NEWS
H1N1 Vaccine October 2009
*Will be available next week. Check back soon for more details.
INFLUENZA VACCINATION 2009
INFLUENZA VACCINATION IS NOW AVAILABLE AT RIVERWALK MEDICAL CENTRE. PATIENTS OVER 65 RECEIVE THE VACCINE UNDER MEDICARE. FOR ALL OTHER PATIENTS THE FLU VACCINE IS $25.00. BOOK IN TODAY.
What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acutely infectious respiratory disease affecting both humans and animals, caused by the family influenza viruses (Orthomyxoviridae). Influenza is usually mistaken for the common cold, however, it is considered to be a much more serious illness and a very different type of virus.
Influenza is an airborne virus. It is expelled from infected individuals via droplets from sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose and even talking, and this is in turn inhaled by the next victim. An estimated 10-15% of the world’s population will contract Influenza per year, with as many as 50% during a pandemic.
The most frequent symptoms in humans apart from general discomfort are fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, malaise (weakness), generalised muscular and joint pains and severe headaches. Influenza is regarded as a moderately severe illness in healthy adults but in individuals who are already unwell or with chronic ailments, influenza can be very severe or even fatal with secondary bacterial complications like pneumonia arising predominantly in the elderly or young children. Nausea and vomiting may be present, especially in children, though this may be unrelated.
The symptoms of influenza infection generally last 3-5 days (can last as long as 7 days); the cough and fatigue may persist for several days, wheezing may persist for 6-8 weeks.
The period between infection and onset of symptoms is 1-4 days. A person may be contagious 1 day before symptoms appear and for 3-7 days after the onset of symptoms.
Is influenza vaccination effective?
In healthy, working adults influenza vaccination has been shown to:
- decrease the frequency of upper respiratory illness by 25%
- decrease absenteeism from work due to upper respiratory illness by 43%
- decrease absenteeism due to all illnesses by 36%
when compared with healthy working adults who had received a placebo.
Please Note: This influenza vaccine will not protect you or your child against Influenza-like-illnesses (ILI), which can be caused by other viruses and bacteria.
Is influenza vaccination safe?
The Influenza vaccine does not cause influenza, and does not contain live virus. Generally, people have no reaction to the vaccine although some may experience side effects such as tenderness and redness at the site. This usually clears within a day or two of vaccination.
There are instances where people should not receive influenza vaccine, for example those who are allergic to eggs or the chicken products used to prepare the vaccine. Prior to each individual vaccination, people complete a checklist that covers the circumstances in which vaccination should not take place. At the time of vaccination staff then confirm information on the checklist and are available to answer any questions related to this information.
Vaccination is only administered by trained and authorised staff, experienced in managing all situations associated with vaccination.
FULL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
HERE EVERY MONDAY 9am - 1pm!
Every Monday morning Riverwalk Medical Centre runs a special clinic for patients who are at risk of/ or who have had high cholesterol, high bood pressure or diabetes. The clinic runs for approximately 50minutes and includes an ECG (Heart Check) , Spirometry (Lung Function Test) and ABI (Check for Circulation and Blood Pressure). It is Bulk Billed and a MUST for anyone who suffers from any of the above conditions, or for patients who wish to have a full health assessment. Appointments are essential. Book Today!
ARE YOU 45-49 YEARS OLD?
IF YOU ANSWERED YES THEN YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FULL HEALTH ASSESSMENT!
The Health Check is targeted at patients who may be AT RISK of developing a chronic disease.
EXAMPLES OF CHRONIC DISEASE:
- ASTHMA
- DIABETES
- CARDIOVASCULAR ILLNESS
- MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
- ARTHRITIS ETC
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE - BOOK IN TODAY.For more queries do not hesitate to contact the Practice on (07) 55 622 910.
HPV VACCINE - (FREE FOR 18-26yr Old Females)
The HPV Vaccine is now available at Riverwalk Medical Centre to patients 18 to 26 years of age. The cost is covered by Medicare for patients who hold a current Medicare Card. BOOK IN TODAY to be protected againt HPV - Or for more information about the vaccine - CONTACT US at the Practice on (07) 55 622 910.
CLICK HERE to view Dr Chettys presentation of the new HPV Vaccine as seen at the Womens Health Expo.
INFLUENZA VACCINATION 2009
What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, which is passed through aerosol or by direct contact spread from person to person.
The incubation period is between 1 and 5 days and infected people are contagious for about five days, beginning one day before the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms include - fever, headache,muscle pains,prostration, sore throat and cough and may be complicated by other diseases such as pneumonia.
How Can I Be Protected Against Influenza?
Influenza is a avccine preventable disease, but vaccines need to be given each year, because the viruses are always changing.
You can protect yourself against Influenza by getting vaccinated TODAY! The Flu Vaccine is only $20.00 and available NOW.
*FREE FOR PATIENTS OVER 65 years of age. (Covered by Medicare)
COSMETIC PROCEDURES NOW AVAILABLE
Now offering *FREE consultations on Cosmetic Procedures for the treatment of wrinkles.
Whenever you laugh, frown, concentrate or squint your facial muscles contract, causing wrinkles and lines to form. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity and those lines can deepen and become permanently etched on your face.
Advancements in skincare technology mean we can now compliment your normal skincare regime with non-surgical cosmetics. These procedures are minimally invasive, fast, safe, affordable and convenient with zero to minor downtime. Best of all they are very effective and produce natural-looking results.
Book NOW for a FREE consultation on (07)55 622 910 with Dr Vijyaya Chetty.
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