Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Adolescent Health In Peril By 2030, Warns Lancet Study

By 2030, one billion adolescents worldwide will face major health challenges, including poor <span>nutrition</span>, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/anaemia">anaemia</a></span>, and deteriorating mental health, according to a new analysis by the Lancet Commission. Drawing on data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study, the Commission warns that without urgent policy, political commitment, and investment, these issues will become even more severe, especially in countries already struggling with multiple health burdens.

<h4>A Sharp Rise in Anaemia, Obesity, and Mental Health Issues</h4>

The Commission projects that nearly one-third of adolescent girls globally will be anaemic by 2030. Additionally, 464 million adolescents (both boys and girls) are expected to be overweight or obese—143 million more than in 2015. Mental health issues among adolescents have been on the rise for three decades, a trend made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. This global mental health crisis among young people calls for urgent intervention and support systems.

<h4>India’s Burden: Anaemia, Nutrition, and Mental Health</h4>

India’s adolescent population is already experiencing significant health issues. The Commission used Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)—a metric that measures the number of healthy years lost due to disease, disability, or premature death. Among girls aged 10–24 in India, the DALY rate for communicable, maternal, and nutritional conditions is 14,155 per 100,000, while for boys it is 12,310—both far above the target of fewer than 2,500 per 100,000.

Nutritional deficiencies remain a critical concern. For adolescent girls, the DALY rate due to nutrition is 1,358 per 100,000, compared to 370.9 per 100,000 for boys. Alarmingly, 52% of girls and 20.8% of boys in this age group are anaemic—far exceeding the target of less than 10%.

Adding to the concern, 43% of Indian girls aged 15–24 are “Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET),” a statistic that reflects not only disengagement from the workforce but also potential long-term health and socio-economic risks. Mental health challenges are also evident, with a DALY rate of 2,738 per 100,000 in girls due to mental illness and self-harm.

Despite these challenges, there have been notable policy achievements. Professor Sarah Baird, co-chair of the Commission, commended India for scrapping outdated penal codes against consensual same-sex relationships and integrating <span>adolescent health</span> into medical education. She also highlighted India's effective efforts in reducing teenage pregnancies, noting that the country serves as a model in this area.

<h4>Emerging Threats: Climate Change and the Digital World</h4>

The report also flags new global threats to adolescent health. Climate change, in particular, poses a significant risk. Today’s adolescents will live their entire lives in a world with average annual temperatures at least 0.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels. By 2100, this could rise to 2.8°C, bringing increased heat-related illnesses, food and water insecurity, and climate-induced mental health stress.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

lancet study

health and wellness

anaemia

adolescent health

nutrition

From PMS to Postpartum, Heart to Hormones: Why Fish Oil is the Ultimate Health Elixir for Every Woman at Every Stage

Medical Memoir: Before COVID, Hepatitis Was The Mystery Virus That Haunted Generations

Rabies Can Kill Without a Bite: Why Even a Lick Deserves Urgent Action

Health & Wellness

You Don’t Always Need Weights For Strength Training

Feel Sleepy After Lunches - Light And Healthy Office Lunches

Positive Thinking Practice – How Does It Help You?

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Best And Worst Foods To Lower Blood Pressure

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High-Fiber Dips You Can Make At Home For The Week

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Experiencing Headaches At Word? Natural Remedies To Try

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No Eggs? Egg-Alternatives You Can Add To Your Diet

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Low-Calorie Foods That Keep You Full For Long

