Monday 29 April 2019

The Emergence of New Vaccines


Protection against rising pathogens is the need of the hour. The stronger the immunity, the better is the ability to fight against the infections. Scientists are putting their best efforts to bring out powerful vaccines. A vaccine is a biological preparation which guards the body against particular diseases. Prior to medical travel and leisure trips its recommended to get immunized. When entering a new territory, there is a possibility that the body may not be adaptable to environmental microorganisms.Being immunized gives one the protection from the foreign particles which could be harmful to the body. 

Travel-based vaccines 

Vaccinations for travel are advised to be taken before the journey around 4 to 6 weeks or at least 2 weeks prior. This would help you to know if any possible side effects would be seen and could be consulted with the doctor. Know about the essential vaccines needed based on the place you visit. According to international regulations, the vaccine for yellow fever is considered mandatory. Vaccination ensures dangerous infections are not carried by you to your hometown. 

Immunization in India 

The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in India came about in 1985. The primary objective is to provide vaccines against polio, tuberculosis and other diseases to Indian children.  The program provides vaccination for 12 diseases: 

    • Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for Tuberculosis 
    • DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus Toxoid) 
    • OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) 
    • Measles 
    • Hepatitis B 
    • TT (Tetanus Toxoid) 
    • JE Vaccination 
    • Hib containing pentavalent vaccine (DPT+ Hepatitis B + Hib) 

The recent vaccines added to the list include the vaccines against rotavirus, rubella, inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. 

India had the highest incidences of polio cases. It was eradicated through a  vaccination programme with the collaborated efforts of WHO, Rotary International,  CDC, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Government of India. 
  
Vaccines for the older population 

Shingles is a common viral infection the causes painful rash seen in old age. There is a risk of developing shingles as one gets older. Most of the seniors over 60 years get hospitalized due to seasonal flu. Some of the vaccines which need to be taken includes: 
    • Seasonal Flu (influenza) vaccine 
    • Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis) 
    • Shingles vaccine (for 50years & above) 
    • Pneumococcal vaccine (for 65 years & above) 

Vaccination is crucial even in old age. Talk to your doctor to understand what vaccines are required by you. There could be ingredients in vaccines which individuals can be allergic to certain individuals, therefore, a doctor's consultation is recommended. 

Allergies & Vaccines 

Sometimes, there are instances where an individual shows allergic reactions upon the administration of vaccines. This is due to the ingredients present in the vaccines which may be: 

    • Egg 
    • Latex 
    • Gelatin 
    • Yeast 

If the patient shows an immediate type of reaction to these above components, it's better to have skin testing before taking immunization. 

Vaccination is necessary for all ages. From infancy to seniority receiving immunization is a must. As the environmental conditions are advancing, new pathogens are arising. Researchers and scientists are working towards a disease-free world through vaccination. There are plenty of vaccines for travellers which should be taken in advance. Vaccines are now existential at healthcare centers, hospitals, community centers. There could be vaccination programs in schools, colleges and even workplaces. A prompt vaccination paves the way for better public health services. 

Monday 1 April 2019

Comparison of Taking Treatment in Abroad and India

One of the popular industries which is creating much results and revenue is the Healthcare sector. The healthcare treatments probably would have started in a house or cottage, slowly moved into a clinical setup. Now, it is present worldwide as hospitals be it big or small. There a lot of changes from the past to present. Most of the manual works have been automated. The new technologies have revolutionised the healthcare services. There is a wide range of treatment and therapies in the current market. Several doctors are specialising in their area of interest as every field is intricate and complex.
India is the hub of varied medical treatments which ranges from allopathy to alternative medicines. Earlier treatments where done through natural ways through Vedic medicines and nature substitutes. The healthcare industry has been changed from what was in the past. There are clinics, hospitals and doctors almost in every neighbourhood. Heavily subsidized treatment cost is one of the reasons why people travel to other countries for treatment.  Other reasons include hugely discounted rates, low cost of infrastructure and low doctor patient ratio. Government of India has various schemes to help out citizens with medical treatments. It’s mostly the cost factor which gives India the edge from other countries in medical treatments. 
Some comparison of treatment in three different countries:

Treatment costs comparison
Procedures US ($) India ($) Korea ($)
Heart Bypass $144,000 $5,200 $28,900
Knee Replacement $50,000 $6,200 $19,800
Angioplasty $57,000 $3,300 $15,200
Dental Implant $2,800 $1,000 $4,200
Face Lift $15,000 $4,000 $15,200
Courtesy: https://www.medicalindiatourism.com/treatment-cost.html

Going through these data it could be understood medical costs in India is lower than United States and Korea. But it should also be kept in mind the money value and financial circumstances differ from country to country. Indian market is such that it accommodates the needs of the average to well settled. Therefore, there would be hospitals and packages made in a way it fits the income level of any individual.

Also look at other expenses such as travelling, accommodation, food and sightseeing. Rail travel is best way across the states all because of the Indian Railways due to its connectivity and easy access. Coming to stay and comfort, one can find hygienic, spacious rooms at good prices with ample facilities. What more can you ask for when you get healthy plate of food which does not even put a hole in your pocket. India is collaboration of all these perks, so it won’t be surprising to see people crowding for medical treatments.

Alternative healing is turning pages in Indian medical tourism. Ayurvedic treatments seems to be giving mind relaxation and natural healing to spine problems. Relaxing massages could pave a way for a pain-free body. Yoga, meditation, mud therapy and oil massages are some of the other treatments. Most tourists come to India in search of such treatments. And they return home with happy faces. Compared to other countries, India seems to attracting more tourists due to this kind of healing.

India will be the popular choice for all medical tourists. As it provides quality service and treatment with credible doctors and experts. Therefore, it’s all in one destination for medical tourism. Making it different from other countries.

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