may be causing the range of kissing bugs to shift northward, increasing the risk of Chagas disease in new areas.

health2 years ago

Unraveling the Mystery of Asymptomatic COVID-19: Genetic Insights Revealed

A new study published in Nature suggests that genetics may play a role in why some people who are infected with COVID-19 never experience symptoms. The study found that individuals with a specific variant of the HLA-B gene, which is involved in the immune system, are 2 to 8 1/2 times more likely to be asymptomatic. This variant provides enhanced protection against COVID-19 due to cross-reactive immunity, where exposure to common cold viruses creates memory T cells that can recognize and respond to the COVID-19 virus. While the study has limitations, it could provide insights for better COVID-19 treatments and the development of vaccines and therapeutics aimed at preventing symptoms.

health2 years ago

Unveiling the Mystery of COVID-19 "Super Dodgers"

A new study published in Nature has shed light on "super dodgers," individuals who contract COVID-19 but never develop symptoms. These individuals may have a genetic advantage, as they are more likely to carry a specific gene variation that helps them destroy the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study found that these "super dodgers" have a mutation in the human leukocyte antigen, which allows their virus-killing cells (T cells) to identify the coronavirus even if it is their first encounter. Understanding the biology behind asymptomatic infection has important implications for public health measures, vaccine design, and therapeutic development.

health2 years ago

Unraveling the Genetic Link to Asymptomatic COVID-19

Researchers have identified a genetic variant that makes some individuals twice as likely to never get sick when they contract COVID-19. Those with two copies of the variant are eight times more likely to remain asymptomatic. This finding provides the first potential explanation for the group of individuals known as "superdodgers" who do not experience symptoms when infected with the virus.

health2 years ago

Unraveling the Genetic Basis of Asymptomatic and Long COVID

A recent report in Nature explores the genomics behind asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, finding that a specific immune function gene variant, HLA-B*15:01, is strongly associated with the lack of symptoms. T-cell functional studies suggest that cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses may explain the protective effect. In another study, a GWAS identified the FOXP4 gene locus as potentially associated with Long COVID, with an increased risk of 60%. However, further research is needed to establish causality. These findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic factors influencing COVID-19 outcomes and may guide the development of better treatments and vaccines.

health2 years ago

Unraveling the Genetic Mystery of Asymptomatic COVID-19

Scientists have identified a gene variant, HLA-B*15:01, that may explain why some individuals who test positive for COVID-19 never develop any symptoms. The variant, found in 20% of asymptomatic participants, is associated with a quicker immune response that fights off the virus before symptoms can occur. The study, which focused on a homogenous group of individuals, suggests that genetics play a significant role in determining asymptomatic outcomes. Understanding the genetic factors behind asymptomatic infections could have implications for vaccine development and therapeutic strategies.