There have been a lot of cases of chicken pox in the last couple of weeks. In Delhi alone, more than 1200 cases of chickenpox have been reported this year. As the virus now recedes, there are chances that you might catch it even now... because some of you are either in close contact with the infected or haven't got vaccinated. To start with, there is a vaccine available and you can get the shot at any age. The symptoms of chicken pox include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, sore throat followed by rashes and red spots all over the skin that keep developing for the next five to seven days. The spots go through blistering, bursting, drying, and crusting over the next few days. Though chickenpox is usually mild, it can be serious or even fatal in adults and young infants. It can lead to severe skin infection, breathing problems, brain damage, or even death. Chickenpox can be a very frustrating condition...

This week I are focusing on Meningitis, thats raised its ugly head in the capital once again. I am going to tell you what YOU need to know about this potentially DEADLY condition. To start with, what is meningitis? It's an infection of the areas covering the brain and spinal cord... most often hitting children, teens and young adults...though those with a weakened immune system are also at risk. You can get viral OR bacterial meningitis... Viral meningitis tends to be more common and while it doesn't usually cause serious illness...it can cause prolonged fever and seizures. But it's bacterial meningitis that can be scarier, and lead to brain damage or death, if it's not treated right away. Adding to the danger - meningitis IS contagious. An infected person can spread germs through coughing, sneezing and close contact. BOTH types of meningitis have the same symptoms. The most common symptoms among teens and young adults are: (Can also...

Children are at high risk of complications and serious illness from the flu. Indeed, only elderly people over age 74 are at higher risk than kids!!! Fact: Children under 2 years old -- even healthy children -- are more likely than other children to be hospitalized from the flu. Flu season spans November through March. How can you tell if your child may have the flu? Flu symptoms are more severe than those with colds and tend to come on abruptly. Flu symptoms in children may include: A sudden fever (usually above 101) Chills and shakes with the fever Extreme tiredness Headache and body aches Dry, hacking cough Sore throat Vomiting and belly pain Stuffy nose A child will usually feel the worst during the first two or three days. Complications of the flu may include a sinus infection or pneumonia. Call your pediatrician if the fever last more than three to four days, or if your...

Recently there has been a lot of publicity about the launch of a pill which can prevent unwanted pregnancy. A lot of viewers have asked about the safety profile of such drugs. I though it would be prudent to examine this today and try to answer some commonly asked questions. Emergency contraception - also called post-coital contraception - is a form of birth control that may be used by women who have had unprotected sex or if a contraceptive method fails. The treatment generally is reserved for emergency situations and is not a regular method of birth control. How Does It Work? Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy by temporarily blocking eggs from being produced, by stopping fertilization, or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus. Emergency contraception can be provided in two ways: using hormonal contraceptive pills or inserting a copper-releasing IUD (intrauterine device). Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) are most commonly used and are taken in two doses. The first dose should...