News...
Measles outbreak in Cork.
Parents are urged to make sure that their children are vaccinated against measles following a nationwide outbreak of the disease which has left a child severely ill in hospital with pneumonia as a result of measles infection. The current outbreak which started in August, is continuing, and there are real concerns about spread among non-vaccinated individuals. Eleven cases had been reported by the end of November, bringing the total to 75 so far this year. This compares to 50 for the same period last year. Eighteen people have hospitalised with measles this yearand no deaths have been reported. One patient has required intensive care treatment for severe pneumonia. Most cases (80%) are less than 10 years of age; with 30% aged 1-2 years of age. The majority of cases this year have occurred among children from the Travelling community. Measles is highly infectious and can cause severe illness and occasionally cause death.vAn outbreak in 2000 resulted in 1600 cases and, unfortunaley, three deaths.
As vaccination with the MMR is the only way to prevent measles infection, all parents must make sure their children have received the recommended two doses of the vaccine. While the first dose is usually given at 12 months of age by GPs and the second in school at 4-5 years of age, the vaccine can be received at any time.
There is no charge for the MMR vaccine.
There has been a lot of research to show there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, bowel disease or hyperactivity. These research studies have been carried out in the UK, the USA, Sweden and Finland, and involve thousands of children. Experts from around the world, including the World Health Organization, have agreed that there is no link between MMR and autism, bowel disease or hyperactivity. In nearly 30 years, over 500 million doses of MMR have been given in over 90 countries. It has an excellent safety record. If you have questions regarding the MMR vaccine you should discuss them with one of the doctor's or nurses in Hollyhill Medical Centre.
Swine Flu in Cork. An update January 2010.
We are in the middle of a flu pandemic (international outbreak). The official name for this flu is Pandemic(H1N1) 2009 -previously Influenza A(H1N1)-however it is being referred to as Swine Flu. In this update we look at the current trends relating to Swine Flu, some reported cases of drug resistent swine flu, an update on the Swine Flu vaccination program, what to do if you have flu like symptoms and a brief history of Swine Flu.
Swine Flu in Cork.
Influenza in Ireland continued to decrease during the past week but still remains at higher levels than those recorded in previous years. There have been over 4500 confirmed cases of Swine Flu have in Ireland. Children and young adults remain the most affected groups; 80% of cases are less than 35 years of age. (As WHO has advised doctors to reduce laboratory testing of suspect cases and to move to clinical diagnosis of influenza-like illness, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of Swine Flu here understates the actual number of cases in the population). In Ireland the majority of patients (22%) admitted to hospital with Swine Flu related complications have had pre-existing respiratory problems (7% have been immunosupressed, 7% have been pregnant, 5% have had heart problems, 5% have had diabetes and 1% have been severely obese). However illness continues to be mild in the majority of cases. Complications have been mostly respiratory in nature; 141 patients developed pneumonia and 49 developed other acute breathing problems. Other reported complications included chest infections, acute kidney failure and multi-organ failure. Twenty two deaths have been confirmed in patients with Swine Flu so far (7th January). (Worldwide there have been over 500,000 cases with at least 6500 deaths).
Tamiflu Resistence:
Doctors are urging people at risk of contracting swine flu to get vaccinated against the virus after five people in Wales have been diagnosed with a strain resistant to Tamiflu. The advice came from Dr Roland Salmon, of the National Public Health Service for Wales. He was speaking after it was announced that five patients in Cardiff, have been diagnosed with a strain resistant to the antiviral drug. Dr Salmon said: "Vaccination is the most effective tool we have in preventing swine flu, so I urge people identified as being at risk to look out for their invitation to be vaccinated.” “The Tamiflu-resistant strain will become much more common as the virus mutates, according to flu expert, Professor Nigel Dimmock. "If you use Tamiflu at the level we are using it resistance occurs."
