Myths and facts about the outbreak of Dengue in the National Capital

Myths and facts about the outbreak of Dengue in the National Capital New Delhi, August 29, 2016: Given the large-scale panic that the increasing incidence of dengue has created, it is essential that awareness is raised about the myths and facts of the disease. Clearing common misconceptions Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K K Aggarwal, President HCFI & Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “Dengue incidence will continue to exist in the coming one month and instead of creating unnecessary chaos and panic, it is essential that awareness is created about prevention and timely steps are taken towards disease management. One must remember that only 1% of the dengue cases are life-threatening. Most dengue cases can be handled on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization". Dengue Myths vs. Facts Myth: We are facing a dengue epidemic Fact: Delhi is at present going through a dengue outbreak, and it is not yet epidemic Myth: All dengue cases are the same and must be dealt with in the same manner Fact: Dengue can be classified as dengue fever and severe dengue. A person is said to be suffering from severe dengue when there is capillary leakage. Patients who have dengue fever do not have capillary leakage. Type 2 and type 4 dengue are more likely to cause capillary leakage. Myth: Everyone suffering from dengue must be hospitalized Fact: Dengue fever can be managed on an outpatient basis and patients who do not have severe abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, abnormal mental status or extreme weakness, do not need hospitalization. Only patients suffering from severe dengue need hospitalization basis the discretion of their consulting doctor. One must always remember that 70% of the dengue fever cases can be cured just through the proper administration of oral fluids. Patients must be given 100-150 ml of safe water every hour, and it must be ensured that they must pass urine every 4-6 hours. Myth: Dengue can never re-occur if you have had it once in the past Fact: There are four types of dengue infections, which exist in our country. While dengue from the strain cannot re-occur, that from a different strain can. A second occurrence dengue (secondary) is more serious than first infection (primary). In the primary infection, IgM or NS1 will be positive and in secondary infection IgG will also be positive. Myth: Platelet transfusion is the primary treatment option for people suffering from dengue fever Fact: Platelet transfusion is only needed in cases where the patient's counts are less than 10,000, and there is active bleeding. Unnecessary platelet transfusion can cause more harm than good. The best treatment for dengue is to administer large amounts of oral fluids to patients. For patients who are unable to take oral fluids, intravenous administration may be necessary. Myth: Machine platelet count is accurate Fact: Machine platelet count reading may be less than the actual platelet count, and a difference of about 30,000 can occur Myth: Testing platelet levels alone accounts for complete and effective management of dengue Fact: A complete blood count (especially hematocrit) is needed to monitor prognosis and increased capillary permeability, which is the starting point of all complications. Falling platelet counts with rising hematocrit levels are most important

