Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery

Simple Viral Gets An Arthritic Twist This Year

Vandana KamathVandana Kamath / Updated: Sep 17, 2014, 04:00 IST

As complaints of joint pains swell, docs have a hard time reassuring patients

This season's viral fever comes bundled with poly-arthritis (simultaneous pain in five joints). Those who routinely fall prey to viral infections every season are having a tough time this year because swollen joints and arthritis-like symptoms are a bigger nuisance for them than running fever and cold.

A 28-year-old woman was recently admitted to a private hospital after developing severe pain in her joints. She was horrified when advised rest for two weeks, convinced that it could be a severe orthopaedic problem. Imagine her horror when told that she was suffering from arthritis-like symptoms. She was calmed down only after the doctor reassured her that it is a common feature of this season's viral flu.

Dr Aravinda SN, Medical Coordinator and Consultant Physician, Columbia Asia, Hebbal, said: "Last year, the virus was mainly attacking blood vessels, which was why instances of dengue were very high. This year, virus attacks are centred around muscles and joints, and they are taking longer to heal. Also, dehydration is causing swellings and joint pains in the hands and knees, which increases the pain further. About fifty per cent of the patients who have viral fever are now complaining of joint pains."

PANICKY PATIENTS A WORRY

While many would confuse the illness with chikungunya, as the symptoms are similar, doctors say it is not that severe. Dr B Ramana Rao, a city-based general physician, said: "This season there are lots of cases of viral fever out of which a sizeable number of patients are complaining of severe joint pains. Usually the pain is more in parts of the body which were most used by convalescing patients when they contracted the illness. For instance, if a person had walked a lot right at the onset of fever he/she will suffer from swollen ankles. Many suffer from swollen finger joints as they tend to type a lot around the time they fell ill. There have been instances of red rashes as well along with this joint pain."

More than diagnosis and treatment, doctors are finding it tough to reassure patients, many of whom tend to panic. General physician Dr Sujith Singh says, "This year simple viral fever is combined with severe joint pains. The treatment goes on for a longer period because the bond of mutual trust has come down a tad, due to which patients tend to switch doctors and hospitals. The prolonged treatment is either due to low immunity levels or the virus gaining in strength. As a result, treatment has to be done symptomatically."

SAFETY FIRST

* Drink plenty of water for a healthy lifestyle* Wash hands regularly to prevent viral spread* Eat lots of fruits to increase immunity

* Bath in very hot water risks onset of rashes* Treat the fever promptly

Video Of 21-Year-Old Dog 'Doing The Zoomies' Delights Internet

By Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in travel, health, home/interior design and property/real estate. Soo covered the COVID-19 pandemic extensively from 2020 to 2022, including several interviews with the chief medical advisor to the president, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Soo has reported on various major news events, including the Black Lives Matter movement, the U.S. Capitol riots, the war in Afghanistan, the U.S. And Canadian elections, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Soo is also a South Korea expert, covering the latest K-dramas—including the breakout hit Squid Game, which she has covered extensively, including from Seoul, the South Korean capital—as well as Korean films, such as the Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated Past Lives, and K-pop news, to interviews with the biggest Korean actors, such as Lee Jung-jae from Squid Game and Star Wars, and Korean directors, such as Golden Globe and Oscar nominee Celine Song. Soo is the author of the book How to Live Korean, which is available in 11 languages, and co-author of the book Hello, South Korea: Meet the Country Behind Hallyu. Before Newsweek, Soo was a travel reporter and commissioning editor for the award-winning travel section of The Daily Telegraph (a leading U.K. National newspaper) for nearly a decade from 2010, reporting on the latest in the travel industry, from travel news, consumer travel and aviation issues to major new openings and emerging destinations. Soo is a graduate of Binghamton University in New York and the journalism school of City University in London, where she earned a Masters in international journalism. You can get in touch with Soo by emailing s.Kim@newsweek.Com . Follow her on Instagram at @miss.Soo.Kim or X, formerly Twitter, at @MissSooKim .Languages spoken: English and Korean Soo Kim Life and Trends Reporter

A 21-year-old dog has captured hearts online after a video showing him bounding around a backyard with youthful energy went viral on Reddit.

The post, titled "My 21-year-old good boy, doing the zoomies," was posted by u/valulaa and has received more than 15,000 upvotes since it was shared on March 19.

The video clip features the senior dog eagerly hopping across a grassy yard, despite his advanced age and a history of arthritis. "Arthritis kicked in many years ago, but he just keeps on giving," the owner wrote in a caption alongside the video.

Dogs are considered "senior" when they reach 75 percent of their expected lifespan, veterinarians Ryan Llera and Krista Williams explained in an article for VCA, the animal hospital chain.

As dogs age, they often experience medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can reduce activity and diminish their quality of life. "Keep track of your dog's energy levels, especially how long they are able to walk," the veterinarians advised. "If you notice significant declines, it could be a sign of pain, heart disease, or other illness."

While aging dogs often lose stamina, Llera and Williams recommend regular walks and quality time to maintain both physical health and emotional well-being. "Older dogs have reduced energy requirements and can easily become obese," the veterinarians noted.

In the case of the canine in the viral Reddit post, activity levels appear to be holding strong. His guardian shared that the dog was adopted in 2006 after being surrendered by a previous couple. "When I took him to the vet, she estimated his age to be roughly 2 to 2.5 years old," the owner wrote in a follow-up comment.

A screenshot from a viral Reddit video of a senior dog with arthritis "doing the zoomies" in a backyard. A screenshot from a viral Reddit video of a senior dog with arthritis "doing the zoomies" in a backyard. U/valulaa on Reddit

Now, around 18 years later, the dog still runs, spins, and dances at f. "I love his little jumps. You can see he is trying his best," the poster said. "Two months ago or so he had dental surgery, removing a lot of bad teeth. So now, I pour boiling water over his dry food and let it sit a while, then he goes crazy."

Weighing in around 33 pounds during most of his life and currently at 27.5 pounds in old age, the dog has always consumed what his owner described as "healthy proportions." Though veterinary professionals struggled to pinpoint his breed mix, the owner's guess has always been a cross between a Labrador and a Patterdale terrier.

"He is just about the right 'size'. Always maintained weight. Always wanted to swim and run. And at home, a total couch potato," the owner wrote.

Despite age-related impairments, the dog in the Reddit video continues to enjoy life, supported by attentive care and regular veterinary oversight. "He might be almost totally blind and deaf, but he is still the goodest boy," the owner wrote.

"I just have to wave and move around so he sees me, haha. I wish all our puppers could live such a long and healthy life. He never had anything major. I feel very very lucky. But I also know it will be the hardest farewell, when the time comes...Remember to hug your pup," the owner said.

Viewers on Reddit were delighted by the senior dog's enthusiasm in the viral video.

U/No_Budget7828 said: "21, wow bless him. He still has the heart of a pup."

U/1stAccountLost said: "21!?! That's absolutely fantastic!! A bit jealous! Wish my Doggos lived that long! Longest pup I've had made it to 13. Adorable video!"

U/raining01 said "That's nuts if it's 21 and still have eyesight" and u/acciugometro noted "Wow! He's in really great shape!"

U/GalacticaActually said: "Whatever you're doing, we all want to do it!!! Look at his beautiful healthy joints and gorgeous white face!!! Live long and prosper, gorgeous dog, and give what you've got to all our animals. I love you."

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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