“As human civilizations flourished, so did infectious disease. Large numbers of people living in close proximity to each other and to animals, often with poor sanitation and nutrition, provided fertile breeding grounds for disease. And new overseas trading routes spread the novel infections far and wide, creating the first global pandemics.

Three of the deadliest pandemics in recorded history were caused by a single bacterium, Yersinia pestis, a fatal infection otherwise known as the plague.

The Plague of Justinian arrived in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, in 541 CE. It was carried over the Mediterranean Sea from Egypt, a recently conquered land paying tribute to Emperor Justinian in grain. Plague-ridden fleas hitched a ride on the black rats that snacked on the grain.

The plague decimated Constantinople and spread like wildfire across Europe, Asia, North Africa and Arabia killing an estimated 30 to 50 million people, perhaps half of the world’s population.

The plague never really went away, and when it returned 800 years later, it killed with reckless abandon. The Black Death, which hit Europe in 1347, claimed an astonishing 200 million lives in just four years.

London never really caught a break after the Black Death. The plague resurfaced roughly every 20 years from 1348 to 1665—40 outbreaks in 300 years. And with each new plague epidemic, 20 percent of the men, women and children living in the British capital were killed.

Smallpox was endemic to Europe, Asia and Arabia for centuries, a persistent menace that killed three out of ten people it infected and left the rest with pockmarked scars. But the death rate in the Old World paled in comparison to the devastation wrought on native populations in the New World when the smallpox virus arrived in the 15th century with the first European explorers.

The indigenous peoples of modern-day Mexico and the United States had zero natural immunity to smallpox and the virus cut them down by the tens of millions.

“There hasn’t been a kill off in human history to match what happened in the Americas—90 to 95 percent of the indigenous population wiped out over a century,” says Mockaitis. “Mexico goes from 11 million people pre-conquest to one million.”

In the early- to mid-19th century, cholera tore through England, killing tens of thousands. The prevailing scientific theory of the day said that the disease was spread by foul air known as a “miasma.” But a British doctor named John Snow suspected that the mysterious disease, which killed its victims within days of the first symptoms, lurked in London’s drinking water.

While cholera has largely been eradicated in developed countries, it’s still a persistent killer in third-world countries lacking adequate sewage treatment and access to clean drinking water.”

History.com

TODAY’S CORONA WE WILL OVERCOME AND NOT AFFECTING OR KILLING THE AMOUNTS OF PREVIOUS PANDEMICS!

Check out more on history on striveforgoodhealth.com showing we will get through this strong and be back to normal soon!!

“ Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. They can appear on the genitals, in the pubic area or in the anal canal. In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix.”.

MAYO CLINIC

Genital warts (or condylomata acuminata, venereal warts, anal warts and anogenital warts)

Genital warts affect both men and women and can occur at any age.

Most patients with genital warts are between the ages of 17-33 years. Genital warts are highly contagious. There is high risk of getting the infection from a single sexual contact with someone who has genital warts.

In children younger than three years of age, genital warts are thought to be transmitted by nonsexual methods such as direct manual contact. Nevertheless, the presence of genital warts in children should raise the suspicion for sexual abuse.

Up to 20% of people with genital warts will have other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Most genital warts are caused by two specific types of the virus (HPV-6 and -11), and these HPV types are considered “low risk,” meaning they have a low cancer-causing potential. Other HPV types are known causes of premalignant changes and cervical cancers in women. HPV16, one of the “high-risk” types, is responsible for about 50% of cervical cancers. HPV types 16, 18, 31, and 45 are other known “high risk” virus types. High-risk HPV types are also referred to as oncogenic HPV types. HPV is believed to cause 100% of cases of cervical cancer..

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Over 100 types of HPVs have been identified; about 40 of these types have the potential to infect the genital area.

Most genital warts are caused by two specific types of the virus (HPV-6 and -11), and these HPV types are considered “low risk,” meaning they have a low cancer-causing potential. Other HPV types are known causes of premalignant changes and cervical cancers in women. HPV16, one of the “high-risk” types, is responsible for about 50% of cervical cancers. HPV types 16, 18, 31, and 45 are other known “high risk” virus types. High-risk HPV types are also referred to as oncogenic HPV types. HPV is believed to cause 100% of cases of cervical cancer.

The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, a latency (quiet) period of months to years may occur, during which there is no evidence of infection.

Genital warts are indirectly associated with use of birth control pills due to increased sexual contact without the use of barrier protection, multiple sex partners, and having sex at an early age.

The size may range from less than one millimeter (1 mm = 0.039 inches) across to several square centimeters (1 cm = 0.39 inches) when many warts join together.

Rarely, bleeding or urinary obstruction may be the initial problem when the wart involves the urethral opening (the opening where urine exits the body.)

