Symptoms range of dengue fever from mild to severe. Severe symptoms dengue shock syndrome (DSS) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). These require urgent medical attention. In 2019, the Food and drug administration approved a vaccine for children ages 9–16 years who have had dengue in the past and live in areas where dengue is common. These areas include some United States territories.

For most people, the best way to prevent dengue fever is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. There is no cure for dengue fever. However, early recognition and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent fatalities In 2021, there were  117 Cases in the U.S. and 513 cases in all U.S. territories. Some cases were in people who had travelled abroad. However, 509 cases in Puerto Rico were not related to travel. This article looks at the symptoms and causes of dengue fever and who is at risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dengue fever will depend on the severity of the disease. Around 75% of people with dengue fever will not experience symptoms.

Mild symptoms

If symptoms occur, there may be a sudden fever of around 104°F (40°C)  Source with one or more of the following:

• aching muscles and joints
• rash
• pain behind the eyes
• nausea and vomiting
• facial flushing
• sore throat
• headache
• red eyes

The symptoms typically last between 2–7 days and most people feel better after one week. The fever may spike, go away for 24 hours, then spike again.

Severe symptoms

Between 0.5% and 5% of cases of dengue fever become severe. If this happens, it can be life threatening.

First, the fever typically falls to 99.5 to 100.4°F (37.5 to 38°C). Severe symptoms may then appear 24–48 hours later, or around 3–7 days after the person starts to feel unwell.

They include:

• abdominal pain or tenderness
• vomiting at least three times in 24 hours
• bleeding from the nose or gums
• vomiting blood
• blood in the stool
• fatigue
• feeling restless or irritable
• changes in temperatureTrusted Source from very hot to very cold
• cold, clammy skin
• a weak and rapid pulse
• a reduced difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Anyone with severe symptoms needs immediate medical attention. Severe signs and symptoms can indicate DSS or DHF. They are potentially fatal.

Treatment

Treatment for dengue involves managing the symptoms.

According to 2009 research, treatment for milder forms includes:

• drinking water to help prevent dehydration
• getting plenty of rest
• using pain relief, such as Tylenol or paracetamol, which can also help reduce fever

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen are not suitable as they can increase the risk of internal bleeding.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend hospitalization and:

• IV fluid supplementation
• a blood transfusion
• a platelet transfusion, in some cases

Without treatment, 10–20% of severe cases may be fatal. Treatment reduces this figure to 1%.

Causes

Four viruses can cause dengue fever. They are all transmitted either by the Aedes aegypti mosquito or, more rarely, the Aedes albopictus mosquito.

These species of mosquitoes live in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, including parts of the U.S. Rates of infection have grown in recent decades, especially in urban areas.

A mosquito carrying the virus passes it to a human by biting them. When another mosquito bites a person with the condition, it will pick up the condition. Then the mosquito will pass the virus on to the next person it bites.

A person can have dengue fever more than once. They will become immune to the specific virus that caused it, though they will not be immune to the other three viruses.

Risk factors and areas of high risk

A person is at risk of dengue fever if they live or travel in an area where dengue occurs and mosquitoes that can carry it live.

Dengue occurs in over 100 countries across:

• North and South America
• South-East Asia
• the Pacific Islands
• Australia
• Africa
• the Eastern Mediterranean

Around 70% of cases occur in Asia.

Among U.S. citizens, most cases occur in:

• Puerto Rico
• the U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa

Americans are most likely to contract the infection while traveling. However, local transmission is possible in many parts of the U.S., as the mosquitoes that transmit it live there.

Diagnosis

The signs and symptoms of dengue fever are similar to some other diseases such as influenza and malaria. This can make diagnosis challenging.

A doctor will most likely:

• assess the symptoms
• ask about the person’s medical and travel history
• order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis

Prevention

In May 2019Trusted Source, the FDA approved the first dengue vaccine. It can prevent dengue caused by all four viruses.

It is for people who:

• are ages 9–16 years
• have had dengue in the past
• live in areas where dengue is common, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

People who are not eligible for the vaccine can lower their risk by taking steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Tips include:

• wearing clothes that cover the body
• using mosquito repellents on the body
• using mosquito nets
• using window and door screens
• treating camping gear or clothes with insect repellent before use
• if possible, avoiding being outside at dawn, dusk, and early evening
• remove any stagnant water around the home and avoid camping near still water
• check that drains, plant pots, and other features are not collecting water

What are the best natural mosquito repellents?

Summary

Mosquitoes spread the virus that causes dengue fever. Most people do not experience symptoms. However, if they do, the symptoms are often mild. In some cases, dengue fever can be life threatening.

Symptoms include fever, aches and pains, and a rash. A person with more severe symptoms may start vomiting persistently, or experience bleeding from their gums or nose, among other symptoms. Severe dengue needs immediate medical attention.

The post Don’t Let Dengue Fever Derail Your Long-Term Bali Dream appeared first on Hydromed Bali | Canggu | Seminyak.

Common symptoms of ear infections include:

• mild pain or discomfort inside your ear
• a persistent feeling of pressure inside your ear
• pus-like ear drainage
• hearing loss

These symptoms might persist or come and go. Symptoms may occur in one or both ears. Pain is usually more severe with a double ear infection, which is an infection in both ears. Chronic ear infection symptoms may be less noticeable than those of acute ear infections.

Along with symptoms seen in adults, such as ear pain and drainage, young children and babies may show other signs of an ear infection, such as:

• rubbing or pulling their ear
• fever
• not reacting to certain sounds
• frequently losing balance
• headache
• fussiness or restlessness
• loss of appetite

Usually, ear infections last fewer than 3 days, but they can persist for up to a week.

Children younger than 6 months who have a fever or other ear infection symptoms should see a doctor. Seek medical attention if your child has a fever higher than 102°F (39°C) or severe ear pain.

Ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria, particularly the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae. They often result from a blockage of your Eustachian tubes, which causes fluid to build up in your middle ear. Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from each of your ears directly to the back of your throat.

Causes of Eustachian tube blockage include:

• allergies
• colds
• sinus infections
• excess mucus
• smoking
• changes in air pressure

Ear infections can also develop from infected adenoids. Your adenoids are glands on the roof of your mouth behind your nose that help protect your body from infections. Infections can spread from these glands to the nearby ends of your Eustachian tubes.

Ear infections occur most commonly in young children because they have short and narrow Eustachian tubes. About 80 percent of children develop an acute ear infection at some point. Infants who are bottle-fed also have a higher incidence of ear infections than their breastfed counterparts.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing an ear infection are:

• altitude changes
• changes in temperature and humidity
• exposure to cigarette smoke
• pacifier use
• recent illness or ear infection
• being male
• low birth weight
• lack of access to healthcare
• being in day care

Ear infections usually clear up without intervention, but they may recur. These rare but serious complications may follow an ear infection:

• hearing loss
• speech or language delay in children, which is more common when there is chronic fluid in the middle ear
• mastoiditis (an infection of the mastoid bone in the skull)
• meningitis (a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord)
• ruptured eardrum

While most mild ear infections clear up without intervention, the following treatments can also help:

Home treatment

These methods are effective in relieving the symptoms of a mild ear infection:

• Apply a warm cloth to the affected ear.
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Use OTC or prescription ear drops to relieve pain.
• Take OTC decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
• Avoid sleeping on the affected ear.

