'Medical Memoir' is a Health & Me series where we delve into some of the most intriguing medical history and unveil how medical innovations have evolved overtime. Here, we trace the early stages of all things health, whether a vaccine, a treatment, a pill, or a cure.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), smallpox was officially eradicated in 1980. The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in Somalia in 1977. In 1980, the WHO declared it to be eradicates, along with the World Health Assembly, marking it as the first human infectious disease to be eradicated worldwide.

So, why are we topic about it today?

Well, for two reasons. What makes it very special is because it was the only human disease to be eradicated so far, mentions WHO. Secondly, the vaccine that worked for its eradication was developed by accident.

A Disease Centuries Old

For centuries, smallpox was humanity’s most merciless enemy — wiping out millions without regard for age, status or geography. It struck kings and commoners alike, killing at least one in every three it infected. In its deadliest form, the toll was even worse.

The disease didn’t just kill — it tortured. Victims first faced high fever, relentless vomiting, and painful mouth sores. Then came the hallmark: fluid-filled blisters that erupted across the body like a cruel constellation. Death often followed within two weeks. And for those who lived, the aftermath could be just as cruel — many were left blind, scarred, or infertile for life.

The disease was indeed deadly, it infected Mozart and also Abraham Lincoln.

The worst part? No cure was known. It began as early as in the 1350 BCE, studied in Egyptian mummies. There were practices too in parts of Africa, called variolation, name for smallpox. We also find written accounts from China from the mid-1500s that also describe forms of variolation used in China, where smallpox scabs were dried, ground and blown into the nostril using a pipe. In India, a similar method known as inoculation involved pricking the skin of healthy children with a lancet or needle dipped in material from smallpox pustules. Historical records from the 18th century indicate that this practice had been in use for centuries.

An Accidental Observation That Saved Lives

It was not until May 1796, when the world's first smallpox vaccine had been demonstrated, using the same principle as variolation, but with a less dangerous viral source, cowpox.

It was an English physician Edward Jenner who noticed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox appeared to be protected form smallpox. This led him to hypothesize that cowpox could be used to induce immunity against smallpox. In 1796, Jenner inoculated a young boy, James Phipps, and exposed him to smallpox. He did not develop the disease.

This is how Phipps became the first person in history to be vaccinated against smallpox.

While the experiment, absolutely against today's safety standards, proved the principle of vaccination and marked the very beginning of the chapter that ended smallpox.

In another news, scientists have discovered 20 new viruses from bats residing near people in China. This has been discovered in Yuan province, which has a population of around 4.2 million. The species are closely related to deadly Nipah and Hendra virus.

Nipah Virus

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, which means that it is transmitted from animals to humans, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people, making it a public health concern.

Hendre Virus

The WHO notes that Hendra virus (HeV) infection is a rare emerging zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals) that causes severe and often fatal disease in both infected horses and humans. The natural host of the virus has been identified as being fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.

HeV was identified during the first recorded outbreak of the disease in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra, Australia, in 1994, which is where it gets its name.

What Did The Scientists Find?

The findings were published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. Experts say that the discovery has highlighted the growing risks of new viruses which could be easily transmitted from animals to humans, especially in areas where farming, deforestation, or urbanization are happening, that is bringing people closer to the wildlife.

The study was conducted by researchers from China and the University of Sydney has uncovered a surprising number of unknown viruses in bats. Unlike most previous research, which focused on bat droppings, this study examined kidney tissues—key organs involved in virus shedding through urine, another potential transmission route.

22 Viruses Found, 20 of Them Previously Unknown

The team studied the kidneys of 142 bats over four years in China’s Yunnan province. In total, they discovered 22 viruses, including 20 previously unknown ones. The study also revealed two new types of bacteria and one unidentified parasite.

Among the viruses identified were two new henipaviruses—a group that includes deadly pathogens like Nipah and Hendra. These viruses are known to cause severe brain and respiratory infections in humans and animals, with some outbreaks having mortality rates as high as 75 percent.

A Hidden Danger in Everyday Spaces

What makes the discovery even more concerning is that the bats studied were living close to agricultural areas. Researchers caution that bat urine could contaminate fruit or surfaces that both people and livestock might come into contact with, creating potential pathways for viral transmission. The study authors emphasized the urgent need to assess these newly found viruses for their potential to cause future outbreaks.

Expert Reactions: Important But No Cause for Panic

Tim Mahony, director at the Centre for Animal Science at the University of Queensland (not part of the study), said the findings highlight how much is still unknown about the viruses in bats and the wider environment.

Linfa Wang, professor at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, added: “This shows just how many different viruses exist in bats, especially henipaviruses. We need to monitor the situation closely, but there’s no need for panic right now.”

Human Activity Driving the Risk

Experts broadly agree that ongoing human disruption of wildlife habitats is a major driver of spillover events. As animals are pushed out of their natural environments, the likelihood of cross-species transmission rises. This latest study acts as a reminder of the hidden viral risks in nature—and the pressing need for global vigilance, monitoring, and preparedness.

Many people have become aware of medicines and what are certain medications used for, however this has led to some patients asking for specific medications from their doctors. They believe they understand better and often push doctors to give them what they think is right. Speaking about her experience with similar patients, Dr Mukherjee posted a video on Instagram calling out ‘pushy patients’

Dr. Bhasha Mukherjee, an NHS doctor, is strongly advising patients to listen to their doctors and rely on science when it comes to getting antibiotics. She wants everyone to understand that her main job is to make people better, not just to give them what they ask for, especially if it's not the right medical treatment.