There may be a history of previous or concurrent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).In men, genital warts can infect the urethra, penis, scrotum, and rectal area. The warts can appear as soft, raised masses with a surface that can be smooth (on the penile shaft) or rough with many fingerlike projections (anal warts). Others may appear pearly, cauliflower-like, or rough with a slightly dark surface. Most lesions are raised, but some may be flat with only slight elevation above the skin surface. Sometimes lesions may be hidden by hair or in the inner aspect of the uncircumcised foreskin in males.

Diagnosis:

It is often based on findings from the history and appearance of the genital warts. Magnification of the area (colposcopy) using a scope may be necessary to see the lesions. In females, a colposcope may be used to look for lesions in the vaginal canal and on the cervix. A biopsy can be performed if the lesion appears unusual or recurs after treatment. Because genital warts essentially have no symptoms other than their appearance, there is little need for home treatment. It is important, however, to recognize that the warts exist. Be careful to prevent transmission to a sexual partner.

Treatment:

#1 before even getting genital herpes and stick PREVENTION!! Never get them.

Cryotherapy:  This technique freezes the wart using liquid nitrogen or a “cryoprobe.” It is an excellent first-line treatment because response rates are high with few side effects.

Electrodesiccation:  This technique uses an electric current to destroy the warts. It can be done in the office with local anesthesia. Of note, the resulting smoke plume may be infectious.

Surgery in some cases removing the warts.

Complete the necessary treatment as outlined by your health care practitioner

There is also alternative treatments:

*Types of medical creams prescribed and even OTC.  Again please with the all topical creams it is vital to complete the treatment as ordered by your doctor!

*Laser treatment – This treatment is used for extensive or recurrent genital warts. It may require local, regional, or general anesthesia. The laser physically destroys the HPV-induced lesion. Disadvantages include high cost, increased healing time, scarring, and potentially infectious viral particles in the air caused by the laser plume (hydrodynamics).

There is no single effective cure for removal of genital warts. A number of treatment options exist; however, no treatment is 100% effective in eliminating warts and preventing them from coming back in all patients. It also is not possible to eliminate infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) once it has occurred. Genital warts may go away on their own in about 10% to 20% of people over a period of three to four months.

Things you should also know:

1. Because the warts themselves are infectious, avoid touching them. Do not pick or squeeze the warts.
2. Take the necessary precautions to prevent trauma to the area, which can result in bleeding.
3. Special laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the presence of HPV infection.
4. A routine Pap smear should always be done in order to look for evidence of HPV infection and abnormal cells on the cervix.
5. Sometimes, lesions are only visible with an enhancing technique called acetowhitening. This technique involves the application of 5% acetic acid solution to the area of suspicion for about 5-10 minutes. Infected areas will turn white.
6. In women, genital warts have a similar appearance and usually occur in the moist areas of the labia minora and vaginal opening. Lesions visible on the outer genitals warrant a thorough examination of the vaginal canal, cervix, and anorectal area. Most vaginal warts occur without symptoms.
7. Rarely, women may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse, itching, or vaginal discharge.
8. Specific descriptions
9. Warts in more than one area are common.
10. Men and women with genital warts will often complain of painless bumps, itching, and discharge.
11. Signs or genital warts: First know although genital warts are painless, they may be bothersome because of their location, size, or due to itching.
12. Generally, about two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner who has genital warts develop them within three months.
13. Common warts are not the same as genital warts and are caused by different HPV types that infect the skin.

“Men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) compared with demographically matched controls. The reasons for the disproportionate infection burden are complex, including biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors.HIV and syphilis may often be coprevalent among MSM.   ”

MSM  “Men who have sex with men”

The term “men who have sex with men” (MSM) describes a heterogeneous group of men who have varied behaviors, identities, and health-care needs. Some MSM are at high risk for HIV infection and other viral and bacterial STDs because MSM may practice anal sex, and the rectal mucosa is uniquely susceptible to certain STD pathogens. In addition, multiple sex partners, substance use, and sexual network dynamics of MSM increase risk for HIV and STDs in this population. The frequency of unsafe sexual practices and the reported rates of bacterial STDs and incident HIV infection declined substantially in MSM from the 1980s through the mid-1990s. However, since that time, increased rates of early syphilis (primary, secondary, or early latent), gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection and higher rates of sexual risk behaviors have been documented among MSM in the United States and virtually all industrialized countries.

Approximately two thirds of the cases of primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses in the United States are in MSM, particularly those in ethnic minority groups. Increased syphilis screening in MSM demonstrated a doubling of early syphilis detection; however, 71% of the syphilis diagnoses occurred when the patient sought care for symptoms . Acute HIV infection has been associated with a recent or concurrent STD, including syphilis, among men at a municipal STD clinic. Factors associated with increases in syphilis among MSM have included substance abuse (e.g., methamphetamine), having multiple anonymous partners, and seeking sex partners through the internet.

