Many GPs in our network have additional training and experience in sexual health medicine. You may not require a specialist sexual health doctor, for many sexual health problems.
There are several different areas covered under the term sexual health, including:
Sexually transmitted infections
Family planning and contraception
Men’s sexual health conditions including issues with sexual function and prostate health
Women’s sexual health conditions including sexual function, period problems and the menopause
Most Smart Clinics Family Medical Centres have GPs with further training and specialist interest in sexual health. This includes a thorough understanding of investigating and managing these conditions as well as being able to make the appropriate referral to specialists if necessary.
If you would like to consult a GP regarding a sexual health condition, please make an appointment at one of our clinics for assessment.
Our Sexual Health GPs can help assist with the following conditions:
sexually transmitted diseases (including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes and other STDs)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
HIV and AIDs
Problems conceiving and infertility
Contraception including IUD’s and Implanon
Preconception advice
Pregnancy and maternity care
Unplanned pregnancy
Thrush
Endometriosis
Cervical conditions and cervical screening (pap smears)
Premature ejaculation and impotence
Sexual function concerns for women
Testicular checks
Prostate checks and screening
Pain on intercourse
Menopause
Vulval conditions
Heavy and irregular periods
Breast examination and concerns with lumps or discharge etc
What to expect at a sexual health appointment
Our GPs understand that sexual health is a very personal health matter, and some patients may find it hard to talk openly about their concerns. They know that sexual health concerns can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, and sexual orientation so our GPs treat these matters with sensitivity. To ensure they are giving you the best advice and treatment, your doctor may ask you relevant questions about your risk factors, partners, and symptoms. You may require an examination.
Chaperones
It is usual for our GPs to offer chaperones if an intimate examination is required. Should this be the case your GP will discuss this with you at the time
Your Privacy
Your GP will not discuss your health issues or results with anyone else without your permission. Your sexual health appointment with us will remain confidential.
If you are aged between 14-17 years and have a sexual health concern, you can visit our clinics without a parent or guardian.
Booking a Sexual Health Appointment
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our GPs, please click here to find your nearest SmartClinics.
Medical Certificates From Your Doctor
Beyond just providing medical advice and treatments, our doctors can provide you with the documentation to assure you gain appropriate sick leave, carer’s leave or support for illnesses.
Whether it’s short term illnesses like the flu to more severe cases of chronic illness or mental illness, medical certificates can help you take medical time off for sickness and injury.
Experienced absence from work?
A medical certificate is documentation issued by a doctor following their assessment of you and your condition, validating that you have been unfit to work due to illness. When health issues, illnesses or injuries get in the way, a medical certificate can help assure you receive the appropriate time to recover and return to normal.
Following the doctor’s assessment of your condition, if the doctor determines that the illness necessitates absence from work or missing student deadlines, they can provide you with a medical certificate you can give to your employer or institution to legitimate your condition.
What is included in a medical certificate?
A medical certificate will include you and our doctor’s name and address. It must include the date you saw the doctor, the date the certificate was issued, and the date you should be able to return to work. It will also include the date at which you were first unfit for work due to the illness.
This certificate can be provided to your employer or institution if they requested evidence from your doctor to legitimise your health claims.
Does your medical certificate need to detail why you were absent?
To access a medical certificate, you do not need your doctor to disclose personal medical information and details to your employer.
Confidentiality means that details cannot be disclosed without your consent. In some instances, detailing the medical context may be suitable but it is not essential.
It can be helpful to make sure you communicate with your doctor what information you feel comfortable sharing with your employers and if you have any additional privacy concerns.
What does a medical certificate cost?
The cost of a medical practitioner issuing a certificate is covered by the cost of your regular appointment and is no additional cost to patients.
Whilst a medical certificate cannot be purchased, there is no obligation for your doctor to issue a medical certificate during your consultation unless they believe it is relevant to your condition.
When can you get a medical certificate?
You can access a medical certificate during or immediately following your medical condition.
