Novavax is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of vaccines. During the pandemic, one of the most notable vaccine candidates developed by the company was its COVID-19 vaccine. Known as NVX-CoV2373 or simply the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, it received regulatory approvals in various countries. However, the eligibility criteria for receiving the vaccine may vary from one country to another. Here are a few key facts about the vaccine: How was the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine developed? Novavax developed its COVID-19 vaccine to stimulate an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the pandemic. So, the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. It does not have a live or weakened virus, but rather, it uses a small piece of the virus’s spike protein to trigger an immune response. Here is how it was developed and tested: – Novavax conducted multiple phases of these clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine. These trials took place in various countries, and the efficacy of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine varied depending on the trial location and the prevalence of virus variants. Efficacy rates ranged from around 48.6% to over 90%, depending on the specific trial and the circulating variants.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, known as NVX-CoV2373, has gained prominence for its usefulness and safety. Originally authorized for adults aged 18 and over, it recently received FDA approval for emergency use in adolescents between 12 and 17. This vaccine defends against COVID-19 with an innovative protein-based technology. An expansion of usage means a broader age group can benefit from the protection, bolstering efforts to curb the pandemic’s spread and keep younger populations safe. Additional approval from FDA The FDA granted the Novavax COVID-19 emergency use authorization for adolescents aged 12 to 17, endorsing it as a two-dose primary series. Additionally, the CDC director issued a decision memo permitting the use of the Novavax COVID vaccine as a primary series choice for this adolescent group. The availability of a vaccine option designed using conventional protein-based technology is seen as a benefit. Experts believe the vaccination rates may rise, especially since children are back to school and socializing. In related news, Novavax also worked on actively developing an updated version of its vaccine, tailored to target a specific variant of the virus and its offshoots. The company was looking forward to seeking authorization for this variant-targeting vaccine last year. Development and safety of the vaccine The development and safety of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17 have been carefully scrutinized and confirmed through comprehensive clinical trials.

Water has no nutritional value, but we need it to function. And since the body has no way to store water for long, it must be received regularly in the form of fresh liquids. One’s daily water requirements will vary depending on age, gender, lifestyle, activity levels, and the climate they live in. Drinking too little water causes dehydration, which can be life-threatening, especially to infants, young children, and the elderly. Why is water essential ? Water helps complete bodily processes, such as: Maintaining the health of the cells in the body Keeping the bloodstream liquid enough, so it can freely flow through blood vessels Eliminating the by-products of regular bodily processes, like electrolytes and urea Regulating the body’s temperature through sweat Providing moisture to the mucous membranes in the lungs, mouth, and other organs Lubricating and cushioning the joints Reducing the risk of certain urinary tract infections (UTIs) by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria Supporting digestion and reducing the risk of constipation Moisturizing the skin to maintain its texture and appearance Carrying nutrients and oxygen to the cells Surrounding the fetus during pregnancy in the form of amniotic fluid Side effects of insufficient water intake When the body’s fluid content is too low, people may experience the following:

Our bodies receive the oxygen they require when we breathe properly. One’s general health and well-being depend on having healthy breathing. Our bodies primarily obtain oxygen for normal cell function by breathing. However, some people find breathing a never-ending battle requiring intense focus and effort. We must all be aware that there are proper and improper breathing techniques. Read this article to learn about 9 most common breathing mistakes to steer clear of. 9 Common breathing mistakes to steer clear of Listed below are 9 common breathing mistakes people make. Read on to understand how to improve breathing. Breathing too quickly than required Fast paced breathing can lead to various health complications. One must always take slow, and deep breaths. A quiet, gentle wave of air entering and exiting through the nose enables the lungs to function properly and finish the exchange of gasses necessary to maintain the body functioning normally. The ideal range is between 8 and 12 breaths per minute. If one takes more breaths per minute than that, one’s body will have to work harder to process all that air, which will hinder the lungs’ ability to function correctly. Breathing through the mouth The human nose is a remarkably complex organ that is designed to perform more than 20 different tasks such as warming and adding moisture to the air, trapping pollen and bacteria, slowing the airflow, generating nitric oxide, helping the diaphragm contract, and many other functions that improve one’s breathing efficiency.