Medical treatment

If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve, see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics if your ear infection is bacterial, chronic, or doesn’t appear to be improving. Antibiotics don’t help treat viral infections.

Medical treatment in children

Doctors often take a wait-and-see approach when treating ear infections in children to avoid over-prescribing antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. A doctor may sometimes write you a prescription for antibiotics if symptoms are severe or don’t resolve within 2 to 3 days. Alternatively, they may write you a prescription but recommend waiting first to see if your child’s symptoms get better after 2 to 3 days.

A healthcare professional will consider your symptoms and examine your ears with an instrument called an otoscope that has a light and magnifying lens. The examination may reveal:

• redness, air bubbles, or pus-like fluid inside the middle ear
• fluid draining from the middle ear
• a perforation in the eardrum
• a bulging or collapsed eardrum
• This exam is rarely painful, but some children may be bothered.

Additional tests

Other tests include:

• Fluid sample. If your infection is advanced, your doctor may take a sample of the fluid inside your ear and test it to determine whether certain types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan. Your doctor may order a CT scan of your head to determine if the infection has spread beyond your middle ear.
• Blood tests. Blood tests can check your immune function.
• Tympanometry allows doctors to measure how well your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure inside your ear.
• Acoustic reflectometry. This test measures how much sound is reflected back from your eardrum to indirectly measure the amount of fluid in your ear.
• Hearing test. You may need a hearing test, especially if you have chronic ear infections.

The following practices may reduce the risk of ear infection:

• washing your hands often
• avoiding overly crowded areas
• forgoing pacifiers with infants and small children
• breastfeeding infants
• avoiding second hand smoke
• keeping immunizations up to date

Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses in your middle ear, which is the part of your ear behind your eardrum. Most ear infections clear up within about 3 days, but severe infections may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Ear infections are most common in children. It’s important to see a doctor if you or your child develop severe pain, a fever over 102.2°F, ear drainage, or other concerning symptoms.

The post Preventing and Treating Ear Infections for Long-Term Bali Travelers appeared first on Hydromed Bali | Canggu | Seminyak.

Bali’s steadily improving infrastructure is proving very attractive to expat entrepreneurs. High-speed Internet has reached every corner coffee shop and co-working and co-living spaces are encouraging entrepreneurs to redefine their business approach. Not surprisingly Bali is attracting a more digitally connected expat following made up of mostly freelancers and entrepreneurs working online. For entrepreneurs who have limited funds, Bali’s low cost of living and healthy lifestyle is very welcome as they can devote most of their resources to starting their businesses.

Bali caters for everyone – unless you are highly stressed and crave long working hours where you burn the candle at both ends. Before arriving in Bali it’s important to identify what your ‘area’ will be. Bali has three main places where expats settle – Canggu/Seminyak, Ubud and the South Peninsular known as the Bukit. Ubud is home to spiritual communities, yogis, holistic health practitioners, and artists. The area of Canggu/Seminyak is where the business and network-orientated expats reside. But the divide is not complete as independent workers and co-working spaces can also be found in Ubud.

Bali is a land of opportunities – just do your research and arrive with realistic expectations.

Imagine feeling confident and empowered in your daily interactions, from haggling at the market to engaging in lively conversations with your Balinese neighbors. Picture yourself navigating public transportation with ease, ordering delicious local dishes like a pro, and impressing friends and family with your newfound fluency. This is the reality that awaits you when you master basic Indonesian. Beyond the practical benefits, learning Bahasa Indonesia is a gift – a way to express respect for the local culture, deepen your connection with the community, and truly embrace the island’s spirit.

1. Greetings and Polite Expressions

Stepping into your new life in Bali, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the Balinese people and their infectious smiles. But how do you reciprocate? Enter the power of simple greetings and polite expressions – your gateway to connecting with locals and weaving yourself into the island’s tapestry.

1. Mastering the Art of Saying Hello:

Selamat pagi! (Good morning!) – Use this bright and cheery greeting from sunrise until around noon.

Selamat siang! (Good afternoon!) – Take over from “selamat pagi” around noon and keep it going until sunset.

Selamat sore! (Good evening!) – Bridge the gap between afternoon and evening with this friendly phrase.

Selamat malam! (Good night!) – Wind down the day with this sweet farewell after sunset.

2. Adding a Sprinkle of Politeness:

Terima kasih! (Thank you!) – Express your gratitude with this essential phrase, always accompanied by a warm smile.

Sama-sama! (You’re welcome!) – Let people know your thanks are appreciated with this simple yet charming response.

Maaf! (Sorry!) – Mistakes happen, and owning up to them with a sincere “maaf” goes a long way in maintaining harmony.

Useful Phrases for Daily Life

Imagine strolling through the vibrant Ubud market, drawn to the exotic fruits and handcrafted treasures. But how do you ask for prices, inquire about ingredients, or politely bargain for that perfect souvenir? Let’s equip you with essential phrases to conquer daily life in Bali!

1. At the Market:

Berapa harganya? (How much is it?) – Your go-to for understanding those tempting price tags.

Saya mau beli … (I want to buy …) – Express your interest with confidence.

Bisa kurang? (Can I have a discount?) – Master the art of polite bargaining.

Tidak apa-apa (It’s okay) – A graceful way to end the negotiation if the price isn’t right.

Berapa harganya? (How much is it?) – Your first step in any negotiation.

Mahal sekali! (It’s very expensive!) – Express surprise and initiate bargaining.

Berapa total? (How much is the total?) – Confirm the final price before paying.

2. At the Restaurant:

Bisa pesan …? (May I order …?) – Start your culinary adventure with this handy phrase.

Minta … tolong (Please give me …) – Specify your dish or drink preferences like a pro.

Pedas (Spicy)? Manis (Sweet)? – Understand ingredient descriptions and find your flavor haven.

Tagihan, tolong (Bill, please) – Wind down your delicious meal with this polite request.

3. Asking for Directions:

Maaf, di mana …? (Excuse me, where is …?) – Get guidance to hidden waterfalls or local temples.

Tolong tunjukkan saya … (Please show me …) – Add a visual aid for clearer understanding.

Bisa langsung dari sini? (Can I get there directly from here?) – Plan your route efficiently.

Terima kasih banyak! (Thank you very much!) – Show your appreciation for friendly assistance.

4. Introducing Yourself:

Nama saya … (My name is …) – Break the ice and make new friends.

Senang bertemu dengan Anda (Nice to meet you) – Extend a warm welcome.

Saya dari … (I’m from …) – Share a bit about yourself.

Saya tinggal di … (I live in …) – Connect on a local level.

3. Numbers and Counting

From haggling for a colorful sarong at the Ubud market to ordering your favorite Kopi Susu at the local warung, mastering basic numbers in Indonesian is essential for daily life in Bali. Ready to unlock your bargaining powers and avoid any surprises at the cashier? Let’s dive into the world of angka (numbers)!

Counting from Satu to Sepuluh (One to Ten):

Satu (One)

Dua (Two)

Tiga (Three)

Empat (Four)

Lima (Five)

Enam (Six)

Tujuh (Seven)

Delapan (Eight)

Sembilan (Nine)

Sepuluh (Ten)

Building Higher Numbers:

To form numbers above ten, combine the basic numbers with “belas” for 11-19 (e.g., “sebelas” for eleven, “dua belas” for twelve).

