8 Nutrients That Will Optimize Your Eye Health

Holger Schmitz
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8 Nutrients That Will Optimize Your Eye Health

You’ve probably heard that carrots are one of the best foods for your eyes. You’ll also find several eye-focused organizations, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, recommending sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupes, oranges, and grapefruits.

But have you ever asked yourself why? What makes these foods good for the eyes? What do they have that others don’t?

That’s what we want to discuss – the specific nutrients in carrots and other eye-friendly foods and how they optimize your eye health. Let’s take a deeper look at these to see how you might incorporate them into your life. The articles about eye vision were written by PureHealth Research professionals.

NB: The American College of Ophthalmology has compiled a list of 36 foods to consider if you’d like to boost your eyesight.

8 Nutrients to optimize your eye health

The following are eight of the most important nutrients to optimize your eye health, according to scientific studies. Other nutrients may also improve eye function. However, the eight below are at the top of the list.

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps the eye convert light into a signal transmitted to the brain, allowing us to see well even in low-light conditions. Additionally, it is critical for the health of the cornea (the clear front of the eye). The cornea can literally disappear in acute cases of vitamin A deficiency.

Besides carrots, animal-derived foods, including eggs, liver, yolk, and dairy products, are the richest source of vitamin A.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your eyes from damaging free radicals. It forms part of the famous AREDS supplement that can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 25% when taken daily.

Vitamin C is also critical for the formation of collagen that gives structure to the sclera and retina. It can also reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Excellent dietary sources include tropical fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and kale.

3. Vitamin E

Most eyesight problems are caused by oxidative stress, an imbalance between oxidants and free radicles in the body. Vitamin E is another excellent antioxidant that can help slow down oxidative stress in the eyes. Studies show that taking 400 UI of vitamin E in an AREDS supplement can reduce AMD progression by 25%. Vitamin E can also reduce the risk of age-related cataracts.

Some of the best sources of vitamin E are nuts, seeds, healthy oils, avocado, leafy green vegetables, and salmon are other excellent considerations.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids

A recent study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences shows that an omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA, which makes up 30% of brain matter, helps prevent age-related vision loss. Indeed, DHA deficiency can cause impaired vision. Omega-3 also reduces dry eyes and may reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Oily fish and other seafood are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids to optimize your eye health. However, nuts, seeds, and plant oils also contain substantial quantities of mega-3.

5. Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA)

Gamma-Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found in small amounts on modern diets. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has shown promise in treating dry eyes. In one randomized control study, women with dry eyes who took GLA exhibited significantly improved symptoms after six months.

The best dietary sources of GLA are primrose oil and sunflower oil. In fact, in the randomized study above, primrose oil with 300 mg of GLA was used.

6. Lutein (L)

Lutein is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to improve or even prevent age-related macular disease, the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment. Lutein is particularly effective in improving macular pigment optical density (MPOD) levels, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity.

The best sources of dietary Lutein are spinach, Swiss chard, kale, pistachios, parsley, and green peas. Egg yolk, sweet corn, and red grapes are also excellent choices.

7. Zeaxanthin (Z)

Lutein and Zeaxanthin often come together. Nevertheless, they’re not the same. While both are carotenoids, Z is more concerned with protecting the eye from the harmful effects of oxidation and light-induced damage.

The best sources of dietary Zeaxanthin are the same foods we mentioned under Lutein. They include dark green vegetables, egg yolks, and orange and yellow fruits. In fact, Zeaxanthin is the yellow pigment that gives saffron, paprika, and corn their characteristic colors.

8. Zinc 

Finally, this list would be incomplete with zinc. Though it’s also important for the immune system, brain, and other body parts, zinc plays a critical role in keeping your eyes healthy and functional. Indeed, the body naturally stores high levels of zinc in the macula (part of the retina), where it combines with Vitamin A to form melanin. Melanin acts as a photo screen by scattering UV light. It also scavenges light-induced free radicals.

The best sources of dietary zinc include oysters, beef, lobster, pork, yogurt, zinc-fortified breakfast cereal, baked beans, and cashews.

