We naturally want vaccines to be as safe as possible. What’s the point in getting vaccinated if you’re risking a different illness?
While many people worry about side effects from vaccines, others don’t know about the other risks: bacteria.
While a syringe is injected into a vial, the vaccine can develop dangerous fungus. To combat this, manufacturers started to use a preservative called thimerosal. Thimerosal would prevent the fungus in multi-dose vaccines and make the drugs far safer.
Since the first vaccine centuries ago, immunizations have become more important. But, with mass vaccinations come high costs.
With less known diseases at the time, children only received two vaccines in the 1950s: smallpox and diphtheria. According to a report by Clinical Infectious Diseases, pediatricians were able to administer these shots for as little as a dollar.
The polio vaccine was administered for the first time in 1955 which became part of the immunization schedule for children. These three shots became the standard for quite some time. In the 1970’s and 1980s, only half of school-aged children were vaccinated.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival, is just a couple weeks away.
The Chinese New Year dates back nearly 4,000 years and originated to raise sacrifices to the agricultural gods and ancient ancestors. This was a way of honoring them for sustaining the Chinese people for another year. Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty set the date from the lunar calendar. More than celebrating a turn of the calendar, the event signifies the beginning of the planting season.
The celebration may only land on one day, but the new year’s festival is a massive event covering 15 days.
Animals get sick just like humans, and feathered friends are no exception.
The bird flu, also called avian influenza, is very common and stems from two strains the virus, H5N1 and H7N9. The virus affects different kinds of birds including, but not limited to turkeys, ducks, chickens and wild turkeys.
Not only does the virus mutate quickly, but bird flu spreads easily in people who spend a lot of time around the animals. This leaves farmhands at great risk of starting an epidemic if their flock gets sick.
The bird flu has been resurging in the news of late. This is due to recent cases reported throughout the United Kingdom, China and Iran. Each country is addressing the problem accordingly by enforcing the laws and reevaluating farmers and their flocks. All governments are taking action to keep bird flu from the general public.
It probably feels like there’s no shortage of diseases to worry about thanks to dirty water. Cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A can all come from contaminated liquid.
Unfortunately, another one seems to be on the rise with melioidosis.
Melioidosis is also referred to as Whitmore Disease or the bacterium’s more complicated name, Burkholderia pseudomallei.
The bacterium survives in stagnant, murky water and soil and when rains fall, it also has the ability to become airborne. It is commonly found in animals, but humans can also become very ill with this harmful germ. For example, a person may cut their hand while doing some landscaping, farming or construction work. The bacteria will then enter the body through that small entryway.
There is often a misconception when it comes to Chinese cuisine. Many assume that because it’s all from the same country, all Chinese food is the same.
Thankfully, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
You could travel all across the country of China and not eat the same thing twice. Every region of China has unique flavors and dishes that make traveling to China all the more exciting:
Day-to-day life can already be stressful enough.
That’s why travel can be such a welcoming break. Traveling is an opportunity to get away from the mundane, humdrum of everyday life. Not only does time away relax you, but it also rejuvenates the body and senses.
Unfortunately, though, sickness can happen at any time. Whether you’re traveling for work or taking a much-needed vacation, that virus can derail your trip. So, what are your options when you catch the flu while on the road?
Below are some basic tips to keep in mind while you’re away from the comforts of home.
The Middle East is a vast region that spans a couple of continents, from parts of Asia, through the Sinai Peninsula, to portions of Northeastern Africa.
Home to some of the world’s most glorious natural landscapes, it’s also considered a rising travel destination.
The architecture is also one-of-a-kind. Pyramids, temples and structures that are so ancient they date, as well as architecture that is so ancient it dates back to the old village of Aswan on the Nile River. These old marvels stand near modern skyscrapers in the capital cities that tower over buildings in other parts of the world.
There may be many strains of the flu, but only one can be broken down further.
The H3N2 flu strain mutates and changes, making us label its different subtypes. These subtypes are categorized by the World Health Organization based on host of origin, geographical origin, strain number and year of isolation.
The flu virus is constantly mutating and the vaccine can only help prevent so many strains. It can be difficult to predict which strain will infect people and how severe the infections will be.
This year, the flu season started early which is part of why it has affected so many people.
Voluntourism, otherwise known as Volunteer Tourism, continues to be a popular alternative to the normal vacation.
A traveler can visit some exotic region with the purpose of volunteering. It can be an excellent way for individuals to learn about a different culture and explore a country while helping those in need.
Many voluntours are in areas of the world where there’s a need and the volunteers supply the means. This can come in the form of time, money or any other need for an impoverished area.
Voluntourism has boomed in popularity since 2005, but there are some clear advantages and disadvantages that come along with the practice. Not everyone is as enthusiastic about it as others.
