All IMA members should trace every positive HIV person

All IMA members should trace every positive HIV person It is imperative to start ART irrespective of CD count or clinical stage once a person is tested HIV positive New Delhi, 18 May, 2017: According to statistics, out of the 21 lakh people with HIV in India, only 14 lakh are on the registry. About two-thirds of people with HIV/AIDS die due to lack of access to antiretroviral drugs (ART). With these statistics as the basis, the IMA has adopted government 90:90:90 strategy: to identify 90% of those infected, place 90% of them on treatment, and ensure 90% have the virus under control. This is a part of IMA's commitment on “ending AIDS by 2030” in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As per the new policy, ART will be provided to anyone tested and found positive for AIDS, irrespective of CD count or the clinical stage they are in. This policy is being propagated in a big way by IMA and is also being practiced by the private sector. Speaking about this pertinent issue, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr R N Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "It is a fact that a majority of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in India lack access to the initial and most important phase of treatment. This policy being adopted is for all men, women, adolescents, and children who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. It will improve the lifespan and quality of life of those infected, and save them from many opportunistic infections, especially TB. These benefits begin even when ART is started in early HIV infection, reducing the risk of HIV transmission as well. This collective step by IMA is a small step towards the larger goal of ensuring access to ART for all and achieving the target of ending AIDS by 2030." ART is an effective way of suppressing serum viral RNA levels and increasing CD4 cell counts in the vast majority of patients with acute and early HIV infection. Initiation of ART earlier after initial HIV infection can help in immune reconstitution to normal or near normal CD4 cell levels. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "In India, ART has been available since 2004. At ART clinics, HIV positive people have access to HTC, nutritional advice, and treatment for HIV and opportunistic infections. The need of the hour is for initiatives that can help provide a larger access to ART for those infected with HIV." People with AIDS still face much discrimination and stigma in the society. Although, India’s treatment programme is an example to the world of what can be achieved through committed collaboration, there is still a long way to go. Much has been learnt from the past experiences and it is important to continue building on the strong foundation created. Free ART, along with care and support services will ensure timely treatment and a positive outcome on this front.

A World Asthma Day Initiative

A World Asthma Day Initiative Asthma attacks can be managed by an individual Asthma cases in India higher than TB and HIV combined; creating awareness is the need of the hour New Delhi, 01 May 2017: Statistics indicate that Asthma affects about 300 million people globally with about 250,000 people around the world dying prematurely due to this condition. About 80% of asthma deaths occur in low-income countries. It has been estimated that asthma will grow by more than 100 million by 2025. The picture is not too good in India either which has 20 million asthmatics with the burden higher than TB and HIV combined. With asthma cases grossly under-diagnosed and under-reported due to lack of knowledge among the general population, the condition is only likely to exacerbate. As in every year, the first Tuesday in May this year too, is being observed as the World Asthma Day. With the theme "You can control your asthma", the day this year aims at increasing awareness on asthma among people, and reiterate that this condition can be controlled with medication. Speaking about asthma and the theme this year, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said "Every year, the World Asthma Day focuses on a certain theme. This year, it is about the patients managing asthma symptoms on their own. The patient must take initiative to stop/control their attacks, and till this happens, asthma deaths and hospitalizations cannot be reduced. On this World Asthma Day, we need to shatter all barriers, help raise awareness about the condition, and support those who are affected in any way possible." Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder triggered by allergic reactions. It leads to breathing difficulties as a result of narrowing of the bronchial passage, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to the lungs. Asthma can have two affects: swelling in the lungs due to accumulation of mucus in the airways; and inflammation due to tightening of the muscles around the airways. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Asthma is non-communicable. It is the duty of every individual to support asthma patients and remove the social stigma associated with it. One can support and help an asthmatic individual by creating awareness about the disease among the general population; accompanying the person to the hospital when in need; and ensuring that he/she takes proper medications on time." Every person with asthma can take small steps to keep their symptoms at bay. • Take your medications daily without fail. • Visit the doctor regularly. • Take only the prescribed medicines. • Take precautionary measures to avoid any triggers. • Always carry an inhaler with you and never feel shy to use it in public • Inform the doctor if any other health ailment is bothering you. • Lastly, don't take much stress and try to remain calm and happy.