Water is Important Too

We didn’t include it, but water is also critical for the health of your eyes and optimal vision. Drinking plenty of water can cause dehydration which is associated with dry eyes.

 

How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing

Holger Schmitz
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How to Treat an Infected Ear Piercing

You may be surprised to learn that about 30% of all ear piercings become infected even with meticulous care. Some studies put the figure at 35%.

People who get multiple ear piercings are more likely to be affected. High piercings through the cartilage or pinna are especially risky. Piercings in these areas are associated with poor healing and more severe infections due to the auricular cartilage’s avascular nature.

The good news is that most infections are easily treatable. Although some infections may require a visit to the doctor’s office, about 77% are mild and treatable from home. Let’s find out how to spot an infected ear piercing, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.

What’s an Infected Ear Piercing?

An infected ear piercing is an ear piercing that fails to heal the right way. Typically, a new ear piercing takes six to eight weeks to heal. Higher piercings may take up to 12 weeks. Whichever the case, the healing usually progresses without any alarms or excessive pain. The wound should have healed entirely within the stipulated period.

If the wound exhibits unusual signs such as excessive redness, swelling, warmth, itchiness, or tenderness, it’s likely to be infected. The same applies if the piercing is taking longer than usual to heal.

The most common cause is a bacterial infection. If bacteria find a way into the fresh wound, it can result in an infection. Getting pierced in an unhygienic environment is the leading cause of bacterial infections, followed by unsterilized equipment. Touching the wound with dirty hands also increases the risk of infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of ear piercing infection vary from one patient to the next. However, most people report;

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Yellow discharge

Treating an Infected Ear Piercing

As mentioned earlier, some ear-piercing infections require that you see the doctor. However, for mild infections, you can treat the infection wound yourself with ease. Indeed, several DIY treatments are now available that you can explore, such as dandruff shampoo.

The zinc pyrithione in dandruff shampoo is an excellent antibacterial that can aid the healing process of infected ear piercings. It can also prevent infection.

However, the primary way to treat infected ear piercings involves using saline water to gently clean the infected area and an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to kill the bacteria. Proceed as follows;

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water as you don’t want to infect the wound further. It’s best to use running water.
  2. Prepare a saltwater solution. You’ll need one cup (about 0.24 liters) of water and about ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir the solution until all the salt dissolves.
  3. With the earring in place, soak a cotton ball in the solution and place it on the affected area, and let it rest for a few seconds.
  4. Remove the cotton ball and dry the area using a clean gauze or tissue. You can also use another cotton ball.
  5. Now you can apply the over-the-counter antibiotic cream. Most experts recommend Neosporin or Bacitracin. However, other antibiotic creams work just as well. Make sure to follow the directions on the product label.

Repeat the procedure above three times a day until the infection improves. Additionally, take extra steps to make sure that your hands are clean at all times. Touching the infected area with dirty hands can worsen the issue.

It also helps to change your pillowcase with a clean one at least every two days. Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, as these can potentially irritate the area.

Further Treatment Tips

If your issue seems more like an allergic reaction rather than a full-blown bacterial infection, then you may need to remove the earrings and clean the area twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream also works excellently for allergic reactions, as do healing ointments such as Cicalfate and Aquaphor.

You’re also advised to remove the earring if you notice that the area is oozing. Additionally, place a towel on your pillowcase and change it daily. The good news is that the oozing should subside in a couple of days. Once it subsides, apply antibacterial cream to the earring post before inserting the earring.

When to See the Doctor

Minor ear piercing infections can progress to perichondritis, abscess formation, and necrosis with or without systemic symptoms. Perichondritis is inflammation of the perichondrium, a layer of tissue surrounding the cartilage of the external part of the ear known as the pinna. Meanwhile, necrosis is a form of irreversible cell injury that results in the death of cells in the affected area.

For the above reasons, you should see the doctor promptly if home remedies down work. Most experts recommend seeing the doctor if the symptoms don’t subside after a week of home treatment.

 

7 Middle Ear Infection Symptoms

Holger Schmitz
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7 Middle Ear Infection Symptoms

Middle ear infection is the most common ear infection, affecting at least 11% of the global population per year. This means that up to 710 million people suffer from middle ear infections every year. Other studies show that the figure is significantly lower at about 65-330 million, translating to 1% to 5% of the global population.