Myths and facts about the outbreak of Dengue in the National Capital

Myths and facts about the outbreak of Dengue in the National Capital New Delhi, August 29, 2016: Given the large-scale panic that the increasing incidence of dengue has created, it is essential that awareness is raised about the myths and facts of the disease. Clearing common misconceptions Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K K Aggarwal, President HCFI & Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “Dengue incidence will continue to exist in the coming one month and instead of creating unnecessary chaos and panic, it is essential that awareness is created about prevention and timely steps are taken towards disease management. One must remember that only 1% of the dengue cases are life-threatening. Most dengue cases can be handled on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization". Dengue Myths vs. Facts Myth: We are facing a dengue epidemic Fact: Delhi is at present going through a dengue outbreak, and it is not yet epidemic Myth: All dengue cases are the same and must be dealt with in the same manner Fact: Dengue can be classified as dengue fever and severe dengue. A person is said to be suffering from severe dengue when there is capillary leakage. Patients who have dengue fever do not have capillary leakage. Type 2 and type 4 dengue are more likely to cause capillary leakage. Myth: Everyone suffering from dengue must be hospitalized Fact: Dengue fever can be managed on an outpatient basis and patients who do not have severe abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, abnormal mental status or extreme weakness, do not need hospitalization. Only patients suffering from severe dengue need hospitalization basis the discretion of their consulting doctor. One must always remember that 70% of the dengue fever cases can be cured just through the proper administration of oral fluids. Patients must be given 100-150 ml of safe water every hour, and it must be ensured that they must pass urine every 4-6 hours. Myth: Dengue can never re-occur if you have had it once in the past Fact: There are four types of dengue infections, which exist in our country. While dengue from the strain cannot re-occur, that from a different strain can. A second occurrence dengue (secondary) is more serious than first infection (primary). In the primary infection, IgM or NS1 will be positive and in secondary infection IgG will also be positive. Myth: Platelet transfusion is the primary treatment option for people suffering from dengue fever Fact: Platelet transfusion is only needed in cases where the patient's counts are less than 10,000, and there is active bleeding. Unnecessary platelet transfusion can cause more harm than good. The best treatment for dengue is to administer large amounts of oral fluids to patients. For patients who are unable to take oral fluids, intravenous administration may be necessary. Myth: Machine platelet count is accurate Fact: Machine platelet count reading may be less than the actual platelet count, and a difference of about 30,000 can occur Myth: Testing platelet levels alone accounts for complete and effective management of dengue Fact: A complete blood count (especially hematocrit) is needed to monitor prognosis and increased capillary permeability, which is the starting point of all complications. Falling platelet counts with rising hematocrit levels are most important

Common myths and facts about heart surgery

Common myths and facts about heart surgery

Dr OP Yadava and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal educate the public and the medical fraternity about the urgent need to raise awareness about the reversal of heart disease New Delhi, June 23, 2016: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and premature mortality in the world contributing to over 17.5 million deaths every year. The disease poses a great risk in a developing country like India, which is not only one of the most densely populated nations but is also beset with extreme differences in terms of the social, economic and regional divisions. India already holds the title of the diabetic capital of the world. Estimates indicate that by 2025, we will also be the CVD capital of the world with estimation of 69.8 million disease cases. The most common type of heart disease in India is coronary artery disease that is caused due to the narrowing and choking of the heart artery walls over a period due to the deposit of plaque. The primary cause of this is irregularities in one’s lifestyle. Recognising the need to raise awareness and reduce the increasing incidence of heart disease in the young (people below the age of 40), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) today hosted a webcast that was attended by over 3000 doctors and patients. The expert faculty for the webcast included Dr OP Yadava Chief Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, National Heart Institute and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President HCFI & Honorary Secretary General IMA. Speaking about the webcast, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “Congenital heart disease affects 3-5 children per 1000 population. If diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, almost 99% of the children and live healthy and long-lives. Rheumatic heart disease is easily preventable by maintaining adequate hygiene. In case of any fever with joint pains and a sore throat, parents must take their child to the doctor without any delay. In the 21st century with more and more people being diagnosed with coronary heart disease at an early age given their irregular lifestyles, it is crucial that awareness is raised about the long-term implications of living high stressed sedentary lives. Tobacco consumption increases a person’s chances of developing heart disease by two folds. Living a healthy and balanced life is key. People must also be educated about how it is not required to take second opinions from doctors abroad. Cardiac treatment in India is as advanced as it is outside.” Adding to this, Dr OP Yadava said, “It is important that heart patients should never ignore mild symptoms by finding some explanation for it. They must report it to their doctor, as it could be a hidden sign of an upcoming heart attack. It is also important to remember that after a heart surgery, constant monitoring of the heart and lifestyle modifications preventing further damage are critical. The decision to go in for a bypass or an angioplasty must be a team including the cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, family physician as well as the patient and his/her family members”. Though heart surgery is a costly affair, there are organizations that come to the aid of poor people. Heart Care Foundation of India through its partnership with the National Heart Institute has been helping save lives of those in need of heart surgery but are unable to afford treatment because of their financial background over the past two years. Any person can apply for the benefits of the project the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund by calling on its helpline number +919958771177. An expert committee comprising of notable individuals would assess all applications received by the fund. Once sanctioned, the funds would be directly deposited in the bank account of the medical establishments treating the patient.

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