If you are no longer unwell, if the medical professional believes the facts you claim warrants absence from work, they use their discretion to issue a certificate.
It is highly recommended that if you require a medical certificate, you visit the doctor via an in-clinic, or Telehealth (if you have been seen at the clinic in the last 12 months) appointment as promptly as possible.
Get a medical certificate
If you are unwell and need to get a medical certificate today, the doctors in our SmartClinic medical centres can help you.
When it comes to skin cancer there are multiple types that can develop and with ranging levels of severity. These cancers can develop on the skin over areas of the body and with differing rates and appearances. While the main types of skin cancers are a result of sun exposure, skin cancers can emerge beneath the skin or as a result of other forms of skin damage too.
WHAT IS A MELANOMA?
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancers, capable of spreading to other organs. However, it is also highly treatable if detected early.
Melanomas can vary in size, shape or colour, often appearing as discoloured patches of skin, usually brown or blue, with uneven borders. To distinguish a mole from a possible melanoma, it is recommended to monitor the shape, colour and appearance of your moles through self-performed skin checks and regular doctor performed skin checks.
KNOW YOUR ABCDES
ABCDE is a convenient detection guide to help you monitor your skin’s condition and help detect when to see a doctor. When evaluating mole appearance, it is important to consider the mole’s:
Asymmetry
Borderline
Colour
Diameter
Evolution
WHAT ARE THE NON MELANOMA SKIN CANCERS?
Although melanoma is often the most concerning and widely discussed form of skin cancer, non-melanoma skin cancers can present in differing appearances and at different layers of the skin. Whilst Queenslanders have a high risk of melanoma, it is important to still look out for other conditions which could be impacting your skin health.
Much like melanoma, these conditions are treatable if found early:
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC)
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer, found in all skin cancer types. They arise from sun exposure and develop slowly.
They often appear on sun-exposed areas around the head and neck and are easily treatable when detected early. BCC spots resemble open sores, pink growths, shiny bumps and red patches, however rarely spread beyond the original site.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinomas are caused by either sun exposure or areas of skin damaged by burns. They resemble open sores, scaly red or white patches or raised growths with a central depression.
Occurring most frequently in sun-exposed areas, SCC can also form all over the body including genitals. Being familiar with the appearance and qualities of SCCs when performing your regular personal skin checks can help assure early diagnosis and treatment. Whilst the majority are non-threatening, if left untreated, SCC can be dangerous and deadly.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Merkel cell carcinomas is the rarest yet deadliest form of skin cancer. They often appear on sun exposed sites, and are important to monitor skin for despite being uncommon.
MCCs do not develop as recognisable as other skin cancers, resembling a pimple-like lump which grows rapidly. If detected early MCCs can be treatable, however, they are up to three times more dangerous than melanoma.
PREVENTION
Whilst skin cancers when detected early are almost always treatable, the risk of skin cancer can be reduced through suitable sun protection. Although the old slip, slop, slap remains a crucial step in lowering the risk of skin cancer, it is also important to prioritise regular skin checks with your doctor.
HOW DO YOU LOWER THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER?
Avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm (or when the UV index if greater then 3)
Cover up with clothing including a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
Never use tanning beds
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours
Keep newborn babies out of the sun
Do not use sunscreen on babies under 6 months of age.
Examine your skin every month
See your GP for a skin exam every year
If you would like to have a skin exam performed by your doctor, book an appointment at your local SmartClinics practice today.
Brisbane Skin Cancer Clinic
Did you know that Queenslanders have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world? This is because the majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun of which the Sunshine state gets plenty! The hard truth is that on average, 2 in 3 Australians will have skin cancer during their lifetime. However with early detection, diagnosis and modern medical advancements there is now a range of skin treatment options available for all cases.
