Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Sunita Williams Returning To Earth Finally, What Health Concerns Loom Over Her?

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare orbital hardware for installation inside the International Space Station. (NASA)

The wait is over and the stranded duo of US astronauts are finally going to return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday (March 18) evening, said NASA. 

The duo, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will be transported home with another American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon craft, which had arrived on ISS early on Sunday. 

The duo was initially out for an 8-day long mission to ISS, which got extended for nine months due to a Starliner spacecraft problem. Not only this extension is mentally draining, doctors had long been concerned about the other health impacts a long space duration can do. 

The spacecraft was launched on June 5, and following a glitch in its thrusters, essential to propel the spacecraft, the duo has been stuck indefinitely. The primary issue is with its propulsion system, particularly gas leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, which have raised significant safety concerns and led NASA to even reconsider its use for astronaut transport. The Space Agency, as reported in <em>The Guardian </em>also said that there was "too much uncertainty" for the astronauts to return on the craft that brought them to the station.

<h4>How Do Astronauts Survive On Long Missions?</h4>

"The space station is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen. Additionally, NASA and its space station partners frequently launch resupply missions to the orbiting complex carrying additional supplies and cargo," said the space agency in a statement.

NASA had earlier said that it has plans to launch a SpaceX resupply mission by the end of 2024. Crew living on board the ISS also have access to Vegetable Production System (Veggie) which is investigation the growth of plants in space. With this system fresh plants can be grown that can provide astronauts with nutritious fresh food. Both, Williams and Wilmore are also testing the different space crop techniques.

Space agencies like NASA and the German Space Agency (DLR) studied the effects of space on human body. In 2024, the journal Nature published over 40 studies focused on aerospace medicine and space biology. One such study, called TWINS compared astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year on the ISS with his identical twin, Mark, who stayed on Earth. 

The study highlighted a significant risk of prolonged space missions: radiation exposure.

Radiation in space can damage DNA, increasing cancer risks and oxidative stress in the body. Bailey explained that space radiation exposure is a major concern for astronauts. Space agencies must find ways to protect astronauts during space travel and long-term stays on the Moon or Mars. They have set limits on the amount of radiation astronauts can be exposed to over their careers.

Another challenge is microgravity that causes bone density loss of 1-1.5% per month. When astronauts come down to Earth. They may struggle with physical activities like dancing due to weak bones and it can also affect vision. The fluids that shift to the head put pressure on the eyes. This can also lead to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which can permanently impact vision. 

Other risks involve fluid redistribution that can lead to facial puffiness and decreased fluid volume in legs, disruption of cardiovascular functions, complicating blood pressure and even risks to the urinary systems. The risk of kidney stone too is high. 

Nutrition deficiencies was another concern which was raised when photos of Williams revealed a significant weight loss. Her sunken cheekbones raised worries about her eating habits. There were also speculations of her being on a calorie-deficit diet. This meant that she ate less than her body required to sustain the high energy she needs for space travels. 

In terms of physical activities, astronauts in microgravity must exercise for 2.5 hours daily. This helps them maintain muscle bone health. However, challenging environment could lead to weight loss. 

What must be done after the duo returns to Earth is a regular health monitoring that could track the long-term effects of their time in space.