Yoga Poses That Help You Get Rid Of Back Pain

By 2030, one billion adolescents worldwide will face major health challenges, including poor nutrition, anaemia, and deteriorating mental health, according to a new analysis by the Lancet Commission. Drawing on data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study, the Commission warns that without urgent policy, political commitment, and investment, these issues will become even more severe, especially in countries already struggling with multiple health burdens.A Sharp Rise in Anaemia, Obesity, and Mental Health IssuesThe Commission projects that nearly one-third of adolescent girls globally will be anaemic by 2030. Additionally, 464 million adolescents (both boys and girls) are expected to be overweight or obese—143 million more than in 2015. Mental health issues among adolescents have been on the rise for three decades, a trend made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. This global mental health crisis among young people calls for urgent intervention and support systems.India’s Burden: Anaemia, Nutrition, and Mental HealthIndia’s adolescent population is already experiencing significant health issues. The Commission used Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)—a metric that measures the number of healthy years lost due to disease, disability, or premature death. Among girls aged 10–24 in India, the DALY rate for communicable, maternal, and nutritional conditions is 14,155 per 100,000, while for boys it is 12,310—both far above the target of fewer than 2,500 per 100,000.Nutritional deficiencies remain a critical concern. For adolescent girls, the DALY rate due to nutrition is 1,358 per 100,000, compared to 370.9 per 100,000 for boys. Alarmingly, 52% of girls and 20.8% of boys in this age group are anaemic—far exceeding the target of less than 10%.Adding to the concern, 43% of Indian girls aged 15–24 are “Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET),” a statistic that reflects not only disengagement from the workforce but also potential long-term health and socio-economic risks. Mental health challenges are also evident, with a DALY rate of 2,738 per 100,000 in girls due to mental illness and self-harm.Some Policy Wins Offer HopeDespite these challenges, there have been notable policy achievements. Professor Sarah Baird, co-chair of the Commission, commended India for scrapping outdated penal codes against consensual same-sex relationships and integrating adolescent health into medical education. She also highlighted India's effective efforts in reducing teenage pregnancies, noting that the country serves as a model in this area.Emerging Threats: Climate Change and the Digital WorldThe report also flags new global threats to adolescent health. Climate change, in particular, poses a significant risk. Today’s adolescents will live their entire lives in a world with average annual temperatures at least 0.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels. By 2100, this could rise to 2.8°C, bringing increased heat-related illnesses, food and water insecurity, and climate-induced mental health stress.

adolescent health in peril by 2030, warns lancet study

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

Lyme Disease In US: How Worried Should You Be Of Ticks?

lyme disease in us: how worried should you be of ticks?

Hepatitis A To E: How Each Virus Affects Your Liver?

hepatitis a to e: how each virus affects your liver?

medical memoir: before covid, hepatitis was the mystery virus that haunted generations

Hepatitis Day 2025: Is Hepatitis On A Decline Or Still A Cause Of Concern?

hepatitis day 2025: is hepatitis on a decline or still a cause of concern?

If that viral video of a Gurugram woman being pounded by a pet husky dog for no reason scares you to death, you are not alone. Indian streets are turning into nightmares for people due to increasing <span>dog bites</span>. Reportedly, there is a sharp rise in dog bite cases, with over 3.7 million incidents and 54 confirmed human <span>rabies</span> deaths reported in 2024. The figures, compiled by the <span>National Centre for Disease Control</span> (NCDC) under the <span>National Rabies Control Programme</span>, show the grim situation and growing public health challenge.

Deaths caused by rabies also witnessed a sharp increase during the period. And this trend threatens India’s target of eliminating rabies by 2030 under its National Rabies Control Programme. While the woman was recently attacked by a pet Husky dog during a morning walk on the Gulf Course Road, no one is safe, especially the kids and the elderly. 

<strong>The stray dog menace is taking over the streets, and here is everything you need to know about rabies and how it spreads.</strong>

If you think rabies only spreads through a bite, think again. While dog bites are the most well-known cause of Rabies infection, the virus can also be transmitted through something as simple as a lick, especially if it comes into contact with broken skin, the eyes, nose, or mouth. This is not a rare exception; it is a recognised mode of transmission and one that can be fatal if ignored. 

Not to spook you into avoiding every friendly tail-wagger in your lane, but it is time we stopped thinking of rabies as a “bite-only” infection. This deadly disease does not wait around for dog attacks. It can infect you quietly, undetected, and by the time symptoms show up, it is usually too late.

<strong>The Lick That Could Kill</strong>

Rabies is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals. While bites are the most common way this virus enters the human body, they are not the only route. If an infected animal licks a cut, scrape, broken skin, or even your eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can get in. That means even cuddly encounters with pets, if they are unvaccinated and infected, can be risky.

The scary part is that you do not always feel or notice the moment it happens. A small scratch from a street pup, or a wet doggy kiss on a chapped lip, may not register as dangerous. But if the animal is rabid, that is all the opportunity the virus needs.

