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An Untreatable STD Is Rapidly Spreading. Here’s What You Need to Know

Published

6 years ago

November 1, 2017

Untreatable Gonorrhea Is Rapidly Spreading. Here’s What You Need to Know

As drug-resistant gonorrhea rapidly spreads around the world, one team of researchers may have a strategy to combat it, according to a new study.

Gonorrhea is becoming a superbug, meaning the drugs typically used to treat it are no longer reliably effective. Should gonorrhea’s antibiotic resistance continue to increase, the results could be bleak, given that the sexually transmitted disease can cause long-term complications like infertility if left untreated.

In July, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that around the globe, about 78 million people are infected with gonorrhea each year, and that 97% of 77 countries surveyed from 2009 to 2014 reported the presence of drug-resistant gonorrhea strains. Sixty-six percent of the countries reported the emergence of resistance to last resort drug treatments for the infection.

If a person gets a resistant strain of gonorrhea today, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t ever clear the infection. “At the moment, all cases of gonorrhea are still treatable using some combination of available antibiotics,” says Dr. Xavier Didelot, senior lecturer in the department of infectious disease and epidemiology at Imperial College London. “But at the current rate at which resistance is developing, we could find ourselves facing a situation where no antibiotic works, which would mean a return to the pre-antibiotic era.”

To prevent that from happening, researchers are working to figure out new treatment strategies for gonorrhea. In a new study published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Medicine, Didelot and his colleagues report that relying more on an older drug for the disease may stop it from becoming more resistant to antibiotics.

Cefixime is an antibiotic that was previously used to treat gonorrhea, but doctors largely stopped using it due to high levels of resistance and its inability to clear infections. However, Didelot and his fellow researchers developed mathematical models to look at cefixime’s resistance trends between 2008 and 2015 and determine whether it could still be used in some people without increasing resistance. In the study, they predict that cefixime could be re-introduced successfully as long as it is only used to treat a quarter of infections.

“We are now running out of options to treat gonorrhea cases,” says Didelot. “So instead of waiting for the few remaining options to fail, we need to start using antibiotics in a way that does not lead to resistance developing.”To deal with gonorrhea infections, health experts in the United States currently recommend a combined therapy of the antibiotics ceftriaxone (an injection) azithromycin (taken orally). Dr. Bob Kirkcaldy, an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of STD Prevention, says that researchers have noticed that gonorrhea strains are becoming less responsive to both antibiotics. But he adds that if a person’s gonorrhea strain is resistant to one drug, it typically responds to the other. Kirkcaldy says it is still “unusual” for a gonorrhea strain in the U.S. to not respond at all to antibiotics.

“Currently recommended therapy is still highly effective,” says Kirkcaldy. “But given the history and what we’ve seen, that may not always be the case.”

The fact that most gonorrhea infections respond to treatment in the U.S. doesn’t mean the infection’s growing resistance is not raising serious concerns. In 2016, there were 470,000 new cases of gonorrhea among Americans, though that is likely an underestimate — the CDC estimates that about less than half of gonorrhea infections in the U.S. are detected and reported the agency. Each year, the CDC estimates that 246,000 new gonorrhea infections are resistant to at least one antibiotic.

Kirkcaldy says getting tested for gonorrhea is an important way to cut down on the problem since current drugs still work and can lessen the number of people who get the disease and spread it. Most people with gonorrhea will not experience symptoms, which means getting tested is critical for knowing if you have it. “It’s important for people to get screened and treated,” he says. “We know this bug can mutate rapidly.”

The CDC recommends sexually active women under age 25, or women with risk factors like a new sex partner, or multiple sex partners, should get annual gonorrhea tests and be tested for HIV if they’ve never been tested. For men who have sex with men, the CDC recommends yearly tests for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. If men have other risk factors, including multiple sex partners, the CDC recommends testing every three to six months.

“There are things we can do to slow [resistance] down and push it into the future while we try to develop more weapons,” says Kirkcaldy.