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The wait is over and the stranded duo of US astronauts are finally going to return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday (March 18) evening, said NASA. The duo, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will be transported home with another American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon craft, which had arrived on ISS early on Sunday. The duo was initially out for an 8-day long mission to ISS, which got extended for nine months due to a Starliner spacecraft problem. Not only this extension is mentally draining, doctors had long been concerned about the other health impacts a long space duration can do. The spacecraft was launched on June 5, and following a glitch in its thrusters, essential to propel the spacecraft, the duo has been stuck indefinitely. The primary issue is with its propulsion system, particularly gas leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, which have raised significant safety concerns and led NASA to even reconsider its use for astronaut transport. The Space Agency, as reported in The Guardian also said that there was "too much uncertainty" for the astronauts to return on the craft that brought them to the station.How Do Astronauts Survive On Long Missions?"The space station is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen. Additionally, NASA and its space station partners frequently launch resupply missions to the orbiting complex carrying additional supplies and cargo," said the space agency in a statement.NASA had earlier said that it has plans to launch a SpaceX resupply mission by the end of 2024. Crew living on board the ISS also have access to Vegetable Production System (Veggie) which is investigation the growth of plants in space. With this system fresh plants can be grown that can provide astronauts with nutritious fresh food. Both, Williams and Wilmore are also testing the different space crop techniques.So Are There No Health Risks?Space agencies like NASA and the German Space Agency (DLR) studied the effects of space on human body. In 2024, the journal Nature published over 40 studies focused on aerospace medicine and space biology. One such study, called TWINS compared astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year on the ISS with his identical twin, Mark, who stayed on Earth. The study highlighted a significant risk of prolonged space missions: radiation exposure.Radiation in space can damage DNA, increasing cancer risks and oxidative stress in the body. Bailey explained that space radiation exposure is a major concern for astronauts. Space agencies must find ways to protect astronauts during space travel and long-term stays on the Moon or Mars. They have set limits on the amount of radiation astronauts can be exposed to over their careers.Another challenge is microgravity that causes bone density loss of 1-1.5% per month. When astronauts come down to Earth. They may struggle with physical activities like dancing due to weak bones and it can also affect vision. The fluids that shift to the head put pressure on the eyes. This can also lead to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which can permanently impact vision. Other risks involve fluid redistribution that can lead to facial puffiness and decreased fluid volume in legs, disruption of cardiovascular functions, complicating blood pressure and even risks to the urinary systems. The risk of kidney stone too is high. Nutrition deficiencies was another concern which was raised when photos of Williams revealed a significant weight loss. Her sunken cheekbones raised worries about her eating habits. There were also speculations of her being on a calorie-deficit diet. This meant that she ate less than her body required to sustain the high energy she needs for space travels. In terms of physical activities, astronauts in microgravity must exercise for 2.5 hours daily. This helps them maintain muscle bone health. However, challenging environment could lead to weight loss. What must be done after the duo returns to Earth is a regular health monitoring that could track the long-term effects of their time in space.

sunita williams returning to earth finally, what health concerns loom over her?

Aarushi Bhadury

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nhs doctor warns using tap water for this practice could expose you to brain-eating amoeba

Parenting

Kids’ Tongues Show Signs Of Illness, Reveals Study

kids’ tongues show signs of illness, reveals study

You may know about people who avoid certain foods like peanuts, berries or eggs because they are allergic to it, but what does that mean? <span>Food allergies</span> can happen to anyone. It is a condition where your body’s natural defenses overreact to exposure to a particular substance. The American College of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology explains that our body’s immune system basically mistakes food or a particular particle as an invader or a threat to your body. 

This then causes your immune system to release ‘defense’ chemicals that can cause reactions like nausea, swellings, dizziness or worse, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a whole-body reaction that can impair your breathing and cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Life-threatening reactions like such are the reason why many parents are apprehensive about introducing certain foods to their children. However, could that be the reason why children are developing more <span>allergies</span>? 

A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that some parents are waiting much longer—a year or even more. Many parents, understandably worried, might actually be preventing their children from avoiding food allergies. Experts now say that introducing tiny amounts of common allergy-causing foods like peanuts and eggs to babies as young as 4 to 6 months old can help them build a strong defense. This delay could mean their children don't get the chance to become tolerant to these foods, increasing their risk of <span>developing allergies</span>. 

The study looked at what parents are feeding their babies and found some interesting, and perhaps concerning, trends: 

<strong>Nuts: </strong>About 35% of babies hadn't eaten nuts by their first birthday.

<strong>Eggs: </strong>Similarly, around 21% of parents hadn't given their one-year-olds any egg.

<strong>Sesame:</strong> And for sesame, 16% of babies hadn't tried it by age one. 

These numbers come from a survey of parents in the UK, who are part of a study tracking their children's health over time. 