<strong>Do Not Wait for Symptoms</strong>

Rabies is one of the few diseases with a 99.9 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear. It starts off with flu-like signs: fever, fatigue, and maybe a horrendous <span>headache</span>. But things quickly escalate. You can suffer <span>hallucinations</span>, <span>paralysis</span>, <span>seizures</span>, <span>hydrophobia</span> and eventually coma.

Once the virus reaches your nervous system, modern medicine throws up its hands. There is no cure.

But rabies is 100 per cent preventable if treated in time.

<strong>What You Should Do Immediately</strong>

The moment you realise you have been licked, scratched, or bitten by an animal, especially one that is unvaccinated or unknown, drop everything and:

 1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This one step could significantly reduce your risk.

 2. Apply antiseptic like iodine or alcohol.

 3. Rush to a doctor; do not wait for swelling, itching or any other sign. You will need a post-exposure prophylaxis (<span>PEP</span>) shot, which includes a course of anti-rabies vaccines and sometimes immunoglobulin injections.

 4. Keep a record of the animal if possible. If it is someone’s pet, you will want to confirm their vaccination history.

<strong>Dogs Are Not the Only Issue</strong>

While dogs are responsible for 95 per cent of rabies cases in India, they are not the only suspects. Cats, monkeys, bats, and even cows can carry the virus. Basically, any warm-blooded mammal is fair game. So if a cheeky monkey in a temple town swipes at you, or a bat dive-bombs your balcony and leaves a scratch, take it seriously.

You do not need a bite to get rabies. You just need a moment of bad luck and a droplet of infected saliva. But that does not mean we need to start treating every dog badly. It just means we need to be alert, informed, and quick to act.

hydrophobia

national rabies control programme

national centre for disease control

rabies

dog bites

paralysis

seizures

hallucinations

headache

If that viral video of a Gurugram woman being pounded by a pet husky dog for no reason scares you to death, you are not alone. Indian streets are turning into nightmares for people due to increasing dog bites. Reportedly, there is a sharp rise in dog bite cases, with over 3.7 million incidents and 54 confirmed human rabies deaths reported in 2024. The figures, compiled by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the National Rabies Control Programme, show the grim situation and growing public health challenge. Deaths caused by rabies also witnessed a sharp increase during the period. And this trend threatens India’s target of eliminating rabies by 2030 under its National Rabies Control Programme. While the woman was recently attacked by a pet Husky dog during a morning walk on the Gulf Course Road, no one is safe, especially the kids and the elderly. The stray dog menace is taking over the streets, and here is everything you need to know about rabies and how it spreads.If you think rabies only spreads through a bite, think again. While dog bites are the most well-known cause of Rabies infection, the virus can also be transmitted through something as simple as a lick, especially if it comes into contact with broken skin, the eyes, nose, or mouth. This is not a rare exception; it is a recognised mode of transmission and one that can be fatal if ignored. Not to spook you into avoiding every friendly tail-wagger in your lane, but it is time we stopped thinking of rabies as a “bite-only” infection. This deadly disease does not wait around for dog attacks. It can infect you quietly, undetected, and by the time symptoms show up, it is usually too late.The Lick That Could KillRabies is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals. While bites are the most common way this virus enters the human body, they are not the only route. If an infected animal licks a cut, scrape, broken skin, or even your eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can get in. That means even cuddly encounters with pets, if they are unvaccinated and infected, can be risky.The scary part is that you do not always feel or notice the moment it happens. A small scratch from a street pup, or a wet doggy kiss on a chapped lip, may not register as dangerous. But if the animal is rabid, that is all the opportunity the virus needs.Do Not Wait for SymptomsRabies is one of the few diseases with a 99.9 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear. It starts off with flu-like signs: fever, fatigue, and maybe a horrendous headache. But things quickly escalate. You can suffer hallucinations, paralysis, seizures, hydrophobia and eventually coma.Once the virus reaches your nervous system, modern medicine throws up its hands. There is no cure.But rabies is 100 per cent preventable if treated in time.What You Should Do ImmediatelyThe moment you realise you have been licked, scratched, or bitten by an animal, especially one that is unvaccinated or unknown, drop everything and: 1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This one step could significantly reduce your risk. 2. Apply antiseptic like iodine or alcohol. 3. Rush to a doctor; do not wait for swelling, itching or any other sign. You will need a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shot, which includes a course of anti-rabies vaccines and sometimes immunoglobulin injections. 4. Keep a record of the animal if possible. If it is someone’s pet, you will want to confirm their vaccination history.Dogs Are Not the Only IssueWhile dogs are responsible for 95 per cent of rabies cases in India, they are not the only suspects. Cats, monkeys, bats, and even cows can carry the virus. Basically, any warm-blooded mammal is fair game. So if a cheeky monkey in a temple town swipes at you, or a bat dive-bombs your balcony and leaves a scratch, take it seriously.You do not need a bite to get rabies. You just need a moment of bad luck and a droplet of infected saliva. But that does not mean we need to start treating every dog badly. It just means we need to be alert, informed, and quick to act.

