Disease and Treatment

Disease and Treatment compiles two 12-minute programs: Developing a Vaccine: Rotavirus and Treating Cancer: Radiation Therapy. The first looks at rotavirus, an infection sometimes known as stomach flu that spreads through contact with contaminated water and feces. While adults are more or less asymptomatic (no obvious symptoms), it can be deadly for infants, and 85% of deaths take place in developing countries. Symptoms of this highly contagious gastrointestinal infection include acute diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and dehydration. Treatments include oral re-hydration, rest, and hospitalization, depending on severity. Fortunately, a couple of vaccines exist, and since distribution began, significant improvement has occurred in many countries, especially the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. Nonetheless, the trend among some parents not to vaccinate their children ends up reducing “herd immunity,” whereby a substantial proportion of immunized patients (80-90%) are able to protect the non-vaccinated. Should this trend continue, rotavirus infections are likely to increase. The second program begins by explaining the difference between benign tumors, which are often concentrated in one area, and malignant tumors, which can spread cancer cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy aims to reduce or eliminate these tumors, depending on location. Dr. Shankar Siva, a radiation oncologist, notes the differences between an X-ray and radiation therapy (mainly related to wave frequency). For patients, side effects include nausea, fatigue, and hair loss at the point of contact. Onscreen graphics and text offer clear explanations of medical terms in this solid but admittedly odd production that pairs overviews of widely dissimilar diseases and their treatments. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)