A well-balanced meal keeps your body and mind healthy, giving you the energy to thrive throughout the day. Certain foods can help build resistance against the hazardous effects of pollutants and detox your lungs. Similar to the healthy options, there are certain foods to omit for healthy lungs and support their function. Read on to discover the significance of foods in lung health and the worst foods to avoid. How do certain foods impact the lungs? Food plays a vital role in the management of lung health and diseases. Metabolism is the process of converting food to energy inside the body. Oxygen plays a vital role in the metabolic reactions to burn the nutrients molecules through food. When the metabolism breaks down fiber, sugars, fats, and protein, energy will be your final product, and carbon dioxide will be exhaled as waste products. When you have the right nutrients in your meal plan, it will allow you to maintain the health of the lungs and help you breathe better. On the other hand, certain food options can worsen the function and irritate the airway. Foods to avoid to maintain healthy lungs Even though some foods are super nutritious, they can adversely affect lung health.

Managing respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis is crucial. Doctor-recommended treatments and therapies may be required to control their symptoms, but these are usually insufficient. Proper nutrition is also essential as it impacts respiratory health. Some foods exacerbate inflammation and make breathing difficult, while others improve lung function and reduce inflammation. This post discusses the worst foods for people with breathing problems. It also lists what one can eat safely, besides providing other nutrition tips. Worst foods for people with breathing problems Regardless of whether a person suffers from breathing trouble, it helps to know the foods that influence respiratory health. Some foods make it more difficult for people with respiratory issues to breathe by causing inflammation in their bodies. Here are a few such foods to stay away from: Dairy products Due to their high-fat content and potential to increase mucus formation, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can make breathing difficult for those with respiratory issues. These foods are linked to airway irritation and narrowing of the breathing tubes. That said, dairy should not be eliminated completely from the nutrition regimen. Instead, patients may pick low-fat milk and milk products or alternatives like almond and soy milk.

Constipation refers to the inability to pass stools regularly. There are several risks and known causes linked to underlying health complications that trigger this condition. It can also be a side effect of prescription therapies that affect digestion. However, it is possible to manage and even cure constipation with simple changes in lifestyle and nutritional habits. Some healthy foods that help prevent flare-ups and provide immediate and long-term relief are listed below. Apples Apples are an excellent source of soluble fibers called pectin, a natural compound concentrated in the fruit’s skin. When digested, pectin is rapidly absorbed by the gut bacteria to pull water inside the colon. This reaction helps soften the stools and facilitates faster movement along the digestive tract. Pectin also naturally helps increase the gut bacteria necessary for promoting metabolic activities that control digestion. Pears Pears are a tasty alternative to apples that also provide the necessary boost of soluble fibers. In addition to fiber that helps bulk up stools, pears are also a rich source of sorbitol that further acts as a natural laxative. And the fructose (natural sugars) in the fruit helps pull water inside the colon to help soften the stools. A single pear fruit packs 5.5 grams of fiber, which is nearly a fifth of the daily requirement suggested for adults.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, from the stomach to the anus. Although its primary cause is unknown, experts believe the condition may result from an autoimmune response. Crohn’s is treated with the help of various therapies, but patients are also advised to follow a healthy meal plan. This includes avoiding specific food categories that trigger inflammation and worsen Crohn’s flare-ups. Whole grains Whole grains are a generally healthy source of fiber and nutrients and a staple in many kitchens. However, they can worsen Crohn’s symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain and create a lot of unrest in the gastrointestinal tract. So, during a flare-up, one must avoid high-fiber whole grains like barley, popcorn, rye, and wheat. Instead, patients can turn to rice, rice pasta, potatoes, cornmeal, polenta, oatmeal, and gluten-free bread for their daily dose of carbs. Beans Beans are incredibly nutritious and an excellent vegetarian source of protein. However, they are also rich in insoluble fibers and are notorious for causing gas. Further, they contain lectin, a compound that can be hard to break down, causing inflammation and worsening one’s symptoms during a flare-up. FODMAP fruits Fruits high in short-chain carbohydrates like fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (together known as FODMAPs) have been reported to worsen the symptoms of Crohn’s, like diarrhea and bloating, during a flare-up.