Health Ministry launches a new ‘Test and Treat Policy for HIV’ for India

Health Ministry launches a new ‘Test and Treat Policy for ,’ for India The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda launched the ‘Test and Treat Policy for HIV’ yesterday. As per the policy, “as soon as a person is tested and found to be positive, he will be provided with anti-retroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of his CD count or clinical stage. This will be for all men, women, adolescents and children who have been diagnosed as a HIV + case. This will improve longevity, improve quality of life of those infected and will save them from many opportunistic infections, especially TB,” said the Health Minister. A National Strategic Plan for HIV for next seven years is under way. The Health Minister emphasized on the need to address stigma & discrimination towards HIV to enable persons infected and affected with HIV access health services. The long pending HIV/AIDS Act has been passed very recently to facilitate this. “Very few countries globally have such a law to protect rights of people infected with HIV,” Shri Nadda elaborated. The key provisions of HIV/AIDS Bill are prohibition of discrimination, informed consent, non-disclosure of HIV status, anti-retroviral therapy & opportunistic infection management, protection of property of affected children, safe working environment and appointment of ombudsman in every State. The Health Ministry has intensified its efforts to find all those that are estimated to be infected with HIV. “Out of 21 lakh estimated with HIV, we know only 14 lakh. To detect remaining we have revised national HIV testing guidelines and are aiming to reach out to people in community and test them where they are, of course with proper counseling and consent,” Shri Nadda mentioned. Shri Nadda further said that all those who are positive should get treatment and for that the Health Ministry is constantly expanding treatment delivery sites. “We have nearly 1600 ART and Link ART sites where treatment is provided across the country and recently we crossed the 1 million people on ART, second country in world to have such large numbers on free lifelong treatment. We have been able to avert 1.5 lakh deaths due to ART and we will be able to avert 4.5 lakh more deaths by expanding provision of ART,” Shri Nadda informed. Shri Nadda stated that the 90:90:90 strategy that the Ministry has adopted will help to identify 90% of those infected, place 90% of these on treatment and ensure 90% have their virus under control. “This strategy will offer us an opportunity to work towards our commitment during HLM and WHA on “ending AIDS by 2030” as a part of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).” (Source: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, April 28, 2017) Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

50 Facts on HIV/AIDS

50 Facts on HIV/AIDS

Dr KK Aggarwal

National President IMA

1.     AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which damages the immune system, lowering the resistance of the body to fight off infections.

2.     AIDS is the advanced stage (stage 4) of HIV infection.

3.     Progression from HIV infection to AIDS, if untreated, may take 8-10 years. In young children, it usually develops much faster.

4.     HIV-positive people may remain asymptomatic but can still pass on the virus to others.

5.     78 million (69.5 million–87.6 million) people have become infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic (end 2015).

6.     35 million (29.6 million–40.8 million) people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic (end 2015).

7.     36.7 million (34.0 million–39.8 million) people globally were living with HIV (end 2015).

8.     1.1 million (940 000–1.3 million) people died from AIDS-related illnesses (end 2015).

9.     2.1 million (1.8 million–2.4 million) people became newly infected with HIV (end 2015).

10.  18.2 million (16.1 million–19.0 million) people were accessing antiretroviral therapy (June 2016)

11.  People with HIV are at risk of developing active TB disease.

12.  Transmission of HIV/AIDS can be prevented.

13.  HIV spreads through unprotected sex with an HIV–positive person.

14.  HIV spreads through transfusions of unscreened (HIV–positive) blood.

15.  HIV can spread from an infected woman to her child during pregnancy and childbirth.

16.  HIV infection can be passed from a mother to her child through breastfeeding.

17.  HIV spreads by unsterilized infected needles or syringes, especially those used for injecting drugs.

18.  Used infected razor blades, knives or tools that cut or pierce the skin also carry some risk of spreading HIV.

19.  Touching, hugging, shaking hands, coughing and sneezing will not spread the virus.

20.  HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted through toilet seats, telephones, plates, glasses, eating utensils, towels, bed linen, swimming pools or public baths.