<h2>Persistent Misconceptions And How It Affects Health </h2>

For many years, parents were told to avoid giving allergenic foods to babies and even during pregnancy. The idea was to prevent allergies. However, we now know that this advice might have actually made allergies more common, especially in children. 

Researchers explain that studies as such are very important. Parents must update themselves regarding new food allergy guidelines. This understanding is important as if parents keep waiting to introduce these foods, it will continue to fuel the "allergy epidemic" we're seeing. 

The researchers talked to nearly 400 parents involved in a project tracking children's health from birth. They found that most children did start eating common allergenic foods like eggs and nuts when they were between 6 and 9 months old. However, many parents still chose to wait longer for certain foods: 

<strong>Sesame: </strong>About 26% of parents waited until their child was older than 9 months.

<strong>Fish: </strong>25% delayed introducing fish.

<strong>Nuts:</strong> 21% waited longer for nuts.

<strong>Eggs:</strong> 11% held off on eggs. 

The researchers concluded that even parents whose families had a history of allergies weren't following the updated advice. Many babies weren't exposed to nuts and eggs by their first birthday, which is a key time for building tolerance. 

These findings suggest that the new guidelines about food allergies aren't reaching new parents clearly enough. Research consistently shows that introducing allergenic foods early, especially nuts and eggs, lowers the risk of developing allergies. In fact, for babies at high risk of allergies, experts even suggest introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4 to 6 months of age. It's crucial for this message to get out so more children can benefit from these updated recommendations. 

diet & Nutrition

Children and Food Allergies

Food allergies

Can you develop allergies

are you born with allergies

are allergies life-threatening

allergies

developing allergies

You may know about people who avoid certain foods like peanuts, berries or eggs because they are allergic to it, but what does that mean? Food allergies can happen to anyone. It is a condition where your body’s natural defenses overreact to exposure to a particular substance. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explains that our body’s immune system basically mistakes food or a particular particle as an invader or a threat to your body. This then causes your immune system to release ‘defense’ chemicals that can cause reactions like nausea, swellings, dizziness or worse, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a whole-body reaction that can impair your breathing and cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Life-threatening reactions like such are the reason why many parents are apprehensive about introducing certain foods to their children. However, could that be the reason why children are developing more allergies? A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that some parents are waiting much longer—a year or even more. Many parents, understandably worried, might actually be preventing their children from avoiding food allergies. Experts now say that introducing tiny amounts of common allergy-causing foods like peanuts and eggs to babies as young as 4 to 6 months old can help them build a strong defense. This delay could mean their children don't get the chance to become tolerant to these foods, increasing their risk of developing allergies. Delayed Introduction Trend The study looked at what parents are feeding their babies and found some interesting, and perhaps concerning, trends: Nuts: About 35% of babies hadn't eaten nuts by their first birthday.Eggs: Similarly, around 21% of parents hadn't given their one-year-olds any egg.Sesame: And for sesame, 16% of babies hadn't tried it by age one. These numbers come from a survey of parents in the UK, who are part of a study tracking their children's health over time. Persistent Misconceptions And How It Affects Health For many years, parents were told to avoid giving allergenic foods to babies and even during pregnancy. The idea was to prevent allergies. However, we now know that this advice might have actually made allergies more common, especially in children. Researchers explain that studies as such are very important. Parents must update themselves regarding new food allergy guidelines. This understanding is important as if parents keep waiting to introduce these foods, it will continue to fuel the "allergy epidemic" we're seeing. The researchers talked to nearly 400 parents involved in a project tracking children's health from birth. They found that most children did start eating common allergenic foods like eggs and nuts when they were between 6 and 9 months old. However, many parents still chose to wait longer for certain foods: Sesame: About 26% of parents waited until their child was older than 9 months.Fish: 25% delayed introducing fish.Nuts: 21% waited longer for nuts.Eggs: 11% held off on eggs. The researchers concluded that even parents whose families had a history of allergies weren't following the updated advice. Many babies weren't exposed to nuts and eggs by their first birthday, which is a key time for building tolerance. Bridging the Knowledge Gap These findings suggest that the new guidelines about food allergies aren't reaching new parents clearly enough. Research consistently shows that introducing allergenic foods early, especially nuts and eggs, lowers the risk of developing allergies. In fact, for babies at high risk of allergies, experts even suggest introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4 to 6 months of age. It's crucial for this message to get out so more children can benefit from these updated recommendations. 

