FLU, Gejala, Pengobatan dan Pencegahannya

FLU, Gejala, Pengobatan dan Pencegahannya

Saat musim pancaroba kebanyakan dari kita telah terbiasa dengan penyakit flu. Dan beberapa dari kita mengganggap penyakit flu ini adalah penyakit musiman yang sulit dicegah datangnya. Namun tahukah Anda apa sebenarnya penyakit flu dan bagaimana pengobatan serta pencegahan penyakit flu ini?

Penyakit Flu

Penyakit flu adalah salah satu penyakit pernafasan yang disebabkan oleh virus (virus influenza).

Penyebaran virus penyakit flu biasanya melalui udara, berbagi alat makan dan minum, atau kontak langsung dengan penderita. Virus yang menempel di kulit dapat masuk ke dalam tubuh saat menyentuh atau menggaruk hidung dan mulut dan penyebarannya begitu mudah.

Mencuci tangan sangat penting guna membatasi penyebaran virus ini. Umumnya setelah terserang, gejala akan mulai terasa pada hari ke-1 hingga hari ke-4 pasca infeksi.

Gejala Penyakit Flu

Gejala - gejala apa sajakah yang timbul saat kita terserang virus flu?

Biasanya tubuh akan demam, bersin-bersin, hidung tersumbat dan keluar cairan, sakit kepala, nyeri otot, nyeri persendian, rasa tidak enak badan, lesu, dan kehilangan selera makan, terkadang disertai juga dengan batuk dan sakit tenggorokan.

Untuk anak-anak dan orang dewasa, penyakit flu adalah penyakit yang bisa sembuh sendiri dalam satu minggu. Namun untuk orang yang tidak sehat atau daya tahannya menurun, penyakit flu bisa berakibat fatal karena tanda-tanda penyakit flu bisa menjadi sangat parah dan mungkin terjadi komplikasi seperti pneumonia, sinusitis, dan radang dalam telinga. Kebanyakan komplikasinya adalah infeksi kuman karena daya tahan tubuh menjadi menurun untuk melawan kuman-kuman yang masuk.

Mengobati Penyakit Flu

Sebagai penyakit yang berasal dari virus, pengobatan penyakit flu dapat dilakukan dengan dua cara, yaitu:

Pertama, Simptomatis (hanya untuk mengatasi keluhan) dengan beristirahat dan mengonsumsi makanan sehat bergizi demi meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh yang melemah.

Pada fase ini penderita dianjurkan meminum obat flu sebagai pereda dini ketika gejala masih ringan. Obat flu setidaknya harus mengandung:
1. Anti nyeri dan anti panas (analagetik/anti piretik) untuk mengatasi gejala demam, sakit kepala, nyeri otot dan sendi.
2. Penurun bengkak (dekongestan) untuk gejala hidung tersumbat
3. Anti Alergi (anti histamin) untuk gejala bersin dan gatal pada
hidung/tenggorokan.

Kedua, Ke dokter untuk mendapat antibiotik. Antibiotik untuk mengatasi infeksi sekunder akibat bakteri; bila Influenza ditandai dengan perubahan warna lendir hidung dari jernih menjadi kuning atau kehijauan, suara menjadi serak dan nyeri menelan.

Mencegah Penyakit Flu

Walaupun 'hanya' flu, namun penyakit flu ini tetap saja dapat mengganggu rutinitas dan produktivitas kerja dan mengarah ke penyakit yang lebih serius seperti pneumonia. Bahkan setiap tahun ribuan orang meninggal di rumah sakit akibat komplikasi flu.

Oleh sebab itu berikut ini adalah beberapa hal  yang harus diperhatikan :

Cucilah tanganmu
Cuci tangan dengan sabun termasuk cara yang sangat efektif untuk mencegah penularan penyakit flu. Lebih baik lagi bila Anda mempersering melakukan cuci tangan, karena  dengan mencuci tangan kuman-kuman penyakit di tangan akan larut bersama air.

Jauhkan tangan Anda
Menyentuh hidung atau mata Anda bisa jadi membuat Anda sakit. Pasalnya, lewat tempat-tempat itulah biasanya kuman masuk.

Tidak perlu menggigit jari Anda
Hilangkan kebiasaan untuk menggigit jari. Sebab, kuku Anda adalah tempat berkumpulnya kuman.