Source: MSN

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BUSINESS

How To Make Money Online As A Nigerian Student

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigerian Student? How To Make Money Online | Fab.ng

Are you a Nigerian student? It can often mean balancing studies with a tight budget. The urge to be financially independent, to finally buy that desired gadget, or simply to have some extra cash for emergencies, can be powerful.

However, focusing on studies often leaves little room for traditional employment, which can feel overwhelming to take on. Thankfully, the digital age offers a wealth of opportunities to earn money online, allowing you to work from the comfort of your dorm or favourite study spot.

This article dives into various options that you can explore. Whether you leverage your existing skills or learn new in-demand talents, there are ways to make money online while still managing your studies effectively.

How you can make money online as a student in Nigerian

Being a student in Nigeria often means juggling studies with limited finances. Earning extra money online can be a dream, especially for that desired gadget or emergency.

Thankfully, the digital age offers various options to explore. Here are some ways you, as a Nigerian student, can venture into the online earning space:

1. Freelancing: Turn your skills into cash

Nigeria boasts a thriving freelance market catering to diverse skill sets. If you excel in writing, platforms like Upwork or Fiverr connect you with clients seeking content creation, copywriting, or editing services. You can craft website content, and blog posts, or showcase your graphic design abilities by creating logos and presentations.

Beyond writing, there are opportunities for coders and those comfortable with data entry. Web development and data entry gigs can be lucrative options.

2. Online Tutoring: Share your knowledge and earn

The knowledge you gain in your studies can become a source of income. Online tutoring is a fantastic option if you excel in a subject or have a knack for explaining complex concepts. Platforms like Chegg or VIPKid connect you with students seeking academic guidance. You can tailor your tutoring sessions to your schedule, making it a flexible way to earn while helping others.

Furthermore, if you have a strong grasp of the English language, consider online English language tutoring platforms. These platforms cater to students who speak English as a second language, allowing you to share your expertise and earn from it.

3. Content Creation: Build your online presence and get rewarded

Do you have a passion for a specific subject, enjoy being creative, or have a talent for making people laugh? The world of online content creation might be the perfect fit for you. Platforms like YouTube or blogging allow you to share your interests, knowledge, or humour with a global audience.

While building a substantial following and income takes time and dedication, content creation offers a unique way to express yourself and earn money. You can monetize your content through advertising, getting sponsored, or even selling your own merchandise.

4. E-commerce and affiliate marketing: Explore your entrepreneurial spirit

For the business-minded student, the possibilities are endless. With research and planning, you can set up an online store to sell handmade crafts, clothing, or other products. Platforms like Etsy provide a user-friendly space to showcase your creations. Identifying a niche market and offering unique, high-quality products is key to success.

If managing an online store seems daunting, consider affiliate marketing. This approach involves promoting other companies’ products on your social media platforms or website. You earn a commission when someone purchases through your unique affiliate link. Affiliate marketing allows you to leverage your existing online presence to earn income without managing inventory.

Remember, success in any online venture requires dedication and perseverance. Building a strong portfolio, consistently delivering quality work, and effectively promoting yourself are crucial steps.

The Internet provides Nigerian students with a vast and ever-changing landscape of opportunities to make money. Whether you choose to leverage your existing skills or develop new ones, identifying your strengths and interests is key. Even a small amount of online income can significantly improve your life as a student. Embrace the digital age, refine your skills, and embark on your journey towards financial independence, one click at a time.

For more articles like this, check here.

BUSINESS

How To Make Money On Facebook

Published

1 month ago

March 16, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Like other online platforms, earning money through Facebook requires dedication and effort. While it’s not necessarily “easy,” consistent work and implementing effective strategies can lead to income generation.

Many people spend a significant amount of time on Facebook. This time can potentially be used to generate income through various methods. This article explores five strategies for earning money on the Facebook platform.

1. Monetize your Facebook account

Earning money directly through Facebook can be achieved, but it requires specific criteria and strategies.

