Stuff that causes trouble
One of these biomarkers, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), has now been examined at the Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics at MedUni Graz in collaboration with Finnish researchers from Turku. TMAO is a substance produced in the body after consuming certain foods such as red meat, fish, eggs and cheese.
Health
In Burgenland, the number of infections with the West Nile virus has risen sharply compared to previous years. While only one case was reported across Austria last year, this year there are already 36, with almost half of the infections coming from northern Burgenland.
07.10.2024 05.42
Online since today, 5:42 a.m
According to the Agency for Health and Food Security (AGES), the strong gel year is responsible for this increase. In most cases, West Nile virus does not cause any symptoms. About 80 percent of those infected notice no signs of illness, while the rest develop flu-like symptoms. Only less than one percent of those affected can develop a serious complication such as meningitis.
West Nile fever has been reportable in Austria since 2015. The virus was introduced to southern Europe from Africa at the end of the 1990s and has since spread further and further north – also encouraged by climate change. In addition to humans, birds and horses can also be infected.
However, infection from person to person is only possible via blood, donor organs or breast milk. However, according to AGES, there is no danger to the population. AGES emphasizes that there is currently no reason for concern as most infections are asymptomatic.
It starts with heartburn. It’s funny when you spoon a plain yogurt and feel like it comes out the wrong way. The slight grumbling in my stomach is also a little annoying.
Paul* is annoyed, he almost never has heartburn, he classifies it as a symptom of stress. And make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT). He wants to know more precisely. The next day he knows it, his general condition worsens significantly.
Shortness of breath, constant tiredness, it can’t just be heartburn. Paul does a corona test. Old tests are no longer in the house, new ones are needed. Curiosity prevails, even if some friends and acquaintances say: “Are you doing another corona test? Nobody does that anymore!” That’s right, there are fewer and fewer people who are still testing themselves. One in six respiratory illnesses is now caused by Covid. The Oktoberfest is no longer running, so there will soon be a few more noses.
The test shows two lines – hits. But what does heartburn have to do with it? Three years ago, Paul had Corona once, when his systems were like a moderate cold and his lymph nodes were slightly swollen. He has also been vaccinated three times, Paul feels safe.
Now Corona positive again. Strange. He has no idea where he could have become infected, so he googles heartburn and finds it. This is now one of the Covid symptoms. On the one hand reassured, on the other hand annoyed by the reflux, he checks out what else Corona has in store for him. Some.
He’s not worried, even though he’s already over 50. But he doesn’t belong to the risk group. He knows a few people in his circle of friends who “got it right” this time. Lying in bed for days with flu symptoms doesn’t sound like fun. Let’s see how he’s doing.
Worse, especially at night. At the weekend, two fresh T-shirts lie next to the bed, chills and sweats characterize the supposed night’s sleep. Paul hasn’t felt this bad in a long time, he says: “In the evening I fell asleep because of exhaustion and then woke up again in the middle of the night. Nothing worked without ibuprofen, but sleeping again was out of the question.” It’s good that the doctor’s appointment was on Tuesday. Or so he thought.
The phone rings on Monday. The receptionist asks how he is and whether Paul is coming tomorrow, Tuesday. “Yes, of course, I’m not feeling well, I’m glad I have the appointment.” “Is there anything new?” asks the lady on the phone. “Yes, I’m Corona-positive right now.” “One moment,” comes the phone and a minute later: “Then unfortunately we can’t treat you. Call us if you get negative again.”
I’m sure a colleague will scoff: “I told you, the Corona test is nonsense. The honest one is the stupid one.” Formally he’s right, but that’s a matter of attitude. The receptionist advises calling 116 117 or going to your family doctor Great, the problem has been relocated. Paul solves it with a video consultation at the TeleClinic. The doctor is quick and competent and writes him off for three days.
At least he’s slowly feeling better, especially the nights are getting quieter. A few days ago he also made up for his visit to the ENT. “Everything in the lymph area is a little swollen, but at least there is no bacterial infection,” the doctor reassures. He compares Corona to the Eppstein-Barr virus, and that’s not something to be trifled with either. “The aspects of Long Covid in particular should not be underestimated,” he warns and prescribes Paul a medication containing cortisone.
The heartburn doesn’t surprise him either. “Covid travels throughout the body and the stomach and intestines are very sensitive. When my children feel unwell, my first question is always how their stomach is doing.” And Paul learned something else from the expert: “Did you know that there is also a long flu?” asked the doctor. Paul had never heard of this before. “But it rarely happens.”
With the involuntary booster, Paul involuntarily received the immunization for this winter. However, for 2025 he is considering having the double vaccination against flu and corona. Because he has already heard of some cases in which the corona infection did not turn out so well. He doesn’t want to spread panic, but he does want to advise people to be vigilant. In particular, no one needs the Long Covid variant, which is associated with “brain fog” symptoms (i.e. difficulty concentrating). “But ultimately everyone has to know what they are doing,” Paul summarizes. “Anyway, I haven’t felt this bad in a long time.”
*Paul’s real name is known to the editors. Recorded by Volker Tietz
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The Secretary of Health of Guanajuatoremember that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and therefore urges women between 40 and 69 years old to undergo a mammogramTherefore, it invites you to go to the health units near your home to have this test performed.
Every October, the world unites in a fundamental cause, raising awareness about the prevention of breast cancer and in this month, a call is made to all women to become aware of the importance of detecting this disease in time and to go to health centers to undergo preventive medical checkups.
breast cancer It is one of the main causes of death in women, however, when it is detected in its early stages, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. Performing periodic examinations, such as breast self-examination, are key measures to detect any anomaly in time.
It is important that women raise awareness and go to their local health centers, where they can receive professional guidance and undergo diagnostic studies, which they can save lives.
Although medical testing is essential, women can also contribute to their health through monthly self-examination. This process involves feeling the breasts for lumps, skin changes or any other unusual signs. Self-examination is not a substitute for clinical studies. , but it can be an important first step toward early detection.
During this awareness month, not only women but also their families are encouraged to support the cause, education and awareness are key to reducing the impact of this disease, that affects millions of people around the world.
October is an opportunity to become aware of the importance of breast health, go to health centers and get medical checkups It is an important step to prevent breast cancer, early detection can make the difference between life and death, so this invitation should not be taken lightly.