About half of the cases involve children under five years, especially males. About 10% of children are affected before the age of 10. Meanwhile, only about 0.25% of adults are affected per year.

The good news is that most middle ear infections are easily treatable. Only about 4.8% of reported cases develop into chronic issues. Unfortunately, left untreated, a middle ear infection can kill. At least 3,200 deaths were reported in 2015.

You can take a few steps to prevent the condition. However, it’s just as important to know the symptoms so you can address the problem immediately in case it occurs.

What is Middle Ear Infection?

Also known as otitis media, middle ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, i.e., the air-filled space behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

The word “otitis” actually means inflammation of the ear. There are three categories of otitis, i.e., otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear), otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), and otitis interna (inflammation of the inner ear).

Some people often confuse otitis media with swimmer’s ear – caused by water trapped in the ear. However, swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection, i.e., otitis externa.

What Causes Otitis Media?

Nearly all ear infections are caused by either virus or bacteria. Many times, the infections begin after a cold or other infection. The virus or bacteria from the unrelated infection may travel to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the throat.

Alternatively, the virus or bacteria may cause the Eustachian tube to swell, potentially resulting in blockage. A blockage may impede the normal flow of fluids inside the ear, resulting in a buildup in the middle ear.

The main reason children are the most affected is that the Eustachian tube is shorter and has a flatter slope in kids. It makes it easier for children’s ears to be clogged. It also makes it more difficult to drain the clogged ear, which increases the risk of infection.

Symptoms of a Middle Ear Infection

Symptoms in children and adults tend to differ slightly. However, there are seven main symptoms every otitis media patient exhibits;

  1. Pain in the ear: This symptom is present in both children and adults. Children too young to speak may cry more than usual. They may also act fussy. Older kids, meanwhile, may complain about the nagging pain in the affected ear.
  2. Loss of appetite: Though more common in toddlers, older children with otitis media may also lose appetite. Even adults may experience difficulty eating. The main reason is that otitis media pain tends to worsen when swallowing because of the Eustachian tube that links to the throat.
  3. Irritability: People with middle ear infections are typically irritable because of the mild pain (which can be worse as the condition progresses) and the feeling of fullness in the ear. The degree of irritability is more significant in children.
  4. Trouble sleeping: This symptom is also more pronounced in children though adults may also experience difficulty sleeping. The reason is that pressure in the ear worsens when you’re sleeping.
  5. Fever: People with a middle ear infection can have a high fever. In many cases, temperatures shoot to about 104˚F, i.e., four degrees higher than usual. However, some people may not exhibit this symptom. For example, only about 50% of children with otitis media report fever.
  6. Trouble hearing: The middle ear contains delicate bones that aid in hearing. These bones connect to nerves that send electrical signals (as sound) to the brain. When you have a middle ear infection, the fluid that forms behind the eardrum can slow down the movement of the electrical signals resulting in compromised heating.
  7. Drainage from the ear: In extreme cases, a middle ear infection can cause the eardrum to rupture. You’ll know that the patient’s eardrum has raptured if you notice yellow, brown, or white fluid that’s not wax draining from the affected ear. The good news is that eardrums heal naturally after about two months.

When to See a Doctor

Although middle ear infections often clear up on their own, you don’t want to wait too long as the issue can turn into a chronic infection.

We recommend seeing a doctor if the symptoms last more than two days, the pain is severe, or you observe a discharge of pus or bloody fluid or you could do a free online hearing test to get your ears checked. Also, all cases involving babies under six months should be reported to the doctor.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols That Should Be in Place Before You Return to the Workplace

Holger Schmitz
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COVID-19 Safety Protocols That Should Be in Place Before You Return to the Workplace

As states and cities begin to lift the strict lockdown measures effected early last year to curb the spread of the coronavirus, employers must implement proper Covid-19 safety protocols to keep infection rates down. Otherwise, we risk reversing the massive gains made so far in taming the covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Agency (ASHA), organizations that create written covid-19 safety checklists are in a better place to safely reopen work and protect workers from catching diseases.