Content creators and frequent posters have the potential to monetize their content through various methods, which include:

Facebook Stars and Gifts: Viewers can purchase virtual stars and send them to you during live streams. These stars can be exchanged for money, and viewers can also buy gifts using stars.
In-stream Ads: This option is available for those who upload video content. You can enable ads to be displayed within your videos, generating revenue based on ad views.
Paid Subscriptions: Facebook allows creators to offer exclusive content to subscribers for a fee.

It’s important to note that monetization on Facebook comes with requirements. To be eligible, you’ll need to reach a certain level of engagement, such as having at least 10,000 followers or exceeding specific video viewership metrics within a set timeframe.

You can easily check your eligibility through Meta Business Suite on Facebook. Simply select the page you want to monetize and navigate to the “Monetization” tab.

2. Facebook Marketplace

Another option to generate income through Facebook involves selling on the Facebook Marketplace. Unlike content monetization, selling on Marketplace doesn’t require specific follower counts or engagement metrics.

The process is straightforward:

Access the Facebook Marketplace.
Locate the “Create New Listing” option.
List the product you want to sell.

Important to remember:

You can only sell physical items.
Animals, medical products, services, and health-related items are not allowed for sale.
When creating a listing, you’ll need to provide:
- Clear pictures of the product
- A detailed description
- The asking price

Overall, selling on Facebook Marketplace offers a relatively simple way to turn unwanted items into cash.

3. Affiliate marketing on Facebook

Having a Facebook page or group with a sizable following can open doors to earning potential through affiliate marketing.

What is affiliate marketing?

In simpler terms, it involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale generated through your unique referral link.

Success with affiliate marketing relies heavily on having a substantial audience. Therefore, if your Facebook page or group has a strong following, you can leverage that reach to:

Promote products or services relevant to your audience’s interests.
Include your affiliate link when recommending these products or services.
Earn a commission if someone purchases through your unique link.

However, it’s crucial to be transparent with your audience. Disclose that you’re using affiliate links and avoid misleading them about the products or services you promote.

4. Facebook social media manager

Another way to leverage Facebook for income generation is by working as a social media manager.

What is a social media manager? This role involves overseeing the Facebook presence of businesses, brands, or even individual influencers.
Responsibilities of a social media manager:
- Growing the follower base of the assigned Facebook page.
- In some cases, creating engaging content to be posted on the page.

Essentially, social media managers act as the voice and helping hand for these entities on the Facebook platform.

5. Through paid sponsorships

Building a large and engaged following on Facebook can open doors to potential income opportunities through brand sponsorships.

What are brand sponsorships? This involves collaborating with companies or brands that aim to reach your audience and promote their products or services.
How can this lead to earning money? Brands may directly contact you, or you can approach them to establish a partnership. If both parties agree, you can earn income by:
- Featuring the brand’s products or services on your Facebook page, group, or profile.
- Creating sponsored content promoting the brand.

It is important to remember that gaining a large and active following takes time and consistent effort. Earning money through sponsorships is not guaranteed and requires a strategic approach.

While building an audience takes dedication, it can unlock possibilities for collaboration with brands in the future.

For more business-related articles, check here.

BEAUTY

How To Always Keep Your Face Fresh

Published

1 month ago

March 10, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Always Keep Your Face Fresh | Fab.ng

Your face is super important. They deserve some TLC (tender loving care) to stay healthy and glowing. The good news is that you don’t need a complicated routine filled with fancy treatments. Just a simple daily skincare plan and some healthy habits can make a big difference.

Here’s the key: consistent skincare, no matter your skin type, can help you achieve healthy, clear skin and reduce the appearance of acne, scars, and dark spots. Keep reading for some easy tips to keep your face fresh and fabulous.

1. Wash your face twice daily and again after sweating

How To Always Keep Your Face Fresh | Fab.ng

Washing your face twice a day is key to keeping it clean and healthy. Do it once in the morning and again at night before bed. Always use a clean towel to pat your face dry after washing. This helps remove any leftover cleanser and avoid irritating your skin.

