fever Archives - Amazing Health Advances

CDC Study: Significantly Higher Lyme Disease Rates Among Older Adults Than Previously Reported

The AHA! Team — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:24:32 +0000

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. via News-Medical – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in association with the University of Iowa, USA, has conducted an epidemiological study to determine the incidence rate of Lyme disease among older adults in the United States. The study is published in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. Background Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a vector-borne bacterial infection caused by a species of Borrelia bacteria that spreads to humans by the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). The main symptoms are fever, headache, fatigue, and a specific type of skin rash called erythema migrans. While Lyme disease can present with a characteristic erythema migrans rash, it can also lead to severe complications if left untreated, including facial nerve paralysis, arthritis, and even heart rhythm irregularities. In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions. Previous studies estimating the prevalence of the disease have used employer-sponsored insurance claims data to quantify the disease diagnoses. However, this type of data does not include information on individuals aged 65 years and above who exhibit higher susceptibility to Lyme disease than their younger peers. In this study, scientists have determined the incidence of Lyme disease among older adults in the United States using Medicare fee-for-service data that includes information on individuals aged 65 years and above. Study design The study analyzed Medicare fee-for-service data together with drug treatment data to identify Lyme disease diagnoses among individuals aged 65 years and above. The data collected during 2016 – 2019 was included in the analysis. The Medicare fee-for-service study population was compared with the 2019 US Census estimation data for individuals aged 65 years and above to ensure that the two groups were age-, sex-, race-, ethnicity- and region-matched. Lyme disease diagnoses identified in the Medicare fee-for-service data were compared with the confirmed and probable cases among individuals aged 65 years and above obtained through national surveillance. However, the study also notes certain limitations, such as slight differences between the Medicare fee-for-service population and the U.S. Census population regarding race, ethnicity, and sex. These differences, though small, were stable throughout the study period. Important observations The Medicare fee-for-service population included in the study was estimated to have a median of 17,872,466 person-years during the study period, as compared to the US Census population of 51,561,372 individuals aged 65 years and above. Person-years refer to the number of years for which persons contribute data. The proportion of individuals from neighboring high-incidence states was higher in the Medicare population than in the US Census population. Incidence of Lyme disease A total of 88,485 Lyme disease cases were identified in the Medicare population during the 2016-2019 study period. This corresponded to an average incidence of 123.5 diagnoses per 100,000 person-years. The total number of Lyme disease cases reported through public health surveillance during the same period was 34,183. This corresponded to an average incidence of 16.6 cases per 100,000 persons. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bullseye rash. Approximately 82% of Lyme disease cases were identified among individuals residing in high-incidence states. The median incidence of Lyme disease diagnoses was 346.9 per 100,000 person-years among residents of high-incidence states, 35.3 per 100,000 person-years among residents of states or jurisdictions neighboring high-incidence states, and 29.4 per 100,000 person-years among residents of low-incidence states. Public health surveillance data revealed that about 93% of Lyme disease cases were among residents of high-incidence states. The median incidence of these cases was 57.1 per 100,000 persons among residents of high-incidence states, 3.6 per 100,000 persons among residents of states or jurisdictions neighboring high-incidence states, and 0.6 per 100,000 persons among residents of low-incidence states. The majority of Lyme disease diagnoses occurred in the summer months. Among residents of low-incidence states, a large proportion of disease diagnoses occurred in winter months. According to Medicare and surveillance data, the majority of Lyme disease cases were identified among men. In high-incidence states, men had the highest incidence of Lyme disease for all age groups. In low-incidence states, women had a slightly higher incidence than men only in the 65–69-year age group and 75–79-year age group. Study significance The study identified more than 88,000 adults aged 65 years and above diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease during 2016 – 2019 in the United States. Most Lyme disease cases have been identified among residents of high-incidence states. The study reports a 7-fold higher incidence of Lyme disease diagnoses compared to that reported through public health surveillance. These findings are similar to the findings reported in previous claims analyses. The study also acknowledges the issue of overdiagnosis, which may partly explain the differences observed between the Medicare data and public health surveillance data. Overdiagnosis has been reported in other analyses and may contribute to the higher incidence rates observed in this older population. A variation in Lyme disease seasonality has been observed when Medicare fee-for-service data is compared with surveillance data. Some differences in gender-specific disease susceptibility have also been observed when this study is compared with previous claims analyses. Antibiotics like doxycycline are effective treatments. In previous claims analyses, male children have shown higher susceptibility to Lyme disease in both high- and low-incidence states. In contrast, male older adults have shown higher susceptibility in high-incidence states. Overall, the study findings add insight into Lyme disease patterns unique to this older population in the United States. Journal reference: Schwartz AM. 2024. Epidemiology of Lyme Disease Diagnoses among Older Adults, United States, 2016–2019. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/9/24-0454_article To read the original article click here.