21.  Up to 70 % of partners of people with HIV are also HIV positive.

22.  Practicing safe sexual behaviors such as using condoms prevents HIV transmission.

23.  All pregnant mothers should get HIV test done.

24.  A blood test is the most accurate way to tell if someone is infected with HIV.

25.  Most tests for HIV/AIDS check for the presence of antibodies to the virus.

26.  If the result of an HIV/AIDS test is negative, this means the person tested is not infected or it is too early to detect the virus.

27.  Infection may not be detected up to the first few weeks to few months.

28.  Even if the first test is negative, the test should be repeated 6 months after any possible exposure to HIV infection.

29.  The time period when an infected person does not test as HIV positive is called ‘window period’.

30.  All people, including children, are at risk for HIV/AIDS, including occupational risk.

31.  People who have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) are at greater risk of getting HIV and of spreading HIV to others.

32.  Persons suffering from STIs have a 5–10 times higher risk of becoming infected with HIV if they have unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV–infected person.

33.  If both partners are not treated for a STI, they will continue infecting each other with the sexually transmitted infection.

34.  The more sex partners people have, the greater the risk that one of them will have HIV/AIDS and pass it on.

35.  Antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be started at the earliest to prevent HIV transmission to sexual or drug using partner/s or from the mother to the infant during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

36.  People with STIs should seek prompt treatment and avoid sexual intercourse or practice safe sex.

37.  Men with HIV are less likely to be diagnosed and put on ART and are more likely to die of HIV-related causes than women.

38.  Internal secretions, which can harbor HIV virus, are blood (including menstrual blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, peritoneal fluid, brain fluid, pleural lung fluid, pericardial heart fluid etc. These secretions, when mixed with secretions of another person infected with HIV transmit HIV.

39.  External secretions, which do not harbor the HIV virus are saliva, tear, sweat, urine and feces. The mixing of these secretions with secretions of an HIV-positive person does not transmit HIV.

40.  HIV does not spread by mosquitoes or other insects.

41.  HIV counseling and testing can help in the early detection of HIV infection, to get the support services for those who are infected.

42.  Counseling helps to manage other infectious diseases they might have, and learn about living with HIV/AIDS and how to avoid infecting others.

43.  Counseling and testing can also help those not infected to remain uninfected through education about safer sex.

44.  Pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenofovir-emtricitabine in high risk patients and who are committed to medication adherence and close follow-up can reduce the risk of HIV infection by 48 to 75%.

45.  Drinking alcohol or taking drugs interferes with judgment. Even those who understand the risks of AIDS and the importance of safer sex may become careless after drinking or using drugs.

46.  Young people need to be educated that there is no vaccination and no cure for HIV/AIDS.

47.  WHO recommends innovative HIV-self-testing and partner notification approaches to increase HIV testing services among undiagnosed people.

48.  Prevention is the only protection against HIV/AIDS.

49.  ABC for safe sex: Abstain, Be faithful to your partner and if you cannot, use Condoms.

50.  90–90–90 is a treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic. By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status; 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

