Amidst concerns over rare blood clot side effects, AstraZeneca reiterates its focus on patient safety for its Covid-19 vaccine. The UK-headquartered pharmaceutical company extends sympathy to affected individuals while stressing adherence to stringent regulatory standards. AstraZeneca's vaccine, known as Covishield in India, faces scrutiny after acknowledging the potential for clot-related side effects in very rare cases. Court documents reveal the admission, although the causal link remains unclear. The World Health Organization identifies thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) as a new adverse event post-immunization with adenovirus vector-based Covid-19 vaccines. AstraZeneca maintains its commitment to safety amidst ongoing investigations into the vaccine's rare side effects.

Three women got HIV after a "vampire facial" at a New Mexico spa in 2018, says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The spa was not licensed and had unsafe practices. The facial injects platelet-rich plasma into the face to make skin look better. It's important to handle blood safely to avoid infections. Owner Maria de Lourdes Ramos De Ruiz got prison time for doing medicine without a license. Health experts say be careful and research before doing cosmetic treatments. There's also a warning about fake Botox causing illness.

AstraZeneca acknowledges its Covid-19 vaccine can lead to Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), causing blood clots and low platelet count. While facing litigation over related claims, the rare side effect concerns millions globally, including India. Experts reassure the risk is minimal, with occurrences typically within a month after vaccination. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a Neurologist at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, highlights TTS rarity despite millions vaccinated. Both vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are deemed effective, with no significant data favoring one over the other. Rare side effects include Guillain Barre syndrome and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. AstraZeneca vaccine suspensions occurred globally due to clotting concerns.

In a legal battle, AstraZeneca admits its Covid-19 vaccine, including brands Covishield and Vaxzevria, can cause rare side effects like Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), involving blood clots and low platelet counts. The pharmaceutical giant faces a class-action lawsuit over alleged serious injuries and deaths. A pivotal moment in the case, AstraZeneca's admission underscores potential risks associated with vaccination. The company's concession follows extensive legal disputes and could result in significant payouts. Despite acknowledging rare side effects, AstraZeneca maintains its vaccine's efficacy while the UK discontinues its use due to safety concerns.            

A study by leading disease specialists suggests that a strain of the flu virus is highly likely to spark the next major global pandemic, with 57% of experts in agreement. This prediction is based on the flu virus's constant evolution and mutation, posing a persistent threat. The findings, set to be unveiled at a medical conference, stress the ongoing danger posed by flu outbreaks worldwide. Additionally, 21% of specialists see "Disease X," an unknown pathogen akin to COVID-19, as another potential pandemic source.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses grave concern as the H5N1 bird flu strain spreads to new species, including humans. WHO's chief scientist warns of a global zoonotic animal pandemic as the virus infects mammals like cows and goats. While no evidence of human-to-human transmission exists, the mortality rate among infected individuals is "extraordinarily high" at 52%. With 463 deaths recorded from 889 human cases across 23 states in the last 15 months, WHO emphasizes the virus's potential to evolve and infect new hosts, heightening global health risks.

India ranks second globally in hepatitis B and C cases after China, according to the World Health Organization's 2024 Global Hepatitis Report. With over 3.5 lakh cases in 2022, India accounted for 11.6% of the global disease burden that year. Chronic hepatitis B infection contributes to 40-50% of liver cancer cases and 20-30% of cirrhosis cases in India. Despite vaccine availability since 2002, only 2.4% of infected individuals in India have received diagnosis coverage. Urgent action is needed to address the rising mortality rates and improve vaccination coverage to combat the hepatitis epidemic.

28-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, will be euthanized in May due to severe depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. Despite love for her boyfriend and two cats, doctors deemed her condition untreatable, prompting her decision. Once aspiring to be a psychiatrist, ter Beek expressed her inability to continue living if her condition didn't improve. Living in a Dutch village near Germany, her case sparks debate on euthanasia for mental health issues. Ter Beek's story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals with complex mental health conditions, highlighting the need for further discussion and support.

Experts raise alarm over the rapid spread potential of H5N1 bird flu, fearing a death toll "100 times worse than the Covid pandemic." Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi emphasizes the virus's ability to infect various mammals, including humans, prompting calls for readiness. Recent cases of human transmission amplify concerns, with H5N1's high mortality rate compared to Covid-19. The virus, primarily spread by poultry, poses severe respiratory risks, with a fatality rate exceeding 50%. Urgent global attention is warranted, as warnings signal a looming pandemic threat with dire consequences.            

Certain contraceptive injections containing progestogens, like Depo-Provera, may increase the risk of meningioma, a rare brain tumour, according to new research. The study urges caution but advises against discontinuing birth control without consulting a doctor. While the risk is elevated, experts stress the importance of considering the benefits of contraception. Pfizer, manufacturer of Depo-Provera, acknowledges the risk and is updating product information. Observational study limitations prevent conclusive causation, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Patients experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for guidance on treatment adjustments.