For multiples of ten, add “puluh” (e.g., “dua puluh” for twenty, “tiga puluh” for thirty).

For combination numbers like 25 or 37, simply combine the components (e.g., “dua puluh lima,” “tiga puluh tujuh”).

Conclusion

As you embark on your Bali adventure, equip yourself with the key to unlocking its true essence – Bahasa Indonesia. Even a few basic phrases and cultural tidbits can transform your experience, opening doors to deeper connections, enriching your daily life, and allowing you to truly resonate with the Balinese spirit.

So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the journey of learning, and let Bahasa Indonesia be your guide to an unforgettable Bali experience. Remember, every “Selamat pagi” and every “Terima kasih” is a step towards a richer, more meaningful connection with the island and its people.

Bali is the ideal country for expats in search of inspiration or reconnection with themselves. However, it’s important to know that while starting a new business in Bali is a great option due to low operational costs, the cost of opening and registering a business in Bali is high. Many expats who move to Bali have unrealistic expectations about the ‘freedom’ of Bali – don’t presume because the lifestyle is laid back that you won’t have to follow procedures or pay taxes.

You will also need a work permit to get paid legally. A KITAS is similar to a permanent residence card and allows you to legally live and work in Bali. Despite the structure and the fees,

The post Embracing the Balinese Spirit as an Expat appeared first on Hydromed Bali | Canggu | Seminyak.

Here following there are some cases of emergency that you can experience anytime and anywhere:

1. Bleeding

You can start bleeding from even the smallest cut and bruises. But this is not something worth panicking about at that moment. The emergency case arises when it turns into deep cuts and severe bruises that require immediate attention. The condition in which you should seek emergency are:

• You cannot control the bleeding even with proper first aid treatment.
• An object that pierced through your kin, and you cannot get it out because it’s too deep.
• You can see your bone or tissue.

If you delay the process, then the excess loss of blood may lead to dizziness, unwell feeling, pale face, and in some cases, you lose your consciousness. However, if this happens, it is a matter of urgency.

2. Seizures or fit

Seizures is so common that about one among ten people must have had a seizure once in their lifetime. But there is a good chance that you will not require immediate medical attention after experiencing a fit. It is more common in people who have a diagnosis of epilepsy.

In the disease, you feel twitching, jerking, or shaking in some area or the whole body, which is involuntary and uncontrollable. Another form of seizure is when you cannot move or move only a minimal part of the body, and the eyes will look into space. In this situation, the body is not able to respond to anyone.

If a person is having a seizure, try not to stop them from shaking unless they are at risk. After going through an episode, it is important to rush to the doctor for proper treatment. And if the seizure is very common in you should take appropriate care as to what you should do after the fit.

3. Heart attack

A cardiovascular emergency may not be common in medical emergency types, but they are the most severe ones. Knowing how to detect the symptom and the right time to respond to it can save many lives.

In a heart attack, there is a sudden blockage in blood supply, giving rise to a threatening medical emergency. The following are the symptoms of a heart attack:

• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.
• Sweating
• Severe chest pain, including chest pressure, squeezing in the middle, and tightness.
• Pain in the left arm starting from the chest. In some cases, the pain spread in both the arms, jaw, neck, stomach and back.
• Sweating
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness or light-headed

When you are having severe chest pain, there is the extreme possibility that you are experiencing a heart attack. However, in some cases, people do not experience severe pain, just mild discomfort similar to indigestion.

4. Stroke

Stroke is another severe and life-threatening medical emergency. It mainly occurs when the blood cannot reach the brain properly. This issue can be because of two reasons one bleeding in the brain or an internal blood clot.

Time is the most essential thing in stroke, which can decide whether you live or die. The sooner you get medical attention; the more is the chance you get better. As it is very necessary to act on time, keep in mind the following symptom, which can be easy to remember through the acronym FASR.

F for face – What is the change in the face? Are you able to smile? Has the face changed its format and drooped on one side? You can especially notice it around the areas of the mouth and eyes.

A for Arm – Are you able to lift both your arms? At times of stroke, at least one of the arm gets numb.

S for Speech – When a person is having a stroke, their speech changes and becomes somewhat slurred, analyze whether their speech is making sense or not. Or is the person able to understand what others are telling?

T for time – If you see these symptoms, you should understand there is not much time, and you should act immediately. Take medical help as soon as possible.

5. Sudden breathing problem

If someone is experiencing a breathing problem suddenly out of nowhere, it indicates an underlying health problem. There can be numerous reasons behind it. Some are allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, flu, COPD, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Breathing problems can also offer due to physical activity or exercise. But if it occurs without any right reason, it can be a medical emergency. The primary symptoms that you can notice are:

• Feeling shortness of breath
• Noisy breathing involving the sound of a whistle or wheeze gasp.
• Pain while taking deep breaths like in the chest.
• Fast breathing that is faster than usual.
• If you or anyone you know is going through a breathing problem, avoid panicking to worsen the situation. Besides, take immediate medical help.

6. Eye trauma

A person suffers from eye trauma when they get a direct hit into the eye. It is because there is a blow to the eyes, or the eye retracts, which often results in blood clotting around the skin under the eye. The typical symptom that you may suffer through in this condition are:

• Bruises and pain
• Cuts
• Pain
• Limited eye movement
• Change in pupil’s size
• Blood on the eyeball.
• Make sure you take proper medical help in such a situation.

Hydro Medical is a full-service healthcare and beauty clinic for everyone. We give the best treatment to everyone’s individual needs by providing personalized and unique experiences when you’re traveling in Bali. We support every kind of traveling experience that you want to have including emergency and critical situations. We have a 24-hour dial number that you can call in case you have an emergency during your travel.

Hydro Medical is staffed by some of Bali’s best Qualified Medical Professionals. We provide full-service healthcare and offer the best treatment by providing personalized medical care for those traveling in Bali.  Our expert medical care will ensure you can enjoy every kind of traveling experience. Our clinic will always make sure that you will get the best services and recover as soon as possible. So if you have any emergency, do not hesitate to contact us. Stay Healthy!

The post Emergency Services in Bali: Navigating Unforeseen Situations appeared first on Hydromed Bali | Canggu | Seminyak.

1. Driving a scooter without a licence

Picture it: You’re driving a rented scooter, salty hair flowing in the wind behind, winding jungle tracks fringed by palm forests winding in front. It’s the epitome of freedom; fodder for Instagram feeds. However, it’s just not legal without an International Driving Permit, and hopping in the saddle without one could land you with a heavy fine. A UK driving license does not entitle you to drive in Indonesia. Instead, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit in either the UK or Indonesia. Many tourists ignore this requirement and choose to drive a scooter without the correct licensing. Consequently, the Balinese Police make a high daily rate of roadside fines. If you fail to produce valid documents, you may be vulnerable to penalties, and there are common reports of these being pretty pricy! Aside from avoiding driving a scooter with no license, tourists should also confirm that their insurance policy covers scooters and road accidents, and be sure to wear a proper helmet whenever they’re on the road.

