Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

UKHSA Issues A Health Directive For People Travelling Abroad - Essential Travel Checklist

While vacationing may be a great way to relax and center yourself, there is a lot of preparing one must do to ensure that their trip doesn’t end in someone getting sick. The <span>UK Health Security Agency</span> (UKHSA) wants everyone to think about their health and well-being when packing their bags. Their Travel Health Pro website is a great resource, offering up-to-date information on illnesses in different countries, helpful for both travelers and medical staff. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Essential Checks for a Healthy Trip</span> </h2>

The UKHSA has put together an "essential travel checklist" to help keep you and your family healthy while abroad. A key part of this is knowing what illnesses are common in the places you're visiting. The UKHSA has a detailed list of diseases that you should be aware of for specific destinations, including some very serious ones. Certain illnesses, like malaria, are spread by mosquitoes. These can be very serious but are often preventable. The UKHSA suggests: 

<ul><li>Wearing long-sleeved clothing.</li><li>Using insect repellent.</li><li>Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets if there's no air conditioning.</li></ul>

This year, be especially careful about dengue fever, as cases have increased worldwide, particularly in popular spots like Barbados, Thailand, Brazil, and India. The Zika virus is also still a concern, and pregnant women especially should be extra cautious. 

Rabies is another threat in many holiday spots, spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. While it's almost always deadly once symptoms appear, vaccinations and quick treatment can prevent it. The best way to protect yourself from rabies, dengue, and malaria is simply to avoid contact with animals and use measures like mosquito nets and repellent to keep pests away. 

Sunburn often goes hand-in-hand with summer holidays, as people try to soak up as much sun as possible. However, this can be dangerous. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, and too much sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer. It's not just about drinking more water, though. The UKHSA advises: 

<ul><li>Be careful about water and food safety. Drink bottled water when needed.</li><li>Traveler's diarrhea is common. If you get it, rest, drink plenty of bottled fluids (add rehydration salts if you can).</li><li>Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or don't improve in three days.</li><li>Protect yourself from too much sun by staying in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm, wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.</li></ul>

<h2>Other <span rel="noindex">Healthy Travelling Tips</span> </h2>

Some other tips that may help you keep your health while travelling safe, according to the American Heart Association are, 

Keeping active on your trip is easy with a few smart choices. Skip airport moving walkways; walk instead. On road trips, take frequent stops for stretches and short walks. Find a hotel with a gym or pool to fit in workouts, even early mornings. 

Be mindful of your food choices, especially with new or fast foods. Pack healthy snacks like nuts and fruit to avoid unhealthy options. When dining out, choose grilled lean proteins with salads. Plan for occasional treats, enjoying local delights as a planned "cheat meal," not a whole week. 

Manage stress in busy places like airports by finding quiet spots to stretch or meditate. Treat yourself to a hotel spa's steam room or massage to relax. Take advantage of a quiet hotel room for meditation, enjoying its calming benefits. 

Research your hotel for gym or pool access and nearby healthy restaurants. Pack workout clothes and swimwear with purpose. Schedule time for exercise, meditation, or stretch breaks into your daily plan. Planning ahead makes healthy travel much easier. 

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health

Travelling healthy

healthy travelling tips

uk health security agency

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UKHSA guidelines for travelling

