Thursday, May 28, 2009

The H1N1 Flu is here but don't need to Panic!

Several patients have walked into the clinic this morning asking about the implications of the H1N1 flu in Singapore.

At this point in time, do not panic. This H1N1 strain does not seem to be deadly and the three people are doing well. In terms of severity, it is like the normal seasonal flu that we experience year round.

So just go about your normal life, keep a good level of hygiene, eat plenty of fruits like Kiwifruit, oranges and papaya which are high in Vitamin C to keep your body's immune system in good shape.

Of course if you just came back from US, Mexico or other affected countries and you are experiencing flu symptoms of high fever, cough, runny nose and sorethroat then seek medical advise immediately.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Those Fever Pads can give Parents a false sense of security!



I saw two kids yesterday who came into the clinic with fever pads on their heads. I get really concerned when I see fever pads, because invariably when I take their temperature, it is going to be really high. And just as I predicted, both kids were having temperatures approaching 40 degrees.

I don't use fever pads for my own kids. When they get a fever, I feed them with paracetamol and use a wet towel to wipe them from the top of their head to the waistline and I keep doing it until the fever becomes manageable. The problem with the fever pads is that parents feel that just by putting on the fever pad, they have already done their job and neglect giving medication and sponging.

So what happens is, when the fever pad absorbs all the heat it can, it stops doing anything and consequently, the child's fever continues to escalate.

If you are a mom or dad, please don't be lulled by the clever marketing tactics of the fever pad companies. It is much cheaper and more environmentally friendly to use a wet towel and it works much better. The only thing the fever pad does is to lull you into a false sense of security.

Friday, May 15, 2009

The Flu Shot: New Stocks have just arrived

Our stock of the latest season Flu vaccines have just arrived! If you are planning to take your flu jabs, please call us to reserve yours because stocks are limited.

Friday, May 08, 2009

Clinic will be opened on Vesak Day

Our clinic will remain opened for consultation from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

We wish all our Buddhist patients a meaningful Vesak Day.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Swine Flu: Influenza A (H1N1) not as devastating as originally thought

It seems that the Swine Flu or Influenza A (H1N1) virus was not as virulent as was feared.

It was initially thought that the fatality rate from Swine Flu was as high as 6% but after some reclassification and taking into account the underreporting of milder cases, it would seem that the fatality rate is not that high.

Our Ministry of Health will progressively downgrade our DORSCON Status from Orange to Yellow by 11 May. What that means is that when you visit the clinic on 11 May, everything should be much the same as before. That a big relief as I often have to show our younger patients how to stick out their tongues by demonstrating it myself!

However, parents are still adviced to be vigilant and to observe a good level of hygiene. Please do not send your child to school if they are having a fever. Everyone can do their part to control the spread of highly infectious diseases like Swine Flu.

We have managed to put in an order of Flu vaccinations which should be coming in next week. As there are limited stock, please call the clinic to reserve your vaccine and we will inform you when the stock gets in.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Swine Flu: Safety precautions at the clinic

With the impending arrival of Swine flu on our shores, our clinic has implemented the necessary precautions to protect our patients.

If you are having a fever and flu symptoms, please let our staff know. You will have your temperature taken and if it is elevated, you will be required to sit outside the clinic. All this is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.

So far there has not been any Swine Flu cases in Singapore, but it is only a matter of time before we get our first case. The global community is much better prepared after SARS and Bird Flu which might explain why this time round the impact of Swine Flu is not has devastating as expected. But we still need to be on our guard and look after ourselves and our family as well as the community around us by doing the necessary things to prevent the virus from spreading.

For a list of FAQ on Swine Flu, please click here

Do write in the comments if you have any pressing questions about Swine Flu.