West Nile Virus is a disease which is spread by mosquitoes and for the most part is not a serious disease.  Often there are no symptoms but sometimes if an infected mosquito bites somebody it can lead to inflammation of the brain, spinal cord or the tissues which surround the brain and spinal cord.

The West Nile Virus is caused when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites an animal or human.  Most of the time people with West Nile Virus have no symptoms but some people experience symptoms which include headache, muscle ache, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, back pain, abdominal pain, sore throat and diarrhea.  The symptoms will usually surface roughly three to 14 days after the infected mosquito bite and will last for approximately three to six days.

There can be complications however, and sometimes the virus can cause an infection of the brain and nervous system.  Symptoms of this would include severe headaches, high fever, stiff neck, lack of co-ordination, muscle tremors, convulsions, coma, disorientation, coma or even partial paralysis.

West Nile Virus is not serious if symptoms are mild.  However, if the virus spreads to the brain or spinal cord it can lead to brain damage or death.

The best way to avoid the virus is to protect against mosquito bites at all times when away.  It is advisable to check whether the virus is present in the country you are visiting and take extra precautions against being bitten.

West Nile Virus

Hepatitis C is a common infection and although there is currently no vaccine for protection against infection, there are effective treatments available. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that almost 3% of the world’s population is infected with chronic hepatitis C, with four million new cases reported each year. Because it can take years or even decades for symptoms to present themselves, many people are actually unaware that they have the condition. For this reason, by the time these people do become ill, considerable damage would have already been done to the liver – damage that could be prevented with early diagnosis.

Possible symptoms of hepatitis C (when they do appear), include fatigue; weight loss; joint pain; loss of appetite; anxiety; nausea; flu-like symptoms; and, alcohol intolerance along with pain in the liver area. Fatigue is the most common symptom reported and unlike hepatitis A and B, the hepatitis C virus doesn’t cause jaundice.

The virus is normally transmitted via blood-to-blood contact, with the sharing of needles and unsterilized equipment used in tattooing, etc, all to blame for the spread. Sharing toothbrushes and razors can also transmit the disease, as can blood transfusions in countries where blood screening is not up to standard.

Chronic hepatitis C sufferers should be seen be a liver specialist in a medical institution, and they may recommend drug treatments and therapies to treat the condition.

The intrauterine device (IUD), otherwise known as the coil, is a device made from copper or plastic which is placed into the uterus as a form of contraception. Its function is to stop the sperm finding and fertilizing an egg and can also prevent any fertilized eggs attaching to the uterus lining. IUD’s made from copper have an added benefit as copper is a spermicidal (able to kill sperm).

IUD’s are nowadays 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and there are several different types available; each type staying in place for varying amounts of time (some even five to ten years). The advantages of having an IUD inserted are many: once inserted a woman can effectively “forget” about contraception, unlike the pill, for example, where they would have to remember to take it every day; it doesn’t interfere with sexual intercourse; no side effects as it is not an hormonal method; and it doesn’t increase any risk of future cancers.

IUD Intrauterine Device

Most females will have no problems with an IUD, but occasional disadvantages that may occur include: heavy, painful periods; infection of the uterus normally within the first twenty days after insertion; ectopic pregnancy risk should the female become pregnant while wearing a coil; and, damage to the womb.