Diseases and Treatment: I. Viral Diseases Part-I

While "hydrophobia" can be used interchangeably with "aquaphobia," it's important to note that in a medical context, "hydrophobia" is often associated with the symptoms of rabies, which is a viral disease. specifically the difficulty swallowing and aversion to liquids in later stages of the infection. "Aquaphobia" is a more general term for the fear of water. Individuals with aquaphobia may experience a range of symptoms, including intense fear, panic attacks, physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing, and avoidance behaviors to stay away from water.

Aquaphobia can develop due to various factors, such as childhood trauma (like a near-drowning experience), learned behaviors from observing others, or even genetic predispositions. Treatment options for aquaphobia may include therapy techniques like exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication.

Leukaemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It involves the abnormal production of white blood cells.

Paralysis: A condition where there is a loss of movement in a part of the body, often due to nerve damage.

Sclerosis: A condition characterized by the hardening and thickening of tissues, particularly the skin (scleroderma) or nerve coverings (multiple sclerosis).

Rotavirus infection causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, and can lead to dehydration if not treated promptly. Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrheal illness and death in children worldwide, with a significant burden in developing countries like India.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rotavirus infections. India's Rotavac vaccine is an indigenously developed vaccine included in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Treatment focuses on preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solution (ORS), and in severe cases, intravenous fluids.

There are two main types of polio vaccines: Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
IPV contains killed poliovirus strains and is administered through injection. IPV is very effective at preventing paralytic polio, with two doses providing 90% protection and three doses achieving 99-100% effectiveness. IPV is typically given as a series of shots, usually in childhood, and is part of the routine vaccination schedule in many countries.

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
OPV contains a weakened live poliovirus that replicates in the intestine, causing an immune response. OPV is effective at preventing paralytic polio and, unlike IPV, can also stop the spread of the virus from person to person. OPV is given orally as liquid drops. OPV has been instrumental in the global effort to eradicate polio, particularly in areas with limited resources, according to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). OPV is inexpensive, easy to administer, and does not require specialized equipment or training.