parents could be leading their children to food allergies unknowingly

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Cancer Diagnosis Under 50s Have Been Fueled By These Lifestyle Factors

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<span>Cervical cancer</span> is usually associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that accounts for nearly all cervical cancer cases. HPV types 16 and 18 have been found to account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccination and cervical screening schemes have had a remarkable impact in lowering the incidence of HPV-associated cervical cancer, particularly in developed countries but can cervical cancer happen without HPV?

Surprisingly, yes—but only rarely. Between 5.5% and 11% of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, and these tend to be missed until advanced stages. This article discusses what we now know about HPV-negative cervical cancers, why they are difficult to diagnose, and what it all means for prevention and treatment in the future.

<h2>Dominant Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer</h2>

HPV is by far the most frequent cause of cervical cancer and is responsible for almost 99% of cases. The virus is generally transmitted through sexual contact and can remain in the body for years before resulting in abnormal cell growth in the cervix.

In nations such as Australia, where screening and vaccination programs are well organized, the majority of cervical cancer cases can be traced to HPV. Of the 900 women who develop cervical cancer annually in Australia, nearly all have been attributed to this virus. The two most lethal types of HPV—16 and 18—are accountable for as much as 80% of the cases.

However, in a small percentage of cases, no detectable HPV infection is present. These are the uncommon but important outliers that researchers and clinicians are working increasingly harder to comprehend.

<h2>What is HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer?</h2>

HPV-negative cervical cancers occur in an estimated 5.5% to 11% of all cases worldwide. These are uncommon subtypes of adenocarcinomas, including:

<ul><li>Clear cell carcinoma</li><li>Mesonephric carcinoma</li><li>Gastric-type adenocarcinoma</li></ul>

In a few instances, tumors that are HPV-negative at presentation can be and were once HPV-positive, yet the virus is no longer detectable because of tumor progression or testing limitations. In any case, such cancers tend to act differently than HPV-positive tumors—and present formidable diagnostic challenges.

<h2>Why HPV-Negative Cases Go Undetected?</h2>

One of the biggest challenges to tackling HPV-negative cervical cancers is that existing screening tools—both the Pap test and the newer Cervical Screening Test (CST)—are intended to pick up HPV-associated abnormalities. Therefore, HPV-negative tumors usually go undetected early on.

Lacking an independent test that can specifically pick up these uncommon types, many women won't be diagnosed until they start noticing symptoms, including:

<ul><li>Unexplained vaginal bleeding</li><li>Pelvic pain</li><li>Painful sex</li><li>Irregular discharge</li></ul>

These symptoms usually manifest later, hence HPV-negative cervical cancers usually have a poorer prognosis. A meta-analysis of 17 studies with more than 2,800 patients revealed that the outcomes for HPV-positive cervical cancers are substantially better than those for HPV-negative cancers. Both earlier detection and biologic differences in tumor behavior are likely to be the reasons for this.

<h2>Potential Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer Beyond HPV</h2>

Although HPV is still the leading cause of cervical cancer, various factors can contribute to elevating one's risk, particularly in HPV-negative patients:

Smoking: Duplicates the risk of cervical cancer by subjecting cervical cells to carcinogens.

Long-term oral contraceptive use: Prolonged use can raise the risk, although risk dissipates after stopping pills.

Multiple births: Multiple full-term pregnancies can raise the vulnerability through hormonal fluctuations and prolonged exposure to HPV.

Weakened immune system: Diseases such as HIV or immunosuppressive drugs may weaken the body and make it less likely to resist infections and abnormal cell growth.

Family history: There may be a genetic component that contributes to susceptibility.

Chlamydia infection: Long-term infections caused by this bacterium may raise the risk.

Poor diet: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake has been linked with increased cancer risk from less protective antioxidants and vitamins.