At SmartClinics our doctors offer comprehensive skin check services for all patients, with examination, diagnosis and treatment services. SmartClinics Doctors are highly experienced in performing skin checks, equipped to remove spots or moles reducing the need to visit an external dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Skin Checks Near Me
A skin check involves the examination of your skin from head to toe through the use of magnification and dermoscopy. Find SmartClinics Doctors highly qualified in performing skin checks near you, with locations across Brisbane.
Are you at risk of skin cancer?
Whilst everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, various conditions increase your chances. If you answer yes to any of the questions below we recommend you book in for a skin check at your soonest convenience.
Do you have fair skin, fair or red hair and blue eyes?
Do you have a large number of moles?
Do you work outdoors?
Do you spend your weekends or holidays in the sun?
Have you ever used solariums, sunlamps or sunbeds?
Is there a previous history of skin cancer in your family?
As a child, did you spend a lot of time in the sun?
Whilst increased sun exposure, skin type and family history can all play a role in your skin health, regular yearly skin checks are encouraged for everyone to get ahead of any possible issues.
What is the treatment of skin cancers?
If your skin check finds the presence of skin cancer, it is often highly treatable. With great advancements of medical treatment for skin cancer, there are various options to treat any diagnosis.
Common skin cancers can be treated through nonsurgical procedures such as the use of ointments, radiation therapy, or cryotherapy. For more severe cases, treatment will be managed by a multidisciplinary team.
The main course of treatment for a developed skin cancer is almost always removal. In more severe cases, this includes not just the mole but the removal of skin surrounding the melanoma through surgery to assure all cancerous cells have been removed.
If you are looking for a skin check centre near you, book an appointment at your local SmartClinics practice today. For specific information about skin cancer, please contact Queensland Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
5 common misconceptions about people who have diabetes.
You probably know someone who has diabetes but there are many common myths about this disease, so we want to make sure you have the facts! Here are the top 5 myths about diabetes and those living with the disease… did you believe any were true?
How to check for early signs of bowel cancer?
Checking your poo while in the loo could save your life.
Changes in your toilet habits can be early signs of bowel cancer. Poo checks may not be something that you do on a daily basis- or want to do- but here at SmartClinics we highly recommend you make them a part of your weekly self-care routine. If found early, Bowel cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer which is why we have created an easy-to-follow guide to help you to identify any early signs or symptoms.
How often should I check my poo?
Bowel habits are different for each person and can be anywhere between three times a day to three times a week. Only you can know what is normal for you. Given that there is anywhere between 3 and 21 visits to the toilet a week, we suggest you pick one and follow our poo check below. It’s that simple.
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer starts in the bowel, affecting any part of the colon or rectum – and without detection can spread to other organs. Most bowel cancers begin as non-threatening (benign) growths, known as polyps, on the wall or lining of the bowel. Polyps are usually harmless, however they can become cancerous (malignant) if left undetected and can become life-threatening tumours.
Prevention is our No1 priority. Self check + GP check = diagnosis + treatment
How common is bowel cancer?
It is Australia’s second deadliest form of cancer. It is very common! Each week 80 Australians die from bowel cancer, claiming the lives of approximately 5,375 Australians every year. About 1,400 people diagnosed are under the age of 40. You are never too young to have bowel cancer, which is why regular self-checks are essential to stay in optimum health.
Is bowel cancer treatable?
Yes, early diagnosis and treatment is possible. If you can identify with what is normal and NOT normal with your bowel movements, you will be able to recognise any unusual signs that can be assessed by your local GP here at SmartClinics. Only YOU know what is a healthy poo and a normal toilet activity – for YOUR body.
How do I check for bowel cancer?
When you think about how long you spend on the toilet every day, an extra two seconds for a poo check should not be an inconvenience. It is a vital part of your self-care routine.
The next time you visit the loo, check for these 4 top toilet troubles..
Are there any changes in your bowel habits, such as needing to go to the toilet more frequently?
Is this combined with looser or more diarrhoea like stools?
Is there blood in your poo or sudden rectal bleeding?
Is there a change in the appearance of your poo, such as mucus or narrower?