rabies can kill without a bite: why even a lick deserves urgent action

Tanya Dutt

Hepatitis C in Children: What You Need to Know About Silent Symptoms, Hidden Risks, and Lifesaving Early Action

hepatitis c in children: what you need to know about silent symptoms, hidden risks, and lifesaving early action

<em>'<span rel="noindex">Medical Memoir</span>' is a Health &amp; Me series that delves into some of the most intriguing medical histories and unveils how medical innovations have evolved over time. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.</em>

You think this is a history lesson, but let’s do some math. What does Hepato‑ (“liver”) + ‑tropic (“infecting and replicating in the liver”) + DNA (HBV genome) equal? That spells hepatitis—a mystery virus long misunderstood, long before COVID dominated headlines.

This isn’t just linguistic trivia. It’s a journey through centuries of medical detective work, flawless missteps, and public health triumphs—all centered on one family of viruses that quietly reshaped liver medicine and modern virology.

<h2>Early Clues in Jaundice and Contagion</h2>

Hepatitis didn’t appear on a microscope slide in the 20th century—it was described millennia earlier. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates observed jaundice as a distinctive yellowing of skin and eyes. By the 8th century, medical writers suspected jaundice was contagious, hinting at an infectious agent at work in the liver.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, dramatic epidemics of jaundice spread through soldiers and navies. Shared living quarters, contaminated water, and later, mass inoculation campaigns and reused syringes during wars linked the outbreaks to bloodborne transmission. By 1885, physicians recognized that transfused blood could carry the mysterious jaundice-causing pathogen. And when measles and yellow fever vaccinations during World War II triggered outbreaks, it became clear: an unseen virus replicated in bloodstreams—and in the liver.

This early history underscored two enduring facts: hepatitis came in different forms, and it was stealthy, delayed, and extremely hard to track.

By mid-century, researchers sought to categorize the illness. In 1947, MacCallum introduced a dual classification that would shape all future work: Viral Hepatitis A (infectious, via contaminated food or water) and Viral Hepatitis B (serum-borne, via blood and body fluids). That breakthrough turned a single symptom—jaundice—into a family of diseases with different transmission pathways and prevention needs.

Modern hepatitis history truly began in the 1960s. In 1963, Baruch Blumberg identified the Australia antigen (HBsAg) in Aboriginal Australians and hemophiliac blood donors using immunologic screening. It was the first direct marker for Hepatitis B virus, revealing a virus that lay dormant in carriers, often for decades.

1970 – The Dane particle (complete HBV virus) was visualized, proving the viral identity.

Early 1970s – Researchers described the HBeAg, another disease marker.

1973 – Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was isolated, confirming two different viruses.

Suddenly, hepatitis was no longer a vague syndrome—it was a family of identifiable pathogens. That scientific clarity laid the foundation for prevention and treatment.

<h2>Finding a Cure Before HCV With Plasma‑Derived Vaccines</h2>

The early HBV vaccine story is unique. Developed from human plasma, it became the first vaccine not produced via tissue culture, licensed under the name Heptavax in 1981. That innovation paved the way for recombinant vaccines, but the achievement stood alone for a time. Taiwan’s national HBV vaccination program, launched in 1984, offered powerful proof of impact:

HBV carrier rate dropped from 9.1% to 2.7% among children.

Rates of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma plummeted from 27% to 17%.

Effectively, this was the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine. The vaccine didn’t just stop liver infection—it significantly reduced childhood liver cancers in real populations.

<h2>The C Virus and the Molecular Breakthrough of 1989</h2>

In 1989, the hepatitis world shifted again. A team led by Choo, Kuo, and Houghton unveiled Hepatitis C virus (HCV) using molecular cloning techniques—no tissue culture, electron microscope, or serology required. It was the first virus discovered solely via genetic methods.

