COVID-19 AND OUR WELL BEING
An Update From Dr. Ben Ooi
2020 has been an intense roller coaster and in a blink of an eye, we have crossed the halfway mark. While Covid-19 cases have been under control, the risks of an outbreak are ever present. Even as we pay attention to Covid-19 symptoms and practice safety measures, we should not forget to pay equal attention to our general health and well-being, particularly chronic illnesses and sexual health.
The Covid-19 restrictions have fundamentally affected our lifestyles and day-to-day routines. An inability to exercise and play sports have resulted in some gaining weight. For people who have high cholesterol, raised sugar or elevated blood pressure, this might worsen control, potentially leading to increased risks of heart disease and stroke.
It is therefore important to consult your GP for a routine health check to make sure your health is at its optimum. It is recommended that an adult maintain 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (eg: brisk walking, dancing, gardening) per week. It is possible to maintain physical activity, although we would inevitably have to alter our routines and maintain safety measures such as social distancing.
For those who are sexually active, it is important to get sexual health testing done regularly, especially if you often have sex with new or different partners.The rates of Syphilis have almost tripled since 2014, according to the Victorian government infectious disease surveillance report. Even if a person has been successfully treated before, they can still be infected with syphilis again.
Syphilis may cause painless genital ulcer and rashes. In more serious cases, it may also affect our eyes and nervous system, if not treated in a timely manner. Most patients are asymptomatic (symptoms do not show) at the early stage. We can perform a simple blood test to detect the disease and treat it before any symptoms develop.
HIV-negative individuals can take PrEP to prevent them from becoming HIV-positive. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is appropriate for anyone at risk of HIV infection. Remember, PrEP is only one way to prevent HIV and it does not provide any protection against other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It is advisable to take precautions including using condoms when engaging in sexual activity. If you decide not to use condoms or reduce your condom use (both of which are unadvisable), then it is important to keep up with regular sexual health testing. This is crucial in early detection, diagnosis, treatment and to reduce risks of onward transmissions.
Please click below for more information about PrEP
BEING COVID-19 SAFE
Although the Victorian community has made progress in reducing the spread of COVID-19, the number of new cases continue to increase on a daily basis. This has created uncertainty for the future of restrictions placed on our lives and routines. Despite this uncertainty, we must all maintain our commitment to reducing the spread and impact of the virus.
- Practice physical distancing – stay 1.5m away from others
- Practice good hygiene
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Download the Covid Safe app
Please click below for more information about COVID-19 situation in Victoria
YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY
With the mercury dropping this Winter, it is more important than ever to protect yourself from illnesses such as the flu. As a result, if you are yet to have your flu vaccine this season, book yourself in with one of our doctors. Despite increases in the flu vaccine availability this year, many people have reported waiting lists at GP clinics and pharmacies. The Medical Hub fortunately still has an abundance of flu vaccines available, so feel free to book in now for a bulk-billed consultation and a $10 flu vaccination fee.
Our experienced doctors are still able to attend to your medical needs through Medicare Funded Telehealth services until September, so you may schedule a bulk billed telephone consultation on our website or by calling the practice. Once the appointment is booked, the doctor of your choice will call you at your scheduled time on your preferred contact telephone number. It is incredible how many medical concerns can be managed using the Telehealth service. Password-protected correspondence including: referrals, medical certificates, and special consideration forms can be emailed directly to you following your Telehealth consultation. Prescriptions can also be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy.
Please below to book through our website
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