The post CDC Study: Significantly Higher Lyme Disease Rates Among Older Adults Than Previously Reported appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

WARNING: Aspirin and Ibuprofen Proven to Cause Heart Attacks

AHA Publisher — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 07:00:36 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – A groundbreaking study presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism provided compelling data proving that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can cause heart attacks. At the conference, Dr. Carl Orr from the Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons, stated: The side effect profile and safety of NSAIDs have been commonly reported, but little is known about treatment duration and its implications for cardiovascular risk. This data demonstrates an immediate increase in the risk of death and MI [heart attack], challenging the safety of even short-term use. The introduction of physician guidelines to assist safe prescribing of this class of drug is vital and the only way to keep patient safety at the forefront of disease management. Shocking Statistics from Dr. Orr’s Study Software was used to analyze 10,000 patients registered with a large primary care facility who fit the following profile: • Over 50 years old • Had been prescribed NSAIDs in the past • Was previously diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or hypertension Computer-generated data discovered that in late 2012, 108 patients were prescribed NSAIDs over a two-month period, and 36 percent had established ischemic heart disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It’s also interesting to note that the average treatment prescribed was 265 days; 56 percent were prescribed NSAIDs for longer than one month, and 15 percent for a year or longer. In addition, in 55 percent of cases, diclofenac was the NSAID prescribed. This last point has caused much concern due to diclofenac’s well-known side effects, including heart attacks, strokes, and internal bleeding. Disheartened, Dr. Orr subsequently concluded, “We find it disconcerting that diclofenac was prescribed in 55 percent of cases and suggest that recommendations to switch to safer alternatives are a critical component of any physician guidelines.” Research Is Mounting Against NSAID Use Dr. Orr’s study is not sitting alone on some obscure island. Scores of studies have been and are being published correlating significant health risks to common pain killers. Back in 2013, for example, the world-renown journal Lancetpublished the results of the famous Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists’ (CNT) Collaboration – a study in which data was employed from more than 350,000 randomized patients. From their research, the authors confidently concluded: • Heart failure risk was roughly doubled by all NSAIDs • All NSAID regimens increased upper gastrointestinal complications • Major vascular events were increased by about a third by a coxib [Cox-2 inhibitor], chiefly due to an increase in major coronary events • Ibuprofen also significantly increased major coronary events, but not major vascular events. Ironically, NSAIDs have been heralded by the medical community for their ability to prevent heart attacks and strokes because they supposedly help prevent blood clots from forming in the bloodstream. In fact, while waiting for the emergency response team to arrive, it is common practice for physicians to provide patients with aspirin if they are suspected of having a heart attack in their office. Let’s Not Forget the Biggest Issue With taking NSAIDs NSAIDs are the most prescribed medications in the world and are among the most common pain relievers globally. It is believed that up to 30 million people take NSAIDs every day. Used to reduce arthritis complaints, fever, and swelling, NSAIDs are Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzyme inhibitors. By blocking these enzymes, the prostaglandin cascade is inhibited, and the body’s natural inflammatory response is prohibited, thus keeping pain, swelling, and fevers at bay but not addressing the root cause of the disease process. Prescription NSAIDs include: • Daypro • Indocin • Lodine • Naprosyn • Relafen • Vimovo • Voltaren Over-the-counter NSAIDs include: • Aspirin (Bufferin, Bayer, and Excedrin) • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) • Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis) • Naproxen (Aleve) There Are Safer Alternatives to NSAIDs A plethora of safe, natural alternatives exists, so you don’t need to feel pressured to use NSAIDs. Instead, contact your local natural health provider today to see what works for you. And, don’t overlook the power of natural foods to reduce inflammation – like eating plenty of organic fruits and veggies – loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDaily.com TheLancet.com Drugs.com To read the original article click here.