Hepatitis C may spell trouble for the heart

Hepatitis C may spell trouble for the heart This World Hepatitis Day, awareness needs to be created on the causes and effects of Hepatitis as also strategies for prevention and getting the right vaccination for this disease. New Delhi, July 28, 2016: Currently, around the world, about 400 million people are living with viral hepatitis, a liver disease responsible for the death of more people than that caused by HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. Every year, about 1.4 million die of hepatitis, a figure that is shocking because hepatitis can be prevented! In the World Health Assembly 2014, 194 governments adopted a resolution to promote global action to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis. A global strategy has been created by the World Health Organization to eliminate hepatitis B and C. This will be put forward for adoption during the World Health Assembly in 2016. While it is true that people infected with Hepatitis C are at a risk for liver damage, the infection may also spell trouble for the heart, according to a study. The study provides strong evidence suggesting that Hepatitis C can lead to cardiovascular damage. "People chronically infected with Hepatitis C are more likely to harbor abnormal fat-and-calcium plaques inside their arteries. This is known as atherosclerosis, a precursor to heart attacks and strokes. While it is not known exactly how the infection leads to the growth of artery-clogging plaque, the evidence is strong enough to look out for cardiac symptoms in people with Hepatitis C. It is important to look for signs of liver disease in people with Hepatitis C, but at the same time, physicians should also check the cardiac risk profile regularly. Annual cardiac examinations, including cholesterol and glucose testing, blood pressure checks, and assessment of lifestyle habits would also be helpful," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India and Honorary Secretary General IMA. The Hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus leading to an infection with severity range lasting few weeks and sometimes becoming a lifelong condition. The infection can occur through unsafe needle injection practices, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and the transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. Infected people develop liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Though it is possible to cure 90% of the infections through antiviral medicines, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. "Those with higher levels of circulating Hepatitis C virus in their blood have 50% more chance of having clogged arteries. If the infection is poorly controlled, it can lead to inflammation throughout the body thus fuelling blood vessel damage and resulting in heart problems. Hepatitis C is a manageable condition without any severe impact on health provided the diagnosis and treatment are done at the right time. It is essential that a person at risk discusses their case openly with a doctor and finds out the best ways to mitigate the effects of the infection on the liver and the cardiovascular system,” Dr Aggarwal added. It is important to maintain a healthy blood pressure and blood fat ratio to prevent heart disease. However, there is more work to be done if a person has Hepatitis C. Efforts should be made to minimize Hepatitis C viral load. Some steps to be taken include: • Abstaining from alcohol (as it causes the virus to flare-up) • Combating the illness with antiviral combination therapy (approximately half of those infected can conquer the virus) • Keeping cells healthy with antioxidants It is imperative to find ways to control the infection rather than letting Hepatitis C dictate the future of your heart. Follow suggestions from your physician to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Additionally, inhibiting the Hepatitis C virus will be beneficial for both the liver and heart

Hepatitis B is a more dangerous infection than HIV

HIV and Viral hepatitis
Hepatitis B is a more dangerous infection than HIV

Dr K K Aggarwal

• Viral hepatitis and HIV coinfection is a common problem and challenge to the treating clinician.
• People with HIV who are coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at increased risk for serious, life-threatening health complications.
• All people living with HIV should be tested for Hepatitis B and C infections.
• HIV and viral hepatitis coinfection can complicate the management of HIV infection.
• Progression of liver disease is faster in individuals with HIV and viral hepatitis coinfection; also, they may not respond as well to treatment.
• Hepatitis B is preventable; hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for high-risk people or those living with HIV who have tested negative for HBV.
• Give Hepatitis B vaccine to all unvaccinated persons after exposure to blood. If the exposed blood is positive for HBV and the exposed person is unvaccinated, treatment with hepatitis B immune globulin is recommended.
• HIV, HBV and HCV have similar routes of transmission. They spread by contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid, or from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. Because of these shared routes of transmission, people at risk for HIV infection are also at risk for HBV or HCV infection. Of these, hepatitis B is more infectious.
• Hepatitis B virus gets transmitted by percutaneous and mucosal exposures and human bites.
• Hepatitis B can also be transmitted by fomites such as finger stick blood sugar check, multi dose medication vials, jet gun injectors, and endoscopes.  Hepatitis B virus can survive on counter tops for up to 7 days and remain capable of causing infection.
• Any scratch, cut and wound should be cleaned with soap and water and covered with a waterproof dressing or plaster. Expressing fluid by squeezing the wound will not reduce the risk of blood borne infection.
• Blood spills from someone with hepatitis B should be cleaned up with appropriate infection control procedures e.g. wearing gloves, and using an appropriate cleaning product for the surface, such as diluted bleach or detergent and warm water.
• Transmission of hepatitis C virus can occur from infected fluid splashes to the conjunctiva. Hepatitis C virus can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 16 hours.