Nevertheless, risk factors above are modifiers and not primary causes. In the case of HPV-negative cervical cancer, there is no single cause, and studies on possible genetic or environmental cause are under way.

<h2>Diagnosis of HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer</h2>

Since there is no screening test for HPV-negative cervical cancers, diagnosis typically only happens after symptoms arise. Physicians use:

<ul><li>Pelvic exams</li><li>Biopsies</li><li>Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans</li></ul>

By the point of discovery, the cancer is typically so advanced that the treatment becomes more complex and survival rates lower.

This delay in detection underscores a critical imperative for biomarker identification, cutting-edge imaging, and better awareness both within the healthcare community and among the general public.

<h2>Are We Underestimating the Role of HPV?</h2>

Some authors believe that the rate of HPV-negative cervical cancers could be overestimated because of false negatives, i.e., cases with the presence of the virus that are not detectable at the moment of testing. This may be explained by:

<ul><li>Low viral load</li><li>Sampling errors</li><li>Short period of time between infection and testing</li></ul>

This hypothesis is put forward on the grounds that the actual number of true HPV-negative cases may be less than reported, though more sophisticated diagnostic methods are required to support this.

<h2>How To Minimize Risk Of Cervical Cancer?</h2>

HPV-positive or HPV-negative, there are steps to take that lower the risk of developing cervical cancer overall:

Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine protects against the most risky types of the virus.

Go for regular screenings: Although they don't catch HPV-negative cancers, Pap and HPV tests are still important for the early detection of most.

Stop smoking: Reducing tobacco use reduces exposure to carcinogens.

Practice safe sex: Wear condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Eat a balanced diet: Provide a nutrient-rich diet with high levels of antioxidants.

Women who have any unusual gynecological symptoms—no matter what their screening history is—should see a healthcare provider early.

Though HPV-negative cervical cancer is uncommon, it poses special detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges. These instances remind us that cervical cancer is not a monolith and highlight the need for ongoing research, improved screening technologies, and heightened awareness.