The Swine Flu Vacciantion:
The Swine Flu vaccine is safe and our national immunisation program is in full swing. The program has been expanded from those who have pre existing long term illness or are pregnant (from 14 weeks to 6 weeks after birth) to include : children from 6 months to under 5 years old, people aged over 65 years and school children aged 5 – 18. In Cork city the Swine Flu Vaccination clinic is running from Neptune Stadium, Blackpool. Clinic times are Mon, Tues 10am-4pm and Thur, Fri 10am-3pm. Note no clinic on Wednesdays. Appointments can be booked on www.swineflu.ie or ring 1850 24 1850 for more information. You can also call to the clinic without an appointment (bring your ppsn) but may have to wait longer. Over the coming weeks everybody will be offered the vaccine. Get the vaccine not the flu.
What should I do if I get a Flu like illness?
If you get sick with a flu-like illness phone the Flu Information Line on Freephone 1800 94 11 00, available 24 hrs a day. Listen to the symptoms of flu and the advice on home care. Most people with flu will be able to recover at home within a few days without needing anti-viral medicine or medical care. If you have severe symptoms, or are in a high risk group, contact Hollyhill surgery by telephone (0214211787). We will help you decide if you need to be seen at our surgery. You should stay at home for 7 days while ill unless needing further care.
What steps should I take if I become ill with Swine Flu?
Stay at home for seven days – avoid spreading infection to others. Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose. Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Take simple anti-fever medication such as paracetamol or aspirin (NB aspirin should NOT be given to children under 16 years of age) and drink plenty of fluids. It is important to ensure that all household surfaces that are touched by hands are kept clean, especially bedside tables, surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens and childrens toys. Such surfaces should be wiped regularly with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. If you continue to fell unwel contact us a t the surgery.
Swine Flu: Where did it come from?
Over the past decade the world has seen a number of specific illnesses which have moved very rapidly from the initial location to a distant country within a matter of days due to the ease of international travel and the lack of specific symptoms in the first few days of an illness. This was particularly evident with SARS in 2003 and more recently with the emerging problems associated with what is referred to as 'Avian Influenza' (H5N1). The current outbreak of Swine Influenza (H1N1) has moved into a human to human pattern and cases have been confirmed throughout the globe.
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because lab tests showed that it was similar to flu viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has parts similar to swine flu virus, parts similar to bird flu virus and finally parts similar to human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple" virus and are now calling this virus Influenza A(H1N1).
Flu Vaccine is here!
We now have the Flu Vaccine in Stock!
The seasonal flu vaccine is now in stock,call in or book an appointment to receive yours.
Everybody should consider the vaccine but the following groups are highly reccomended to have the vaccine:
1. Persons aged 65 years or older
2.Younger people with certain illnesses including chronic lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes or those with a suppressed immune system.
3.Residents of nursing homes, old peoples’ homes, and other long stay facilities
4.Home Carers of older people and younger people with above illnesses
5.Health Care Workers
New Medical centre for Hollyhill!
We are a two doctor practice set in an urban setting in Hollyhill in Cork City. In 2008 we moved premises to a purpose built 2,500 square foot premises on the junction of Harbour View Road and Courtown Drive. We are a mixed private and GMS practice, both partners (Dr George O Mahony and Dr Nick Flynn) are full GMS contract holders. In April 2008 Dr Flynn replaced Dr Noel O Mahony who had been a GP in the area for 38 years. Dr Noel’s patients are very welcome to our new surgery. We have been appointed to the panel of doctors participating in the CIE and ESB employee medical schemes. Employees from both schemes are welcome. We are fully registered with VHI, BUPA and Aviva. We have three practice nurses, Sheila, Brigid and Helen. We have 7 fully equiped consultation rooms. We have a practice manager, two full-time and three part-time secretaries. We have a good working relationship with the members of our newly founded Primary Care Team including Public Health Nurses, Local Social Workers, Physiotherapists and the Area Medical Officer. When contacting the surgery please bear with us. There are four incoming lines and our front desk staff answer them diligently throughout the day. Unfortunately you may still be on hold while they are dealing with other patients. Looking forward to seeing you soon.