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Are antibiotics always the solution? 💊
With the cold season officially here, bugs and viruses are making the rounds. Often, many illnesses are caused by viruses which do not respond to antibiotics and a little TLC and rest could be all you need. Watch my video over on YouTube.com/drnora to find out what to look out for and how to manage common illnesses.
Take care and stay healthy 😘
Dr Nora 💉
Link - https://youtu.be/MHmJRJFNnJk
In today’s episode I take you through some useful tips on how to get the most out of your prescribed medication to ensure that you are taking it correctly and safely.
Over 300 million prescriptions are given to patients each year in Australia alone and there are a number of pitfalls that can take place along a medication journey.
CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
This is arguably one of the most important tips. Whilst you are in your consultation with your doctor, be sure to cover the following to get the best understanding:
- What is the medicine for
- How long should I take it
- How often should I take it
- When should I expect to see a change
- What are the side effects
- When should I come back
PHARMACY
The next step in your medication journey is to speak with the pharmacist. I have personally been dispensed expired medication which is not ideal as expired medication may not work and they may have untoward side effects. Usually pharmacists should be checking all the medications before dispensing, however as seen in my example this is not always the case. Here are some things to consider when getting your medication:
- Check the expiry
- Check the label for the correct name, medication, dosage and instructions.
- Make sure the medication is sealed.
AT HOME
Now that you have your medication, be sure to continue with your safety checks before taking your medication.
- Read the package insert
- Reflect on how you feel after taking the medication - do you have any side effects?
- Make an appointment to see your doctor for follow up.
CHAPTERS
0.05 Introduction
0:50 Doctor Consultation
7:33 Pharmacy Dispensing
11.24 Package Insert
11.58 Over The Counter Medication
13.25 Conclusion
With the above tips you can continue to take your medications safely and effectively. I hope you enjoyed this video and as always if you have any questions or comments please drop me in a line below.
COMPANION VIDEOS
Cold & Flu Symptoms: https://youtu.be/MHmJRJFNnJk
Immune Boosting Foods: https://youtu.be/Fu7tK5kHfn4
Health Tips: https://youtu.be/XMzA3l9iT20
Boxercise Workout: https://youtu.be/kbEQPOYTXBA
Full Body Home Workout: https://youtu.be/C05Z7dAOlyY
Tired All the Time: https://youtu.be/Zc0nXwC6RNw
Take care and stay healthy 😊
Dr Nora 💉
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
FILMING TOOLS
Sony A7III: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=sony+a7iii
Rode Wireless Go: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=rode+wireless+go
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
The information provided in this video is not a substitute for getting individualised advice by an accredited healthcare professional.
In today’s episode I take you through what symptoms to look out for and how to manage if you have picked up this year’s influenza virus.
Australia, to date, has recorded over 87,000 cases of the Influenza virus this year alone. Usually the flu peaks during the cooler month of August, however, we are seeing a spike much earlier on in the year. It is thought that this is related to very few cases in the proceeding 2 years due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. Now that these are lifted, cases are transmitting through the community at a rapid rate.
INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS
This may commonly present as fever, chills, cough - which may be productive, runny nose or a sore throat. You may be feeling very lethargic and have little energy to carry out tasks.
COMMON COLD
There are plenty of circulating viruses at the moment and the common cold is also one that is prevalent, the symptoms of this tend to be a runny nose, cough, sneezing and less commonly a fever.
DIAGNOSIS
Most cases respond nicely to a little TLC at home, however, if there is any doubt to the diagnosis a trip to the doctor after calling in advance may be an idea. By calling in advance, you are letting the practice know you are unwell and they may offer to either do a telephone consult or place you in isolation away from other patients.
A nasal swab is required to accurately diagnose the influenza virus. Your doctor may also carry out a physical examination to ensure there is no secondary bacterial infection.
TREATMENT
As mentioned, most cases will respond to rest, hydration and simple pain killers to reduce fever if permitted by your medical doctor. To ease a sore throat you may wish to gargle salt water if you are an adult. Simple conservative measures like a warm drink and resting well will often help to manage your symptoms effectively.
If you feel your symptoms have not improved or indeed are getting worse then it is advisable to speak with your local doctor. In some cases, where a patient may be immunocompromised, for example, pregnancy, over the age of 65 or other chronic illnesses, these patients may be at risk of developing a secondary bacterial infection which will respond to oral antibiotics.
ANTIBIOTICS
The common cold and influenza are caused by viruses, this means that antibiotics simply do not work. Unless you have a bacterial infection as mentioned above, they really will not aid your symptoms. In fact they will do more harm that good, you may get side effects from the antibiotics and worse still, you may develop a resistance to antibiotics, so that one day when you really need them, they do not work.
PROTECTION
We have all now been well versed about social distancing and mask wearing if we are unwell. These measures work effectively for the flu virus and common cold. Similarly, if you are sick, it is advisable to stay home from work and avoid infecting others around you. To improve your immune system and reduce the probability of catching the virus, ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. You may also consider getting an influenza vaccine from your local doctor.
CHAPTERS
0.07 Introduction
0:46 Chlamydia
1:35 Chlamydia Symptoms
2:55 Diagnosis
3:46 Chlamydia Treatment
5:45 Gonorrhea
6:18 Gonorrhea Symptoms
8:17 Gonorrhea Treatment
10:26 Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this video and as always if you have any questions or comments please drop me in a line below.
COMPANION VIDEOS
Worst Flu Season: https://youtu.be/vZBCL-PgarA
Immune Boosting Foods: https://youtu.be/Fu7tK5kHfn4
Health Tips: https://youtu.be/XMzA3l9iT20
Boxercise Workout: https://youtu.be/kbEQPOYTXBA
Full Body Home Workout: https://youtu.be/C05Z7dAOlyY
Tired All the Time: https://youtu.be/Zc0nXwC6RNw
Take care and stay healthy 😊
Dr Nora 💉
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
FILMING TOOLS
Sony A7III: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=sony+a7iii
Rode Wireless Go: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=rode+wireless+go
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
The information provided in this video is not a substitute for getting individualised advice by an accredited healthcare professional.
Does your cough need antibiotics?
A recent Australian study has shown that GP’s are prescribing up to 9 times more antibiotics than recommended. A lot of cough or cold-like symptoms are caused by viruses which don’t respond to antibiotics.
If you are in any doubt whether you’re suffering from a viral or bacterial infection come and see me in clinic today to make sure you’re getting the right treatment.
Let’s beat antibiotic resistance together!
