If hand sanitisers kill 99.99% of germs, then who are those 0.01% who survive? There are three major kinds of germs which remain active even when you have used your sanitiser.

Norovirus

Among them, is the norovirus that causes diarrhoea and vomiting outbreaks in places like cruise ships and schools. It is superior to many other viruses because it has a protein capsid, which is resistant to the effects of alcohol.

Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes common illnesses and is also very contagious. It is especially active in the colder month and comes back seasonally. The first norovirus outbreak occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, USA, in a school in 1968, this is where it gets it name from.

Enterococcus faecium

The next on the list is enterococcus faecium, and it lives in the gut. As per a 2024 study titled Enterococcus faecium: evolution, adaptation, pathogenesis and emerging therapeutics, published in Nature journal, it is a Gram-positive bacterium that is a core member of the intestinal microbiota of humans and animals and an opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening infections, particularly among hospitalized patients. It mutates in a way that it absorbs carbohydrates and forms a gooey, slime-like substance called the biofilm, which makes it resistant to alcohol.

Clostridium Difficile

Another one is clostridium difficile. This is responsible for causing horrendous diarrhoea and vomiting in hospitalised patients. It also has a remarkable ability to respond to environmental stressors including alcohol gel by going to sleep. It produces spores and allows all metabolic activity.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a type of bacteria that can cause colitis, a serious inflammation of the colon. Infections from C. diff often start after you've been taking antibiotics. It can sometimes be life-threatening.

Why Do You Label Read 99.99%?

Apart from the germs and pathogens, another reason why your label reads that it kills 99.99% is to avoid any legal hassles. If someone uses a specific product and falls sick, then the person cannot sue the company as the company did not give a 100% safety guarantee against the germs.

A better way to be healthy is always to clean your hands with soap and water and wear gloves wherever is possible.

Most people pay little attention to their knees, legs and ankles until something goes wrong. Once pain sets in, even simple things like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long can become a real challenge. Left unmanaged, lower limb pain gradually affects mobility, independence and quality of life.

What Is Usually Behind the Pain?

Knee pain commonly traces back to osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, or years of wear. Pain in the leg can be caused by muscle injuries or conditions involving nerves and poor blood flow. The pain in the ankle is commonly caused by sprains, tendinitis, arthritis, or any injury that may have occurred earlier without complete healing.

Age, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and constant joint injuries contribute silently to the degenerative condition of the joints.

Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

Persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or discomfort that keeps getting worse deserves attention. If pain is disturbing your sleep, that is a clear signal to see a doctor.

Habits That Help Protect Your Joints

Walking downstairs puts considerable pressure on the knees, so limiting stair use where possible is sensible. Squatting, sitting on the floor and using Indian-style toilets place similar strain and are better avoided.

Staying active matters just as much. Regular household chores, walking, stretching and strengthening exercises, even 15 to 20 minutes a day, keep muscles strong and reduce the load on joints. Focusing on the adductor muscles around the knee is particularly effective in improving joint support.

Non-Surgical Options Worth Knowing

Surgery is not always the answer. Two non-surgical treatments carried out by a pain physician can make a meaningful difference.

Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, or PRP, involves concentrating platelets from the patient's own blood and injecting them into the affected joint. In osteoarthritis, where cartilage gradually thins, PRP may help support regeneration and ease symptoms.

Radiofrequency Ablation, or RFA, uses a specialized needle to deliver targeted heat that interrupts the nerves responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. Relief typically lasts one to two years. The procedure is done as day care with no cuts, no stitches and no anesthesia required.

A concern many patients raise is that pain stops them from exercising or losing weight. Once pain is controlled through these treatments, walking and light activity become manageable again, which in turn supports weight loss and takes further pressure off the joints.

Custom Knee Supports

Off-the-shelf knee caps have limited effectiveness. A custom-made support, designed to redistribute body weight and reduce joint stress, works considerably better, especially in early arthritis. Many patients notice relief shortly after wearing one. They are an investment, but a worthwhile one that can reduce dependence on medication while the surrounding muscles gradually strengthen.

When to See a Doctor

If pain has lasted several weeks, is worsening, or is getting in the way of daily life, it is time to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can protect joint function, restore mobility and often avoid the need for surgery.

(By Dr. Aanchal Sharma, Pain Physician, Principal Consultant and Head of Department, Department of Pain Medicine at BLK MAX Hospital, New Delhi)

Doctors in Mumbai are reporting a simultaneous rise in Covid-19, H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and other respiratory viral infections.

As per the doctors, there is up to a 30 per cent surge in cases of COVID-19 and H1N1 as well as viral infections in the city. The doctors attributed the surge in infectious diseases to seasonal changes.

“We are currently observing a 20-30 per cent surge in Covid-19 and H1N1 (swine flu) respiratory viral infections in the city, mainly due to seasonal changes, increased humidity, and exposure to crowded places,” Dr. Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine, KIMS Hospital Thane, told HealthandMe.