The CDC recommends and has gone a step ahead to create a return-to-work safety template that organizations can adapt to reopen safely. You can also check out the World Health Organization’s considerations for public health and social measures in the workplace in the context of Covid-19.

The following is a summary of your role as an employer in fighting covid-19 and steps you can take to safely reopen your business or organization without exposing employees to preventable risk.

Role of Businesses and Employers

Businesses and employers can play an important role in preventing and slowing down the spread of the covid-19 pandemic by following Covid-19 safety protocols to curb the disease in the workplace. Proper and informed covid-19 preparedness, response, and control can significantly slow down the spread of the disease at and outside work.

Businesses and organizations that enforce proper social distancing in the workplace, stagger employee shifts, limit the degree to which employees interact with each other, and incorporate telework into their regular routines ultimately make the workplace safer and employees more protected against Covid-19.

Responsible employers also consider geographical isolation in the workplace, identify the proportion of employees at an increased risk of severe illness, and enact supportive policies regarding sick leave for affected staff.

Additionally, employers are encouraged to coordinate with state and local health officials to obtain timely and accurate information for appropriate response.

A 9-Point Business Reopening Covid-19 Safety Protocols and guidelines

The following 9-point work resumption guideline is adapted from the CDC’s Covid-19 Employer Information for Office Buildings and OSHA’s Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of Covid-19 in the Workplace.

1. Continue to enforce strict social distancing measures

Employers’ first and biggest responsibility is to ensure continued enforcing the strict social distancing measures recommended by the major health organizations and agencies. Continually remind employees that Covid-19 is still here and that they must stay at least six feet from each other. Also, discourage handshakes, hugs, and fist bumps while encouraging outdoor seating areas for small group activities.

2. Ensure better HVAC performance

Studies show that the coronavirus doesn’t spread as quickly in outdoor areas places with good ventilation. To this end, before returning to the office, consider installing high-efficiency air filters and generally improving your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation process.

3. Identify high transmission areas

High traffic areas, such as hallways, bathrooms, lobbies, and shared offices, as well as common touchpoints within the facility, such as door handles, light switches, and elevator stations, must be treated differently. Organize additional cleaning and disinfection in these areas. For example, in the bathroom, you can change the partitions to more easy-to-clean ones; head to the One Point Partitions site to know which one is best for you.

4. Upgrade to hand-free doors

Doors present arguably the biggest challenge to controlling Covid-19 in the workplace. Consider upgrading to motion-detection doors, Bluetooth-based systems, and single door access control systems for hands-free access control in common areas.

5. Instruct infected workers to stay at home

Allowing infected workers to isolate or quarantine from home is the best way to protect healthy workers while the sick worker gets the necessary treatment. Ensure absence policies are non-punitive. Otherwise, infected workers may come to work, exposing the rest of the workforce to covid-19.

6. Minimize the impact of isolation on workers

First, consider allowing isolating workers or those in quarantine to work from home. However, if they’re too sick to work, provide a paid sick leave or consider implementing a paid leave policy, so the infected worker isn’t adversely affected financially.

7. Isolate workers who show symptoms at work

The first step here is to know the primary symptoms of covid-19. If you notice that one or more of your workers has any of these symptoms, separate them from the rest of the workforce, customers, and visitors immediately. Then send them home and encourage them to seek medical attention. Remember to perform an enhanced cleaning and disinfection after someone shows covid-19 symptoms in the workplace.

8. Provide guidance and assistance on screening and testing

Different states and local authorities have different protocols. In some areas, workplace testing may be arranged. However, in others, one must visit a designated testing center. Whichever the case, employers have a responsibility to inform workers about testing requirements and help them get tested.

9. Arrange for covid-19 vaccination at no cost

Covid-19 vaccinations are now available to the broader public. Although workers have an individual responsibility to take the vaccines, Covid-19 safety protocols specify the employer also has a duty to educate their employees on the benefits of getting vaccinated and even arranging for cost-free vaccination for their entire workforce.

Further Resources

Check out the OSHA website and the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to the Coronavirus Disease guideline for more information.