Beristirahat
Cukup istirahat merupakan salah satu cara mudah untuk menangkal penyakit flu. Disarankan untuk istirahat antara 8-10 jam semalam.


Vaksin flu
Vaksin flu memang bukan obat untuk menyembuhkan flu, namun dapat mencegah dari terjangkitnya penyakit flu.

Konsumsi makanan sehat
Mulailah dari mengkonsumsi buah dan sayur-mayur yang bisa mendukung sistem kekebalan tubuh. Langkah ini jauh lebih baik daripada mengobati flu.

Berolahraga
Olahragalah hingga berkeringat. Sebab olahraga teratur dapat meningkatkan kekebalan tubuh.


 Jaga jarak dengan penderita
Ketika ada orang sekitar Anda yang sedang terkena gejala flu, seperti bersin, atau batuk, jagalah jarak untuk memperkecil resiko Anda tertular darinya.

Berhenti merokok
Selain sebagai penyebab utama penyakit kanker, serangan jantung, impotensi, serta gangguan kehamilan dan janin, merokok bisa meningkatkan resiko infeksi yang menyebabkan perubahan struktur pernafasan dan mengurangi kekebalan tubuh. Merokok bisa membunuh cilia, serat tubuh mirip rambut di dalam hidung yang berfungsi menghambat infeksi.

Tomcat Alert

Tomcat Alert
Dr Madan M Vasandani

Family Physician, Centrepoint Healthcare

I am sure all of you have heard of the Tomcats that are affecting a big percentage of the Surabayan population. To be honest with you I did not know much about Tomcats until recently.  A Tomcat is a family of the Rove Beetle, an insect that has an ant like shape but it has a more elongated body with orange and black striations. When threatened, it raises its abdomen, in the manner of a scorpion. Its secretions are acidic in nature and when it comes in contact with human skin it causes a very itchy rash that looks like that of a Herpes infection.

The Tomcat secretes a fluid called Paedrin which can cause blisters 24 – 48 hours after contact. The blisters can be infectious through towels, clothes or other things that comes in contact with Paedrin. So far the effects of the fluid have only been reported in Surabaya. Due to the ever increasing commute between cities in Indonesia, the chances of seeing Tomcats in Jakarta are very high. Reports say that these insects do not fly. 

If you come in contact with a Tomcat, stay calm and don’t panic. DO NOT try to kill it or hit it.  This will cause the the toxin to come into contact with your skin which can lead to the typical herpes like rash. Also do not scratch it as this can spread the toxin to a wider area resulting in a more widespread rash. Instead, blow it away or take a plastic bag and allow these insects to enter on its own and dispose the plastic bag in a proper place. Wash immediately it with soap and water. Soap  is alkaline in nature while the toxin is acidic. By washing it with soap you are actually neutralizing the toxin. 

The authorities are saying that the best way to kill the insect is by using insecticides. The consequences of this is that insecticides damages the environment which will further lead to the extradition of the tomcats from its natural habitat. The best insecticide for killing the tomcats without damaging the environment is those that is non-chemical base. Here is how you can make non-chemical insecticides in the comfort of your own house

Ingredients:

1. Neem leaves (daun mimba)

2. Galangal (lengkuas)

3. Lemon grass (daun serai)

Take equal portions of these ingredients and  mash it. Boil it in water (100 grms per litre of water) and heat it to 60 degrees. Leave it for 2 days.

You can spray this solution into the natural habitats of the Tomcats which is the moist and wet areas of your house.

            

    I hope this information regarding Tomcats is useful. Ensure that you keep your house and surrounding as dry and as clean as possible. These insects do not like to be in dry areas. Stay safe. If you have been exposed to a Tomcat or you have other Medical Condition, do not hesitate to make an appointment with our Centrepoint Healthcare physicians at 570-6208

A few interesting facts in the field of medicine

A few interesting facts in the field of medicine

                There is a wealth of information in the net in the field of medicine, here are some excerpts from various articles I found interesting. I hope you find this information useful