The post WARNING: Aspirin and Ibuprofen Proven to Cause Heart Attacks appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Fighting Autism Brain Inflammation with Food

AHA Publisher — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 07:00:30 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via NutritionFacts – One food may be able to combat all four purported causal factors of autism: synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. In a keynote address at an autism conference, Harvard neurologist Martha Herbert said, “I think we need to conduct research as if we know this is an emergency.” Already, up to 1.5 percent of American children have autism, and it appears to be on the rise. What about fever’s dramatic effect? “Dramatic relief of autistic behavior by infectious fever continues to tantalize parents and practitioners” and, indeed, from a research standpoint, “what could be more revealing than a common event that virtually ‘normalizes’ autistic behavior for a time?” But, “[t]here’s so much going on during fever.…Where to begin?” Once it became understood that one cause of autism may reside in the synapses—the “soul of the brain,” the nerve-to-nerve junctions where information is transmitted—attention turned to heat shock proteins, which are released by the brain when you have a fever. They can improvesynaptic transmission and, thus, may be capable of improving long-range brain connectivity, which is depressed in autism. A compound, sulforaphane, upregulates those heat shock proteins, so you could potentially get the benefits without the fever. Which drug company makes it? What do I ask for at the pharmacy? You don’t. As I discuss in my video Fighting Autism Brain Inflammation with Food, you just need to check out the produce section at your local market. Sulforaphane is not made in a chemical plant—it’s made by a plant. Sulforaphane is made by broccoli, kale, cabbage, collards, and cauliflower—in other words, cruciferous vegetables. Perhaps if we give broccoli to those with autism, it will make things better by boosting the heat shock proteins. But, as you can see at 1:57 in my video, synaptic dysfunction is not the only contributing cause of autism. There’s also oxidative stress. “The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress” because lots of free radicals are forged in the brain, which has few “antioxidant defense capacities.” And indeed, there is “a long history of studies showing that ASD [autism] is associated with oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant capacity.” Nrf2 levels are cut nearly in half, which is what triggers our body’s antioxidant response. Nrf2? What is that? It’s “considered to be a master regulator” of our body’s response to environmental stressors. If only there were a way to boost Nrf2 with foods. Well, there is. Sulforaphane just so happens to be perhaps “the most potent naturally occurring inducer” of Nrf2 on the planet. Under any kind of stress—oxidative stress, inflammatory stress—Nrf2 triggers our antioxidant response elements, activating all sorts of cell-protective genes that balance out and detoxify the free radicals and facilitate protein and DNA repair. So, maybe if we give some broccoli to those with autism, it will also make things better by triggering Nrf2, which activates those antioxidant response elements. There’s also the mitochondrial dysfunction. Children with autism are more likely to suffer from dysfunctional mitochondria, the little powerplants within our cells where metabolism takes place. If only there were some food that could improve mitochondrial function. And, there is: “A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables effectively retunes our metabolism by…restoring metabolic homeostasis,” or metabolic balance. Power plants for our cellular powerplants. As you can see at 3:58 in my video, not only can sulforaphane boost the gene expression of heat shock proteins as much as sixfold within six hours, but it can also double the mass of mitochondria in human cells growing in a petri dish. So, maybe if we give some broccoli to those with autism, it will also make things better by relieving some of that mitochondrial dysfunction that is creating even more free radicals. Can we just try giving these kids some broccoli already? Before we do, there’s one final factor. Neuroinflammation—brain inflammation—is another causal factor in autism. If, at autopsy, you look at brain tissue of those with autism, you can see inflammation throughout the white matter, and if you do a spinal tap, you’ll find up to 200 times the levels of inflammatory mediators, such as interferon, bathing their brains. What’s causing all that inflammation? Well, the master regulator of the inflammatory cascade is a protein called NF-kappa-beta, which induces inflammation. If overexpressed, as in autism, it can lead to chronic or excessive inflammation. If only there were a food… Really? Broccoli does that, too? Yes! In fact, the major anti-inflammatory mechanism for sulforaphane is inhibiting NF-kappa-beta. That completes the picture. Give broccoli to someone with autism, and heat shock proteins are released to boost synaptic transmission, Nrf2 is activated to wipe out the free radicals, mitochondrial function is restored, and we suppress the inflammation triggered by NF-kappa-beta. One food counters all four purported causal factors of autism. That’s one of the differences between foods and drugs. Drugs tend to have single effects. But, autism spectrum disorder ismultifactorial, so it’s no wonder there are no drugs that work. But “strategies using multi-functional phytochemicals” such as sulforaphane, or even better, the whole plants themselves “are highly attractive”…in theory. But you don’t know until you put it to the test, which I cover in my video Best Foods for Autism. You can also check: Flashback Friday: The Best Foods for Fighting Autism and Brain Inflammation. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

