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Adult Immunization

Immunization is a critical healthcare intervention that has proven to be highly effective in preventing diseases and improving overall public health. Immunization is crucial for adults, as it can protect them from various diseases that can be severe and even fatal. Aging is known to weaken the immune system, making adults more susceptible to infections. Hence, immunization serves as a valuable tool to strengthen the immune system and protect against diseases. It also helps control the spread of infections to others who may be more vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly.
Adult immunization is important for several reasons. First, it protects the individual from getting sick and potentially suffering severe complications from vaccine-preventable diseases, increase prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Second, it helps to protect the wider community by reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Third, getting vaccinated can also help to reduce the spread of disease and prevent epidemics, prevent hospitalizations and ultimately reduce the need for medical care. Finally, Immunization is a cost-effective way to prevent disease. The cost of immunization is significantly lower than the cost of treating the disease.
According to Dr. Rina Ghosh, vaccination is essential for all age groups as some diseases get transmitted from adults to children, such as pertussis. In contrast, some diseases, such as pneumonia, get transmitted from children to adults.
Dr. Rina Ghosh, stated, “Separate vaccines are prescribed for all age groups because each age group is more likely to get attacked by a different form of disease.” She also suggested, “Most of the Indian population consists of adults and they are the most economically productive age group, keeping them healthy is very important, which is possible through proper vaccination.”
Further Dr Rina Ghosh said, “Adult immunization can prevent a range of diseases, including influenza, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, shingles, and HPV.” 
1. Influenza: This is also commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications, particularly in older adults. The flu vaccine is recommended every year for all adults.
2. Pneumococcal Disease: This is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults over 65 years old, as well as for younger adults with certain medical conditions.
3. Hepatitis B: This is a viral infection that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults who are at high risk of contracting this disease.
4. HPV: HPV, or human papillomavirus, are provided to women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
In conclusion, adult immunization is a critical public health measure that can prevent severe diseases and improve overall health. It is vital for all adults to keep their immunization records up-to-date to protect themselves and others. By increasing awareness about adult immunization, we can improve public health and reduce the burden of disease in India. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage individuals to prioritize adult immunization and take appropriate measures to stay protected.
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Down Memory Lane

Sri Lanka by the Sea

Our member Ms K. Chakrabarti had recently gone for a trip to Sri Lanka with her son and daughter-in-law. She vividly narrates about her stay and her experience there.
On 23 rd January, 2023 we left for Colombo the capital city of Sri Lanka. We took the Sri Lankan airlines to Colombo. The flight took 1½ hour. The flight timing was rather uncomfortable as it started late from India. But most international flights usually had the same pattern. The flight took off at 2.30 a.m. and landed at 4.00 a.m. Colombo airport is comparatively small but very neat and clean which struck me. From the airport we took a cab to Taj Bentota, a resort 2 ½ hours from the airport situated on the Bentota beach. I was fascinated by the wonderful roads built by the Chinese. They were wide, lined by trees, with fast moving vehicles. The resort was luxurious, surrounded by sea on 3 sides. The hotel rooms overlooked the sea with an amazing view. We stayed there for 3 days. The pool was an inlet from the sea, lined with palm trees, sun loungers and pool umbrellas. We lazed around on the beach and at the pool side. It was cool, comfortable and highly enjoyable.
Sri Lanka is a paradise of handicrafts. Making and selling of masks is a big aspect there. The masks are of various colours, shapes, sizes and are of different types. They are examples of tribal art. Two more famous things of Sri Lanka are spices and gemstones. Spice exports of Sri Lanka are an all-time high. We saw the most aromatic spices in numerous places which were sold in small packets. Gemstones found in Ceylon are of export quality and 75 different precious and semi-precious gemstones have been sourced from there, moreover, it is a top source of finest Ceylon Sapphires. Sri Lanka also flourishes in coffee production. In the North, Tamilians are more where the coffee plantations exist. We went for sight-seeing to Sigiriya and Kandy. The roads to these places were also built by the Chinese, they were neat and clean and looked beautiful being lined with trees on both sides. Sigiriya has a uniquely built 1600 years old fortress with a striking feature of two feet created on either side of the stairs going up the fortress. The compound is protected by two moats and three ramparts. Kandy on the other hand is a city amidst hills situated in the Kandy plateau. It has a temple and is known as one of the most sacred places of worship among the Buddhists.
Colombo is a beautiful city where Sinhalese population is predominant. It has wonderful monuments, buildings, statues, temples and a commemoration hall. The striking feature is that even the by lanes were spic and span. An excessively used conveyance is the Tuktuk much like the autos in India.
I will always remember the simplistic yet hardworking nature of the natives, and their love for cleanliness. Even the countryside is well maintained making it absolutely picturesque.