Are any of these symptoms occurring at the same time as:
Unexplained anaemia causing tiredness, weakness or weight loss
Abdominal pain or swelling
Not all of these symptoms indicate bowel cancer, as medications or lifestyle may affect your bodies changing habits.
However, if any of the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you must see your local GP to discuss these changes.
How do you test for bowel cancer?
Your GP will discuss with you the best options based on your age, family history, hereditary conditions and personal health.
There are two common tests to diagnose bowel cancer.
Screening. From the age of 45 our GP’s can offer an in-home screening test called a Feacal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This involves taking a small sample of poo and sending it to a pathology laboratory. This test checks for blood in your samples. The results given to you by your GP, will determine the next steps.
Colonoscopy. In order to take a look inside of your bowel and make a confirmed assessment, a colonoscopy is performed under local anaesthetic at a hospital. It is a short process and involves a thin tube featuring a tiny camera, checking inside your bowel for any polyps or unusual growths.
Our GP will follow up with results and a treatment plan if needed. At Smart Clinics we take care of you during this discreet process and walk you through every step of your testing and treatment journey.
Is it possible to reduce the risk of bowel cancer?
Yes. Combining your lifestyle habits with screening and self check-ups can influence the outcome of bowel cancer.
Lifestyle habits you can modify:
Quit smoking.
If you choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake.
Avoid a diet of processed meats and moderate your red meat consumption.
Lifestyle habits for optimum health:
Eat wholegrains and other natural high fibre foods.
Ensure daily physical activity is a part of your routine.
Take control of your health by taking regular bowel cancer screenings.
We know that bowel cancer is treatable if it is discovered early. The good news is that you can start checking today.
At SmartClinics, a GP is available to talk to you about any bowel cancer concerns you may have. Get to KNOW THE SIGNS so that you can self-assess and take control of your health at all times.
Our GP’s are always here to listen and discuss any health concerns you may have.
Click here and make an appointment now.
We know that bowel cancer is treatable if it is discovered early. The good news is that you can start checking today.At SmartClinics, a GP is available to talk to you about any bowel cancer concerns you may have. Get to KNOW THE SIGNS so that you can self-assess and take control of your health at all times.
Our GP’s are always here to listen and discuss any health concerns you may have.
Coronavirus Health Alert: Information from SmartClinics
3 March 2020
As more cases of COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) are confirmed around the world, it is becoming increasingly clear that we need to take some basic precautions to maintain hygiene levels and ensure that we do all that we can as individuals to help halt the spread of the virus.
Who are the confirmed coronavirus cases in QLD?
Of the 10 confirmed cases in Queensland (as of March 3rd), 5 contracted the virus on a tour of Wuhan, 3 came from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, 1 was from a woman who had been on a trip to Iran, and 1 was from a man from China who travelled through Dubai.
Key messages for SmartClinics patients who suspect they have the coronavirus:
This SmartClinics Health Alert is for people who meet the following criteria:
Travelled to, or through, the following countries:
China
Cambodia
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Iran
Italy
Japan
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
Or had close contact with a person who has travelled in these areas in 14 days prior to presentation; or
If you have a fever; or
If you have an Acute Respiratory Infection (even if you don’t have a fever).
If you fulfil any of these criteria, please observe the following guidelines:
Stay Isolated. If possible, stay inside your home. Avoid contact with other people.
If possible, wear a mask if you need to leave your house or travel.
Call your local emergency department – do not attend a medical centre to avoid possibly spreading the virus.
Maintain a distance of at least 1m from all people at all times.
If you are unsure whether you fit the above criteria, please observe the following guidelines:
Call ahead of time to book an appointment with the Doctor – DO NOT BOOK ONLINE.
Tell your doctor about your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has coronavirus.
If you must leave home to see your doctor, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.
Queensland Government Coronavirus Guidelines
Queensland Health has released a range of advice for those who suspect they may have coronavirus, or for those who wish to avoid it. A brief summary is below.