The post Fighting Autism Brain Inflammation with Food appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Flu Season Protection: Discover How Ginseng Supports a Strong Immune System

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 08:00:34 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Don’t become a medical statistic – this coming flu season. Today, we’ll talk about how ginseng can help to support a strong immune system response. As you probably know: seasonal influenza can be a rapidly-spreading and highly contagious health issue that leads to 291,000 and 645,000 fatalities worldwide every year. Although most healthy adults recover from bouts of the flu with nothing more serious than unpleasant memories of fever, aches and pains, the fact is that a flu can and does increase the risk of premature death – in people with a compromised immune system. Making the situation even more dire is the fact that unexpected new pandemics, like COVID-19 – for which Western medicine has no “cure” – can emerge without warning. In truth, too many conventionally-trained physicians simply lack the fundamental level of education to handle immune deficient, health-related conditions. Scientific research reveals the lifesaving power of ginseng In a study published in the April 2014 edition of Nutrients, red Korean ginseng improved the survival rate of human lung epithelial cells that had been infected with influenza A, along with reducing the expression of inflammation-causing genes. In addition, researchers found that Korean ginseng helped to treat influenza by modifying the immune systems of mice with clinically-induced influenza A, causing them to develop increased levels of antiviral proteins. This is exciting information, especially when you consider the danger of flu vaccines. And the news on ginseng gets even better – another new study, published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine, supports ginseng’s ability to prevent and treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a disease for which there is currently no conventional remedy. RSV, the single most common cause of pneumonia and small-airway lung inflammations in babies under a year old, can also be extremely dangerous in older adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV causes 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths in adults over 65 every year. Bottom line – you can eliminate the threat of pneumonia safely and effectively – without the need for toxic medications. Reduce your risk of chronic inflammation and viral activity Researchers found that Korean red ginseng attacked RSV in a style very similar to the way it combated influenza A: reducing damage to lung cells, suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes and inhibiting the virus’ ability to spread in the body. Animals given red ginseng orally had lower viral levels than those that had not been given this herb, along with increased production of dendritic cells – which create virus-fighting interferons. Red ginseng also fights viruses by stimulating production of natural killer cells and T-cells and boosting the power of the body’s own antioxidant defense systems. True ginseng exists in two different forms: American, or Panax quinquefolius, and Asian or Korean, scientifically known as Panax ginseng. Although they have similar active ingredients – a group of compounds called ginsenosides – their effects can differ. The most recent studies were performed with red Panax ginseng, but American ginseng has also shown immune-boosting properties. A third type, known as Siberian ginseng, is unrelated and does not have the same constituents. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, this herb can help to reduce the risk of serious chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It is also used to promote energy, reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function and memory, and elevate mood and quality of life. Famous for boosting immunity and preventing disease In a well-known study published in 1996 in Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, researchers found that ginseng potentiated the flu vaccine, making it more effective. A group of 227 volunteers were split into two roughly equal groups and given either placebo or 400 milligrams of ginseng daily for 12 weeks; both groups received an anti-influenza vaccination at week four. While 42 people in the placebo group eventually developed influenza or colds between weeks four and 12, only 15 people in the “herb enhanced” group fell ill – a dramatic difference! The ginseng group also experienced decreased intensity of symptoms and a shorter duration of the illness. Which type of ginseng is best for flu prevention? Most studies on ginseng’s beneficial effects – as well as the two latest studies – have been done with red Korean ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng. Ginseng is available both as “white,” which has been peeled and dried, and “red,” which is steamed before drying and unpeeled. You can get the Korean form as a liquid extracts, powder and capsules; it is also available as a root, which can be boiled to make a decoction. Just be careful to buy the Korean variety only from trusted, reputable companies; cases of substitutions and adulterations have been reported. Ginseng can interact with medications and other herbs and supplements; consult with an integrative physician beforetaking it, especially if you have high blood pressure or autoimmune disease. Most experts advise taking ginseng in cycles, with a two-week period of ginseng supplementation followed by three weeks without the herb. One final note: Due to its stimulating effect, ginseng can theoretically cause nervousness and sleeplessness; this is more likely with very high amounts. Other side effects are uncommon, but could include headache and digestive disturbances. And, because this herb can lower blood sugar levels, it should be taken with food. No doubt, the current COVID-19 pandemic and past issues like the H1N1 virus highlight the need for better research on protecting us against unexpected and new viral strains. But, the research featured (today) about the value of herbal medicine should give us hope. There is a natural (safe) way to support our immune system and stay healthy – even in these troubling times of uncertainty. Never forget the value of good (organic) food and herbal medicine to protect your life. Sources for this article include: Medicinenet.com, Sciencedaily.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Flu Season Protection: Discover How Ginseng Supports a Strong Immune System appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Skin Rash May Be a Symptom of COVID-19