1. Early Antiretroviral treatment cuts HIV transmission – People infected with HIV are 96 percent less likely to transmit the disease to their healthy partners if they start antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) early, according to a study hailed as a scientific breakthrough of 2011.
2. Statins use linked to lower death rate in flu patients – The use of Statins – cholesterol lowering drugs - may reduce the risk of death in patients hospitalized for influenza. In a large US study, the administration of statins to flu patients before or after hospitalization reduced mortality rates by 41 percent3.    
3.    Acupuncture improves chemo-induced pain – Cancer patients who develop peripheral neuropathy as a result of chemotherapy may be able to turn to acupuncture to relieve their pain, according to data from a small pilot study
4.     Flu vaccination reduces COPD deaths in elderly – Mandatory preventive vaccination against seasonal influenza can reduce the mortality rate of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – a disease of the lung due to excessive smoking – among those aged 65 years and older during influenza outbreaks, according to a Japanese study
5. Combined oral contraceptive pill helps ease painful periods – taking birth control pills may offer extra benefit for women who suffer from menstrual pain. In a study, which involved 2,102 women aged 19 at baseline, those who received a combined oral contraceptive pill had significantly lower severity of menstrual pain
6. Have a beer once a day – A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that men who drank ONE beer a day for one month lowered their cholesterol levels, increased their blood levels of heart-healthy antioxidants, and reduced their level of fibrinogen, a protein that contributes to blood clots. Choose either beer or wine – not both 
7. There are 3 new health benefits of eating chocolate  
   
   a.       Chocolate makes you smarter – Flavanols in dark chocolate increase cerebral blood flow, which in turn may trigger the creation of new blood vessels and brain cells
   b.      Chocolate weakens heart attacks – A new study showed that regular chocolate eaters who had heart disease were less likely to die following a heart attack compared with people who didn’t treat themselves to the dark and dreamy stuff
   c.       Chocolate has a cavity-fighting compound- Theobromine in chocolate is as good as fluoride at hardening tooth enamel
   
   
   
8. One study found that men with the following conditions had a greater likelihood of having Low Testosterone – Obesity, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Asthma. If you are a male above age 50 and you have one of these conditions make sure you get your Testosterone checked

The adage “There is to side to a coin” works for medicine. There are always benefits to everything that you do or eat. Do not be a pessimist because there is always a brighter side to life. Enjoy life, Don’t 

abuse it

 

Seek and you will find!!

                                            Seek and you will find!!
                                                         By:
                                           Dr Madan M Vasandani

The recent horrific accident in Jakarta involving a convict by the name of Afriyani and 9 innocent souls has touched my heart. I could not fathom how at 10 am on a busy street a lady could ram her car spot on into 9 innocent souls. She must be a sharp shooter. Maybe she deserves a place in the Indonesian Olympic team for target shooting. The chances of this happening I think could be more than 1 in a million. It is absolutely horrendous. For everybody reading this please ensure that you do not take drugs. My father when he was teaching me how to drive told me “When driving do not worry about your wellbeing, worry about the wellbeing of your passangers and also the people around you”. I wish my dad taught Afriyani how to drive
The convict tested positive for Methemphetamine, Marijuana and Alcohol. This is a lethal combination. How could anybody allow a person drugged with these poison to go behind the wheel and drive from Kemang to God knows where. Shame on the passengers. They should also be arrested for assisting in man slaughter. Let me just explain to you what these drugs are and what they can do to you in the short term and also its long term complications.

- Methemphetamine (Ecstasy) – The immediate effects of taking
methamphetamine are restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, euphoria, blurred vision
and aggressiveness. Well now we know that her aggressive driving at 10 am
coupled with blurred vision and superwomen like behavior could be the reason
for her ‘sharp shooting’ ability.


- Marijuana – In 2004 the UN estimated that 4% of the adult world population use
cannabis annually. The active ingredient in cannabis that causes the psychoactive
and physiological effect is THC. Its short term effect includes change in
perception, impairment of short-term and working memory, psychomotor coordination, and concentration. Well then, the ‘man slaughter’ could have been caused by her forgetting that she was driving at 10 am in a busy street and unable to concentrate coupled with the effect of methamphetamine mentioned above. Wait, there is an element of whisky in her blood that could compound the effect of methamphetamine and marijuana.



- Whisky (alcohol) – Drinking whisky will result in a worse hangover than vodka, according to the research by US scientists. The study also showed that workers in “safety-sensitive” roles could be impaired by drinking alcohol long after the alcohol itself had disappeared from the bloodstream. Whisky has 40 – 60 % ethanol content. The effects of ethanol includes slowed reaction time, blurred
vision, lowered inhibitions and increase in risk behavior.