Dr. Amit Saraf, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, reported a rise in influenza-like illness (ILI) in the hospital.

“There is a seasonal rise in respiratory infection cases in Mumbai. Most of the people have routine viral infections, and around 10-15% of the people who are coming to OPDs have been coming positive for influenza-like illness (ILI) due to the changing weather,” Dr. Amit told HealthandMe.

Dr. Rohit Deshpande, Consultant Internal Medicine, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, told HealthandMe that the hospital is seeing a rise in swine flu cases.

“On average, 7 to 8 cases are being detected in the OPD daily. Most patients present with symptoms such as fever, cough, body ache, and fatigue”.

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What Are The Symptoms?

The experts reported that the commonly seen symptoms include:

• persistent fever,
• dry or wet cough,
• sore throat,
• fatigue,
• body ache
• mild breathlessness

Who Is More Vulnerable?

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Dr. Amit noted that people with chronic illnesses, elderly people, pregnant women and young children are still more susceptible to complications.

Dr. Rohit noted that people with diabetes and those with conditions such as COPD, asthma and heart diseases are also at higher risk of infection.

How To Prevent?

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The experts noted that most of the cases now are mild and can be handled with timely consultation, rest and supporting care.

But older people, pregnant women, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions should take extra care. Those with an ongoing fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, or extreme tiredness should seek immediate medical advice, Dr. Aniket said.

“Simple preventive measures like hand hygiene, use of masks in crowded places, proper hydration and timely medical consultation can help a lot in reducing the risk of complications,” he told HealthandMe.

Preventive measures for the general population include:

• Avoid self-medication
• If you experience a persistent cough or breathing difficulties, consult a doctor regarding the need for anti-viral or anti-allergy medications.
• Get vaccinated every year to boost Immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid crowded and dusty places, redevelopment areas, or places with pigeon droppings.
• Use hand sanitizer, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and wear a mask in crowded or dusty environments
• Do warm saline gargles with salt or betadine twice or thrice a day
• Take steam hydration if required too
• Maintain hydration to avoid weakness, fatigue, or headache
• To boost immunity - consume green leafy vegetables & Vitamin C-rich fruits along with Vitamin D supplements

The common perception about varicose veins is that they are merely an aesthetic or cosmetic problem. Varicose veins are indeed enlarged, twisted blood vessels that many people believe are not life-threatening. But the reality is that the condition may be a symptom of something more serious.

The disease manifests itself through insufficient blood supply in the body caused by faulty valves. As the blood vessels cannot effectively move the blood from the veins back to the heart, the blood tends to accumulate in the veins themselves. Other symptoms may include pain, heaviness, swelling, and skin sores in severe cases.

What Are The Causes Of Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins don’t develop overnight; they are usually the result of multiple underlying factors that gradually affect vein health and blood flow:

1. Valve dysfunction and poor circulation: Healthy veins rely on tiny valves to prevent backflow. When these valves weaken, blood starts collecting in the veins, leading to increased pressure and visible swelling.

2. Prolonged standing or sitting: These days, occupations require long hours of standing, which can hinder proper blood circulation and increase the risk.

3. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or while using hormonal therapies can relax vein walls, making them more prone to dysfunction.

4. Genetics: A family history of varicose veins significantly raises the likelihood of developing them, indicating a hereditary component in vein wall strength and valve efficiency.

5. Obesity and lack of physical activity: Excess body weight puts additional pressure on veins, while a sedentary lifestyle reduces the efficiency of blood circulation, leading to vein damage over time.

6. Ageing: As people age, veins lose elasticity, and valves may wear out, making older adults more susceptible to developing varicose veins.

What Are The Tips To Take Care Of?

People can manage or reverse varicose veins by:

• Making sure blood is circulating well in the body: An inactive lifestyle or standing for long periods can lead to increased risks of vein disease. Exercise and movement, along with raising the legs, will ensure that blood continues circulating well.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity can lead to increased pressure on the veins of the legs. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important to avoid and treat varicose veins.

• Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings apply gentle pressure to the veins, which enables them to circulate blood effectively and avoid swelling and other conditions.

• See a vein specialist if necessary: In cases of persistent pain, discoloration of skin, severe itching, or sores that don't heal, it is advised to see a vein specialist, as these symptoms could signal something worse.

How Can It Be Treated?

Varicose vein treatment procedures have become much easier in the modern world. Varicose veins can now be treated with minimally invasive procedures that address the problem at its root cause. These minimally invasive treatments include EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and glue ablation. A laser fibre is inserted into the varicose vein during this operation, where it effectively closes it off.

Blood is automatically redirected through other veins after this treatment, which is relatively quick and involves local anesthesia. Patients generally recover within one day. However, EVLT is much less painful, safer, and does not involve leaving scars behind.

Varicose veins are often a symptom of vein disease and thus not just a cosmetic problem. They can be a visible sign of an underlying circulatory issue. Paying attention to early symptoms and seeking medical advice can help prevent complications and improve overall vascular health. Preventing further problems is easy when one knows what to do.