'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 Contagion

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.

Naming a Virus in Two Parts

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.

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 Vaccines

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.

The C Virus and the Molecular Breakthrough of 1989

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 hepatitis symptoms varied and why prevention needed multiple strategies.

From Unproven Remedies to Modern Antivirals

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:

• 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.

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide, accounting for nearly one in five cancer-related deaths each year. What makes this cancer especially dangerous is how silently it advances. Many people miss the early signs or ignore them, believing they’re just symptoms of a lingering cold, allergies, or an old infection but on World Lung Cancer Day—observed every year on August 1—the message is clear, early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

First observed in 2012, World Lung Cancer Day was launched by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in partnership with patient advocacy groups. The aim? To break the silence surrounding lung cancer, correct widespread misconceptions, and push for better early detection and prevention.

Despite advances in medicine, lung cancer continues to slip under the radar. Many associate it solely with smoking, overlooking other contributors like air pollution, genetic factors, or secondhand smoke. Moreover, stigma often deters patients from seeking help early especially non-smokers who don’t consider themselves at risk.

While a chronic cough might seem harmless, dismissing it as seasonal or due to pollution, the reality is that it could be your body’s early warning system. Lung cancer rarely causes symptoms in its earliest stages, which is why seemingly minor signs like a persistent cough or subtle breathlessness deserve closer attention. By the time more severe symptoms—like coughing up blood, wheezing, or unexplained weight loss—appear, the disease may already be in an advanced stage.

What makes lung cancer particularly dangerous is its ability to remain silent until it’s too late. This is why awareness and early screening, especially in high-risk groups, are crucial. Smokers and former smokers, people exposed to secondhand smoke or environmental toxins, and those with a family history should be especially vigilant. Even if you don’t fall into these categories, don’t ignore your instincts. If something feels off—get it checked.

When a Cough Isn't 'Just a Cough'

Dr. Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant & Head of Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, emphasizes that we often brush off coughs that last beyond a week or two, that’s a mistake. “A recurring cough is not always just a leftover from the flu or a seasonal allergy,” he says. “It could point to asthma, acid reflux, lung infections, tuberculosis—or even early-stage lung cancer.”

Dr. Pandit adds that if a cough persists for over eight weeks in adults (or four weeks in children), it needs medical attention. And it’s not just about coughs—symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, wheezing, or unexplained weight loss should be immediate red flags.

In fact, lung cancer is often detected late because the symptoms can be vague or mimic other conditions, a long-standing cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue—these aren’t always alarming on their own, but together, they can signal something serious.

Technological advances in low-dose CT scans now allow for earlier detection, improving survival rates significantly. The five-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer can be as high as 60%, compared to just 6% in advanced stages. That’s a major difference—and it all starts with paying attention to symptoms that seem small.

Also, it’s not just about cancer. Chronic coughing and breathlessness can be early signs of other serious conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or even heart failure. So addressing them isn’t just about cancer prevention—it’s about taking charge of your overall respiratory health.

What Missed Symptoms Can Lead To?

Dr. Sachin Kumar, Director of Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, recalls a case that perfectly illustrates the cost of late detection. A 48-year-old man visited a doctor for back pain. Painkillers didn’t work. An MRI revealed cancer in the spine—further tests showed the primary cancer was in the lungs. It had already spread.

“This is how deceptive lung cancer can be,” Dr. Kumar explains. “Often, the first symptoms don’t even involve the lungs. That’s why awareness is key.”

Why Lung Cancer Is Not Just a Smoker’s Disease?

One of the most dangerous myths about lung cancer is that only smokers are at risk. While smoking remains the number one cause, non-smokers aren’t safe either. Dr. Debanti Banerjee, Consultant at HCG Cancer Center, Kolkata, warns that more young adults, women, and non-smokers are being diagnosed than ever before.

“Increasingly, we’re seeing lung cancer in non-smokers—possibly due to genetic predispositions, air pollution, and environmental toxins,” she explains. “People must understand that anyone can get lung cancer, and everyone needs to be vigilant about symptoms.”

She adds, “Lung cancer doesn’t always shout—it often whispers. Catching it in stage 1 or 2 can mean curative treatment. Catching it at stage 3 or 4? That’s a different story.”