cervical cancer

cervical cancer without hpv

hpv negative cervical cancer

rare cervical cancer types

adenocarcinoma hpv negative

cervical cancer causes

hpv vaccine limitations

cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is usually associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that accounts for nearly all cervical cancer cases. HPV types 16 and 18 have been found to account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccination and cervical screening schemes have had a remarkable impact in lowering the incidence of HPV-associated cervical cancer, particularly in developed countries but can cervical cancer happen without HPV?Surprisingly, yes—but only rarely. Between 5.5% and 11% of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, and these tend to be missed until advanced stages. This article discusses what we now know about HPV-negative cervical cancers, why they are difficult to diagnose, and what it all means for prevention and treatment in the future.Dominant Role of HPV in Cervical CancerHPV is by far the most frequent cause of cervical cancer and is responsible for almost 99% of cases. The virus is generally transmitted through sexual contact and can remain in the body for years before resulting in abnormal cell growth in the cervix.In nations such as Australia, where screening and vaccination programs are well organized, the majority of cervical cancer cases can be traced to HPV. Of the 900 women who develop cervical cancer annually in Australia, nearly all have been attributed to this virus. The two most lethal types of HPV—16 and 18—are accountable for as much as 80% of the cases.However, in a small percentage of cases, no detectable HPV infection is present. These are the uncommon but important outliers that researchers and clinicians are working increasingly harder to comprehend.What is HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer?HPV-negative cervical cancers occur in an estimated 5.5% to 11% of all cases worldwide. These are uncommon subtypes of adenocarcinomas, including:Clear cell carcinomaMesonephric carcinomaGastric-type adenocarcinomaIn a few instances, tumors that are HPV-negative at presentation can be and were once HPV-positive, yet the virus is no longer detectable because of tumor progression or testing limitations. In any case, such cancers tend to act differently than HPV-positive tumors—and present formidable diagnostic challenges.Why HPV-Negative Cases Go Undetected?One of the biggest challenges to tackling HPV-negative cervical cancers is that existing screening tools—both the Pap test and the newer Cervical Screening Test (CST)—are intended to pick up HPV-associated abnormalities. Therefore, HPV-negative tumors usually go undetected early on.Lacking an independent test that can specifically pick up these uncommon types, many women won't be diagnosed until they start noticing symptoms, including:Unexplained vaginal bleedingPelvic painPainful sexIrregular dischargeThese symptoms usually manifest later, hence HPV-negative cervical cancers usually have a poorer prognosis. A meta-analysis of 17 studies with more than 2,800 patients revealed that the outcomes for HPV-positive cervical cancers are substantially better than those for HPV-negative cancers. Both earlier detection and biologic differences in tumor behavior are likely to be the reasons for this.Potential Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer Beyond HPVAlthough HPV is still the leading cause of cervical cancer, various factors can contribute to elevating one's risk, particularly in HPV-negative patients:Smoking: Duplicates the risk of cervical cancer by subjecting cervical cells to carcinogens.Long-term oral contraceptive use: Prolonged use can raise the risk, although risk dissipates after stopping pills.Multiple births: Multiple full-term pregnancies can raise the vulnerability through hormonal fluctuations and prolonged exposure to HPV.Weakened immune system: Diseases such as HIV or immunosuppressive drugs may weaken the body and make it less likely to resist infections and abnormal cell growth.Family history: There may be a genetic component that contributes to susceptibility.Chlamydia infection: Long-term infections caused by this bacterium may raise the risk.Poor diet: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake has been linked with increased cancer risk from less protective antioxidants and vitamins.Nevertheless, risk factors above are modifiers and not primary causes. In the case of HPV-negative cervical cancer, there is no single cause, and studies on possible genetic or environmental cause are under way.Diagnosis of HPV-Negative Cervical CancerSince there is no screening test for HPV-negative cervical cancers, diagnosis typically only happens after symptoms arise. Physicians use:Pelvic examsBiopsiesImaging tests like MRI or CT scansBy the point of discovery, the cancer is typically so advanced that the treatment becomes more complex and survival rates lower.This delay in detection underscores a critical imperative for biomarker identification, cutting-edge imaging, and better awareness both within the healthcare community and among the general public.Are We Underestimating the Role of HPV?Some authors believe that the rate of HPV-negative cervical cancers could be overestimated because of false negatives, i.e., cases with the presence of the virus that are not detectable at the moment of testing. This may be explained by:Low viral loadSampling errorsShort period of time between infection and testingThis hypothesis is put forward on the grounds that the actual number of true HPV-negative cases may be less than reported, though more sophisticated diagnostic methods are required to support this.How To Minimize Risk Of Cervical Cancer?HPV-positive or HPV-negative, there are steps to take that lower the risk of developing cervical cancer overall:Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine protects against the most risky types of the virus.Go for regular screenings: Although they don't catch HPV-negative cancers, Pap and HPV tests are still important for the early detection of most.Stop smoking: Reducing tobacco use reduces exposure to carcinogens.Practice safe sex: Wear condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.Eat a balanced diet: Provide a nutrient-rich diet with high levels of antioxidants.Women who have any unusual gynecological symptoms—no matter what their screening history is—should see a healthcare provider early.Though HPV-negative cervical cancer is uncommon, it poses special detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges. These instances remind us that cervical cancer is not a monolith and highlight the need for ongoing research, improved screening technologies, and heightened awareness.

can you get cervical cancer without hpv?

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CDC Warns Travelers of Measles Risk at Airports and Popular Destinations

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One must be very careful about what they consume. One of the easiest ways to get sick is by eating food or having beverages from unsafe and unsanitary places. That is why people are discouraged from eating at roadside stalls or food from street hawkers who do not follow the food safety protocol. 

Many people do not know how unsafe tap water can be. While the tap water available at home goes through treatment, it is best to only drink it after boiling or opting for water from the filter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these health issues can range from mild to serious, depending on what germs are being transmitted. 