Essential Checks for a Healthy Trip

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While vacationing may be a great way to relax and center yourself, there is a lot of preparing one must do to ensure that their trip doesn’t end in someone getting sick. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) wants everyone to think about their health and well-being when packing their bags. Their Travel Health Pro website is a great resource, offering up-to-date information on illnesses in different countries, helpful for both travelers and medical staff. Essential Checks for a Healthy Trip The UKHSA has put together an "essential travel checklist" to help keep you and your family healthy while abroad. A key part of this is knowing what illnesses are common in the places you're visiting. The UKHSA has a detailed list of diseases that you should be aware of for specific destinations, including some very serious ones. Certain illnesses, like malaria, are spread by mosquitoes. These can be very serious but are often preventable. The UKHSA suggests: Wearing long-sleeved clothing.Using insect repellent.Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets if there's no air conditioning.This year, be especially careful about dengue fever, as cases have increased worldwide, particularly in popular spots like Barbados, Thailand, Brazil, and India. The Zika virus is also still a concern, and pregnant women especially should be extra cautious. Rabies is another threat in many holiday spots, spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. While it's almost always deadly once symptoms appear, vaccinations and quick treatment can prevent it. The best way to protect yourself from rabies, dengue, and malaria is simply to avoid contact with animals and use measures like mosquito nets and repellent to keep pests away. General Holiday Health Tips Sunburn often goes hand-in-hand with summer holidays, as people try to soak up as much sun as possible. However, this can be dangerous. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, and too much sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer. It's not just about drinking more water, though. The UKHSA advises: Be careful about water and food safety. Drink bottled water when needed.Traveler's diarrhea is common. If you get it, rest, drink plenty of bottled fluids (add rehydration salts if you can).Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or don't improve in three days.Protect yourself from too much sun by staying in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm, wearing sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.Other Healthy Travelling Tips Some other tips that may help you keep your health while travelling safe, according to the American Heart Association are, Stay Active While Traveling Keeping active on your trip is easy with a few smart choices. Skip airport moving walkways; walk instead. On road trips, take frequent stops for stretches and short walks. Find a hotel with a gym or pool to fit in workouts, even early mornings. Eat Smart on the Go Be mindful of your food choices, especially with new or fast foods. Pack healthy snacks like nuts and fruit to avoid unhealthy options. When dining out, choose grilled lean proteins with salads. Plan for occasional treats, enjoying local delights as a planned "cheat meal," not a whole week. Prioritize Your Well-being Manage stress in busy places like airports by finding quiet spots to stretch or meditate. Treat yourself to a hotel spa's steam room or massage to relax. Take advantage of a quiet hotel room for meditation, enjoying its calming benefits. Plan for a Healthier Trip Research your hotel for gym or pool access and nearby healthy restaurants. Pack workout clothes and swimwear with purpose. Schedule time for exercise, meditation, or stretch breaks into your daily plan. Planning ahead makes healthy travel much easier. 

ukhsa issues a health directive for people travelling abroad - essential travel checklist

Ishita Roy

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WHO Releases First-Ever Clinical Guidelines For Arboviral Diseases Amid Rising Global Threat

who releases first-ever clinical guidelines for arboviral diseases amid rising global threat

Just one week before a landmark <span>HIV</span> vaccine trial was set to begin in South Africa, researchers received devastating news: the United States government was withdrawing its funding. The message—abrupt and brief—ordered a halt to all work.

The decision, made under the Trump administration, pulled $46 million in funding for a major research project called BRILLIANT, leaving scientists and healthcare professionals in one of the world’s hardest-hit regions scrambling to keep their work alive. South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of HIV globally, and the clinical trials were seen as a significant opportunity to turn the tide.

<h4>A Major Setback for Global HIV Efforts</h4>

The research project aimed to develop an HIV vaccine tailored to the region’s unique viral strains and genetic diversity, with hopes of benefiting populations worldwide. Instead, the project has ground to a halt.

According to Associated Press reporting, the funding cut was part of a larger move to reduce U.S. foreign aid, with former President Donald Trump shifting focus to domestic priorities. The Trump administration also cited unfounded claims about the persecution of South Africa's white Afrikaner minority, contributing to the decision to withdraw broader aid.

As a result, USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for <span>AIDS</span> Relief (PEPFAR)—which had provided approximately $400 million annually to South Africa—have scaled back significantly. The consequences, experts warn, could be catastrophic not only for South Africa but for global HIV prevention.

<h4>Scientists Warn of Long-Term Damage</h4>

Dr. Glenda Gray, head of the BRILLIANT program, called the move a severe blow to scientific progress. “We do the trials better, faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the world,” she told AP. “Without South Africa as part of these programs, the world is much poorer.”

South African scientists have long played an essential role in global health research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were pivotal in testing vaccines like Johnson &amp; Johnson and Novavax, and their genomic surveillance identified a major variant of concern. They have also contributed to clinical trials for lenacapavir, the world’s only twice-a-year HIV prevention shot recently approved by the U.S. FDA.

At the University of the Witwatersrand, lab technician Nozipho Mlotshwa is one of many researchers whose future is uncertain. Her job, funded through a research grant, now hangs in the balance. “It’s very sad and devastating,” she said. “We’ll also miss out collaborating with other scientists across the continent.”

According to South Africa’s health department, at least 100 HIV researchers have already lost their jobs, and funding for postdoctoral students is at risk. Across the country, 8,000 health workers in the HIV program have been laid off. These include data collectors who monitored patient progress and HIV counselors who worked in remote areas.