That breakthrough explained persistent post‑transfusion hepatitis cases, intravenous drug-user outbreaks, and a heavy burden of global liver disease. It was the start of a new era: molecular virology, where pathogens were identified by their RNA alone.

Soon came discoveries of HDV (delta virus), HEV, and GBV‑C/HGV (hepatitis G virus). This growing catalog of viral types clarified why <span>hepatitis symptoms</span> varied and why prevention needed multiple strategies.

<h2>From Unproven Remedies to Modern Antivirals</h2>

Mid-20th-century treatment was often worse than the disease: prolonged bed rest and steroids were used for acute hepatitis until controlled trials in the ’60s showed they caused harm. In chronic cases, steroids lingered until the 1980s, when researchers clearly proved they worsened outcomes.

By the early 1990s, interferon alpha offered the first real antiviral option. In 1998, lamivudine appeared, followed by more potent nucleoside analogues in the 2000s. For chronic HBV, these drugs allowed suppression of the virus with daily pills—a huge leap in quality of life. HCV treatment advanced spectacularly:

<ul><li>Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin drove cure rates into the 40–60% range.</li><li>Protease inhibitors like boceprevir and telaprevir added another 30%+ success.</li><li>By the 2010s, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offered cure rates above 85–90% within a few months, without interferon.</li><li>Chronic HCV became the only curable chronic viral infection—a feat comparable in scope to eradication campaigns for smallpox or polio.</li></ul>

Globally today, over 300 million people live with chronic HBV or HCV and over 1.3 million die annually from liver cirrhosis, cancer, or hepatitis complications.

In response, the World Health Organization’s 2022–2030 strategy aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%. It underscores the urgent need for universal vaccinations, access to testing, and treatment—especially in low-income settings across Asia and Africa, without coordinated action, projections warn:

<ul><li>9.5 million new infections,</li><li>2.1 million liver cancer cases,</li><li>2.8 million deaths by 2030.</li></ul>

Yet history offers reason for optimism: the leaps science made over just a few decades show what’s possible—with political will, investment, and global partnerships.

HBV opened new pathology understanding by linking to polyarteritis nodosa. HCV revealed risks beyond the liver: cryoglobulinemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metabolic disorders like Type II diabetes, and altered lipid profiles. Hepatitis viruses reshaped fields ranging from rheumatology to oncology.

The discoveries required collaboration—and some competition—across labs and continents. The story of hepatitis is one of scientific rivalry, teamwork, serendipity, and intellectual persistence. That blend of curiosity and rigor transformed a family of mysterious illnesses into preventable and treatable diseases.

Long before COVID captured global focus—before masks, PCR tests, and lockdowns—hepatitis was a mystery virus that haunted generations. It caused jaundice, silent liver failure, and cancer. It eluded diagnosis, lacked vaccines, and spread undetected.

Yet through a combination of linguistic insight, molecular science, epidemiology, and public health action, the world unraveled its secrets—one virus at a time.

Today, hepatitis is no longer an invisible threat. It's a medical triumph—because when science is patient, and public health persistent, even the most elusive pathogens can be conquered. The story isn't over, but it's a testament to what decades of dedication and discovery can achieve.

