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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

Recently, the news said tat whooping cough has been going around..They say must get vaccinated but need meh? I tot it’s just a cough? Pls advice.

  1. The following answer is provided by HELF AI (www.HELF.co), a next-gen AI backend built to power the health & wellness industry.

    Whooping cough, or pertussis, is indeed more than just a typical cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. While it may initially present with symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose, mild cough, and fever, it can progress to sRead more

    Whooping cough, or pertussis, is indeed more than just a typical cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. While it may initially present with symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose, mild cough, and fever, it can progress to severe coughing fits. These fits can be debilitating and lead to complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

    Importance of Vaccination

    1. Severity and Complications: Whooping cough can lead to serious complications, particularly in infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and in severe cases, death. In adults, while the disease might be less severe, it can still cause significant discomfort and lead to complications like rib fractures from severe coughing.

    2. Transmission: The disease spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Vaccination reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the disease, thereby protecting not only the individual but also the community, particularly those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

    3. Herd Immunity: Achieving high vaccination coverage in the community is crucial for herd immunity. This means that even those who are not vaccinated (such as newborns or individuals with contraindications) are indirectly protected because the spread of the disease is minimized.

    4. Vaccine Effectiveness: The pertussis vaccine is effective in preventing the disease. While immunity can wane over time, booster vaccinations are recommended to maintain protection, especially for those in close contact with infants or those in healthcare settings.

    Recommendations

    Children: The DTaP vaccine is recommended for children, with a series of five shots given at specific intervals from 2 months to 6 years of age.
    Adolescents and Adults: A booster shot, Tdap, is recommended for adolescents around 11-12 years of age and for adults who have not previously received it. Pregnant women are advised to get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect the newborn from pertussis.
    High-Risk Groups: Individuals who are in close contact with infants, healthcare workers, and those with chronic health conditions should ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations.

    Conclusion

    While whooping cough might seem like just a severe cough, its potential complications and ease of transmission make vaccination a critical preventive measure. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss vaccination status and ensure that you and your family are protected against pertussis, especially in light of recent outbreaks.

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Insco555
Insco555

Yes hello how do I get on esketamine treatment. Thank you

  1. Dr Jared Ng
    Best Answer
    Dr Jared Ng Dr Jared Ng (黄伟立医生) is an experienced psychiatrist with over 20 years of dedicated service in both public and private sectors, currently serving as the Founder and Medical Director of Connections MindHealth. With a focus on adults, children, and adolescents, his practice offers a wide spectrum of mental health services, corporate wellness programmes, and specialised training for primary care physicians. Known for his compassionate and patient-centred approach, Dr Ng is committed to improving the lives of those he serves through thoughtful, comprehensive mental health support.
    This answer was edited.

    Thank you for your inquiry. In Singapore, Esketamine treatment is approved for treatment-resistant depression and is available at both public institutions, and private psychiatric clinics. Esketamine works differently from conventional antidepressants. It acts on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptorRead more

    Thank you for your inquiry. In Singapore, Esketamine treatment is approved for treatment-resistant depression and is available at both public institutions, and private psychiatric clinics.

    Esketamine works differently from conventional antidepressants. It acts on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, and patients often experience a rapid improvement in depressive symptoms within hours or days, particularly for those who have not responded to other treatments.

    However, it is essential to discuss the potential side effects with your psychiatrist before proceeding. Common side effects include dizziness, dissociation (feeling detached from reality), increased blood pressure, nausea, and headaches. Less commonly, some patients may experience more severe side effects, such as sedation or misuse potential, so careful monitoring during and after treatment is necessary.

    Additionally, the treatment involves a specific protocol that includes administration under medical supervision, which can impact the cost and accessibility. Your psychiatrist will guide you through these considerations, including whether Esketamine is suitable for your condition and how to access it.

    Dr Jared Ng
    Medical Director, Senior Consultant, Psychiatrist
    Connections MindHealth, Fullerton Health Singapore
    https://connectionsmind.com/ https://www.fullertonhealth.com/

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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Anonymous
Anonymous

Hi, I’ve been having headaches every single day normally around three of them. They start of kind of sharp and go into a more pressure type of headache with random sharp pains. I’ve also been having a really hard time ...

  1. The following answer is provided by HELF AI (www.HELF.co), a next-gen AI backend built to power the health & wellness industry.