Professor Abdullah Ely, who leads one of the vaccine development teams, said early trial data was promising, showing positive immune responses. But all progress has now stalled. “That momentum has all kind of had to come to a halt,” he said.

The South African government has warned that replacing the lost U.S. funding will be extremely difficult. An umbrella body for the country’s universities, Universities South Africa, has requested over $110 million from the national treasury to sustain vital health research—but even that may not be enough.

UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima visited South Africa in June and voiced deep concern over the future of HIV care and research, not only in South Africa but across the continent. Countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Burundi, and Ivory Coast are now trying to increase their own HIV resources.

“But let’s be clear,” she said. “What they are putting down will not be funding in the same way that the American resources were funding.”

Without swift action to replace the lost support, millions of lives could be at risk. The United Nations has warned that if funding gaps aren’t filled, millions may die by 2029 from diseases that could have been prevented.

US halts HIV vaccine funding in south africa

health and wellness

US news

US halts funding in South Africa

HIV AIDS

AIDS

Just one week before a landmark HIV vaccine trial was set to begin in South Africa, researchers received devastating news: the United States government was withdrawing its funding. The message—abrupt and brief—ordered a halt to all work.The decision, made under the Trump administration, pulled $46 million in funding for a major research project called BRILLIANT, leaving scientists and healthcare professionals in one of the world’s hardest-hit regions scrambling to keep their work alive. South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of HIV globally, and the clinical trials were seen as a significant opportunity to turn the tide.A Major Setback for Global HIV EffortsThe research project aimed to develop an HIV vaccine tailored to the region’s unique viral strains and genetic diversity, with hopes of benefiting populations worldwide. Instead, the project has ground to a halt.According to Associated Press reporting, the funding cut was part of a larger move to reduce U.S. foreign aid, with former President Donald Trump shifting focus to domestic priorities. The Trump administration also cited unfounded claims about the persecution of South Africa's white Afrikaner minority, contributing to the decision to withdraw broader aid.As a result, USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—which had provided approximately $400 million annually to South Africa—have scaled back significantly. The consequences, experts warn, could be catastrophic not only for South Africa but for global HIV prevention.Scientists Warn of Long-Term DamageDr. Glenda Gray, head of the BRILLIANT program, called the move a severe blow to scientific progress. “We do the trials better, faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the world,” she told AP. “Without South Africa as part of these programs, the world is much poorer.”South African scientists have long played an essential role in global health research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were pivotal in testing vaccines like Johnson & Johnson and Novavax, and their genomic surveillance identified a major variant of concern. They have also contributed to clinical trials for lenacapavir, the world’s only twice-a-year HIV prevention shot recently approved by the U.S. FDA.Jobs Lost, Lives DisruptedAt the University of the Witwatersrand, lab technician Nozipho Mlotshwa is one of many researchers whose future is uncertain. Her job, funded through a research grant, now hangs in the balance. “It’s very sad and devastating,” she said. “We’ll also miss out collaborating with other scientists across the continent.”According to South Africa’s health department, at least 100 HIV researchers have already lost their jobs, and funding for postdoctoral students is at risk. Across the country, 8,000 health workers in the HIV program have been laid off. These include data collectors who monitored patient progress and HIV counselors who worked in remote areas.Looming Health CrisisProfessor Abdullah Ely, who leads one of the vaccine development teams, said early trial data was promising, showing positive immune responses. But all progress has now stalled. “That momentum has all kind of had to come to a halt,” he said.The South African government has warned that replacing the lost U.S. funding will be extremely difficult. An umbrella body for the country’s universities, Universities South Africa, has requested over $110 million from the national treasury to sustain vital health research—but even that may not be enough.A Wider Regional ImpactUNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima visited South Africa in June and voiced deep concern over the future of HIV care and research, not only in South Africa but across the continent. Countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Burundi, and Ivory Coast are now trying to increase their own HIV resources.“But let’s be clear,” she said. “What they are putting down will not be funding in the same way that the American resources were funding.”Without swift action to replace the lost support, millions of lives could be at risk. The United Nations has warned that if funding gaps aren’t filled, millions may die by 2029 from diseases that could have been prevented.

hiv vaccine research in south africa crumbles as u.s. pulls funding

This Three-Step Test Could Spot Early Signs of Diabetes

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common nighttime habit could lead you to cardiovascular health issues: study

Increase Risk Of Aggressive Brain Cancer Linked To Common Sweetener Used All Over The World

increase risk of aggressive brain cancer linked to common sweetener used all over the world

<span>Diabetes</span> is a huge global problem, causing serious health issues like <span>blindness and heart attacks</span>. Numbers are soaring, with many untreated. According to the World Health Organization, cases soared from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. It causes serious issues like blindness and heart attacks. Many go untreated and the best approach is preventing it by knowing your risk. 