hepatitis a to e

hepatitis symptoms

liver infection

hepatitis transmission

viral hepatitis types

hepatitis vaccine

hepatitis prevention

Medical memoir

'Medical Memoir' is a Health & Me series that delves into some of the most intriguing medical histories and unveils how medical innovations have evolved over time. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.You think this is a history lesson, but let’s do some math. What does Hepato‑ (“liver”) + ‑tropic (“infecting and replicating in the liver”) + DNA (HBV genome) equal? That spells hepatitis—a mystery virus long misunderstood, long before COVID dominated headlines.This isn’t just linguistic trivia. It’s a journey through centuries of medical detective work, flawless missteps, and public health triumphs—all centered on one family of viruses that quietly reshaped liver medicine and modern virology.Early Clues in Jaundice and ContagionHepatitis didn’t appear on a microscope slide in the 20th century—it was described millennia earlier. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates observed jaundice as a distinctive yellowing of skin and eyes. By the 8th century, medical writers suspected jaundice was contagious, hinting at an infectious agent at work in the liver.Between the 17th and 19th centuries, dramatic epidemics of jaundice spread through soldiers and navies. Shared living quarters, contaminated water, and later, mass inoculation campaigns and reused syringes during wars linked the outbreaks to bloodborne transmission. By 1885, physicians recognized that transfused blood could carry the mysterious jaundice-causing pathogen. And when measles and yellow fever vaccinations during World War II triggered outbreaks, it became clear: an unseen virus replicated in bloodstreams—and in the liver.This early history underscored two enduring facts: hepatitis came in different forms, and it was stealthy, delayed, and extremely hard to track.Naming a Virus in Two PartsBy mid-century, researchers sought to categorize the illness. In 1947, MacCallum introduced a dual classification that would shape all future work: Viral Hepatitis A (infectious, via contaminated food or water) and Viral Hepatitis B (serum-borne, via blood and body fluids). That breakthrough turned a single symptom—jaundice—into a family of diseases with different transmission pathways and prevention needs.Modern hepatitis history truly began in the 1960s. In 1963, Baruch Blumberg identified the Australia antigen (HBsAg) in Aboriginal Australians and hemophiliac blood donors using immunologic screening. It was the first direct marker for Hepatitis B virus, revealing a virus that lay dormant in carriers, often for decades.The story advanced quickly:1970 – The Dane particle (complete HBV virus) was visualized, proving the viral identity.Early 1970s – Researchers described the HBeAg, another disease marker.1973 – Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was isolated, confirming two different viruses.Suddenly, hepatitis was no longer a vague syndrome—it was a family of identifiable pathogens. That scientific clarity laid the foundation for prevention and treatment.Finding a Cure Before HCV With Plasma‑Derived VaccinesThe early HBV vaccine story is unique. Developed from human plasma, it became the first vaccine not produced via tissue culture, licensed under the name Heptavax in 1981. That innovation paved the way for recombinant vaccines, but the achievement stood alone for a time. Taiwan’s national HBV vaccination program, launched in 1984, offered powerful proof of impact:HBV carrier rate dropped from 9.1% to 2.7% among children.Rates of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma plummeted from 27% to 17%.Effectively, this was the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine. The vaccine didn’t just stop liver infection—it significantly reduced childhood liver cancers in real populations.The C Virus and the Molecular Breakthrough of 1989In 1989, the hepatitis world shifted again. A team led by Choo, Kuo, and Houghton unveiled Hepatitis C virus (HCV) using molecular cloning techniques—no tissue culture, electron microscope, or serology required. It was the first virus discovered solely via genetic methods.That breakthrough explained persistent post‑transfusion hepatitis cases, intravenous drug-user outbreaks, and a heavy burden of global liver disease. It was the start of a new era: molecular virology, where pathogens were identified by their RNA alone.Soon came discoveries of HDV (delta virus), HEV, and GBV‑C/HGV (hepatitis G virus). This growing catalog of viral types clarified why hepatitis symptoms varied and why prevention needed multiple strategies.From Unproven Remedies to Modern AntiviralsMid-20th-century treatment was often worse than the disease: prolonged bed rest and steroids were used for acute hepatitis until controlled trials in the ’60s showed they caused harm. In chronic cases, steroids lingered until the 1980s, when researchers clearly proved they worsened outcomes.By the early 1990s, interferon alpha offered the first real antiviral option. In 1998, lamivudine appeared, followed by more potent nucleoside analogues in the 2000s. For chronic HBV, these drugs allowed suppression of the virus with daily pills—a huge leap in quality of life. HCV treatment advanced spectacularly:Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin drove cure rates into the 40–60% range.Protease inhibitors like boceprevir and telaprevir added another 30%+ success.By the 2010s, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offered cure rates above 85–90% within a few months, without interferon.Chronic HCV became the only curable chronic viral infection—a feat comparable in scope to eradication campaigns for smallpox or polio.Globally today, over 300 million people live with chronic HBV or HCV and over 1.3 million die annually from liver cirrhosis, cancer, or hepatitis complications.In response, the World Health Organization’s 2022–2030 strategy aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%. It underscores the urgent need for universal vaccinations, access to testing, and treatment—especially in low-income settings across Asia and Africa, without coordinated action, projections warn:9.5 million new infections,2.1 million liver cancer cases,2.8 million deaths by 2030.Yet history offers reason for optimism: the leaps science made over just a few decades show what’s possible—with political will, investment, and global partnerships.HBV opened new pathology understanding by linking to polyarteritis nodosa. HCV revealed risks beyond the liver: cryoglobulinemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metabolic disorders like Type II diabetes, and altered lipid profiles. Hepatitis viruses reshaped fields ranging from rheumatology to oncology.The discoveries required collaboration—and some competition—across labs and continents. The story of hepatitis is one of scientific rivalry, teamwork, serendipity, and intellectual persistence. That blend of curiosity and rigor transformed a family of mysterious illnesses into preventable and treatable diseases.Long before COVID captured global focus—before masks, PCR tests, and lockdowns—hepatitis was a mystery virus that haunted generations. It caused jaundice, silent liver failure, and cancer. It eluded diagnosis, lacked vaccines, and spread undetected.Yet through a combination of linguistic insight, molecular science, epidemiology, and public health action, the world unraveled its secrets—one virus at a time.Today, hepatitis is no longer an invisible threat. It's a medical triumph—because when science is patient, and public health persistent, even the most elusive pathogens can be conquered. The story isn't over, but it's a testament to what decades of dedication and discovery can achieve.