AHA Publisher — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 07:00:30 +0000

Sally Robertson, B.Sc. via News-Medical Net – Researchers at King’s College London and Zoe Global Ltd have conducted a study suggesting that skin rashes could be valuable predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In a large community-based study, 8.8% of people who had tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also reported having a skin rash. Among people who had not tested positive, but did report at least one classic symptom of COVID-19 symptom based on NHS guidelines, 8.2% also reported skin rashes. According to NHS guidelines, the three most common signs of COVID-19 are fever, persistent cough, and a reduced sense of smell (anosmia). Skin-related symptoms are not included, even though these can be easily spotted by patients, say Mario Falchi and team. The researchers say their findings strongly support including skin rashes, adding that although skin rashes are far less common than fever, they are much more specific and last longer. “Recognizing rashes is important in identifying new and earlier COVID-19 cases,” says the team. A pre-print version of the paper is available on the server medRxiv*, while the article undergoes peer review. The Link with Skin Manifestations Has Been Slow to Emerge It has become apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic that while the disease is primarily a respiratory illness, it also targets multiple organs, including the skin. Some studies have previously reported urticaria, chicken pox-like body rashes, and chilblains on the toes or fingers (acral rashes), possibly due to minor thrombotic events or damaged endothelium in small vessels of the digits. However, the link between COVID-19 and skin manifestations has been slower to emerge than it has for organs such as the heart, intestine, and brain. “COVID-19 rashes may present in many forms and at different stages of the disease. The heterogeneous presentations, the time delay, as well as the focus on severely ill patients during the early phases of the pandemic, led to the skin being overlooked as an important target organ for COVID-19,” say Falchi and colleagues. Now the researchers have used data available for 336,847 UK users of the COVID Symptom Study app to investigate the diagnostic value of skin rashes for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The team also used data available for 11,546 people who participated in an independent survey on COVID-19-related skin symptoms. Skin Rashes Increased the Odds of SARS-CoV-2 Positivity More Than Fever Of 27,157 app users who provided swab test results, 2,021 (7.4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, and 25,136 (92.6%) were negative. Of the swab-positive individuals, 178 (8.8%) reported skin rashes (138 body rashes; 62 acral and 22 both body and acral), compared with 1357 (5.4%) of swab-negative individuals. Association analysis showed that the presence of body or acral rashes increased the likelihood of being swab positive for SARS-CoV-2 by 67%. This compares with fever increasing the odds of SARS-CoV-2 positivity by 47%, and fever is commonly used to screen for COVID, points out the team. Skin Rashes Were Also Predictive in Untested, But Symptomatic Users Among the 334,690 app users who did not provide a swab test result, 17,371 reported one of the three main symptoms (fever, persistent cough, and anosmia), which according to NHS guidelines, would require isolation and SARS-CoV-2 testing. Of those reporting one of the three typical symptoms, 8.2% also reported a skin rash, compared with 6% of untested users who did not report any of the three symptoms. Association analysis revealed that among untested users who reported one of the three main symptoms, the likelihood of having a body rash was 46% greater compared with those who did not report one of the symptoms. The increased likelihood of acral rash among those reporting a symptom was not statistically significant. The Findings Support the Inclusion of Skin Rashes as a Suspected Symptom To capture more information about the type, duration, and timing of rashes, the team analyzed data available for people 11,546 with a rash who participated in an independent survey on COVID-19-related skin symptoms. Among 694 responders who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by swab or antibody test and provided information on COVID-19-related symptoms, the rash appeared before any other symptom in 17% of cases and in 21% of cases, the rash was the only symptom. “Twenty-one percent of the SARS-CoV-2 positive surveyees presented with skin symptoms alone and would have been missed if using the NHS classic symptoms alone,” write Falchi and colleagues. The researchers say the findings strongly support the inclusion of skin rashes as a suspected COVID-19 symptom. “Although, it is less prevalent than fever, it is more specific of COVID-19 and last longer,” they add. “An increased awareness from the public and healthcare professionals regarding COVID-19 skin changes will allow more efficient identification of new and earlier clusters of the disease,” concludes the team. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. To read the original article click here.