What Are The Environmental Triggers and Everyday Risks?

In addition to smoking and secondhand smoke, prolonged exposure to pollution, dust, biomass fuel (like wood or coal used for cooking), and occupational hazards (like asbestos) significantly increase lung cancer risk. People living or working in such conditions often develop chronic coughs from continuous lung irritation. Unfortunately, this persistent irritation can mask the early signs of something more dangerous.

“Especially in urban environments, we’re breathing in harmful particles every day,” Dr. Pandit says. “If you’re in a high-risk environment, you can’t afford to ignore a chronic cough or delay a check-up.”

What You Can Do To Prevent And Early Diagnosis?

Here’s the thing—lung cancer caught early is often treatable but because early symptoms are vague, diagnosis is frequently delayed. The solution lies in being proactive.

1. Don’t dismiss persistent symptoms, especially coughs, breathlessness, fatigue, or weight loss.
2. Get screened if you’re high-risk, this includes smokers, ex-smokers, people over 50, or those with a family history.
3. Avoid triggers, stay away from secondhand smoke, reduce exposure to pollution, and use protective gear if working in hazardous conditions.
4. Vaccinate for infections like tuberculosis and influenza can damage lungs and increase vulnerability.
5. Annual health checks should be part of your routine, not just something you do when you’re sick.

“Most causes of a recurring cough are treatable if caught early,” Dr. Pandit says. “That’s why a cough that won’t quit needs more than just home remedies or over-the-counter syrup. It needs medical evaluation.”

When detected in its early stages, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—the more common and slower-growing form—can often be removed surgically or treated with radiation and targeted therapies. But in later stages, treatment gets more complicated and outcomes become uncertain.

Dr. Banerjee sums it up best, “We need to move beyond fear and stigma. Early diagnosis isn’t about being alarmist—it’s about giving people a fighting chance.”

The theme of World Lung Cancer Day isn’t just about awareness. It’s a call to action- to listen to your body, to challenge the assumptions around who gets lung cancer and to make preventive health a priority. So, if you or someone you know has a cough that keeps coming back, don’t wait.

Heart disease is often associated with common conditions like heart attacks or cardiac arrest. But beyond these lies a group of lesser-known, often overlooked cardiovascular disorders that are gradually becoming more prevalent, or at least more recognized, as awareness grows.

Collectively, rare cardiovascular diseases affect nearly 5% of the global population. While each condition individually may be considered rare, their collective impact is significant, especially given the diagnostic challenges and the toll they take on patients and caregivers alike.

According to Dr. Sanjay Bhat, Sr. Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, many of these diseases mimic more common heart issues, which leads to frequent misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

Here's a closer look at four such conditions that deserve urgent attention.

Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

ATTR-CM is a form of cardiac amyloidosis, a rare but fatal condition marked by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the heart. This leads to stiffening of the heart muscle and progressive heart failure. As per the World Heart Federation, it typically affects men over the age of 60, though women can also be diagnosed.

Unlike a typical heart attack, caused by blocked arteries, ATTR-CM often shows no such obstructions. “In elderly patients with unexplained fatigue or breathlessness, especially when routine tests show thickened heart walls or declining function without clear cause, ATTR-CM should be considered,” says Dr. Bhat.

Diagnosis involves specialized imaging, blood tests, and occasionally bone scans—no biopsy required. Unfortunately, many patients are initially misdiagnosed with standard heart failure or dismissed as simply aging.

Kawasaki Disease

Once considered exceedingly rare, Kawasaki Disease is now recognized as a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, notes the World Heart Federation. It causes inflammation in blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries, which can result in aneurysms or long-term narrowing.

Unlike adult heart attacks, which stem from plaque buildup, Kawasaki disease involves inflammation. “Because children don’t exhibit the same symptoms as adults—such as chest pain—early diagnosis can be tricky,” Dr. Bhat explains. Timely treatment, often with immunoglobulins and aspirin, is crucial. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for any delayed cardiac complications.

Chagas Disease

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and is most common in Latin America, although migration has spread it to other regions. It remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

“Chagas can damage the heart muscle over time, eventually leading to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death,” notes Dr. Bhat.

Because symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, or gastrointestinal discomfort can mimic other conditions—or even be brushed off as stress, it often goes undetected for years, especially in immigrant populations unfamiliar to local healthcare providers.