2. Drugs

The consumption of drugs is a thing to avoid in most countries and is heavily regulated globally. However, tourists should take particular care to avoid drugs in Bali. Indonesia has a solid, zero-tolerance stance on the possession, manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal drugs. Possession of even low-class substances such as marijuana can lead to lengthy jail sentences, while more serious offenses such as trafficking carry the death sentence – yep, death!

In Bali, police have been known to raid popular venues and enforce drug tests for individuals they find suspicious. Indonesia’s hard stance on drugs means that the best option is to avoid them altogether. No ifs. No buts. Just walk away from anyone offering you substances, especially since undercover officers are known use this technique to catch would-be law breakers. It is also worth noting that many prescription drugs are illegal in Bali. ADHD medication and painkillers such as Codeine are all against the law, for example, carrying the risk of imprisonment should you try to enter the country with them. If you carry prescription medication, seek legal advice and obtain a note from your doctor well before your departure.

3. Un-Regulated Boats

The gorgeous Gili Islands and neighbouring Lombok are popular side excursions from Bali. Both are accessible by regular ferry boats and catamarans. However, boat trips in Bali are plagued with accidents, and many vessels do not meet basic safety regulation requirements.

Incidents include sunken boats due to overcrowding, collisions with other water traffic, and even engine explosions have been known to happen. On the 29th of June 2021, a Bali-bound ferry sank, carrying fifty people onboard and causing at least seven fatalities. Our advice? Avoid boat travel as much as possible and always check that the ferry company you choose has all the proper documentation and good reviews.

While accidents occur on all boats, regulated boats should better meet Indonesian safety standards. Look for larger, regulated boats if traveling by water and avoid un-regulated boats in Bali. When onboard, always make yourself aware of necessary safety equipment and exits.

4. Arak

There are oodles of spirits around the globe that are referred to as Arak, so it’s something of a generic term. But, in Bali, Arak is made from fermented coconut juice or brown rice. Unfortunately, homemade varieties of arak can contain methanol, which can cause poisoning leading to blindness and death. Methanol contaminated drinks often occur due to spiking or inadequate home production of alcohol – meaning tourists need to take special care when drinking in Indonesia. Try to stick to bottled beverages such as beer, decline free or cheap drinks, and avoid leaving your glass unattended at all times.

Tourists should be wary even when purchasing branded arak. According to GOV.UK, there have been reports of criminal gangs creating ‘counterfeit replicas’ of branded alcohol and filling them with high quantities of methanol. Drinkers should also take precautions against spiking globally, and seek immediate medical attention if you or a friend is targeted on a night out in Bali.

5. Drinking Tap Water

Bali’s notoriously poor water infrastructure puts users at risk of dangerously contaminated drinking water. In the short-term, users risk unpleasant viruses and sickness – we’ve heard tales of the infamous Bali Belly far too many times, and the debate rages on as to whether it’s the pollution in the sea water or what comes through the faucet! In the long term, there have even been suggestions that poor tap water can lead to increased risk of serious ailments like cancer and brain injuries. The next reasonable step may seem bottled water. However, Bali also has a huge plastic pollution issue. Try to invest in a refillable bottle where possible – especially if it comes with a filter. By investing in a refillable bottle, you can purchase a single multi-litre bottle of water and decant it over a longer period to reduce plastic waste. There are now refill stations in many cafes, hotels, and bars – especially around Kuta, Seminyak, and the Bukit Peninsula.

6. Dressing Disrespectfully

Balinese dress courtesy varies from Western dress expectations. Because of dress differences, tourists should take conscious action to avoid dressing disrespectfully in Bali. In temples, both men and women should cover their legs and upper arms. Often, temples rent clothing for a small fee upon entry, but packing a sarong to cover up in emergencies is a helpful way to avoid not meeting dress standards. Culturally improper attire at temples and sacred sites will offend. Expect to be turned away from attractions if you are believed to be dressed disrespectfully. While Bali’s touristy environment may mean that people adopt more liberal dress styles, but conservative is still key. Respectful dress communicates respect for local culture and residents – making your time in Bali more enjoyable for all involved.

7. Stepping on Ceremonial Offerings

They’re everywhere in Bali. On sidewalks, ledges, or dotting the street outside temples, small, woven, palm-leaf baskets called Canang Sari overflow with flowers, delicate snacks, and coins, all topped with a smoking incense stick. They’re an important part of the deep religiosity of the island. Hindu Balinese residents place Canang Sari out daily as a religious offering of gratitude. Traditionally, offerings are handmade, and locals will take a long time out of their morning to prepare them. Therefore, Canang Sari holds great personal importance to the individual who placed them there. Visitors should take especial care not to step on any offerings along the pavement out of respect to residents and traditions. If you happen to disturb one accidentally, make sure to apologize in a friendly, sincere manner.

8. Stray Dogs and Cats

There was time when Bali was said to have a human population of about three million and a feral domestic animal population of around one million. That’s one stray cat or dog for every three humans! Thankfully, things have gotten better since them, not least of all thanks to programs aimed at sterilising and rehoming the canines and felines of the Isle of the Gods. But loose animals are still one of the things to avoid in Bali. For one thing, there’s thought to be a high prevalence of rabies in the street dogs of Bali. In fact, there’s an Indonesia-wide ban on moving pups on and off the island to limit the spread of the disease. And it’s not just rabies. Reports of infected wounds, transmission of the canine parvovirus, parasites and broken bones also all plague the dog packs, which are also known to be potentially aggressive and territorial to boot.

9. Surfing Out of Your Depth

stream of swell that comes up from the Southern Ocean and across from the depths of the Indian Ocean to keep things turned on virtually all year round. But surfing carries its own hazards, and we hear all too often of folk getting caught out by the spots on the Isle of the Gods. The truth is that many of the waves here are expert only but not everyone knows that when they come hoping to try their hand at wave craft. Places where beginners often get into trouble include the hefty left-hand point breaks in Uluwatu (one of the most powerful waves on the island) and the shallow reefs of Impossible (the clue’s in the name there, right?) and Bingin. If you do come here and want to learn to surf, stick to the sandy beaches of Kuta and Seminyak. They’re far better for starters, have smaller waves, and come dotted with surf schools.

10. Getting the Wrong Visa or Overstaying Your Visa

Visas are one of the main hassles for visitors to Bali. It won’t be an issue if you’re just dropping in for a couple of days as part of a Southeast Asian adventure. Then, many nationalities get a visa on arrival that costs around just $35 and is pretty easy to do in the airport. However, if you’re looking to hang around a little longer and enjoy a yoga-filled surfer’s life on the Isle of the Gods, there are all sorts of things to think about. Tourist visas for Indonesia usually last 30 days and can then be extended by another 30, but that does take some admin at a local immigration office. Still not long enough? Consider the 60-day B-211 cultural visa, which you’ll have to apply for at an Indonesian consulate before coming. We’ll just say this once: Balinese border police do not take visa overstays lightly. Just don’t do it folks. There are potential fines of over a million IDR each day that you overstay after 60 days and anyone who does that will be required to attend court and could even face jail time.

11. Travelling Without Travel Insurance

It might seem a little obvious, but it’s got to be said: Never travel without travel insurance. That’s especially true if you’re planning a jaunt somewhere far flung and riddled with potential dangers like Bali. While it’s not illegal to hit the road without a policy, it’s never a good idea. Travel insurance is a basic layer of protection that offers a fallback in a whole host of situations, no matter if you have something valuable stolen or whether you get caught out by flight delays. More than anything, travel insurance offers a hefty amount of medical cover. That’s really the key here, because those who don’t have that backup will find themselves having to fork out loads (like, LOADS!) for healthcare if something does happen to go wrong.