The post Skin Rash May Be a Symptom of COVID-19 appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Loss of Smell & Taste Validated as COVID-19 Symptoms (w/High Recovery Rate)

AHA Publisher — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:00:52 +0000

University of California – San Diego via EurekAlert – Loss of smell and taste has been anecdotally linked to COVID-19 infections. Study suggests clinicians should include sensory impairment as standard screening measure. In a study published April 12, 2020 in the journal International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, researchers at UC San Diego Health report the first empirical findings that strongly associate sensory loss with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. If you have smell & taste loss, you’re more than 10x more likely to have COVID-19 infection than other causes of infection “Based on our study, if you have smell and taste loss, you are more than 10 times more likely to have COVID-19 infection than other causes of infection. The most common first sign of a COVID-19 infection remains fever, but fatigue and loss of smell and taste follow as other very common initial symptoms,” said Carol Yan, MD, an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at UC San Diego Health. “We know COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus. This study supports the need to be aware of smell and taste loss as early signs of COVID-19.” Yan and colleagues surveyed 1,480 patients with flu-like symptoms and concerns regarding potential COVID-19 infection who underwent testing at UC San Diego Health from March 3 through March 29, 2020. Within that total, 102 patients tested positive for the virus and 1,378 tested negative. The study included responses from 59 COVID-19-positive patients and 203 COVID-19-negative patients. Yan said the study demonstrated the high prevalence and unique presentation of certain sensory impairments in patients positive with COVID-19. Of those who reported loss of smell and taste, the loss was typically profound, not mild. But encouragingly, the rate of recovery of smell and taste was high and occurred usually within two to four weeks of infection. “Our study not only showed that the high incidence of smell and taste is specific to COVID-19 infection, but we fortunately also found that for the majority of people sensory recovery was generally rapid,” said Yan. “Among the Covid-19 patients with smell loss, more than 70 percent had reported improvement of smell at the time of survey and of those who hadn’t reported improvement, many had only been diagnosed recently.” Sensory return typically matched the timing of disease recovery. Interestingly, the researchers found that persons who reported experiencing a sore throat more often tested negative for COVID-19. In an effort to decrease risk of virus transmission, UC San Diego Health now includes loss of smell and taste as a screening requirement for visitors and staff, as well as a marker for testing patients who may be positive for the virus. Other known symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, cough and difficulty breathing. Respondents in Yan’s study were most often persons with milder forms of COVID-19 infection who did not require hospitalization or intubation. The findings, she said, underline the importance of identifying early or subtle symptoms of COVID-19 infection in people who may be at risk of transmitting the disease as they recuperate within the community. “It is our hope that with these findings other institutions will follow suit and not only list smell and taste loss as a symptom of COVID-19, but use it as a screening measure for the virus across the world,” Yan said. To read the original article click here.

The post Loss of Smell & Taste Validated as COVID-19 Symptoms (w/High Recovery Rate) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.