    I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing these troubling symptoms. It's important to take them seriously, as they could indicate a range of underlying issues that may require medical attention. Let's break down your symptoms and consider potential causes, as well as the importance of seeking furthRead more

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing these troubling symptoms. It’s important to take them seriously, as they could indicate a range of underlying issues that may require medical attention. Let’s break down your symptoms and consider potential causes, as well as the importance of seeking further evaluation.

    Symptoms Overview

    1. Headaches:
      You describe having daily headaches that start sharp and transition into a pressure-like sensation. This pattern could suggest a tension-type headache or a migraine, but the sharp pains and pressure could also indicate other issues, such as increased intracranial pressure or a neurological condition.
    2. Cognitive Difficulties:
      Difficulty focusing, reading, and spelling can be concerning, especially if these issues are new and represent a change from your previous abilities. This could be related to the headaches, or it might indicate cognitive impairment due to other factors.
    3. Weakness and Coordination Issues:
      The sudden weakness in your right leg and difficulty walking, along with stumbling and tripping, could suggest neurological involvement. This might be due to a number of conditions, including but not limited to multiple sclerosis, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or other neurological disorders.
    4. Visual Disturbances:
      The perception of seeing everything covered in dots, which can be described as visual snow or floaters, may indicate a visual processing issue or could be related to migraines.
    5. Memory Problems:
      Difficulty recalling symptoms and having poor memory can be associated with cognitive dysfunction, which might be linked to the headaches or other neurological issues.
    6. Fatigue and Breathing Issues:
      Extreme tiredness and trouble breathing are significant symptoms that should be evaluated, especially if they are worsening.

    Potential Causes

    Given the combination of your symptoms, several potential causes could be considered:

    • Migraine or Tension-Type Headaches: These can cause cognitive symptoms and visual disturbances.
    • Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, transient ischemic attacks, or even more serious conditions like brain tumors or strokes could present with your symptoms.
    • Cervical Spine Issues: Problems in the neck can lead to headaches, weakness, and coordination issues.
    • Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders: Conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or diabetes can cause fatigue, cognitive issues, and weakness.
    • Anxiety or Depression: These can manifest with cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and physical symptoms like headaches.

    Recommendations

    1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity and combination of your symptoms—especially the weakness in your leg, cognitive difficulties, and visual disturbances—it is crucial to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires prompt intervention.
    2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any triggers you notice. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.
    3. Communicate with Your Doctor: When you see your doctor for your breathing issues, make sure to discuss all of your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated. It’s important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health.
    4. Consider a Neurological Evaluation: Depending on your doctor’s assessment, they may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation, including imaging studies (like an MRI or CT scan) and possibly other tests to assess your cognitive function and neurological health.
    5. Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s natural to look for explanations for your symptoms, it’s important to avoid self-diagnosing. Only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

    Conclusion

    Your symptoms are concerning and warrant immediate medical evaluation. Please prioritize seeing a healthcare provider who can assess your condition comprehensively. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for many neurological and other health conditions.

    https://www.helf.co/en

    All responses provided by HELF are generated by its AI architecture. The information shared is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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Anonymous
Anonymous

I’m sorry to bother you. Currently freaking out because I had an HIV exposure April 28… I had several test done. HIV 1&2 4th Generation blood test( 33 days after exposure) Negative. HIV 4th Generation rapid test (35 days after ...

  1. Short answer is no. You do not have HIV. The fourth generation HIV testing is extremely accurate and sensitive at 3 weeks after infection especially those done at the laboratory (not point of care). Rather the repeated testing suggest that you may have anxiety. You may wish to address that with a coRead more

    Short answer is no. You do not have HIV. The fourth generation HIV testing is extremely accurate and sensitive at 3 weeks after infection especially those done at the laboratory (not point of care).

    Rather the repeated testing suggest that you may have anxiety. You may wish to address that with a counsellor.

    Next. Sore throat, white tongue and swollen lymph node may be a viral infection or somatic manifestations of your anxiety. A consultation with your doctor would help you discern that better.

    Lastly.. avoid HIV exposure. Take precautions and be in a monogamous relationship. The stress of an unwanted sexually transmitted disease, especially a highly stigmatized disease like HIV, is unnecessary, and a nuisance.

    Dr Leong Hoe Nam
    Senior Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician
    Rophi Clinic Singapore
    Website: https://www.rophiclinic.com.sg/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rophiclinic
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RophiClinicYT
    Email: enquiry@rophiclinic.com.sg

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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