12. Avoid Using Your Left Hand for Giving or Accepting Things

The left hand in Bali is considered an unclean part of the body. Therefore it is the right hand that the locals use most of the time to do something important, such as giving or gifting somebody something, pointing, eating and so on. When in Bali, it is best to use your right hand to do the above-mentioned activities.

13. Maintain Decorum During Nyepi

In 2021, Nyepi is scheduled to take place from 6 am on 25th March to 6 am on the 26th, a period of 24 hours. It is a Hindu celebration that occurs on Isakawarsa in the Balinese calendar. It is a ‘Day of Silence’ that is also a public holiday. Balian Hindus observe a fast for the day and perform other religious rituals and stick to the premises of their houses for the entire day. So it goes without saying that when in Bali it is best to respect their traditions and customs and to not make a commotion.

14. Do Not Mock Religious Processions

It is advisable to maintain decorum when religious processions are organized on the streets, especially if it is a funeral procession. A Hindu funeral procession is called Ngaben in Bali, also known as Pelebon or Pitra Yadnya. If you happen to come by a Ngaben it is best to not make any noise and maintain silence till it or you pass or you will definitely end up being confronted for your behavior.

The post 14 Things You Shouldn’t Do In Bali, Indonesia appeared first on Hydromed Bali | Canggu | Seminyak.

Now, as responsible adults, it should be our main concern to find out what and where we are going to eat beforehand; however, there are some times when we simply can’t do that, whether it’s caused by a poor internet connection, or the destination we’re heading is just not that developed for it to be featured in any travel website.

As clean as they are, sometimes the food we eat in different parts of the world will hurt us simply because it’s not the same standards as the food we have in our own countries. The different chemical structures of the water, acidity, and the freshness of the products used are among the top three reasons for an upset stomach after a meal in a foreign country.

If you find yourself feeling sick after a meal, you might be having food poisoning. While symptoms can be anywhere from mild to a more serious one, it can vary depending on the type of germs you have.  It may take hours or days to develop symptoms after you swallow a contaminated food or drink.  That being said, a food poisoning commonly has some or all of these symptoms:

• Upset stomach.
• Stomach cramps.

Symptoms of a Severe Food Poisoning

Now, when should you see a doctor? If you find yourself experiencing one or more of the things listed below, it’s high time you find and go to the nearest doctor as fast as you can because it means that you’re getting a more severe food poisoning up your alley:

• A bloody diarrhea.
• A high fever (temperature over 102°F or 38°C, measured in your mouth.)
• A frequent vomiting that prevents your body from keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration.)
• Signs of dehydration, including little to no urination, a very dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up.
• A diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.

Symptoms and Sources of Common Food Poisoning Germs

Some germs make you sick within a few hours after you swallow them. Others may take a few days to make you sick. This list provides the symptoms, when symptoms begin, and common food sources for germs that cause food poisoning. The germs are listed in order of how quickly symptoms begin.

1. Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)

• Symptoms begin 30 minutes to 8 hoursafter exposure: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. Most people also have diarrhea.
• Common food sources: Foods that are not cooked after handling, such as sliced meats, puddings, pastries, and sandwiches.

2. Vibrio

• Symptoms begin 2 to 48 hoursafter exposure: Watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills
• Common food sources:Raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters

Clostridium perfringens

• Symptoms begin 6 to 24 hoursafter exposure: Diarrhea, stomach cramps. Usually begins suddenly and lasts for less than 24 hours. Vomiting and fever are not
• Common food sources: Beef or poultry, especially large roasts; gravies; dried or precooked foods

3. Salmonella

• Symptoms begin 6 hours to 6 daysafter exposure: Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting
• Common food sources:Raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, and meat; eggs; unpasteurized (raw) milk and juice; raw fruits and vegetables
  Other sources: Many animals, including backyard poultry, reptiles and amphibians, and rodents (pocket pets)

4. Norovirus

• Symptoms begin 12 to 48 hoursafter exposure: Diarrhea, nausea/stomach pain, vomiting
• Common food sources:Leafy greens, fresh fruits, shellfish (such as oysters), or unsafe water
  Other sources: Infected person; touching surfaces that have the virus on them

5. Clostridium botulinum (Botulism)

• Symptoms begin 18 to 36 hoursafter exposure: Double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech. Difficulty swallowing and breathing, dry mouth. Muscle weakness and paralysis. Symptoms start in the head and move down as the illness gets worse.
• Common food sources:Improperly canned or fermented foods, usually homemade. Prison-made illicit alcohol (pruno).

6. Campylobacter

• Symptoms begin 2 to 5 daysafter exposure: Diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps/pain, fever
• Common food sources:Raw or undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized) milk, and contaminated water

7. E. coli (Escherichia coli)

• Symptoms begin 3 to 4 daysafter exposure: Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Around 5­­–10% of people diagnosed with  coli develop a life-threatening health problem.
• Common food sources:Raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk and juice, raw vegetables (such as lettuce), raw sprouts, unsafe water

Cyclospora

• Symptoms begin 1 weekafter exposure: Watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
• Common food sources:Raw fruits or vegetables and herbs

8. Listeria

• Symptoms usually begin within 2 weeksafter exposure: Pregnant women usually have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. Infections during pregnancy can lead to serious illness or even death in newborns. Other people (most often older adults): headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions in addition to fever and muscle aches.
• Common food sources:Queso fresco and other soft cheeses, raw sprouts, melons, hot dogs, pâtés, deli meats, smoked seafood, and raw (unpasteurized) milk.

Serious Health Problem and Long-Term Effects From Food Poisoning

While most people will only experience some kind of mild illnesses ranging from a few hours to a few days top, some less-fortunate ones can have it much more seriously to the point where they need to be hospitalized. A more severe food poisoning can lead to long-term health problems or even death. As the contaminated food cause an infection in your body, it can possibly lead to:

• A chronic arthritis.
• Brain and nerve damage.
• Kidney failure caused by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

So, if you feel like If you have the symptoms of food poisoning such as diarrhea or vomiting, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (not having enough water in your body). When it becomes too much too handle, please pay us a visit at our clinic where our amazing team of medical professionals will be happy to help you out of your misery and have you back on your feet in no time.

See you on our next article, and until then, please stay safe and healthy!

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It held with the topic “Time Saving, Life Saving, and Save the World” adopted the Trimatra evacuation concept which have meaning professional evacuation on land, water, and air. We created this seminars to prepare the Bali Medical Tourism and bring world peace in line with the G20 event with the theme Recover Together, Recover Stronger.

The aims of this summit are: To prepare a professional medical team capable of providing protection and assistance from various situations, both land, water and air evacuation.

Disasters, catastrophes, and accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, this phenomenon proves the importance of providing protection and assistance for people who affected by disasters can be protected from death and disability, so that they can survive and live normally as they are.

In the framework of response and recovery, there is a large difference between the terms emergency and disaster. An emergency is an event that can be responded to using the resources available at hand, implying that there is no need to request external assistance. A disaster, on the other hand, is characterized by impacts that overwhelm the capacities of local responders and place demands on resources which are not available locally.

