Should we still be wearing masks amidst the Covid-19 outbreak and how effective home-made masks? In this episode we dig into the studies and discuss the current guidelines on wearing masks.
With an increasing number of confirmed cases of the novel virus at present in Australia, measures are being taken to help stop the propagation of the virus.
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I talk to you about my battle of finding protective measures to protect myself and my patients.
WHAT IS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS?
Wuhan is a city in China where the virus originated from. It is not fully understood how the virus is transmitted but it is believe that it originated in a live seafood market and has so far affected many people in China and currently has a mortality rate of 2%. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The virus causes symptoms pneumonia, including, fever, cough, shortness of breath and feeling unwell and tired. It is believed that there is an incubation period of around 14 days which means that someone may not know they have the virus immediately.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those who have travelled to Wuhan or those who have close contacts with someone who has recently travelled or has a confirmed case.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?
Usual hygiene measures are crucial such as regular hand washing. It has currently not been recommended for the general public to use a mask outside of the health care setting.
I THINK I HAVE CORONAVIRUS WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you have a suspicion you may be affected as perhaps you’ve recently travelled from there or know a close contact. You should maintain isolation and seek medical help. It is imperative that before you go to a doctor or the ED you must call ahead so that protective measures may be taken. You will need to be in isolation to protect others around you and hence stop the propagation of this virus.
I hope you’ve found this video useful and always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
Australia is in the midst of its worst flu season with hundreds of fatalities so far. Join me as I give you my top tips on influenza, how to survive it and how we test for it.
Influenza is a highly contagious disease that can have detrimental effects on our health. We can all be affected, there are certain groups of people however that may be more affected than others. These are those over the age of 65, children under 5, pregnant ladies or those with chronic medical conditions.
The typical symptoms of influenza include: fever, sore throat, dry cough, headache, muscle or joint aches and tiredness.
Symptoms will usually go away by themselves within a week with simple rest, hydration and TLC. However, there are medications which can reduce the duration of symptoms, these need to be taken soon after diagnosis otherwise they do not work.
There are many ways you can protect yourself from influenza this winter period. 2019 has seen an unprecedented amount of people having their flu vaccine which is great. Other ways of protecting yourself include washing your hands regularly, throwing away used tissues and staying away from people who have flu-like illnesses. To keep your immune system fighting strong be sure to keep up your fruit and vegetables, vitamin C which is found in strawberries, oranges and kiwi fruit is also beneficial.
Remember if your symptoms aren’t settling or you feel they are getting worse be sure to see your medical doctor for help and advice.
Thanks for watching, I hope you’ve found this video useful. As always if you have any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
So far this year rates of flu virus have almost doubled from what they were during the same time last year.
Most people will recover from the flu, however young children and older adults may be seriously affected. Symptoms can include feeling shivery with fever 🤒, headache 🤕, muscle aches, sore throat, sneezing 🤧, tiredness and a dry cough. If you are concerned about these symptoms or they worsen it is important to seek medical advice immediately.
There are some easy steps to avoid getting the flu, from the flu vaccination, to covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, washing your hands regularly particularly after being in communal areas like the toilet, cleaning surfaces regularly at home and avoiding close contact with others when you’re not feeling well.
So with the school holidays about to kick off are you protected from the flu? 😷
But what actually is Gastroenteritis aka “Gastro”? Gastro is a short-term illness triggered by infection and inflammation of the digestive system. The main symptoms include, tummy cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and feeling generally unwell🤕
Infectious gastroenteritis is usually caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Infection happens when the bacteria, virus or parasite is ingested, either by eating or drinking. So it is really important that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you go to the toilet, before preparing food and keep your kitchen surfaces clean. If you have been in contact with someone with similar symptoms always be sure to wash your hands to reduce transmission.
If you’ve got gastro, it usually settles by itself after 5-7 days, it’s vital during this time that you keep up your fluids and take oral rehydration therapy from the chemist. You may not feel like eating but when your appetite slowly comes back, start with plain food such as toast.
If you’re not sure whether you have gastro or need further help or advice, pop by and see me in clinic.
