General Medical issues thread

[blackcat20]

Woke up with a cough this morning, hoping I havent got Master TC's flu (although he hasnt had a cough...). He's finally eating again today so back to school tomorrow.

 

[Seat0B]

Oh my @Seat0B , just when you thought and hoped that things were getting better and you could all relax a little.
Its certainly still a rollercoaster for all involved.
Sending you big hugs

A feeling you unfortunately understand first hand too @ellen10

Cartia is aspirin which is an antiplatelet. It makes the blood less sticky. Clopidogrel is the other common antipathetic

Antiplatetets are ineffective against DVTs. For that you need an anticoagulant (blood thinner( (eg apixaban (eliquis) rivaroxaban (xarelto) enoxaparin(clexane) warfarin)

Antipletlets are also ineffective to prevent stroke caused by atrial fibrillation hence some stroke patients are on anticoagulants

thank you @andye, that is really helpful to understand.

 

[Seat0B]

@Pushka, atrial fibrillation has not been mentioned (as far as I am aware) in relation to mum's stroke.

 

[Pushka]

so back to school tomorrow.

the best words ever uttered by a parent.

 

[blackcat20]

RAT says not flu (or C19 or RSV), so probably the cold I've been harbouring for over two weeks has decided to go for a chest infection.

 

[kookaburra75]

RAT says not flu (or C19 or RSV), so probably the cold I've been harbouring for over two weeks has decided to go for a chest infection.

When we looped through Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, we also managed to pick up a nasty flu like bug from the Day Care->Granddaughter->Daughter-in-law->Son link. MrsK and I have been laid up for a good week, plus it's hanging around for her. The RATs (Covid/RSV/Flu A&B) are all negative. Obviously something happening down in the deep south, to be avoided

 

[blackcat20]

Miss TC has just been sent home from school too, so we are winning today.

 

[Seat0B]

Miss TC has just been sent home from school too, so we are winning today.

I think this is the worst part of motherhood - having to look after sick children while you are sick yourself.

 

[Pushka]

I think this is the worst part of motherhood - having to look after sick children while you are sick yourself.

We three (me and two kids) got chicken pox together. I started it (I was 32 and never had it as a kid) then 6 year old got it and then promptly the 12 month old got it. And then one of older sons kindy mothers came knocking at the door because she wanted her son to get chicken pox. Chicken pox party anyone? They existed.

 

[Seat0B]

We three (me and two kids) got chicken pox together. I started it (I was 32 and never had it as a kid) then 6 year old got it and then promptly the 12 month old got it. And then one of older sons kindy mothers came knocking at the door because she wanted her son to get chicken pox. Chicken pox party anyone? They existed.

When my daughter had chicken pox, aged about 6 as well, I didn’t exactly do a chicken pox party but I didn’t make a special effort to keep my two apart. My son was 18 months-ish at the time and they were always all over each other, shared the bath each night, ate each other’s left overs etc. despite a lot of close contact, he did not get chicken pox and still hasn’t had it

 

[RooFlyer]

Flu Tracking data shows cold and flu symptoms spiked in mid August to multi year highs. It got me - bad cold followed by usual lingering cough.

 

[Quickstatus]

Varicella = Chicken Pox
Zoster = Shingles

It was not until 2005 that free Varicella shots were added to the Aust immunisation list
There was a parallel catch up program for 10-13 year olds who did not get the Varicella shots or did not catch chicken pox.

That catch up program ended in 2015

It's was combined with MMR at 18months from 2013

There is an ongoing controversy regarding Varicella immunisation and incidence of Zoster

Varicella immunity wanes over time. Adults would get a natural immunity boost by being around children with Varicella infection.

The controversy is that while Immunisation reduces Varicella infection in the community and therefore less chance of natural boosting in adults, It is postulated that this lack of natural boosting increases the possibility of Zoster infections later in life.
About 45% of zoster cases have been thought to be due to the vaccine virus

So while the incidence of Varicella infection have been significantly reduced by immunisation, a number of zoster is due to the vaccine virus especially in immunocompromised people

Several countries in Europe do not have a recommendation for Varicella shots including
UK, France, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal and many others consider it optional
One of the reasons was the above controversy and the view that Varicella is a mild childhood illness - hence the Chicken pox parties

 

[mrsterryn]

Still yet to have my second shingles shot

Had the rubella shot when I was at high school oh so many years ago

Had a booster when first grandchild was being expected . Handy cause it had the tetanus as well

Yet to have pneumococcal one yet either

 

[RooFlyer]

Just heard on radio that free covid vaccinations for all will end after Oct 1.

Over 70's - 2 x free annually
Over 65 - 1 x free annually
Aboriginal Torres Strait, and some other groups, also still in free group.
Else - available for a fee.