Even though the seasons are changing, some viruses will continue to bug us. Cold sores, despite its name, can come out on hot and sunny days. But we wonât let it stain your summer. Continue reading “Treat cold sores in summer”
Tag: infections
What kind of cough is that?
Been coughing for a while? Maybe it’s time to start paying attention to the type of cough you have! Although a cough is merely a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the type of cough you have can definitely give some helpful clues as to the possible cause… Continue reading “What kind of cough is that?”
HIV 101 – frequently asked questions
Q1: How do I know if Iâve been infected?
There are no immediate symptoms and you may not experience any for years, which is why many people donât get tested â they feel fine. Some people get flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, and muscle and joint pains – the problem is that itâs difficult to tell if itâs a general flu virus or if HIV is affecting your immune system. If you think you have been exposed to HIV, get tested!
Q2: Where can I get tested for HIV?
There are many different places where you can get tested for HIV:
- You can get tested at your nearest government clinic for free
- Your local doctor
- Your can go for screening tests at your local pharmacy
Remember, you donât need worry whether anyone will find out your results because ALL information is kept confidential.
Q3: If I used a condom, can I still get HIV?
Yes, you can still get HIV! Condoms are very effective (if you know how to use them properly) at preventing the transmission of HIV, but they donât provide absolute protection.
Make sure that you know the correct way to use a condom, or else you risk it breaking or slipping off. Also, itâs recommended that you use latex condoms, but if you or your partner are allergic to latex, you can use condoms made out of polyurethane. Ask your pharmacy about them.
You can also use a water-based lubricant, which will help lessen the chances of the condom breaking. But only use water-based lubricant â any other kind can cause condoms to weaken and tear.
Q4: Is it possible to get HIV from oral sex?
Yes, it is possible to get HIV from oral sex. The virus is not only transmitted in semen, it can also be found in blood and vaginal fluid.
The best way to protect yourself is to use a barrier such as a dental dam â itâs a square piece of latex that is put over the mouth during oral sex, preventing any bodily fluids from being transmitted.
Q5: I’m scared – what if I’m positive!?
We know itâs very scary to find out that youâre HIV+, but the sooner you know, the sooner you can be treated. These days, people living with HIV are able to live long, fulfilling lives!
The clinic or doctor will explain the treatment procedure to you. Youâll be prescribed ARVs (Anti-retroviral drugs), which will help control the progression of the virus.
Remember that you need to take your ARV medication EVERY DAY! If you do, the virus can become resistant to the treatment.
Do you want more information about HIV? Well, why not give us a call! By downloading the Hello Doctor app and subscribing to our services, one of our doctors is just a text message or phone call away!
Any advice you receive remains private and confidential and we are here to help you answer any question you may have. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
The different types of hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation or swelling of the liver, and it can be the result of a viral infection or over-exposure to harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol. There are three main types of hepatitis, and while some types pass without causing permanent liver damage, others can be present for years and cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and in serious cases liver failure.
3 Vital secrets about flu
Winter is here! Warm clothes, an excuse to wear that scarf, hot chocolate and nights in front of the fire sound really great, and they are! However, itâs also the season when viruses declare war on your immune system. This year we bring you 3 key secrets to preventing and beating the nasty influenza virus.
1. Rest really is the best medicine
Do you think rest is for the weak? Guess again! Bedrest is one of the best weapons against the flu. The only way to beat the flu is to let your immune system do all the work. However, if youâre not resting, your body needs to fight the infection AND do whatever it is youâre doing. So itâs best to rest and speed up your recovery.
2. Try not to spread it around
Did you know that you can still pass on the flu virus even after the symptoms are gone? Yes, you’re still technically infectious for 5 – 7 days, even though you feel much better. What should you do for these few days? If your doctor has already booked you off, stay in bed so your body can fight the virus a little more. If youâre not booked off, ask if you can work from home or take another sick day. If you canât, then donât feel too bad if someone else gets sick, you did try your best.
3. Strengthen your immune system
If you want to prevent Flu, you need to make sure your immune system is strong. Even if you catch a cold, supporting your immunity can help that it doesnât last too long.
Take about 1000mg of Vit C daily; make sure you get at least 6 – 7 hours of sleep a night, and try to stay fit throughout the winter. By moving, your blood pumps through your system, your immune-cells are more energised, and your internal âsecurityâ is much more alert â catching the virus before it wreaks havoc.
So, are you geared-up and ready to tackle the flu this winter? If it hasnât caught you yet, make a plan to get your flu-shot: you donât want to spend your student-holiday in bed, now, do you?!
Donât forget that you can contact our doctors anytime you want! You can ask them for advice on the flu, how to boost your immune system or how to take care of someone with the flu. All you need to do is subscribe to our Hello Doctor service. Visit the âBuy Nowâ to get started.
Source: sfdcp.org
What is rabies?
In South Africa, rabies infections cause around 30 human deaths a year. With proper treatment, these deaths could be prevented which is why it is so important for you to know the inâs and outâs of this deadly infection. Continue reading “What is rabies?”
Help your doc with your diagnosis!
Weâve all done it. We wake up with a runny nose and immediately assume we have the flu or some type of nasty bacteria, causing havoc. But how do you really know? Continue reading “Help your doc with your diagnosis!”
What is Typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. It spreads easily through food and water contaminated by sewerage. You can also get it from someone who has the infection. The infection is quite common in areas with overcrowding & poor sanitation. Continue reading “What is Typhoid fever?”
How are measles like zombies?
Itâs a strange comparison, right? Except this virus is just like zombies in the most important way: it seemed like the measles was dead, but it isnât. Continue reading “How are measles like zombies?”
Whereâd this ring on my arm come from?
âA ring is round and never ends, thatâs how long weâll stay friends,â unless itâs ringworm.
Despite the name and what you might think you know about ringworm â itâs not actually a worm that finds its way into your skin! Continue reading “Whereâd this ring on my arm come from?”
What do you know about shingles?
Patients describe the pain of shingles as severe and excruciating, and as a burning sensation. Once it begins, the pain can significantly impact both your health and your quality of life. What causes shingles, and who gets it? Continue reading “What do you know about shingles?”
8 Skin-tingling facts
From acne and age spots to stretch marks and everything else in between, our skin has it all. It is the largest organ in the body, so there’s obviously a lot to say about it, and weâre just scratching the surface with these 10 skin-tingling facts!