What to Expect from a Covid-19 Vaccine if You Have a Chronic Condition

Holger Schmitz
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What to Expect from a Covid-19 Vaccine if You Have a Chronic Condition

I am HIV+. Is it safe to take the Covid-19 vaccine? Can I get the vaccine if I have cancer or going through chemotherapy? Will it counteract my immunosuppressant?

The above are just a few questions people with chronic conditions are likely asking themselves right now. Others are also worried about the side effects of vaccination being more severe if you have a chronic condition and what to do in that case.

All these concerns are genuine and important as a chronic condition makes your immune system weaker than the average person’s. Let’s find out what you need to know about Covid-19 vaccination in relation to chronic conditions, what to expect, and what you can do.

What are Chronic Conditions?

Chronic conditions are underlying, ongoing or long-term medical or health conditions that often need ongoing medical attention or other medical health. Common examples are

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung diseases (such as asthma)
  • Diabetes Type-1 and Type-2
  • Dementia
  • Down syndrome
  • Heart conditions
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Immunocompromised state
  • Liver disease
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Stroke
  • Sickle cell anemia

People who’ve had a slid or blood stem transplant recently and those with a cerebrovascular disease which affects blood flow to the brain are also classed under the chronic condition category, as are pregnant women.

How Does Covid-19 Vaccine Affect People with Chronic Conditions?

According to Dr. Ramin Ahmadi, Chief Medical Officer for Graduate Medical Education Global LLC., Covid-19 vaccine side effects have more to do with an individual’s immune system and the immune system’s reaction to the vaccine than the state of the patient’s chronic condition.

“All chronic diseases aren’t equal,” he says. “Some may affect the development of vaccine-mediated immunity while others stand to benefit a great deal from the vaccine.”

Many other health experts agree. Although data on the efficacy of the main Covid-19 vaccines on people with chronic conditions is scarce, the experts believe that the benefits of getting the vaccine far outweigh the risks.

Even in people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or who’ve just had a bone marrow transplant, the vaccine is still believed to provide protection. Available data show that these people are more likely to be hospitalized from Covid-19 than Covid-19 vaccines.

Side Effects of the Vaccine

People who get the Covid-19 vaccine tend to have a few side effects, most of which are mild and only last a few days. Common side effects include;

  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Fatigue
  • Chills
  • Fever

Allergic reactions are also possible. However, these are rare. For instance, some people may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, which occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. But, again, the cases are rare. Only about 11 cases are reported per million vaccinations. Better still, anaphylaxis can be detected and easily treated during the 15-minute monitoring period post-vaccination.

Could the Vaccine or Side Effects Cause Flare-Up?

For people with chronic conditions, this is often the big question. Can getting the vaccine exacerbate symptoms of the underlying medical condition?

Unfortunately, the answer is – yes. Getting the Covid-19 vaccine can suddenly worsen symptoms of the underlying medical condition.

“There’s a risk of a flare-up after the Covid-19 vaccination in some individuals with chronic conditions,” says Ahmadi.

However, he’s quick to note that the risk is theoretical. So far, there haven’t been any reports of adverse side effects (beyond the standard side effects) in people with chronic conditions.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • How would I know if I am allergic to something in the vaccine?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure unless you’ve had an allergic reaction to vaccine ingredients in the past. It’s for this reason everyone who gets the vaccine is kept at the site for at least 15 minutes for observation.

  • I have had a bad reaction to flu shots in the past. Could the Covid-19 vaccine expose me to a similar risk?

Not necessarily. The Covid-19 vaccine has different ingredients than flu shots. However, you may want to discuss the matter with your doctor before getting the vaccine.

  • What if I take immunosuppressant meds? Wouldn’t getting Covid-19 vaccination reverse the gains?

No, it wouldn’t. On the contrary, it may improve your immunity. According to the American College for Rheumatology, people with autoimmune conditions are at a greater risk of Covid-19 infections. Vaccination can help protect you. Nevertheless, make sure to speak about it with your doctor.

  • I have cancer and currently in chemo. Should I still get the vaccine?

Yes. According to the American Cancer Society, weak immunity puts you at increased risk of Covid-19 infection. Therefore, gaining protection from vaccination is better than doing nothing.