If you have recently returned from China or Iran:
You should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date you departed those countries.
If you develop a fever, a cough or become short of breath you should immediately call a GP or emergency department. Let them know that you have recently travelled, and where to.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus:
You should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date you last had contact with that person.
If you develop a fever, a cough or become short of breath you should immediately call a GP or emergency department. Let them know that you have recently travelled, and where to.
If you have recently returned from Italy or South Korea and were employed as a healthcare worker or in an aged care residence:
You should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date you departed those countries.
How does the coronavirus spread?
Person to person transmission is the most common way for coronavirus to spread. Sneezing and coughing is a common way for the virus to leave the body and find its way to new hosts. Droplets of body fluid, such as saliva, may contain the coronavirus when expressed from an infected carrier. The coronavirus can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Keep in mind, not much is known about the new coronavirus – it is a very different virus to the flu.
How to protect yourself from the coronavirus
Good personal hygiene is key to limiting your risk to the coronavirus. Some other tips that can help you avoid an infection include:
Wash your hands thoroughly with alcohol-based hand rubs, or soap and water, regularly throughout the day and after contact with other people or surfaces.
If you have a cough, or find yourself sneezing, always cover your mouth. This will help reduce the risk of you infecting those around you.
Encourage others to stay home when they are unwell. If you manage a team of employees, let them know that they should call in sick if they have symptoms.
Avoid contact with anyone who displays symptoms of the coronavirus, including coughing, respiratory irritation, fatigue, shortness of breath, or a fever.
For more information from Queensland Health, visit this page.
Book an appointment with a GP
If you suspect you have coronavirus, please call ahead to make your appointment and explain in detail why you believe you may have the virus.
What is the difference between coronavirus and the flu?
WORRIED ABOUT CORONAVIRUS?
You may qualify for a BULK BILLED TELEPHONE CALL with a GP. To find out if you qualify, complete our online form or call our Tele Health Coronavirus hotline on 1300 411 748.
Incidences of the new coronavirus from out of China are spreading around the world, with China updating numbers of those infected and those who have died almost daily. At the same time, the flu season is almost upon us in Australia, with vaccines rolling out across all SmartClinics locations from early March.
In light of the upcoming flu season coinciding with growing incidences of the new coronavirus, we decided to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the new coronavirus, the flu, how they differ, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
What do the flu and coronavirus have in common?
Both influenza and the coronavirus are viruses that can cause respiratory issues. Approximately 1% of flu cases are severe enough to be hospitalised, while the number for coronavirus is 14% (although this is data from China, where they are taking a very strong stance to prevent further spread of the virus). Many of the outward symptoms of the new coronavirus and the flu may be similar, however there are some differences that have been observed to date.
What are the differences in symptoms between the flu and coronavirus?
Understanding differences in symptoms between the two illnesses might help you understand exactly what you’re dealing with when you or a loved one becomes ill. Of course, we always recommend seeking a professional opinion when you’re sick.
There are many commonalities between coronavirus symptoms and flu symptoms. However, with so little known about the new coronavirus, it is extremely difficult to delineate differences that would help a layperson identify which illness they have without proper testing.
Coronavirus
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), common symptoms of coronavirus infection include:
Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulties
In severe cases, symptoms become more advanced:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome
Kidney failure pneumonia
Death
To highlight the difficulty of accurately describing coronavirus symptoms, around 5% of cases report a sore throat and runny nose, while a small percentage also report diarrhoea and vomiting.
Influenza
Influenza has been widely researched and most Australians are probably already familiar with its symptoms. However, according to WHO, they can include:
Fever (often with abrupt onset)
Chills
Sore throat
Cough
Headache
Muscle pain
Still not sure?
Consider where you live and where you have been in the last 14 days. If you live in an area with very limited cases of known coronavirus, and you find yourself with a sore throat or a runny nose and some muscle pain, you are more likely to have the flu than coronavirus.