<span>Diabetes UK</span> offers a simple online test to help you understand your risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next ten years. This tool not only gives you an idea of your risk but also provides advice on what steps to take next, from continuing your healthy habits to contacting your doctor for more checks. 

<h2>Understanding Your Risk: Why It Matters </h2>

The charity warns that you can have type 2 diabetes for years without even knowing it. More than 3.2 million people in the UK are currently at risk due to their blood sugar levels. To take the test, you need to be over 18 and not pregnant. The test requires some basic information like your waist size, height, and weight to be accurate. This quick, seven-question survey also considers your age, ethnic background, and family health history. 

The online test places people into one of four risk groups: low, medium, high, or very high. Here's what those categories mean for your chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the next decade: 

<strong>Very High Risk:</strong> You have a 1 in 4 (25%) chance.

<strong>High Risk:</strong> You have a 1 in 10 (10%) chance.

<strong>Medium Risk: </strong>You have a 1 in 35 (2.8%) chance.

<strong>Low Risk:</strong> You have a 1 in 100 (1%) chance. 

If you're in the 'very high risk' category, the test will suggest you get a blood test from your GP and ask about support to lower your risk. Diabetes UK can also email your results and advice, including a letter you can show your doctor. 

<h2>Factors Influencing Your Risk Score </h2>

The test considers things you can't control, like your ethnicity, age, and height. However, it also highlights the importance of your waist size and BMI (<span>Body Mass Index</span>) in lowering your risk. For instance:

<ul><li>A waist size over 110cm automatically adds nine points to your score, putting you in the medium risk category even before other factors are considered.</li><li>A waist size under 90cm adds no points.</li><li>Similarly, a BMI of 35 or higher adds eight points, enough to place you in the medium risk category.</li><li>A BMI below 25 adds no points.</li></ul>

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Studies have shown that making changes to your lifestyle can actually halve your risk. Effective ways to prevent it include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your weight if needed. 

Experts advise, "It's important to keep checking your risk regularly, especially if anything changes, like if you've put on weight or feel unwell." It's also important to be aware of the <span>symptoms of diabetes</span>, especially if you have a higher risk due to your age, ethnic background, or family history. These symptoms include: 

<ul><li>Urinating more often than usual</li><li>Feeling very thirsty</li><li>Feeling unusually tired</li><li>Losing weight without trying</li><li>Genital thrush (a yeast infection)</li><li>Cuts and wounds that heal slowly</li><li>Blurred vision</li><li>Feeling more hungry than usual</li></ul>

Diabetes

Early Signs of Diabetes

blindness and heart attacks

Diabetes UK

Body Mass Index

symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes is a huge global problem, causing serious health issues like blindness and heart attacks. Numbers are soaring, with many untreated. According to the World Health Organization, cases soared from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. It causes serious issues like blindness and heart attacks. Many go untreated and the best approach is preventing it by knowing your risk. Diabetes UK offers a simple online test to help you understand your risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next ten years. This tool not only gives you an idea of your risk but also provides advice on what steps to take next, from continuing your healthy habits to contacting your doctor for more checks. Understanding Your Risk: Why It Matters The charity warns that you can have type 2 diabetes for years without even knowing it. More than 3.2 million people in the UK are currently at risk due to their blood sugar levels. To take the test, you need to be over 18 and not pregnant. The test requires some basic information like your waist size, height, and weight to be accurate. This quick, seven-question survey also considers your age, ethnic background, and family health history. What Your Risk Category Means The online test places people into one of four risk groups: low, medium, high, or very high. Here's what those categories mean for your chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the next decade: Very High Risk: You have a 1 in 4 (25%) chance.High Risk: You have a 1 in 10 (10%) chance.Medium Risk: You have a 1 in 35 (2.8%) chance.Low Risk: You have a 1 in 100 (1%) chance. If you're in the 'very high risk' category, the test will suggest you get a blood test from your GP and ask about support to lower your risk. Diabetes UK can also email your results and advice, including a letter you can show your doctor. Factors Influencing Your Risk Score The test considers things you can't control, like your ethnicity, age, and height. However, it also highlights the importance of your waist size and BMI (Body Mass Index) in lowering your risk. For instance:A waist size over 110cm automatically adds nine points to your score, putting you in the medium risk category even before other factors are considered.A waist size under 90cm adds no points.Similarly, a BMI of 35 or higher adds eight points, enough to place you in the medium risk category.A BMI below 25 adds no points.Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Studies have shown that making changes to your lifestyle can actually halve your risk. Effective ways to prevent it include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your weight if needed. Experts advise, "It's important to keep checking your risk regularly, especially if anything changes, like if you've put on weight or feel unwell." It's also important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes, especially if you have a higher risk due to your age, ethnic background, or family history. These symptoms include: Urinating more often than usualFeeling very thirstyFeeling unusually tiredLosing weight without tryingGenital thrush (a yeast infection)Cuts and wounds that heal slowlyBlurred visionFeeling more hungry than usual