Summary

It’s evident that even for people with chronic conditions who are theoretically at an increased risk of adverse side effects from the vaccine, the benefits of getting vaccinated are far greater than the risks.

Covid-19 Vaccine Side Effects: What to Know

Holger Schmitz
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Covid-19 Vaccine Side Effects: What to Know

Covid-19 vaccines are safe. Indeed, currently, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the deadly virus is to get vaccinated. Vaccination protects you from developing severe Covid-19 symptoms and dying of the virus.

Widespread vaccination is also the best shot at finally containing the ravaging health pandemic. Physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and universal face coverings are effective but not bulletproof. Vaccination is the sure cure.

Unfortunately, and as with all medical treatments, the Covid-19 jab comes with a few unpleasant side effects. For instance, some people report headaches and muscle aches immediately after getting the jab.

Should you be worried? Can the Covid-19 vaccine side effects become serious health issues? Here’s everything you need to know and when to see the doctor.

Why It’s Normal to Have Side Effects

Perhaps we should begin by explaining why you shouldn’t be worried about the vaccine’s side effects unless it’s a severe issue.

Vaccines are designed to give you immunity without the dangers of getting the disease. However, nearly all vaccines have side effects for one primary reason – immune response. When a vaccine is introduced into your body, it instructs your immune system to react in a certain way. For example, vaccines increase blood flow so that that more immune cells can circulate. Additionally, vaccines raise body temperature to kill the virus.

Raised body temperature is therefore normal after getting any vaccine. The Covid-19 vaccine isn’t an exception. A mild fever, owing to higher body temperature, is also expected. There’s no need for alarm unless the temperature rise is beyond the predicted range.

Muscle aches are also a common side effect. It’s a sign that the immune system is responding to antigens in the vaccine and gearing up to fight the virus. Both side effects should wear out naturally within a few days.

It’s also important to note that different people experience the side effects to different degrees. For instance, some people may not experience muscle aches at all. This doesn’t mean that the vaccine isn’t working. It merely means that our bodies are built differently.

Common Covid-19 Vaccine Side Effects

As already mentioned, most covid-19 vaccine side effects are mild and only last a few days. For the four main vaccines currently in use, i.e., Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the most common side effects include;

  • Pain at the site of injection
  • Redness at the site of the injection
  • Swelling around the injection area
  • General tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea

What Else Do You Need to Know

While most side effects are harmless and clear out naturally within a few days, you may be wondering about the sporadic cases of severe side effects and few deaths reported so far. Here’s what you need to know;

1. Severe side-effects 

In sporadic cases, people who get vaccinated for Covid-19 may experience severe side effects, especially a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. The CDC estimates that anaphylaxis occurs in 11 cases per million doses among people receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

Anaphylaxis occurs soon after vaccination. Symptoms include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face and throat. Although it’s fatal, the condition is treatable with epinephrine (EpiPen). It’s why everyone who gets the vaccine is observed for at least 15 minutes with epinephrine at hand.

2. Long-term side effects

There have been a few concerns about Covid-19 vaccines making people sick with the coronavirus. You’ve likely even heard or read about people who got infected after getting the vaccine. So it’s important to get the facts straight.

First off, Covid-19 vaccines cannot make a person sick with the coronavirus. Multiple studies have been conducted on the same, and to date, none of the approved vaccines has been found to contain the live virus that causes Covid-19. So, you don’t have to worry about catching the coronavirus through the vaccine.

Secondly, you must understand that the coronavirus vaccine doesn’t make you immune to Covid-19 immediately. You don’t become immune to the virus seconds or minutes after getting the vaccine. It takes weeks for the body to build immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Consequently, it’s possible for someone who was vaccinated yesterday or a few days ago to be infected with the coronavirus. This is because the vaccine hasn’t had enough time to build sufficient immunity against the virus.

When to See the Doctor

All side effects, including effects from the second vaccine shot, are mild and should go away naturally within a few days of receiving the dose. However, a few people may experience more severe and prolonged Covid-19 vaccine side effects.

The CDC advises that you call the doctor if the redness or tenderness gets worse after 24 hours or the side effects don’t seem to be going away after three days.