The likelihood that you have Coronavirus rather than the Flu really depends on the following factors:
You have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to these countries, or has been diagnosed or suspected of having Coronavirus.
What to do if you suspect you have coronavirus or the flu
If you believe that you have coronavirus, book a doctor appointment BY PHONE, and make it clear when you’re booking your appointment that you are concerned you may have symptoms of coronavirus. Please do not book online. We’ll chat with you over the phone to book you in to see a GP, and ensure that you’re ok. If possible, wear a mask when you leave the house but try to stay home and rest to avoid spreading it further. Please practice good hygiene! Wash hands, cough into your elbow, throw away dirty tissues.
If you suspect that you have the flu, the same rules apply. Speak to a medical professional. Thankfully, we have the flu vaccine available to help people avoid contracting the flu. If you’d like to get your 2020 flu shot, please click here.
What’s more deadly – the coronavirus or the flu?
It is extremely difficult to form an adequate assessment of a novel coronavirus that hasn’t had time to settle into the human population. As a new disease, it is possible that it may have a higher death rate as few people will have a defence against it.
Generally speaking, approximately 0.05% of people who contract influenza will die from it. Some very rough estimates of coronavirus lethality put the death rate at 2%, approximately 40 times higher than that of the flu. However, there is very little value in such estimates at this stage of the disease’s progression and it is more likely to drop rather than increase, particularly as treatments improve and previously mild, undiagnosed cases are also counted.
How widespread is the coronavirus in Australia?
As of Wednesday, February 12th, there were 15 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Australia. Five of those people had recovered, while the other 10 were on their way to recovery. Efforts continue to prevent those with the illness entering the country or spreading it to others around them.
There is a very strong chance that the incidences of coronavirus in Australia will increase. This doesn’t mean that we’re facing a pandemic. It just means that a new disease with a long incubation period is likely to spread very easily in an interconnected world, particularly in a nation like Australia that shares a lot of air travel with affected counties such as China.
Is it safe to travel while the coronavirus spreads around the world?
Should I get the flu shot this year?
2020 Flu Shot – New Strains and where to get yours
Private Flu shots are only $14.95 and your vaccination appointment will be bulk billed if it’s during standard business hours for Medicare Card holders.
CLICK HERE for an updated list of SmartClinics Medical Centres that have flu vaccines in stock today.
***Please note: We have extra safety measures in place to help keep you protected at the clinic. Ask us for more information about this when you speak with us to book your vaccination.***
Flu shots can ONLY be booked by calling your clinic directly.
We know that everyone is itching to find out more about the flu vaccine, so we’ve put together a quick rundown of some fun facts and some questions that you may have about how the flu vaccine is developed and how it may affect your health.
How is the flu vaccine created?
Every year, the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) meets to discuss the flu vaccine for the coming season. In 2019, they met at the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Canberra in early October. There, they made determinations on which influenza viruses the 2020 vaccine should be built upon.
The AIVC took into account advice provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with regard to the specific strains of influenza that should be used in the composition of vaccines for the 2020 southern hemisphere flu season. Once the AIVC made their recommendation, it was accepted by the TGA. Thus, we now have an established and consistent type of flu vaccine for 2020.
Which flu strains are included?
The following viruses will be used to formulate the 2020 flu vaccine in Australia:
Egg based Quadrivalent influenza vaccines:
an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
an A/South Australia/34/2019 (H3N2)-like virus;
a B/Washington/02/2019-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus; and
a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus.
Egg based Trivalent influenza vaccines:
an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
an A/South Australia/34/2019 (H3N2)-like virus; and
a B/Washington/02/2019-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus.
What is the difference between a Quadrivalent and Trivalent influenza vaccine?
To put it simply, a quadrivalent flu vaccine contains four components, or viruses, that you will be inoculated against. A trivalent flu vaccine contains three. Both vaccines will contain two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus, usually the same across both. The quadrivalent vaccine will also include an additional B strain.
Should you get both types of vaccine?
