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MENINGITIS VACCINES...WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TAKING IT

                         We are all aware of the current ongoing outbreak of meningitis in Nigeria especially in the northern part of the country.The need for the meningitis vaccine is very dire and though scarce at the moment is very important especially when leaving a less endemic area to a more endemic area. It is also of paramount importance to the current prospective corps members.  This vaccine takes care of specific strains of the infection.The strain presently prominent in Nigeria is the C strain.         After taking this vaccine there are certain symptoms to expect and this article aims to highlight some of these symptoms. The symptoms may be similar to the symptoms observed when you have the infection.  These symptoms include: Stiff neck High grade fever Headache Nausea Dizziness Back pain Pain around the injection site especially 3-4hours after the ...

CARDIAC ARREST VS HEART ATTACK??? YES THERE IS A DIFFERENCE

    People often use these two terms interchangeably ,but they are not the same.     This article is to help you spot the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest…. WHAT IS A CARDIAC ARREST??? Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.    Cardiac arrest is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia ).With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain ,lungs and other organs. WHAT HAPPENS… Seconds later,a person unresponsive, is not breathing or is only gasping. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment. KEYNOTE..  Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem THE WAY OUT /WHAT TO DO…. Cardiac arrest can be reversible in some victims if its treated within a few minutes .    First,call the ambulance and start CPR (Cardio pulmonary Resuscitation) ...

ADVERSE EVENTS AND SIDE EFFECTS ....WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

      Adverse events are unintended pharmacologic effects that occur when a medication is administered correctly while a side effect is a secondary unwanted effect that occurs due to drug therapy. It is a common misconception that adverse events and side effects are the same thing. In fact I have seen these 2 words used interchangeably although they have different meanings, which many healthcare professionals may not be aware of.   Below I will discuss each in order to help healthcare professionals as well as patients differentiate between an adverse event and a side effect. Adverse Events               An adverse event is an undesired occurrence that results from taking a medication correctly. The event can either be a type A reaction or a type B reaction. Type A reactions are predictable adverse events which are commonly dose dependent and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Type B reactions are completely unpredic...

TIPS ON KEEPING THE HYPERTENSION AWAY...

Hypertension has now become an epidermic especially among the blacks .Here are some tips that can help keep it at bay... • Keep away from stressing stimuli It is best to involve in creative activities such as painting, exercising,and swimming to not only keep your body fit but also to ensure an outlet from all the stress buildup inside you. • Reduce Saturated Fat Content Stay away from junk food and switch to fresher and healthier options such as;fruits,vegetables and unsaturated fats. These can help prevent episodes of high blood pressure • Limit Caffeine And Alcohol And Quit Smoking Speak to your doctor about how much caffeine and alcohol is suitable for you on a daily basis. Also , quit smoking or resort to alternatives such s nicotine gums or e-cigarettes . • Reduce Salt Intake Salt is perhaps the most common part of our everyday diet. But it is salt that causes a rise in blood pressure. It does so by increasing the solute content in the blood and raising the over...

BAD EFFECTS OF CHRONIC USE OF DEXAMETHASONE

Dexamethasone is a medication that belongs to the group of medications called STEROIDS. This amazing drug can be used to treat many different conditions such as ;Allergic disorders ,skin conditions, ulcerative colitis,arthritis etc.   Dexamethasone has some side effects such as ;muscle tightness,shortness of breath ,low heart rate etc..     Dexamethasone causes weight gain and as a result of this,it is subject to abuse by a lot of people round the world . If you are among those that take dexamethasone for its weight gain effect ….I got bad news for you.. The following are the bad effects of dexamethasone; • Increased blood pressure • Hypokalaemia(low potassium)which can lead to general body weakness • Insomnia • Hyperglycemia • Immunosuppression which is responsible for continuous sickness and infection due to a suppressed immune system. • Impotence • Menstrual problems. For more information on this…please talk to your pharmacist or a qualified heal...

Basic Facts About Fungal Arthritis

Fungal arthritis facts • Fungal arthritis  is inflammation of a joint by a fungus microorganism that has invaded the body and is growing in the normally sterile joint. • Fungal arthritis can be caused by the spread of fungus through the bloodstream or by directly inserting fungus into a joint. • Fungal arthritis in people with normal immune systems is rare. • Symptoms of fungal arthritis include pain, heat, swelling, warmth, redness, and loss of range of motion of the affected joint. • Fungal arthritis is diagnosed by analyzing affected joint fluid. • Fungal arthritis is treated with antifungals that are directed against the precise fungal microbe that is causing the joint infection. • The outlook for fungal arthritis is directly related to how much damage occurs to the cartilage and bone of the joint. Earlier treatment leads to optimal outcomes. What is fungal arthritis Fungal arthritis is inflammation of a joint by a fungus microorganism that has invaded the body...

Basic Facts About Hemorrhoids

What Are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are clumps of blood vessels (veins) in the rectum. The hemorrhoidal veins are located in the lowest area of the rectum just above the anus. Sometimes they swell when the veins enlarge and their walls become stretched, thin, and irritated by passing stool. Hemorrhoids are classified into two general categories, 1) internal, and 2) external. Internal Hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids are located higher in the inside lining of the rectum and cannot be felt unless they are substantially enlarged. They usually are painless and make their presence known by causing bleeding with a bowel movement. Sometimes internal hemorrhoids prolapse or protrude outside the anus. If so, you may be able to see or feel them as moist pads of skin that are pinker than the surrounding area. Prolapsed hemorrhoids may hurt because the anus is dense with pain-sensing nerves. Prolapsed hemorrhoids usually recede into the rectum on their own; if they don't, they can be gently ...