Pros and Cons of At-Home Health Testing Kits

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Pros and Cons of At-Home Health Testing Kits

Few could argue that Covid-19 has drastically changed the way we live, work, and function today. These changes are perhaps most evident in the medical industry. In an attempt to work within pandemic-centric concerns, there are many new methods of medical diagnostics and testing.

For instance, many of us are taking advantage of online consultations with our physicians and receive treatments through internet video conferences with medical professionals. Another modern trend in medicine is at-home health testing kits. Here are a few insights into the pros and cons of using home health test kits.

What is an At-Home Health Testing Kit?

If you’re experiencing certain symptoms, an at-home health testing kit can provide an easy way to get results about your health condition.  These health kits are packaged with testing equipment such as a swab or finger prick and also include biohazard packaging within which to contain your sample for mailing.

You can purchase a home health testing kit online or at your local drug store. After following the test instructions, you will send your sample to the lab testing facility pre-printed on the kit mailing label. Some testing kits will send you the results of your test within a few days, in other cases, the results may take up to two weeks.

Advantages of Home Health Testing Kits

If you’re like most people, you may tend to avoid going to the doctor for many reasons. Firstly, it can be a hassle. Taking time out of your busy workweek, and sitting in the waiting room for hours before even seeing your physician is not something to look forward to.  Secondly, visiting the doctor in person can be an expensive proposition, especially if you are uninsured. Lastly, due to looming concerns about Covid-19, going out in public, particularly to medical clinics, can be unsettling. 

At-home health testing kits allow you to avoid all of these inconveniences. The biggest advantage of testing from home is eliminating all the stress and annoyances that go along with getting a traditional diagnosis at a doctor’s office.

Another pro to at-home health testing is the luxury of privacy. These tests are also less invasive than traditional exams.  Many people appreciate the feeling of being more in control of their testing and health within the sanctity of their own homes.  This leads us to an advantageous side-effect of home health testing. 

As more people are feeling empowered to do testing from home, they are taking a more active role in their healthcare and securing the future for their wellbeing. For example, an at-home cervical health screening can render an early diagnosis of certain cancers and early detection may significantly improve chances for optimal recovery.  

Not only do at-home health tests encourage people to get proactive about diagnosing symptoms early, but many tests also have the option to submit biosamples anonymously. This is appealing to those who are concerned about socially sensitive conditions such as sexually transmitted infections.

Disadvantages of Home Health Testing

While the reliability of home medical testing has improved greatly since the first dime store pregnancy test, they are not 100% accurate.  This could cause a false sense of security, or a deep sense of urgency depending upon the results of the home test.  If you’re dealing with a serious health issue, it’s best to go to your physician or a specialist to get a full medical diagnosis.

Another issue with accuracy deals with under or overdiagnosis. Your diagnosis may vary wildly depending upon the laboratory analyzing your sample. You must also be mindful of proper sample collection.  If the test instructions are not followed precisely, there may be a risk of contamination which could skew the data of your medical results.

Types of At Home Health Tests

Some of the more common at-home health test kits deal with family medical histories. You can request a kit that matches your DNA with your family ancestry and the results can show you diseases that are common in your family history.  This can be helpful to your health because some diseases and cancers are hereditary.

If you’ve tried every remedy for allergies under the sun but still suffer during allergy season, you might consider an at-home allergy testing kit.  There is a wide range of allergy testing kits you can do at home, including the detection of food allergens, pollens, animal hair, and more.

Other vital home medical tests include the detection of some cancers such as colon, breast, and ovarian cancers. Home tests are also available for other serious conditions such as STDs and HIV yet also cover basic analytics about cholesterol levels, hormonal imbalances, and heavy metal testing.

Is an At-Home Health Test Kit Right for You?

If your health condition is not life-threatening, and you appreciate the lower-cost, non-invasive, low-stress options to health screening in the privacy of your own home, a DIY health test might be the right choice for you.  

However, if you are dealing with serious symptoms, or a home health test is not available for your condition, you’re better off going to the doctor. At the end of the day, home health test kits are convenient, but getting a full diagnosis from your doctor is still the best way to get a full overview of your health status.

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