It is not recommended for people to receive more than one flu vaccination per flu season. There are exceptions for some children who require additional vaccination.
Why is the flu vaccine different around the world?
Different strains of the flu virus are likely to be present in different parts of the world, and populations may have differing herd immunity established. Some nations are more likely to experience influenza A strains, while others may be more exposed to influenza B strains. In some countries, quadrivalent vaccines are very highly recommended due to the presence of two widespread types of influenza B viruses.
Is an egg-based flu vaccine bad for people with an egg allergy?
Most medical professionals acknowledge that there is no significant harm in administering an egg-based flu vaccine to a person with an egg allergy. Even for those with egg anaphylaxis, it is still recommended to receive the flu shot.
Who should get the flu shot?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone. However, those who should receive it as a matter of highest priority include pregnant women, very young children, the elderly and those who suffer from chronic health concerns.
Is the flu shot free for children?
The flu shot is free for many children. Through a combination of state and national funding, the following classes of people receive the flu vaccine for free:
Children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Pregnant women.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 6 months and over.
Those aged 6 months and older with medical conditions that may expose them to complications if they contract influenza.
Coronavirus has been splashed across front pages, social media and news websites for the last week. This new Wuhan virus is big news and growing exponentially. There’s nothing better than a potential pandemic to sell some newspapers.
So what is it all about and should we really be at panic stations? Just how widespread is this new coronavirus, and how aggressive is it? We’ve done some rapid research using publicly available information to get a clear idea of what kind of threat the coronavirus presents to the Australian public and the steps you can take to protect you and your family’s health.
What’s happened so far?
As of Wednesday, January 29th, more than 4,500 cases had been reported and the death toll exceeded 100 people. There were renewed fears of increased transmission rates, despite the reassurance of experts that it should ultimately be less widespread than other major, similar viruses such as SARS. Australia upgraded its advice to tourists to reconsider travel to all of China, not just Hubei province. Some nations, such as Japan, have begun evacuating their citizens from Wuhan.
What is the coronavirus?
Technically, it’s not the coronavirus, it’s just a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a designation of a virus type that is commonly found among animals. In some edge cases, it’s possible for these diseases to cross the animal-human boundary, which is what has happened here.
How does coronavirus present itself?
People who contract a coronavirus usually get quite unwell. Upper respiratory tract symptoms are very common, and some sufferers may appear as though they have a cold. Symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose and headaches are very common. Some people may present with a fever which will persist for a few days.
How do you treat coronavirus?
Coronavirus doesn’t have a specific treatment regime. The majority of people who contract a coronavirus will eventually recover without medical assistance. General treatment advice includes:
• Cold and flu medication • Plenty of rest • Use a room humidifier or take hot showers to ease throat pain • Stay hydrated
If you have concerns about your illness, or you notice your condition worsening, you should speak with a healthcare provider.
Where did the coronavirus start?
This particular coronavirus has not been identified in humans before. It is suspected to have originated in a seafood market in Wuhan, China, through some exposure to a live or recently killed animal.
A recent study indicates that it may have been a snake that originally passed the virus onto the first human. It is one of seven coronaviruses that are known to infect humans. Four of these are very common and express themselves as the common cold. The others, SARS and MERS, are similar to this current virus in that they crossed the threshold from animal to human.
How much is the coronavirus likely to spread?
There are early indications that this coronavirus isn’t as infectious as SARS or MERS. Additionally, there are far better procedures in place now to quarantine and address breakouts more rapidly. Most expectations are that this new coronavirus won’t spread as rapidly or infect as many people as SARS or MERS.
How to avoid coronavirus infection
The same good hygiene practices that you would normally employ during flu season may help you avoid a coronavirus infection. Avoid congested areas where possible. Clean your hands regularly, using an alcohol-based sanitiser. Disinfect your immediate surrounds (such as your desk space at work) regularly. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth with your hands. If you’re sick, stay at home – don’t contribute to spreading illness through your workplace.
What’s being done?