Gonococcal infection in MSM has been associated with similar risk factors, including having multiple anonymous partners and abuse of substances, particularly crystal methamphetamine. Rectal gonococcal rates are increasing among MSM with HIV infection, underscoring the importance of obtaining an accurate, current sexual history and asking about correlates of increased risk (e.g., anonymous sex and substance use). Insertive oral sex has been associated with urethral gonorrhea acquisition.

MSM remain at disproportionate risk for HIV acquisition and transmission in the United States, particularly those who are black or Hispanic. Factors that increase the risk for HIV infection in MSM include either receptive or insertive anal sex without a condom, having another STD, having sex with anonymous partners without a condom, and using methamphetamines or drugs that enhance sexual performance.

Clinicians should routinely ask sexually active MSM about symptoms consistent with common STDs, including urethral discharge, dysuria, genital and perianal ulcers, regional lymphadenopathy, skin rash, and anorectal symptoms consistent with proctitis (e.g., discharge and pain on defecation or during anal intercourse) and then perform appropriate diagnostic testing. In addition, providers should offer evidence-based counseling on safer sex using interventions that have been demonstrated to decrease STD incidence in clinical-care settings.

The following screening tests should be performed at least annually for sexually active MSM, including those with HIV infection.

• HIV serology, if HIV status is unknown or negative and the patient himself or his sex partner(s) has had more than one sex partner since most recent HIV test.
• Syphilis serology to establish whether persons with reactive tests have untreated syphilis, have partially treated syphilis, are manifesting a slow serologic response to appropriate prior therapy, or are serofast.
• A test for urethral infection† with N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in men who have had insertive intercourse§ during the preceding year (testing of the urine using NAAT† is the preferred approach).
• A test for rectal infection† with N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in men who have had receptive anal intercourse§ during the preceding year (NAAT of a rectal specimen is the preferred approach).
• A test for pharyngeal infection† with N. gonorrhoeae in men who have had receptive oral intercourse§ during the preceding year (NAAT of a pharyngeal specimen is the preferred approach). Testing for C. trachomatis pharyngeal infection is not recommended.

MSM with HIV infection are also at risk for STDs. Data from a study of 557 adults with HIV infection receiving primary care in four U.S. cities demonstrate that 13% had STD at study enrollment, and 7% had incident STD at 6 months; among MSM with HIV infection, STD incidence was 20%. Excluding trichomoniasis, 94% of incident STDs were diagnosed in MSM. All MSM with HIV infection entering care should be screened for gonorrhea and chlamydia at appropriate anatomic sites of exposure, as well as for syphilis. The frequency of follow-up testing might be dictated by subsequent behavior; screening is recommended annually, at a minimum, to include syphilis serologic testing and chlamydia and gonorrhea screening at exposed anatomic sites). STD screening rates in HIV clinics have been suboptimal. In one study involving eight U.S. cities, although syphilis testing was provided to most MSM with HIV infection, <10% were screened for extra-genitourinary gonorrhea or chlamydia, and <20% provided the urine or urethral specimens needed for testing. More frequent STD screening (i.e., for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia) at 3–6-month intervals is indicated for MSM, including those with HIV infection if risk behaviors persist or if they or their sexual partners have multiple partners. Evaluation for HSV-2 infection with type-specific serologic tests also can be considered if infection status is unknown in persons with previously undiagnosed genital tract infection.

HPV infection and HPV-associated conditions (e.g., anogenital warts and anal squamous intraepithelial lesions) are highly prevalent among MSM. The quadrivalent vaccine is recommended routinely for MSM through age 26 years; the efficacy of this vaccine in preventing HPV associated diseases in men aged >26 years is unknown.

Data are insufficient to recommend routine anal-cancer screening with anal cytology in persons with HIV infection or HIV-negative MSM. More evidence is needed concerning the natural history of anal intraepithelial neoplasia, the best screening methods and target populations, safety of and response to treatments, and other programmatic considerations before screening can be routinely recommended. However, some clinical centers perform anal cytology to screen for anal cancer among high-risk populations (e.g., persons with HIV infection and MSM), followed by high-resolution anoscopy for those with abnormal cytologic results (e.g., ASC-US).

“While sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect individuals of all ages, STDs take a particularly heavy toll on young people. CDC estimates that youth ages 15-24 make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the United States each year.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of disease

“The most destructive form of alcoholism is chronic alcoholism, an emotionally, socially and physically devastating disease. Alcoholism emerges from alcohol abuse, when there’s a pattern of drinking despite negative consequences. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are both categorized as alcohol use disorders—affecting people of all ages and stages of life.”

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

“Alcohol use disorder (which includes a level that’s sometimes called alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking”

MAYO CLINIC