Hence, an event is declared as a “disaster” when there is a need for external assistance to cope with its impacts. A national government declares a state of disaster or national calamity as a way to request international humanitarian assistance and the support of the international community to cope with the impacts of the disaster.

When an emergency or a disaster affect a city or a region, efforts are conducted initially to care for the wounded, to restore lifelines and basic services, and subsequently to restore livelihoods and to reconstruct communities. Such efforts can be structured in three phases:

• The Response phase, where activities such as search & rescue, rapid damage and needs assessments, and the provision of first aid are conducted; followed by the opening and management of temporary shelters for those left homeless as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected;
• The Rehabilitation phase where basic services and lifelines are restored, even on a temporary basis, including the road network and other essential facilities including bridges, airports, ports and helicopter landing sites;
• The Recovery phase where reconstruction efforts are carried out on the basis of a more precise assessment of damage and destruction of infrastructure. In addition, efforts are conducted to reconstruct infrastructure when needed and to restore the livelihoods of those affected.

Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) are an important part of the global health workforce. They provide extra surge capacity and expertise to countries in response to disasters and health emergencies. Consisting of doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals from across the world, the teams are rapidly deployed to help patients during disease outbreaks, sudden onset disasters – and now, the war in Ukraine. A key feature of the EMTs is their self-sufficiency – all team members are fully trained, have the skills appropriate for the situation, and bring with them their own equipment and supplies, to avoid adding a burden on the already stretched national health systems of the countries they operate in.

The purpose of the Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) initiative is to improve the timeliness and quality of health services provided by national and international Emergency Medical Teams and enhance the capacity of national health systems in leading the activation and coordination of rapid response capacities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, outbreak and/or other emergency.

Emergency Medical Teams (EMT), now considered a vital aspect of the global health workforce, are teams of health professionals (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, paramedics, etc.) that provide direct clinical care to people affected by disasters and conflicts and support local health systems. Any team of health professionals now coming from another country to practice health care in disaster or conflict settings needs to arrive as part of a team, which must be qualified, trained, and bring equipment and supplies to deliver an effective response rather than imposing a burden on the national system. EMTs must strive for self-sufficiency, providing a quality of care that is appropriate for the context, with credentials that meet a minimum acceptable standard.

Traditionally, these teams have been focused on the management of trauma and surgical care, but the response to the Ebola outbreak demonstrated the value in other contexts, such as epidemics and complex emergencies. EMT response can be both National and International from Governments (civil protection and military), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), International Humanitarian Networks (International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Médecins sans Frontières), United Nations Contracted teams, and Private-for-Profit Sector.

The readiness of the medical team added value in an effort to improve the quality of health services, not only for cases of daily emergencies, but also at the same time being prepared when a disaster occurs in Indonesia’s territory. In many cases, the provision of emergency care and the rapid movement of assistance from the scene of an injury to a health care facility can save lives, reduce the incidence of short-term disability and dramatically improve long-term outcomes. However, there is not much of this yet.

The medical emergency team (MET) is a system approach that promotes early and appropriate intervention in the care of critically ill hospital patients. The benefits of the MET in terms of absolute in-patient mortality and cardiac arrest rates are not yet well-defined, although preliminary studies are promising.

The MET does provide a potentially beneficial impact on many other aspects of patient care. These benefits include: (i) facilitating an integrated and coordinated approach to patient care across the hospital, (ii) increasing awareness of at-risk patients, (iii) encouraging early referral of seriously ill patients to clinicians with expertise in critical care and (iv) providing a foundation for quality initiatives for hospital-wide care of the seriously ill. The MET also empowers nursing staff and junior medical staff to call for immediate assistance in cases where they are seriously concerned about a patient, but may not have the experience, knowledge, confidence or skills necessary to manage them appropriately.

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Well, the simple answer is that Bali is still safe for those who are fit, healthy and following correct hygiene and social distancing procedures. But to help minimise the spread of the virus, you should consider rescheduling any upcoming trips until the pandemic is under control. Furthermore, Indonesia has suspended all “Visas on Arrival”, and visitors are currently not allowed to enter for tourism purposes. All domestic air travel within Indonesia requires a negative PCR test, while a Rapid Antigen is required for sea and land travel. As of 3rd July 2021, international travellers arriving in Indonesia must show proof of complete vaccination, while domestic travellers must show proof of at least the 1st vaccination.

To give you a better idea of the current Covid-19 situation in both Bali & Indonesia, here we dive into what the virus means for visitors to Indonesia (including expats and holidaymakers who are still here), and the necessary precautions and preventive measures to take when travelling to Bali.

Indonesia has announced a lockdown on its main island Java, as well as the tourism destination of Bali. The announcement by President Joko Widodo comes as the country battles multiple outbreaks and an alarming spike in Covid cases. Indonesia recently recorded two million Covid cases, attributed to increased holiday travel and the Delta variant.

The lockdown will last two weeks and aims to reduce the number of cases to below 10,000 a day. The country is currently recording more than 20,000 new cases each day. However, experts warn that the case numbers are potentially much higher, because of severely inadequate testing outside Jakarta.

Indonesia has had the worst Covid outbreak in South East Asia, with about 2.1 million positive cases and 57,000 deaths so far. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Tuesday that the country was “teetering on the edge of a Covid-19 catastrophe”.

Sudirman Said, secretary-general of the Indonesian Red Cross said “hospitals were full to the brim and oxygen supplies critically low”, and that their hospital in Bogor, West Java, was “overflowing”. “We have set up emergency tents at the hospital to accommodate more patients, with many travelling for hours so they can access vital medical care,” he said. Last month, authorities banned domestic travel across the sprawling archipelago at the end of Ramadan, in an attempt to curb what is known as “mudik” – the practice of migrant workers travelling back to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families. But many flouted the rules.

There have also been rising concerns that the spike in cases is due to the more transmissible Delta variant, which was first detected in late May in the Kudus region of Java. Local authorities said this month that more than 350 health workers who were already vaccinated had caught Covid. The Indonesian Medical Association has said so far 949 health workers have died from Covid-19. Data checks by BBC Indonesian found that of these deaths, at least 20 doctors and 10 nurses had been fully vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine, CoronaVac.

Indonesia has mainly relied on the Chinese vaccine in its inoculation drive, which is ramping up this week. Only about 13 million people out of its 270 million population have been fully vaccinated so far. Several epidemiologists told BBC Indonesian that they believed a third booster dose may be needed for health workers, given the presence of the Delta variant as well as the efficacy of CoronaVac, which measured 65% in Indonesian trials earlier this year.

A more recent government study however found that it was 98% effective in preventing death and 96% effective in preventing hospitalisation among medical workers.

The outbreaks have concerned many citizens, such as 40-year-old Malika who lives in the capital Jakarta. She told BBC Indonesian she does not permit her child to leave the house.

“I’m very worried, especially now. I heard that there are so many children infected by Covid-19 in Jakarta,” she said. “In the past I didn’t give it too much thought … But now I couldn’t say such a thing.”

Bali currently has the most “red zone” regions across the country, data from Indonesia’s COVID-19 Task Force has revealed, even as coronavirus cases in the province have been gradually declining in recent weeks.