Many nations (including Australia) have issued notices to their population to reconsider travelling to highly affected areas, such as Wuhan and broader Hubei province. In China, the government is taking significant steps to quarantine affected areas and establish field hospitals to help treat those already infected.
China’s capabilities in addressing outbreaks such as this, combined with the powers that may be exercised by their government, ensures that every possible step is being taken to restrict the spread of this new coronavirus. While these efforts are unlikely to prevent the spread of the virus entirely, they will certainly delay it and provide other governments time to implement their own procedures to prevent further infections.
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How to be asthma-safe in pollen season
Spring is a beautiful time of year, yet it brings with it a grave threat: pollen. For many of us, pollen is a trigger for asthma symptoms. There is a fine line between hay fever and asthma for many people, and pollen can tip that balance from inconvenient towards potentially deadly.
Allergic reactions are an extremely common cause of asthma attacks and similar symptoms of asthma. We often see a significant increase in asthma-related visits to our clinics during spring, specifically because of the increase in pollen in the air combined with people spending more time outside as the weather warms up. We’ve put together a quick list of some common questions we see and top tips on managing your asthma this pollen season.
Can an allergic reaction cause an asthma attack?
Allergic reactions caused by pollen and other hay fever-inducing triggers (such as dust mites), can quickly devolve into an asthma attack. When your body is exhibiting symptoms of an allergic reaction, it’s because your immune system is attacking foreign bodies, such as pollen, inside your body.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction are a consequence of your immune system’s antibodies binding with the foreign material. This can lead to a blocked or runny nose, itching skin, eczema symptoms or tightness in the chest and airways. This is how allergic reactions to pollen and other foreign substances can so easily devolve into an asthma attack.
High pollen levels combined with other triggering factors
Sometimes, high pollen levels can coincide with other factors that trigger asthma attack. Thunderstorms, high wind levels, heat or humidity can combine to cause a serious risk for asthma attack. In circumstances like these it is absolutely critical that you take all necessary steps to limit your exposure. If at all possible, stay indoors. Ensure you’re on top of any regular asthma medication and keep your puffer, nebuliser or other treatment nearby.
Where is pollen most common?
In many areas, pollen is most common in grasslands. Grass pollen can occur across large areas of grassland and often arises at once for short, intense periods of the year. Trees are also a big contributor to airborne pollen. As such, parklands ringed by trees can be one of the most trigger-intensive places for people with severe pollen allergies. In some areas, tree pollen can occur at extremely high levels, and should be avoided.
Understand your triggers, plan your day and importantly keep an eye on the weather. A windy day in an area with high pollen levels can be a recipe for disaster.
Keep an eye on the pollen forecast
The pollen forecast can help you understand how much pollen is likely to be getting about in your region on a particular day. Find your local government’s pollen forecast and set up regular alerts for when the pollen is likely to be thick in the air – this can help you make plans to avoid triggering an asthma attack.
How to manage your asthma
Effective management of your asthma symptoms is a critical part of ensuring that you don’t suffer needlessly from ongoing asthma attacks and responses to triggers in your environment. The key to managing your asthma effectively is understanding your personal triggering factors and how best to avoid them. After all, prevention is the best cure.
Secondary to preventing the onset of asthma symptoms is having an effective method of reducing their severity when they begin to take hold. For different people, this may come in the form of a puffer, a nebuliser or steroids in tablet form. There are many ways to treat asthma and your doctor will recommend something that is most appropriate for you.
Asthma cure and prevention
Asthma prevention depends entirely on your management plan. As for a cure, this is elusive. Due to the wide range of causes and symptoms, there is no real “cure” for asthma. However, there are some very effective means of managing it and eliminating symptoms to the point that asthma is only a minimal part of your life.
Get an asthma management plan
Do you want to learn how to better manage your asthma? We can help you with a full asthma assessment to understand your type of asthma and particular triggers. Using that information, we can provide you with an asthma management plan to help you avoid asthma attacks and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