Misdiagnoses are common, ranging from anxiety to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)

Still prevalent in many low-and middle-income countries, Rheumatic Heart Disease stems from untreated streptococcal throat infections in childhood. The resulting immune response can cause permanent damage to the heart valves. The World Heart Federation notes that this affects 39 million people worldwide.

“Unlike a heart attack, which is sudden, RHD progresses over years, quietly damaging the valves until symptoms like breathlessness or swelling become obvious,” says Dr. Bhat.

This slow progression often means the disease isn’t detected until advanced stages, particularly affecting young adults and women during pregnancy.

Bridging the Diagnosis Gap

Many rare heart conditions present with overlapping symptoms: fatigue, breathlessness, swelling—which makes early diagnosis a challenge.

“It’s vital for general practitioners and cardiologists to collaborate closely,” Dr. Bhat advises. “When conventional treatments fail or symptoms don’t align with typical diagnoses, we must look deeper. Family history, ethnic background, and country of origin can offer vital clues.”

Advanced imaging tools like cardiac MRI, bone scans, and genetic screening are becoming essential in identifying these rare diseases. But at the heart of the solution is increased awareness, both among healthcare providers and the public. Because in the end, every heartbeat truly does matter.

As UK temperatures rise, more and more people are concerned about heat related illnesses and how to ensure they stay safe in this weather. In fact, in June of 2025, the UK National Health Service website had 31,524 visits within 48 hours as they issued a heat-health alert, compared to the 10,000 views they had just days prior. This helped many people be aware of their health and keep safe. However, temperatures are yet to relent, and One must stay careful.

With the UK currently experiencing very high temperatures, it's really important to know the signs of heatstroke, which can be quite dangerous. The NHS is telling people to dial 999 right away if they see a particular, serious symptom on someone's skin. This is a crucial step because heatstroke can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly.

Heatstroke: An Emergency Situation

Heat exhaustion is a milder condition, but it can quickly get much worse and turn into heatstroke if it's not dealt with fast. The NHS explains that if someone has heat exhaustion, they usually won't need emergency medical help as long as they can cool down within about half an hour. However, if that heat exhaustion turns into heatstroke, it's a completely different story – it becomes a real emergency. The health service is very clear: you should "call 999 now if you or someone else has signs of heatstroke." This isn't a suggestion; it's a direct instruction for a serious situation.

Key Heatstroke Symptoms to Watch For

One very important sign to look out for is skin that feels hot to the touch but isn't sweating, and it might look red. It's worth noting that this particular sign can be harder to spot on darker skin tones.

You also need to get emergency help if someone still isn't feeling well after being in a cool place for 30 minutes, having cooling treatments applied, and drinking fluids. Other signs of heatstroke that mean you should call 999 immediately include: an extremely high body temperature; a very fast pulse or heartbeat; breathing that is quick or difficult; feeling confused and having trouble moving in a coordinated way; having a seizure or fit; or passing out (losing consciousness).

If the person becomes unconscious while you're waiting for help to arrive, the NHS advises you to gently roll them onto their side into the recovery position.

Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Before someone gets to the serious stage of heatstroke, there are earlier warning signs of heat exhaustion. Keep an eye out for these:

• Feeling very, very tired.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Having a headache.
• Feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting.
• Cramps in your arms, legs, and stomach.
• Sweating a lot, and your skin might look pale and feel clammy, or you might even get a heat rash.
• Your breathing or heartbeat might be fast.
• You'll likely have a high temperature.
• Feeling extremely thirsty.
• Feeling weak.

The NHS points out that these symptoms are generally the same for both adults and children, though children might also become irritable or cranky.

What to Do if Someone Has Symptoms

If you notice someone showing these signs of heat exhaustion, the most important thing is to cool them down right away and get them to drink fluids. The NHS recommends these four essential steps:

• Move them to a cool, shady spot. Get them out of the heat!
• Take off any extra clothing they don't need, like a jacket or thick socks.
• Encourage them to drink a sports drink, a rehydration drink, or just cool water. These drinks help replace lost salts and fluids.

Stay with the person until they start to recover, which should happen within about 30 minutes. However, if they don't get better after following these steps, you might need to call 999 for emergency help.