In a TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia who goes by Dr. Sooj, a practicing NHS GP and emergency doctor, issued a critical warning. urgent warning that if you use regular tap water to rinse your nose, you could be exposed to a very rare but dangerous "<span>brain-eating amoeba</span>." Even though tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink, it's a different story when it comes to cleaning out your nose. 

<h2>Why Tap Water Is Risky for Your Nose </h2>

Rinsing your nose is a common thing people do when they have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. You usually flush water or salt water into your nose to wash away snot, dust, pollen, and anything else that might be irritating your nasal passages. But in a video, a doctor known online as Dr. Sooj, explained why tap water is risky for this. He said that "tap water has bacteria. It has amoeba, it has protozoa. There are tiny living things in the water." When you drink these, your stomach acid usually kills them, but when they go up your nose, it's a different story. 

The main worry is a "brain-eating amoeba" called Naegleria fowleri. This tiny creature loves to live in warm fresh water, like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The Cleveland Clinic explains water that contains this amoeba goes up your nose, it can travel to your brain. Once there, it causes a very serious and almost always deadly infection called <span>Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis</span> (PAM). While this infection is rare, it's not worth the risk. 

If the amoeba gets into the brain through the nose, it can cause a severe infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Early signs of PAM can be a headache, fever, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), and throwing up (vomiting). This infection moves incredibly fast. Most people who get PAM unfortunately die within just 1 to 18 days after they start showing symptoms, often falling into a coma before death. Other symptoms can include a stiff neck, feeling confused, not paying attention to people around you, losing your balance, and seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations). 

Health experts like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with this advice. They also warn about another amoeba called Acanthamoeba. If you or someone you know starts to have a headache, fever, confusion, or vomiting soon after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages, it's crucial to get medical help right away. 

Brain-Eating Amoeba

primary amebic meningoencephalitis

what is Brain-Eating Amoeba

how does Brain-Eating Amoeba infect you

causes of Brain-Eating Amoeba

how fast does Brain-Eating Amoeba affect you

One must be very careful about what they consume. One of the easiest ways to get sick is by eating food or having beverages from unsafe and unsanitary places. That is why people are discouraged from eating at roadside stalls or food from street hawkers who do not follow the food safety protocol. Many people do not know how unsafe tap water can be. While the tap water available at home goes through treatment, it is best to only drink it after boiling or opting for water from the filter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these health issues can range from mild to serious, depending on what germs are being transmitted. In a TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia who goes by Dr. Sooj, a practicing NHS GP and emergency doctor, issued a critical warning. urgent warning that if you use regular tap water to rinse your nose, you could be exposed to a very rare but dangerous "brain-eating amoeba." Even though tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink, it's a different story when it comes to cleaning out your nose. Why Tap Water Is Risky for Your Nose Rinsing your nose is a common thing people do when they have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. You usually flush water or salt water into your nose to wash away snot, dust, pollen, and anything else that might be irritating your nasal passages. But in a video, a doctor known online as Dr. Sooj, explained why tap water is risky for this. He said that "tap water has bacteria. It has amoeba, it has protozoa. There are tiny living things in the water." When you drink these, your stomach acid usually kills them, but when they go up your nose, it's a different story. Brain-Eating Amoeba The main worry is a "brain-eating amoeba" called Naegleria fowleri. This tiny creature loves to live in warm fresh water, like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The Cleveland Clinic explains water that contains this amoeba goes up your nose, it can travel to your brain. Once there, it causes a very serious and almost always deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). While this infection is rare, it's not worth the risk. If the amoeba gets into the brain through the nose, it can cause a severe infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Early signs of PAM can be a headache, fever, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), and throwing up (vomiting). This infection moves incredibly fast. Most people who get PAM unfortunately die within just 1 to 18 days after they start showing symptoms, often falling into a coma before death. Other symptoms can include a stiff neck, feeling confused, not paying attention to people around you, losing your balance, and seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations). When to Seek Medical Help Health experts like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with this advice. They also warn about another amoeba called Acanthamoeba. If you or someone you know starts to have a headache, fever, confusion, or vomiting soon after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages, it's crucial to get medical help right away. 

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