Aarushi Bhadury

What Doctors Say During Your First Ultrasound Could Shape How You Parent Your Child

Ultrasound Words Can Impact How Parents See Their Children - First Impressions Matter, Even For Babies

Parenting

Expecting Soon? A New Research Suggests That Your Baby's Sex Is Not Random

expecting soon? a new research suggests that your baby's sex is not random

Children’s Brain Development Sees Improvement With More ‘Green Time’ - Study Finds

children’s brain development sees improvement with more ‘green time’ - study finds

Children's Health Has Declined Significantly In The Past Decade - What Caused This And Can It Improve?

children's health has declined significantly in the past decade - what caused this and can it improve?

Grieving The Loss Of A Loved One Too Intensely Can Double The Risk Of Early Death

grieving the loss of a loved one too intensely can double the risk of early death

First impressions can be deceiving, but they can also set the tone for your future interactions. A person who you perceive to be difficult will remain so in your eyes, until they actively prove otherwise. If that person keeps behaving as he is, even if their actions are not always unjustifiable, one finds ways to back their beliefs. Did you know this could also apply to babies, even before they are born? 

A recent study done by researchers at University of Notre Dame suggests that the way medical staff talk during an ultrasound can really influence how <span>new parents</span> feel about their baby. For many people, the ultrasound is the very first time they get a glimpse of their child. If a technician blames a poor image on the baby being "uncooperative," this small comment can set a negative tone. 

This kind of language can stick with parents, affecting how they see their child even before birth and possibly leading to less involved <span>parenting</span> later on. The study, published in Communications Psychology, highlights how these seemingly small word choices can have a lasting impact.

<h2>How Early <span rel="noindex">Perceptions Affect Parenting</span>?</h2>

The research found a clear connection between how mothers felt about their baby during pregnancy and how they viewed their toddler later on. Women who had a more positive view of their unborn child during the study reported fewer emotional or behavioral issues in their children at 18 months old. 

On the other hand, mothers who had a more negative view of their unborn baby were more likely to report that their toddlers had trouble with things like attention, managing their emotions, and sleeping. This link was shown in an experiment where mothers who were told their baby was "uncooperative" were more likely to have a negative view of their child later.

<h2>Does A Child’s Behavior Affect Parents’ Bond? </h2>

Previous research has shown that a baby’s behavior can affect how the parents see them. According to the Frontiers in Public Health connection between how parents perceive their baby's behavior and the parents' own mental health and bonding with the baby. Researchers surveyed 73 mothers of infants between 3.5 weeks and 6 months old. The study found that when mothers reported their infants had frequent stomach or crying issues, they were also more likely to have: 

<ul><li>Bonding issues with their baby</li><li>Higher levels of anxiety</li><li>Higher levels of depression</li></ul>

The researchers believe that asking parents about their baby's behavior could be a simple way for healthcare professionals to identify mothers who need extra support and babies who may need additional help. 

This study highlighted a new way for doctors and nurses to help new parents. Instead of only looking at risk factors like a parent's age, they could use simple questionnaires to ask about a parent's perception of their baby's behavior. This approach could make it easier to find families who need support, ensuring they get targeted help more quickly and efficiently. 