this three-step test could spot early signs of diabetes - here's how it is conducted

It Took 26 Doctors, 37 Procedures, and 17 Years For New York-Based Journalist To Get Her Diagnosis Right

it took 26 doctors, 37 procedures, and 17 years for new york-based journalist to get her diagnosis right

Child Dies Of Measles In UK Hospital As Health Officials Warn Of Rapid Community Spread

child dies of measles in uk hospital as health officials warn of rapid community spread

In a landmark move to strengthen global preparedness and response to mosquito-borne illnesses, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever integrated clinical guidelines for the management of <span>arboviral diseases</span>. These include some of the most common and dangerous viruses transmitted by mosquitoes — <span>dengue</span>, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

The guidelines, published earlier this month, aim to provide frontline healthcare workers, hospitals, and policymakers with evidence-based, standardized protocols to treat both mild and severe cases. With arboviral diseases rapidly expanding in reach and impact, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, WHO hopes these clinical tools will help reduce mortality and morbidity rates.

Arboviral diseases are viral infections transmitted by arthropods, mainly mosquitoes — especially the Aedes aegypti species. This single vector can carry and transmit multiple viruses at once, which makes controlling outbreaks even more challenging.

According to WHO, over 5.6 billion people — more than half of the global population — are at risk of contracting arboviral infections. These diseases often start with non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain, making accurate diagnosis difficult without laboratory confirmation. However, they can lead to severe complications, including hemorrhage, neurological damage, or organ failure, if left untreated or mismanaged.

<h4>Why the Guidelines Are Critical Now</h4>

In a statement, WHO underscored the urgency of a unified global response, citing increasing frequency and severity of arbovirus outbreaks, driven by climate change, urbanization, global travel, and weakened public health systems.

“Outbreaks of arboviral diseases are becoming more frequent, widespread, and severe,” said the WHO. “The new clinical guidelines aim to help health workers distinguish between these infections, which often have overlapping symptoms, and manage cases more effectively even when diagnostic tools are scarce.”

In many endemic regions, multiple arboviruses circulate simultaneously, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. This is where the integrated approach — which applies common principles of care across different arboviral diseases — can help streamline responses during outbreaks.

The new <span>WHO guidelines</span> cover clinical care protocols for both non-severe and severe forms of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The recommendations are tailored to help practitioners manage symptoms, avoid harmful treatments, and recognize complications early.

<ul><li>Use oral fluids to prevent dehydration.</li><li>Treat pain and fever with paracetamol or metamizole.</li><li>Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen.</li><li>Avoid corticosteroids unless symptoms worsen.</li></ul>

<strong>For Severe Hospitalized Cases:</strong>

<ul><li>Use crystalloid fluids (not colloids) for IV hydration.</li><li>Monitor capillary refill time and lactate levels to guide fluid resuscitation.</li><li>Apply passive leg raise test to assess shock and fluid responsiveness.</li><li>Avoid corticosteroids and immunoglobulin therapies.</li><li>Do not transfuse platelets unless there is active bleeding, even in patients with low platelet counts.</li><li>In yellow fever-related liver failure, administer intravenous N-acetylcysteine.</li><li>Use experimental drugs like TY014 (monoclonal antibodies) and sofosbuvir for yellow fever only in research settings.</li></ul>

<h4>A Step Toward Global Health Security</h4>

These new protocols are built on the latest clinical and scientific evidence, and WHO confirmed that they will be updated as new research becomes available. By standardizing treatment across countries, the guidelines are expected to improve patient outcomes and prepare health systems to tackle emerging threats.