Six of Bali’s nine regions, namely Badung, Klungkung, Karangasem, Tabanan, Buleleng, and Denpasar city, are categorized as red zones this week, out of a total of 15 regions considered high-risk at the national level.

The province is still categorized as a Level 4 under Indonesia’s tiered Enforcement of Restrictions on Public Activities (PPKM) protocol, which carries the tightest set of restrictions.

Self-isolation among COVID-19 patients in Bali have been cited as a reason for the recent surge in coronavirus transmissions, which led to officials directing them to centered isolation centers spread across the province.

An official said yesterday that those centers have helped drive down the number of active COVID-19 cases in Bali, which currently stands at 6,371, after it topped 13,000 about a month ago.

Wherever you are in the world, it goes without saying that monitoring your health is essential – especially if you’ve recently travelled. Much like the flu, the virus can transfer via close contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It can also spread when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after touching infected surfaces or objects, as well as by faecal contamination.

The symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to the flu, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. That includes a sore throat, cough, fever and even shortness of breath for severe cases. If you do feel unwell or experience any of these symptoms, then contact your doctor immediately. In Bali, it’s recommended to call 112 to speak to emergency services first, before visiting Sanglah Hospital.

Honestly? It’s relatively straightforward. Outbreak or not, observing basic personal hygiene is key and being socially responsible is pretty obvious. With a little initiative and awareness, we can kick Coronavirus in the butt and continue enjoying life in paradise… Let’s do this, people!

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The most transmissible variant yet, Delta is roughly twice as contagious as the original COVID strain, and as much as 60 percent more contagious than the Alpha (U.K./B.1.1.7) variant, which itself caused numerous waves of the pandemic around the world. As of the end of July, Delta has been detected in nearly every country in the world and has fuelled rapid outbreaks in places where vaccination rates are low.

Delta has also quickly become the dominant strain in the U.S., where it is estimated to account for more than 80 percent of all new sequenced cases in the country. Delta’s rapid spread among the unvaccinated in the U.S. has prompted the CDC to once again advise that everyone wear face masks indoors in public wherever there is significant or higher transmission of the variant. And there is evidence that Delta may come with a higher risk of severe illness for the unvaccinated.

Though COVID vaccines continue to offer strong protection against Delta — and particularly against severe illness and death from the strain — the variant is believed to be at least partially able to avoid antibodies produced by a previous coronavirus infection or vaccination. Below is what we know about the Delta variant. Here are five things you need to know about the Delta variant.

1. Delta is more contagious than the other virus strains.

One thing that is unique about Delta is how quickly it is spreading, says F. Perry Wilson, MD, a Yale Medicine epidemiologist. Around the world, he says, “Delta will certainly accelerate the pandemic.” The first Delta case was identified in December 2020, and the variant soon became the predominant strain of the virus in both India and then Great Britain. By the end of July, Delta was the cause of more than 80% of new U.S. COVID-19 cases, according to CDC estimates.

The July CDC report confirmed this after an outbreak that occurred in Provincetown, Mass., after a crowded July 4 weekend, which quickly turned into a cluster of at least 470 cases. While the number of reported breakthrough cases in general has been very low in the U.S., three quarters of those infected in Provincetown were people who had been immunized. According to the CDC, even people with “breakthrough cases” carry tremendous amounts of virus in their nose and throat, and, according to preliminary reports, can spread the virus to others whether or not they have symptoms.

The CDC has labeled Delta “a variant of concern,” using a designation also given to the Alpha strain that first appeared in Great Britain, the Beta strain that first surfaced in South Africa, and the Gamma strain identified in Brazil. (The new naming conventions for the variants were established by the WHO as an alternative to numerical names.) “It’s actually quite dramatic how the growth rate will change,” says Dr. Wilson, commenting on Delta’s spread in the U.S. in June. Delta was spreading 50% faster than Alpha, which was 50% more contagious than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, he says. “In a completely unmitigated environment—where no one is vaccinated or wearing masks—it’s estimated that the average person infected with the original coronavirus strain will infect 2.5 other people,” Dr. Wilson says. “In the same environment, Delta would spread from one person to maybe 3.5 or 4 other people.” “Because of the math, it grows exponentially and more quickly,” he says. “So, what seems like a fairly modest rate of infectivity can cause a virus to dominate very quickly.”

2. Unvaccinated people are at risk.

People who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are most at risk. In the U.S., there is a disproportionate number of unvaccinated people in Southern and Appalachian states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, and West Virginia, where vaccination rates are low. (In some of these states, the number of cases is on the rise even as some other states are lifting restrictions because their cases are going down).

Kids and young people are a concern as well. “A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta,” says Dr. Yildirim. And so far, no vaccine has been approved for children 5 to 12 in the U.S., although the U.S. and a number of other countries have either authorized vaccines for adolescents and young children or are considering them. “As older age groups get vaccinated, those who are younger and unvaccinated will be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 with any variant,” says Dr. Yildirim.  “But Delta seems to be impacting younger age groups more than previous variants.”

3. Delta could lead to ‘hyperlocal outbreaks.’

If Delta continues to move fast enough to accelerate the pandemic, Dr. Wilson says the biggest questions will be about the heightened transmissibility—how many people will get the Delta variant and how fast will it spread? The answers could depend, in part, on where you live—and how many people in your location are vaccinated, he says. “I call it ‘patchwork vaccination,’ where you have these pockets that are highly vaccinated that are adjacent to places that have 20% vaccination,” Dr. Wilson says. “The problem is that this allows the virus to hop, skip, and jump from one poorly vaccinated area to another.”

In some cases, a low-vaccination town that is surrounded by high vaccination areas could end up with the virus contained within its borders, and the result could be “hyperlocal outbreaks,” he says. “Then, the pandemic could look different than what we’ve seen before, where there are real hotspots around the country.”

Some experts say the U.S. is in a good position because of its relatively high vaccination rates—or that conquering Delta will take a race between vaccination rates and the variant. But if Delta keeps moving fast, multiplying infections in the U.S. could steepen an upward COVID-19 curve, Dr. Wilson says.

So, instead of a three- or four-year pandemic that peters out once enough people are vaccinated or naturally immune (because they have had the virus), an uptick in cases would be compressed into a shorter period of time. “That sounds almost like a good thing,” Dr. Wilson says. “It’s not.” If too many people are infected at once in a particular area, the local health care system will become overwhelmed, and more people will die, he says. While that might be less likely to happen in the U.S., it will be the case in other parts of the world, he adds. “That’s something we have to worry about a lot.”

4. There is still more to learn about Delta.

One important question is whether the Delta strain will make you sicker than the original virus. But many scientists say they don’t know yet. Early information about the severity of Delta included a study from Scotland that showed the Delta variant was about twice as likely as Alpha to result in hospitalization in unvaccinated individuals, but other data has shown no significant difference.

Another question focuses on how Delta affects the body. There have been reports of symptoms that are different than those associated with the original coronavirus strain, Dr. Yildirim says. “It seems like cough and loss of smell are less common. And headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are present based on the most recent surveys in the U.K., where more than 90% of the cases are due to the Delta strain,” she says. It’s unclear whether Delta could cause more breakthrough cases—infections in people who have been vaccinated or have natural immunity from a prior COVID-19 infection.

