Anthrax Vaccination

The government is considering administering an anthrax vaccination to our children. Already administered to certain groups of soldiers, it is suggested that this vaccine could help prevent the spread of disease in case of attack. Various groups are currently assessing the need and potential risks of mandating an anthrax vaccine.

Nationwide, the debate has arisen over whether to test the effectiveness of this anthrax vaccine or wait to administer treatment after an attack. Obviously, being prepared in advance for this type of infection would be better, but at what cost? Is the anthrax vaccination necessary for our children, and though it's a dormant strain, would it put them at risk of infection? These are the questions that officials have to answer.

Contrarily, is it worth risking our children's health if an anthrax vaccination could save their lives in the event of biological attack? Anthrax is considered one of the most likely biological agents to be used in an attack because it is potent and easily reproduced. If this is the case, it may be worth experimenting on a few lives to save the many.

Now is the time for the people to voice their opinion on an anthrax vaccination. These are our children, this is our future. Would you recommend administering vaccinations at the risk of your child contracting disease? Are the lives of a few worth the safety of our nation? Or, are we putting the cart before the horse?

Receiving HPV Vaccines

Doctors and researchers around the world are encouraging parents to get children vaccinated for Human Papillomavirus or HPV. According to research, HPV is linked to a number of chronic conditions and vaccination at an early age can reduce risk of these diseases by thousands of cases per year. Receiving HPV vaccines is not required but is suggested and may be added to regular vaccination schedules for both boys and girls.

HPV has been linked to a number of cancers in men and women and may also affect heart function. It has been suggested that cardiovascular disease is significantly more likely for individuals affected by HPV. This adds to an already expansive list of conditions including genital warts, anal, oral, and cervical cancer. It has also been posited that receiving HPV vaccines will reduce the risk of these particularly if given prior to sexual activity.

The CDC and other research organizations have indicated that children should be receiving HPV vaccines around the age of 10. This target zone helps to reduce the likelihood of contracting the disease and also is more cost effective than receiving the vaccine later in life. Doctors and scientists are researching the effect of HPV on overall health and are considering including the HPV vaccine in regular schedules for both boys and girls.

Helicobacter Pylori

It has been posited that helicobacter pylori may be a potential cause of colon cancer. This bacteria is commonly responsible for stomach ulcers. Many individuals already carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms, but person to person transmission is likely. Protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting and sharing helicobacter pylori.

Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of death classified just below lung and breast cancer and has been an important part of regular screenings. Though not conclusive yet, many cases among colon cancer patients also show an increased percentage of helicobacter pylori. A number of strains exist, many of which show resistance to medical treatment. A focus on clean living and health eating can help reduce the likelihood of being infected by the bacteria. Ingestion of foods such as red wine, broccoli, garlic, and green tea can help reduce buildup of bacteria.

Causes of transmission of helicobacter pylori are assumed to be through saliva, feces, and dental plaque. For this reason, proper sanitation of kitchens, bathrooms, etc is essential to reducing the spread of the bacteria. Simple measures such as cleaning, antimicrobial sprays and wipes, and proper hygiene can reduce the prevalence of the bacteria reducing the chance of transmission.

Sterile Water Vs. Bacteriostatic Water

One of the most common questions regarding dilution of medications for injection is the contrasting of sterile water vs. bacteriostatic water. The short answer is that sterile water contains no additional preservatives. Bacteriostatic water, however, contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In instances where this alcohol content can be detrimental, it is advised to utilize sterile water.

The most common reason one would select sterile water vs. bacteriostatic water is sensitivity. This condition relates to procedures involving particularly sensitive areas of the body, pregnant women, newborns, and unborn children. Additionally, bacteriostatic water is not recommended for fluid replacement.

Though there is little difference between the two, it is important to understand the differences when selecting sterile water vs. bacteriostatic water. Always follow medical direction when administering either and consult a pharmacist or care provider to answer any unresolved questions.

Clostridium Difficile

C-Diff, otherwise known as Clostridium Difficile is a disease triggered by bacteria infecting the digestive system including the colon and intestines. Though C-Diff is not often fatal, symptoms can be severe and difficult to treat due to the overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics. Effective disinfecting is the best precaution for preventing the spread of Clostridium Difficile.

Due to the nature of medical settings, bacterial infections such as Clostridium Difficile are extremely prevalent. C-Diff is present and transferred on contact surfaces and equipment and is difficult to kill even with antimicrobial cleaners. The majority of commercially available cleaning agents are ineffective against C-Diff.

Clostridium Difficile tends to be identified by symptoms including intestinal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea. Though as indicated C-Diff is not likely fatal, complications can be severe and destroy the natural growth of gut flora necessary for proper digestion.

The best plan for limiting the effect and transmission of C-Diff is prevention. Clostridium Difficile is not destroyed by cleaning agents containing alcohol so alternative cleaning agents are suggested, particularly those containing bleach. Additionally, common prevention methods such as regular hand washing and the use of sterile equipment and gloves.