Now we know why she in her ignorance’ purposely’ killed those 9 innocent souls and injured 4 others. People, whatever your age is, I hope for the sake of mankind and the people walking on the streets do not take drugs. It not only kills you but it also kills the people around you. Stop this “its my life” attitude because whatever decisions you make for your life affects other people. It is never just your life, it is everybody’s life that is at stake by the decisions you make.
It is high time that the government takes stance against drugs in bars and pubs. It is their responsibility to protect the people. Measures should be taken in the bars to ensure that drugs are not distributed and sanctions should be given to the bars where drugs are found. I hope after reading this article your ignorance is switched to knowledge and I hope this knowledge translates to wisdom. Be safe, for your sake and
also the people around you. Seek a problem and I guarantee you will find it. If you need help to get rid of your addictions, don’t hesitate to meet our doctors at Centrepoint Healthcare.

Jakarta – A quagmire every time it rains

Jakarta – A quagmire every time it rains

By Dr Madan M Vasandani

            January is a precarious month of the year if you are living in Jakarta. The peak of the rainy season in 2012 is predicted to be in the month of January. Like the previous rainy seasons in Jakarta, it brings with it the floods, traffic jams and not forgetting the diseases. The floods that hit Jakarta 5 years back brought with it an insurgence in the number of Hepatitis A, Typhoid, tetanus and Cholera cases. This should be a lesson for all of us and it should lead to a question of whether you are prepared for this years floods. Looking at the ever deepening puddle in front of my apartment after a drizzle tells me that the Jakarta government is not ready for this years impending doom. 

            Since we Jakartans cannot do much to calm the storm, the least we can do is to protect ourselves from illnesses that can be an epidemic when it floods. These illnesses include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Cholera. The vaccines for these diseases are available and they are very effective and carry almost no side effects. The other conditions that can be due to the rain and flooding are water borne illnesses like Gastroenteritis and Vector borne illnesses like Dengue fever. Make sure you do all you can to prevent yourself from getting sick. Here are some suggestions

• Whatever you eat should be steam hot.
• Whatever you drink is either bottled water or from a dispenser.
• Watch out for those dodgy looking ice-drinks at the streets or even in restaurants. If you like your drink to be cold, ask for a cold preparation and ensure no ice in your glass.
•  The vegetables that you eat should be properly cleaned.   
• A common condition during flooding which is underestimated is leptospirosis. This is a bacterial infection that can affect anyone who is exposed to contaminated waters. The symptoms of this disease include flu like symptoms, eye pain especially to bright light, fever and chills. This disease can lead to severe complications if not treated early. Ensure you meet your physician if you are having these symptoms.
• Get Vaccinated against the Flu

The common adage “Carry an umbrella before it rains” is very proper for this season. Make sure your experience during this years rainy season is remembered only for the good things. You cannot prevent the rain or the floods but you can prevent yourself and your family from getting sick. Keep safe!!

If you would like to get vaccinated for the above conditions or if the rains have affected your health, call Centrepoint Healthcare at 5706208 for an appointment.

The Waiting Game

The Waiting game

                2 months ago I went to the dentist because I cracked my molar. The dentist told me that I needed to do a root canal operation and then a new molar cap will be inserted. I am a doctor and I know what happens if I delay treatment. Sure enough I am writing this article while a horrendous ache lies deep in my gums and pointing a finger at me saying “I told you to get it treated earlier”. There has been a tremendous leap in the world of Preventive medicine in the past few years. The one development that caught my attention is the Vaccine against Cervical Cancer. The development of a vaccine against cancer is exactly what the world needs. The number of people affected by Cancer every year is just shocking. I am sure, you know of someone who has cancer or died of cancer. 

There is now a prevention against cervical cancer which is one of the most common cancer affecting females. In Indonesia, Cervical Cancer ranks number 1. A report in one of the leading hospitals in Indonesia stated that out of the 8000 females diagnosed with cancer in 2002, 2500 of them had Cervical Cancer. I was in complete shock to see this figure. Cervical Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia. The bright side to this is that a vaccine that can prevent it up to 70% is now available. If you are a girl between the age of 12 -24 years and you have not got the vaccine, ensure that you make an appointment with your family physician and request to get vaccinated. 

                If you are not yet convinced or you are planning to delay the vaccination for another year maybe these few points will encourage you to get vaccinated

1. It decreases your chance of developing Cervical Cancer by 70%
2. Its only documented side effects are low grade fever and pain at the injection site
3. It is cost effective. A women diagnosed with Cervical Cancer can spend up to 100 to 150 thousand US dollars to treat the cancer. To get vaccinated it cost about 200 US dollar
4. Cervical Cancer can affect females as young as 35 years old.
5. It is widely available.

