Month: March 2018

As Flu season approaches, some things everyone should know!

The flu is a highly contagious viral infection. It may cause severe illness and life-threatening complications for some. These complications can include pneumonia.

It is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. It is estimated that flu contributes to over 3,000 deaths in Australia each year.

The “swine flu” virus – also known as influenza A (H1N1) – emerged in 2009. It was responsible for the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years.  It is now a regular human flu virus that goes around each winter, worldwide. The current seasonal influenza vaccine has been designed to include protection against the swine flu virus.

Do I have the flu?

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

• A sudden appearance of a high fever (38 °C or more)
• A dry cough
• Body aches (particularly affecting the head, lower back and legs)
• A feeling of extreme weakness and tiredness (and not wanting to get out of bed).

Other symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Aching behind the eyes
• No feeling of hunger
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffed nose

Having the flu is more likely if you have been in contact with someone who already has it. You may have had some other type of exposure such as overseas travel to areas where flu outbreaks are occurring.

Whether you have the flu or another kind of virus can only be confirmed by a doctor. He may perform a nose or throat swab in order to verify a diagnosis. The treatment is similar for any ‘flu-like’ illness. A diagnosis is useful in helping health officials track disease patterns and frequency. It may be necessary where complications have developed.

What to expect if you have the flu

Symptoms of the flu hit very fast and can linger for several weeks. A bout of the flu will often follow the same pattern:

Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness. You may also experience a dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose.

Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired or flat with little or no energy.

Day 8: Symptoms decrease. Cough and tiredness may last one to two weeks or more.

What flu complications are most common?

In some cases of the flu, severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop. These can result in hospitalisation and in extreme cases, death. The flu may also result in some existing medical conditions becoming worse.

Some people are at higher risk of severe complications associated with the flu. They include:

• pregnant women
• people aged over 65
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• all children younger than five years of age
• anyone with a chronic medical conditions

What medications should I take for the flu?

The flu is a viral infection so antibiotics won’t help at all and should not be taken. They really have no positive affects at all.

Antiviral medications, if started in the first two days after your symptoms start, can shorten the length of your illness. These must be prescribed by a doctor.

Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better while your body’s immune system fights off the infection.

Follow these tips for buying over-the-counter medication for the flu:

Buy a remedy that treats just one symptom. This will ensure that you are not taking in substances that you do not need, or that may trigger some kind of a reaction.

Read the label and find out: −    whether the active ingredient treats your symptoms −    any possible side effects of the medication −    any possible interactions the medication may have with any other medications you are taking. Be sure to include over-the-counter, prescription, and alternative medicines (for example, herbal medicines) −    if the medication is safe for you to take with any other health conditions you have

If you are unsure if a medication is suitable for you to take, or if you have any other questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest a medication that is appropriate and safe for you to take.

How can I avoid the flu?

Annual immunisation against the flu is strongly recommended for all people from six months of age. Many people in the above groups are eligible for free flu vaccination each year. This is covered under the National Immunisation Program and the Victorian government-funded vaccine program for children aged six months to less than five years.

The vaccine is not 100 percent effective but it does provide a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.

Anyone in these at-risk groups with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. They should ask for guidance and consider the advice from their doctor.

 

 

 

 

Awareness of coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet is growing. There is however still a low level of awareness of the symptoms and the differing effect before diagnosis.

We believe people may also be potentially linking their symptoms to other conditions. They may even be treating them with less importance than they deserve. Creating a stronger link between their symptoms and coeliac disease will help people become more informed. They can then be empowered to have their symptoms investigated and seek a diagnosis.

If you have just been diagnosed…

Upon diagnosis of coeliac disease, there is an array of emotional reactions which are quite normal and may be experienced by many. The diagnosis may come as a great relief as you have been concerned that it was something more serious. Although Coeliac can be serious it also very manageable. You may feel shocked, despair, grief, disbelief or guilt and a little overwhelmed.

Please be aware that you are not alone and there are groups from where you can build a great support network.

Although coeliac disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled with a strict, life-long gluten-free diet. When you first start the gluten-free diet, you tend to focus on what you can’t eat making it quite challenging. As you learn more, you realise that there are so many foods that you can still enjoy.

Your First Week as a diagnosed Coeliac:

• Start your gluten-free diet immediately. Begin by purchasing products that are labelled ‘Gluten Free’, as well as foods that are naturally gluten-free. Once you learn more about reading labels, you’ll be able to confidently choose foods that are gluten free by ingredient.
• Make an appointment with your GP to test for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies and associated conditions.
• All adults diagnosed with coeliac disease should have a bone density scan. Those with a medically diagnosed coeliac disease are entitled to a Medicare rebate for a bone density scan every two years.
• Electrolytes e.g. sodium and potassium which measure kidney function.
• Liver function tests.
• Thyroid function – autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves disease or Hashimotos) can be associated with coeliac disease.
• Fasting blood glucose to check for autoimmune diabetes (type 1 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA))

Deficiencies in newly diagnosed and untreated coeliac disease can include iron, calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, folate, magnesium. Supplementation may initially be required to correct any deficiencies.

Your First Gluten-Free Month:

Family members should be screened for active coeliac disease using the coeliac antibody blood test. Immediate family members of someone with coeliac disease have a 1 in 10 chance of also having the condition.

Re-organise your kitchen and pantry. Ensure that your gluten-free food is clearly marked. Other members of your household should understand the necessity of avoiding cross contamination.

Start using an Ingredient List Booklet to identify gluten-free products that are not marked ‘Gluten Free’ but are gluten free by ingredient.

Your First Gluten-Free Year:

The coeliac blood test should be repeated at six and twelve months after the diagnosis, and then annually after that. This test measures the blood antibodies which are usually elevated in those with an untreated coeliac disease. They may remain elevated despite compliance with the gluten-free diet, but should gradually return to normal. Once they do, they can be used as an indicator of gluten exposure.

Learn to look for gluten-free foods when eating out.

Try converting some of your old favourite recipes into gluten-free versions.

Ongoing Coeliac Management

The small bowel biopsy should be repeated 18-24 months post diagnosis to confirm small bowel recovery.

If you need any further information on managing your condition our Doctors are on hand to advise and guide you. Coeliac can be kept under control and the symptoms controlled – it just takes teamwork to do it!