IMA & HCFI stand for AIDS control and hold a webcast on the latest innovations in the prevention, treatment and care regime

IMA & HCFI stand for AIDS control and hold a webcast on the latest innovations in the prevention, treatment and care regime New Delhi, 21st July, 2016: As per India HIV estimation 2015 report, there are nearly 21 lakhs HIV positive people in our country out of which a huge population is not even aware of their condition. These appalling figures substantiate the fact that India has the third largest number of people living with HIV in the world. In India, the prevalence of HIV positive among pregnant ladies is 0.11%, 2% among commercial female sex workers (FSW), 4% among male sex workers (MSW) and 11% among Intravenous drug users. The need for raising awareness about the available diagnostic procedures and the treatments for AIDS is a matter of prime importance in our country. Stressing on the urgent need to eliminate the social stigma around the disease, the IMA and Heart Care Foundation of India organised a webcast today. The expert faculty for the same consisted of Dr P S Nayyer, Consultant Physician, BSAH, Former Addl, Project Director, Delhi State AIDS Control Society, Dr. VK Monga, Dean, IMA CGPand Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President HCFI & Honorary Secretary General IMA. Speaking about the same, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President HCFI & Honorary Secretary General IMA said, "Not many people are aware that the diagnosis and treatment of HIV positive patients are free in India. One can just walk into any Govt. centre and get herself/himself checked. Now when someone is diagnosed with Tuberculosis, it has become advisable to get him/her tested for HIV too. It is true vice versa. Earlier the better is what is being practiced in the HIV treatment module now. Earlier people used to wait for the symptoms to appear but now action is taken fast so as to bring more and more number of HIV patients under treatment. Healthcare workers if struck by any needle injury and all rape victims should undergo Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Those who indulge in high risk sexual activity and do not want to take protection should undergo PEP on a continuous basis.” Adding to this, Dr P S Nayyer, Consultant Physician, BSAH, Former Addl, Project Director, Delhi State AIDA Control Society said, ”The diagnosis of AIDS cannot be based on a single test. If one test is positive, repeat tests need to be done. Safe sexual practices and safe blood transfusion are the key. For Intravenous drug users, safe needle exchange programmes are there which entail single use and safe needle practice. There has been lot of advancements in the Antenatal and perinatal strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection. It should be known that mother-to-child HIV transmission is 100% controllable, preventable and curable. HIV should not be considered a stigma. It is a chronic manageable disease like Hepatitis B and C. In terms of transmission, Hepatitis B virus is more transmissible than HIV. Hepatitis C now is curable and thus, there is a hope that HIV will also be curable. ” A few points discussed in the webcast include 1. India has nearly 21 lakh HIV positive patients 2. Diagnosis and treatment of AIDS are free in India 3. Earlier the better is the new mantra for HIV treatment 4. Diagnosis is not based on a single test. If 1 test is +ve, repeat tests need to be done. 5. Safe sexual practice is the key 6. Mother to child HIV transmission is 100% preventable, controllable and curable 7. HIV is no more a stigma; it is a chronic manageable disease like Hepatitis B and C 8. Hepatitis C is now curable and there is hope that AIDS too will also be curable