This question is being revisited after the Provincetown outbreak. “Breakthrough is a big question,” Dr. Wilson says. “At least with immunity from the mRNA vaccines, it doesn’t look like it will be a problem.” A Public Health England analysis (in a preprint that has not yet been peer-reviewed) showed that at least two vaccines are effective against Delta.

5. Vaccination is the best protection against Delta.

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from Delta is to get fully vaccinated, the doctors say. At this point, that means if you get a two-dose vaccine like Pfizer or Moderna, for example, you must get both shots and then wait the recommended two-week period for those shots to take full effect. Whether or not you are vaccinated, it’s also important to follow CDC prevention guidelines that are available for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Face masks can provide additional protection and the WHO has encouraged mask-wearing even among vaccinated people. The CDC updated its guidance in July to recommend that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear masks in public indoor settings in areas of high transmission to help prevent Delta’s spread and to protect others, especially those who are immuno-compromised, unvaccinated, or at risk for severe disease. The agency is also recommending universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools.

The post What we know about the dangerous COVID-19 Delta variant appeared first on Hydromed Bali | Canggu | Seminyak.

In late July, approximately 11,000 athletes and 4,000 athletic support staff will gather for more than two weeks of competition at various hosting cities. Another 5,000 athletes will attend the Paralympics, which follows shortly after. According to the Tokyo 2020 Playbooks, which were developed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to ensure that all participants and spectators remain safe and healthy during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, both spectators and athletes should take responsibilities to supply their own face coverings and are advised to be vaccinated against Covid-19 before the Games begin.

The 2020 Summer Olympic Games take place between 23 July and 8 August. The Paralympic Games are due to run between 24 August and 5 September. The Games were postponed last year because of Covid. The Olympics will feature 33 sports at 339 events across 42 venues. The Paralympics will feature 22 sports at 539 events across 21 venues.

Various concerns have been raised over hosting the Olympics, as the prestigious event only occurs once every four years. One of these concerns is that the Olympics could lead to the spread of more contagious Covid-19 variants, particularly as the event brings large numbers of athletes, media outlets, domestic spectators, local volunteers and officials together in one place. Many guidelines and policies are being put into place to mitigate this risk, including advising support staff and athletes to avoid public transport, tourist attractions, restaurants and bars to avoid chances of catching or spreading the airborne disease. Although the IOC has warned that non-compliance with the guidelines could lead to individuals being disqualified from competing, there is no real indication of how these countermeasures will be enforced

Some of you might wondering what’s happening with Covid in Japan? Here is some brief information on Japan’s COVID-19 situation. Japan has had relatively low case numbers, but a new wave of infections began in April. As of 21 July, there were 848,222 confirmed cases and 15,062 deaths (compared with 5.5 million cases and 128,800 deaths in the UK). Japan only began vaccinating in February and only 22% of its population of about 126 million is fully vaccinated. In Tokyo and Osaka, the two cities hit hardest by the recent surge, authorities hope over-65s will be fully vaccinated by the end of July.

Japan’s vaccination rate has been relatively slow and is adding to concerns about the possible spread of Covid-19. According to reports from Our World in Data, 26.4 million doses were administrated and around 7.11 million people have been fully vaccinated in Japan.

However, for Japan’s 125.36 million inhabitants, this equates to just over 5% of its total population being fully vaccinated. Medical workers and those ages 65 years and older were prioritised to receive vaccines and vaccinations for those under 65 years of age will start in the next few weeks, which means that only a small proportion of the population will be fully vaccinated if the Olympic Games continue as scheduled. As such, Global Data expects that Japan will see increased daily case numbers and a further strain on the country’s healthcare system after the Games have ended.

Now, let’s talk about the safety measure of COVID-19 for the athletes, international athletes and support staff are being tested every day. Athletes don’t have to be vaccinated, though International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials expect around 80% will be. More than 90 people associated with the Games have tested positive so far, including British athlete Amber Hill who has withdrawn from the women’s skeet competition.

Athletes and media are also asked to take Olympic-only transport, which consists of buses or designated taxis that can be reserved and have been (supposedly) cleaned and cleared. Yet again, given Tokyo’s low vaccination rate, the drivers of these buses aren’t likely to be vaccinated, and return home to their families after their shifts. And in the case of Olympic buses, during those shifts, they are driving consistently packed, standing-room only, cheek to jowl rides during which it’s impossible to impose the social distancing that’s ideally required to contain COVID-19.

After hearing the information about the athletes, you might be sure that you will be really safe to fly to Japan for being spectators for your country’s athletes, but unfortunately Japan decided to make rule that all spectators were banned after a state of emergency was declared in Tokyo on 8 July. It will stay in place until 22 August.

A decision about whether Japanese spectators will be able to attend the Paralympics has not yet been made. Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said she was “sorry to those who purchased tickets”. If there are no spectators why were the games not cancelled? The contract between the IOC and the host city Tokyo suggests only the IOC can cancel the event. The IOC is thought to make around 70% of its money from broadcast rights, and 18% from sponsorship. IOC president Thomas Bach said the thought of rescheduling the competition “caused sleepless nights”. He insisted the Games must go ahead “to give hope” for the future. The head of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, also backed the competition, arguing it could show what can be done with the correct Covid safeguards.

But the head of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee Toshiro Muto has not ruled out cancelling the Olympic Games even at this late stage. He said he would keep an eye on infection numbers and hold “discussions” if necessary. If the Tokyo organisers were to cancel the contract, the risks and losses would probably fall on the Japanese side. The budget for Tokyo 2020 was set at $12.6bn (£8.9bn), although it’s been reported the actual cost may be double that. Same goes for the security measures at each of the venues and the main press and broadcasting centres, which require media and athletes to take off their masks and have their picture snapped at the same time that their credential, hung around their neck, is scanned by a standing kiosk machine.

Because most journalists aren’t bothering to remove their credential, that means that the space in front of the camera becomes another cloud of happy respiratory droplets containing all manner of bacteria or viruses that are floating around ready to get pulled into the lungs of a new host with the next inhalation. Athletes entering the Main Press Centre for press conferences are subject to the same procedures, even if they’re being asked to hang their own medals around their necks for fear of coming into close contact with medal presenters

Do people in Japan actually want the Olympics? Several towns set to host athletes reportedly pulled out earlier in the year because of fears about Covid and extra pressure on the healthcare system. In May, a Japanese doctors’ union said it was “impossible” to hold the Games given the pandemic. A poll in May in the leading Asahi Shimbun newspaper suggested more than 80% of the population want them cancelled or postponed. What have athletes’ representatives said? A number of bodies have expressed concern. The World Players Association, representing 85,000 athletes in over 60 countries, said the IOC must do more to ensure athletes’ safety – with stricter physical distancing and more rigorous testing. Japanese athletes have largely kept a low profile, but the country’s biggest sports star, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, previously said there should be a debate about whether the Games should go ahead.

The Tokyo Olympics infection control measures are pretty strict about preventing the importation of COVID-19 by Olympic travellers. But given that the bubbles aren’t perfect, and that the practical pressure to move thousands of journalists around in a short period of time precludes the proper social distancing, the virus is likely finding ways to keep flourishing. Health officials can only hope that intensive testing and contact tracing will pick up cases as quickly as possible to contain them.

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