"Pushy Patients" and Viral Infections

Dr. Mukherjee has been quite vocal about patients who insist on getting antibiotics for viral infections, like the common cold or the flu. She even shared her reasons in an Instagram post called "A pushy patient asks for antibiotics for a viral infection." In it, she clearly explained why she says no to these requests. The main reason is simple: antibiotics don't work against viruses. Using them too much can actually cause serious problems, including:

Antibiotic resistance: This makes future bacterial infections harder to treat.

Gut issues: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.

More harm than good: Unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to side effects without providing any benefit.

Dr. Mukherjee's message is clear, "I'm here to heal, not to please – and that means giving you the right treatment, not the requested one. Trust science. Trust your doctor."

When Are Antibiotics Appropriate?

The NHS confirms that antibiotics are specifically for bacterial infections. They are not effective against viruses. However, there are specific scenarios where antibiotics are necessary and beneficial

Non-serious but persistent bacterial infections

For ongoing issues such as severe acne, where the bacterial cause won't resolve naturally, antibiotics become necessary. They effectively target and eliminate the stubborn bacteria, leading to clearer skin and preventing long-term discomfort.

Contagious bacterial infections

Conditions like impetigo or chlamydia, which are easily transmissible to others, require antibiotics. This treatment not only heals the infected individual but also prevents the spread of the bacterial infection within the community, protecting public health.

To speed up recovery

In specific instances, such as a kidney infection, antibiotics play a crucial role. They quickly combat the bacterial invaders, significantly reducing symptoms and accelerating the patient's recovery, often preventing more severe illness.

Risk of serious complications

Anti biotics are very important for serious bacterial infections like pneumonia. These diseases can be life-threatening and using antibiotics weakens these bacteria, helping you reduce the risk of the disease escalating.

Antibiotic prophylaxis

In certain situations, antibiotics are administered as a proactive measure. This preventative approach helps to ward off potential infections before they even start, especially in vulnerable patients undergoing specific medical procedures or with weakened immune systems.

Exceptions for Vulnerable Patients

Even though antibiotics usually aren't prescribed for viral infections, doctors might consider them for people who are more likely to get very sick from such infections. This includes people over 75, newborn babies (under 72 hours old), individuals with heart failure, those who need insulin for diabetes, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Why Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotic Use?

Besides not working on viruses, the NHS points out more reasons why doctors usually don't give antibiotics for viral infections. For one, they won't help you get better any more quickly. Also, taking antibiotics for small problems can make them stop working for more serious illnesses later which means the effectiveness of the medicine goes down. This is a big part of a worldwide issue called antibiotic resistance.

Hearing loss isn't just an inconvenience—it can lead to serious social and emotional consequences. With devices blasting music directly into our ears and constant exposure to urban noise, protecting your hearing is more important than ever. Here's how to keep your ears healthy throughout your life.

Hearing Loss Isn’t Just for the Elderly

Many people think hearing problems come with old age. But the truth is, hearing health should be a lifelong priority. Early awareness and care can reduce long-term damage and stigma. Communication is key to our personal and professional lives, and struggling to hear can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and isolation.

Age and Its Effects on Hearing

While anyone can experience hearing issues, age is a major factor. Over 40% of people over 50 and more than 70% over 70 deal with some degree of hearing loss. Often, it creeps up slowly—people assume others are mumbling or blame background noise. It’s usually loved ones who first notice the issue, pointing out the loud television or constant requests to repeat themselves.

Noise Exposure Is a Growing Concern

In earlier decades, occupational noise was the biggest hearing threat. Today, it’s recreational noise—especially headphones and personal devices. Audio technology has improved so much that users can raise the volume dangerously high without noticing distortion. This makes it easier to cause long-term harm to hearing.

Protect Your Ears in Loud Environments

Noise above 85 decibels—think concerts, clubs, or power tools—can damage your ears quickly. Earplugs are a simple and effective solution. Special musician-grade options preserve sound quality while reducing volume. Custom earplugs are also available for frequent concertgoers or those in loud work environments.

Use Headphones Wisely

Personal audio devices should be used with caution. Experts recommend the 50/50 or 60/60 rule: keep volume at 50–60% and limit use to 50–60 minutes at a stretch. Noisy surroundings can tempt you to increase volume—resist the urge. Instead, consider noise-cancelling headphones or moving to a quieter area.

Get Your Hearing Tested

Many people live with undiagnosed hearing loss for years. Fortunately, testing is easier than ever. Quick online hearing checks are available through trusted health organizations. If any issues are detected, follow up with a professional for a detailed evaluation.

Don’t Ignore Sudden Changes

If you wake up with severe hearing loss in one ear, or experience repeated infections, seek medical attention promptly. Inflammation in the inner ear can cause lasting damage if left untreated. Sometimes, steroids can help if administered quickly.

Respect the Role of Earwax

Earwax is often misunderstood. Far from being a sign of poor hygiene, it protects and moisturizes the ear canal. Avoid using cotton buds, which can cause irritation or push wax deeper. Let wax exit naturally or have it removed professionally if needed.

When to Consider Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and available through public health services in many areas. They help people stay socially connected, which is essential for mental health and healthy aging.