Updated HIV guidelines integrate treatment and prevention

Updated HIV guidelines integrate treatment and prevention

Dr K K Aggarwal

The International Antiviral Society-USA panel on antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy for HIV infection has released updated recommendations, which for the first time, have integrated treatment and prevention. The guidelines say that ARVs remain the cornerstone of HIV treatment and prevention and when used effectively, currently available ARVs can sustain HIV suppression and can prevent new HIV infection. The guidelines “Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection in Adults2016 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society–USA Panel” are published July 12, 2016 in JAMA. Some key recommendations are: • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be started in all individuals with HIV infection with detectable viremia regardless of CD4 cell count. • The recommended optimal initial regimens include an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) + 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Other effective regimens include nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or boosted protease inhibitors with 2 NRTIs. • ART should be started within the first 2 weeks after diagnosis for most acute opportunistic infections, with the possible exception of acute cryptococcal meningitis. • Reasons for switching therapy include convenience, tolerability, simplification, anticipation of potential new drug interactions, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, elimination of food restrictions, virologic failure, or drug toxicities. • Laboratory assessments are recommended before treatment, and monitoring during treatment is recommended to assess response, adverse effects, and adherence. If ART is being initiated on the first clinic visit, all laboratory specimens should be drawn prior to the first dose of ART; resistance testing results should be used to modify the regimen as necessary. Recommended pre-ART tests include CD4 cell count, plasma HIV-1 RNA, serologies for hepatitis A, B, and C, serum chemistries, estimated creatinine clearance rate, complete blood cell count, urine glucose and protein, sexually transmitted infection screening, and fasting lipid profile. Genotypic testing for reverse transcriptase and protease resistance mutations is also recommended pre-ART. • Systematic monitoring of time to care linkage following initial HIV diagnosis, retention in care, ART adherence, and rates of viral suppression is recommended in all care settings. • Preexposure prophylaxis should be considered as part of an HIV prevention strategy for at-risk individuals. Daily, rather than intermittent, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine is the recommended PrEP regimen. Detailed sexual, substance use, and medical histories are important for deciding whether to provide PrEP. • The guidelines recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B for those who are not immune and human papillomavirus vaccination. • Postexposure prophylaxis is recommended as soon as possible after exposure without waiting for confirmation of HIV serostatus of the source patient or results of HIV RNA or resistance testing. Postexposure prophylaxis regimens should be continued for 28 days, and HIV serostatus should be reassessed at 4 to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after exposure.

Heart Care Foundation of India dispels common myths about Blood Donation

Heart Care Foundation of India dispels common myths about Blood Donation

New Delhi, June 14, 2016: The theme for this year’s World Blood Donation Day that happens to be today is 'Blood connects us all'. On the occasion, National Health NGO, the Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) raised awareness about the importance of blood donation and dispelled common myths. According to a 2012 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, only nine million units are collected annually, while the need is for 12 million units. Delhi NCR alone faces a shortage of 1,00,000 units per year. Speaking about the same, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “There are various myths associated with blood donation that often prevent people from donating blood. It is important to raise awareness about the benefits of blood donation on a person’s health and its importance in helping save lives. Some common myths include the fear of catching diseases, running out of blood, developing iron deficiency and age, class and caste restrictions to donating blood. Blood donation is safe, beneficial and each and every healthy individual must be encouraged to donate blood at least once every year.” Common myths and facts about blood donation include: Myth: Blood donation is a painful procedure. Fact: The pain experienced is no more than a needle prick. Myth: HIV or other infections can be contracted from donating blood. Fact: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection. Myth: Donating blood frequently will make my body weak. Fact: A healthy person can donate blood four times a year with a minimum a 3 months’ gap between each blood donation. Myth: Giving blood is time consuming. Fact: The time taken for a single donation session is normally not more than an hour or so. Myth: Donating blood at frequent intervals make my body iron deficient Fact: No, a healthy individual with good eating habits can donate blood at regular intervals and this does not make them iron deficient. Myth: If I donate blood, my body may run out of blood in the long run Fact: Only about 350-450ml of blood is taken during a donation session. There is enough blood in the body to donate it without any ill effects. The body makes new blood after donation. Myth: Age is a deterrent to blood donation. Fact: Anyone between 18 until the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood. Myth: Heavy people are healthier and have more blood give. Fact: Being overweight makes people less healthy. Overweight people do not have more blood. Myth: Health deteriorates after donating blood. Fact: If you are healthy prior to donation, your recovery is complete in a day or two. It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids replaces the lost fluid within a couple of hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. All the RBCs are replaced within 3-4 days and WBCs within 3 weeks. Myth: you cannot take part in sports or other physical activities after donating blood. Fact: Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Myth: When there is a requirement, blood can be manufactured. Fact: Blood is not something that can be manufactured. It can only come from healthy human beings. Myth: Religion and caste are key factors to keep in mind while donating blood Fact: Race and caste have no bearing on eligibility being a blood donor. It is the blood type and group that is of importance