Sweating is natural, but it’s important not to let it sit on your face for too long. Sweat can clog your pores and worsen acne breakouts. The ideal situation is to wash your face with water as soon as possible after sweating.

If you’re on the go and don’t have access to water, face wipes can be a good alternative for a quick cleanse. Just remember, face wipes aren’t a replacement for washing with water, so try to wash your face properly when you can.

2. Avoid popping pimples

Those pesky pimples! They appear when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped in your pores. While they might be tempting to pop, it’s actually a bad idea. Popping a pimple disrupts your body’s natural healing process and can worsen things.

The pus that comes out of a popped pimple contains bacteria. When you pop it, you spread that bacteria to the surrounding skin, which can lead to even more pimples. On top of that, popping can cause permanent scars.

The best thing to do for pimples is to leave them alone. If a pimple bursts on its own, keep the area clean to prevent further infection.

3. Avoid touching the face

Our hands touch a lot of things throughout the day, and they can pick up dirt, oil, and bacteria. Unfortunately, when we touch our faces with our hands, we transfer all that gunk to our skin, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Here’s how to keep your face touch-free:

Try to avoid touching your face throughout the day.
If you need to wipe something off your face, use a clean tissue or handkerchief instead of your hands.
Gently pat your face instead of rubbing or scrubbing.

This goes for other people too. If someone reaches out to touch your face, politely but firmly let them know you’d prefer they keep their hands to themselves. Your skin will thank you for it!

4. Moisturise

How To Always Keep Your Face Fresh | Fab.ng

Moisturising is an important step for everyone, no matter your skin type. It helps keep your face balanced by potentially controlling oil production and protecting it from harsh outside elements.

The best moisturiser for you depends on your specific skin type. If you’re unsure what to choose, a dermatologist can help you find the perfect match.

But here’s a tip: Everyone needs to hydrate their skin. Think of it like giving your skin a drink. Hydration keeps your skin plump and smooth, which can help prevent dullness and even blemishes.

Another tip: avoid hot water on your face! Hot showers, baths, or washing your face with hot water can actually dry out or damage your skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead.

5. Always wear sunscreen

Sun protection is essential for healthy skin! The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, so wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside is a must.

Look for a sunscreen that has SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in it. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers from UV rays. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, premature ageing, wrinkles, and dark spots. It’s like a shield for your skin, keeping it looking smooth and fresh.

If you’re worried about the cost of sunscreen, don’t fret. Many moisturisers and BB creams now come with SPF protection built right in. These are great options because they provide both hydration and sun protection in one product.

6. Use gentle skin care products

If you have sensitive skin, it’s more likely to react badly to harsh products. Instead, opt for gentle options that are less irritating. Here are some common culprits that can upset sensitive skin:

Alcohol-based products: These can be drying and cause redness.
Toners: While toners can be helpful for some, they can be too stripping for sensitive skin.
Exfoliants: Harsh scrubs can irritate sensitive skin. Look for gentle exfoliating options instead.
Astringents: These can be too drying for sensitive skin.

The good news is that there are gentle, hypoallergenic versions of many of these products available. However, even with gentle options, it’s always a good idea to be cautious.

Test a small amount of the product on your inner arm first. If you don’t experience any redness or irritation after 24 hours, it’s likely safe to use on your face.

7. Eat a healthy diet

Overhead view of a large group of healthy food.

You know the saying “you are what you eat”? Well, it applies to your skin too! Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your skin.

Here’s what to focus on:

Fruits and vegetables: They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Whole grains: These provide sustained energy and can help regulate hormones, which can impact your skin.
Lean protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including your skin.

While the link between diet and acne isn’t totally clear-cut, some research suggests that incorporating fish or fish oil supplements into your diet while limiting unhealthy fats, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates might contribute to younger-looking skin.

Another important factor for healthy skin? Hydration! Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin plump and glowing.

Remember, a clear and healthy complexion takes time and effort. By following these tips and making them a regular part of your routine, you’ll be on your way to glowing skin that you’ll love.

For more beauty tips, check here.