This could lead to better relationships between parents and their babies and improve a child's long-term outcomes. The study also emphasizes the need for more research, particularly with larger, more diverse groups of people, to better understand these connections. 

<h2>Importance of Mindful Communication </h2>

The findings of this study show just how important it is for healthcare providers to be careful with their words. Simple comments made during a critical moment like an ultrasound can have a lasting impact on parents. 

The gap between patients and their healthcare professionals widen when communication lacks. This was shown in a 2020 survey published in the JAMA Open Network. The study found that more than 41% of women reported holding back from asking their clinicians questions during prenatal appointments. They reported several reasons for their reluctance like the clinician seemed rushed, they didn’t want to seem difficult, as well as preference to a different plan than what the clinicians wanted. 

This careful communication could even play a role in a mother's risk for postpartum depression. Since the bond between a parent and child begins to form so early, a negative experience during an ultrasound could potentially affect this crucial relationship, influencing the well-being of both the parent and the child over time.

Perceptions Affect Parenting

uncooperative children

infant parenting

new parents

communication with new parents

First impressions can be deceiving, but they can also set the tone for your future interactions. A person who you perceive to be difficult will remain so in your eyes, until they actively prove otherwise. If that person keeps behaving as he is, even if their actions are not always unjustifiable, one finds ways to back their beliefs. Did you know this could also apply to babies, even before they are born? A recent study done by researchers at University of Notre Dame suggests that the way medical staff talk during an ultrasound can really influence how new parents feel about their baby. For many people, the ultrasound is the very first time they get a glimpse of their child. If a technician blames a poor image on the baby being "uncooperative," this small comment can set a negative tone. This kind of language can stick with parents, affecting how they see their child even before birth and possibly leading to less involved parenting later on. The study, published in Communications Psychology, highlights how these seemingly small word choices can have a lasting impact.How Early Perceptions Affect Parenting?The research found a clear connection between how mothers felt about their baby during pregnancy and how they viewed their toddler later on. Women who had a more positive view of their unborn child during the study reported fewer emotional or behavioral issues in their children at 18 months old. On the other hand, mothers who had a more negative view of their unborn baby were more likely to report that their toddlers had trouble with things like attention, managing their emotions, and sleeping. This link was shown in an experiment where mothers who were told their baby was "uncooperative" were more likely to have a negative view of their child later.Does A Child’s Behavior Affect Parents’ Bond? Previous research has shown that a baby’s behavior can affect how the parents see them. According to the Frontiers in Public Health connection between how parents perceive their baby's behavior and the parents' own mental health and bonding with the baby. Researchers surveyed 73 mothers of infants between 3.5 weeks and 6 months old. The study found that when mothers reported their infants had frequent stomach or crying issues, they were also more likely to have: Bonding issues with their babyHigher levels of anxietyHigher levels of depressionThe researchers believe that asking parents about their baby's behavior could be a simple way for healthcare professionals to identify mothers who need extra support and babies who may need additional help. This study highlighted a new way for doctors and nurses to help new parents. Instead of only looking at risk factors like a parent's age, they could use simple questionnaires to ask about a parent's perception of their baby's behavior. This approach could make it easier to find families who need support, ensuring they get targeted help more quickly and efficiently. This could lead to better relationships between parents and their babies and improve a child's long-term outcomes. The study also emphasizes the need for more research, particularly with larger, more diverse groups of people, to better understand these connections. Importance of Mindful Communication The findings of this study show just how important it is for healthcare providers to be careful with their words. Simple comments made during a critical moment like an ultrasound can have a lasting impact on parents. The gap between patients and their healthcare professionals widen when communication lacks. This was shown in a 2020 survey published in the JAMA Open Network. The study found that more than 41% of women reported holding back from asking their clinicians questions during prenatal appointments. They reported several reasons for their reluctance like the clinician seemed rushed, they didn’t want to seem difficult, as well as preference to a different plan than what the clinicians wanted. This careful communication could even play a role in a mother's risk for postpartum depression. Since the bond between a parent and child begins to form so early, a negative experience during an ultrasound could potentially affect this crucial relationship, influencing the well-being of both the parent and the child over time.

what doctors say during your first ultrasound could shape how you parent your child

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