In life we are faced with so many issues. Wouldn’t it be amazing and mind soothing if you know that you are protected against cancer. Strike the iron when it is hot. Do not wait another day to get vaccinated. If you are encouraged now, ensure you do not procrastinate like the doctor who is writing this article. It could prove to be a very painful experience. Centrepoint Healthcare provides the Cervical Cancer vaccine. We are located in Midplaza 1, basement floor, Jl Sudirman. For an appointment call 5706208

Realistic Resolutions

Realistic Resolutions

By :Dr Madan M Vasandani

The minute we step into December, it is natural for all of us to think ofresolutions for the New Year. Every human being has a desire to become better, to ridthe past that they want to forget and to embrace a future of their dreams. It is butnatural to want to improve our state of being.
The problem with resolutions is that sometimes we aim too high and we do not achieve our goals of the year. The old adage “Aim for the sky and you might reach the ceiling” should still ring in your ears. In terms of health, this adage is very valid as nowadays we need to always be in pristine health in order to do our daily activities.

Here are some health resolutions I think need to be on your resolution list:

1. Get Vaccinated - Vaccines prevent everything from the flu to cervical cancer. 

Ladies, did you know that a vaccine to prevent Cervical Cancer exists? If you know and you haven’t got the vaccine it is time to get it. This vaccine is for females between the ages of 12 to 25 years. Research proves that this vaccine prevents cervical cancer up to 98%. So what are you waiting for? Get the vaccine and be protected. 

Even if you aren't a candidate for the cervical cancer vaccine, in this fast paced life, nobody has the time to be down with the flu. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine is out. Get vaccinated to stay productive.

2. Get Moving – In everything that you do, make sure you move your body. 

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is “Exercise to lose weight”. Admit it, you are planning to put that in your list. The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines exercise as “bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness”. I do not see the word “gymnasium” in that definition. I have many friends who have signed up for a gym membership but never go. If you are one of those people who just doesn’t have the time to stop by at the gym and run on the treadmill then you should follow these simple but effective rules

a. Walk – walk all the time. In your office when you are thinking; to the restaurant; to the coffee shop; to your office... Just walk.

I was in Singapore a couple of months ago and I did not notice a single obese person. My opinion is that Singaporeans walk a lot, so Jakartans – start walking.

b. Cycle – When was the last time you took that bicycle that your mom and dad bought for you for your 17th birthday? I know what you must be thinking – “There is no space to cycle in Jakarta”. There is always space on a Sunday or even on a Saturday. Remember if there is a will there is always a way

c. Dance – Husbands it is time to take your wife dancing. Don’t just go out for dinner. Plan a dance night at least once a month. Not only does it help you burn calories but it also re-ignites your romantic fire. The only way to lose weight and maintain it is if you burn calories constantly and the only way to sustain this is by performing activities that you enjoy and is natural for you. So, find out what you like to do and do it. If you do something without burden, I am

sure you will be more successful at it

3. Get your diet right - One of Hippocrates's famous quotes “Let food be thy medicine” is the least understood and underused quotes in the world of medicine.
As a doctor when I prescribe a medicine, I ensure that the medicine is the correct one for the condition and I ensure the dose is correct for the condition and I also ensure that the medicine does not lead to any danger. You should treat food the same way. Remember “You are what you eat”. Eat the right food at the right amount and ensure the food you are eating does not lead to unwanted consequences in the future. Here is a simple formula that all should follow to stay healthy – Decrease carbohydrates by 50% and increase vegetables, fruits and protein consumption by 50%. This will balance out your calorie intake and it will help you stay full for longer periods of time

4. Get a Medical Check up done – If you are 40 years and above it is time for you to get a Medical Check Up. 

Going for a Medical Check Up is like sending your car for a routine service. Our body goes through a lot of challenges and everyday and it is bound to break down. Even the best of cars break down. Murphy’s law says “if something can go wrong, it will go wrong”. This is valid for our bodies as well. Get a Medical Check Up done, and find out which areas of your health needs to be tuned

I hope these resolutions will help you to have an awesome 2012. Always think prevention. As much as you can Prevent Disease and Also Prevent Complications. Stay healthy. Call Centrepoint Healthcare for an appointment at 5706208. Have a Happy New Year.