As arboviral infections continue to grow in complexity and reach, experts say that timely, consistent, and data-driven care can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy — especially in resource-limited settings.

WHO’s unified approach offers a roadmap for healthcare workers worldwide to navigate the rising tide of mosquito-borne illnesses — and better protect the billions at risk.

arboviral diseases

WHO guidelines

mosquito borne diseases

dengue

zika virus

malaria

In a landmark move to strengthen global preparedness and response to mosquito-borne illnesses, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever integrated clinical guidelines for the management of arboviral diseases. These include some of the most common and dangerous viruses transmitted by mosquitoes — dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.The guidelines, published earlier this month, aim to provide frontline healthcare workers, hospitals, and policymakers with evidence-based, standardized protocols to treat both mild and severe cases. With arboviral diseases rapidly expanding in reach and impact, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, WHO hopes these clinical tools will help reduce mortality and morbidity rates.What Are Arboviral Diseases?Arboviral diseases are viral infections transmitted by arthropods, mainly mosquitoes — especially the Aedes aegypti species. This single vector can carry and transmit multiple viruses at once, which makes controlling outbreaks even more challenging.According to WHO, over 5.6 billion people — more than half of the global population — are at risk of contracting arboviral infections. These diseases often start with non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain, making accurate diagnosis difficult without laboratory confirmation. However, they can lead to severe complications, including hemorrhage, neurological damage, or organ failure, if left untreated or mismanaged.Why the Guidelines Are Critical NowIn a statement, WHO underscored the urgency of a unified global response, citing increasing frequency and severity of arbovirus outbreaks, driven by climate change, urbanization, global travel, and weakened public health systems.“Outbreaks of arboviral diseases are becoming more frequent, widespread, and severe,” said the WHO. “The new clinical guidelines aim to help health workers distinguish between these infections, which often have overlapping symptoms, and manage cases more effectively even when diagnostic tools are scarce.”In many endemic regions, multiple arboviruses circulate simultaneously, further complicating diagnosis and treatment. This is where the integrated approach — which applies common principles of care across different arboviral diseases — can help streamline responses during outbreaks.Key Recommendations from WHOThe new WHO guidelines cover clinical care protocols for both non-severe and severe forms of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The recommendations are tailored to help practitioners manage symptoms, avoid harmful treatments, and recognize complications early.For Non-Severe Cases:Use oral fluids to prevent dehydration.Treat pain and fever with paracetamol or metamizole.Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen.Avoid corticosteroids unless symptoms worsen.For Severe Hospitalized Cases:Use crystalloid fluids (not colloids) for IV hydration.Monitor capillary refill time and lactate levels to guide fluid resuscitation.Apply passive leg raise test to assess shock and fluid responsiveness.Avoid corticosteroids and immunoglobulin therapies.Do not transfuse platelets unless there is active bleeding, even in patients with low platelet counts.In yellow fever-related liver failure, administer intravenous N-acetylcysteine.Use experimental drugs like TY014 (monoclonal antibodies) and sofosbuvir for yellow fever only in research settings.A Step Toward Global Health SecurityThese new protocols are built on the latest clinical and scientific evidence, and WHO confirmed that they will be updated as new research becomes available. By standardizing treatment across countries, the guidelines are expected to improve patient outcomes and prepare health systems to tackle emerging threats.As arboviral infections continue to grow in complexity and reach, experts say that timely, consistent, and data-driven care can mean the difference between recovery and tragedy — especially in resource-limited settings.WHO’s unified approach offers a roadmap for healthcare workers worldwide to navigate the rising tide of mosquito-borne illnesses — and better protect the billions at risk.

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UKHSA Issues A Health Directive For People Travelling Abroad - Essential Travel Checklist

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HIV Vaccine Research In South Africa Crumbles As U.S. Pulls Funding

This Three-Step Test Could Spot Early Signs of Diabetes - Here's How It Is Conducted

WHO Releases First-Ever Clinical Guidelines For Arboviral Diseases Amid Rising Global Threat

Health Conditions A-Z

'Jaws' Star Richard Dreyfuss Skips Fan Event After Being Diagnosed With Severe Bronchitis, Know What It Is

HIV Vaccine Research In South Africa Crumbles As U.S. Pulls Funding

This Three-Step Test Could Spot Early Signs of Diabetes - Here's How It Is Conducted