2340 Apple FEB MARCH 2016 MkII FINAL PROOF2
Zika What you should know about the latest tropical virus that’s all over the news… By Dr. Dalia Bialostocky Zika was discovered in 1947, although outbreaks were rare prior to 2015. Until recently, Zika occurred mainly in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Now however, we see an increasing number of cases in Brazil, and across Latin America and the Caribbean. Zika virus is transmitted primarily by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Whilst there have also been cases which were transmitted sexually or from mother to baby via the placenta, these are rare. Generally, Zika is NOT passed from person to person. What are the symptoms? Zika has an incubation period of 3-12 days. Symptoms include low grade fever, joint and muscle pains, rash, conjunctivitis, a headache and eye pain. Why is Zika such a serious virus? The World Health Organisation claim that a test to more easily diagnose the Zika virus could be available within weeks, not years. When contracted during pregnancy (especially in the early stages), the Zika virus is associated with microcephaly. This is a neurological condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than those of other children of the same age and sex, and this will often lead to developmental issues. During the Zika outbreak, there have also been an increased number of cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This affects the peripheral nervous system. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system. How can you minimise the risk? There is currently no vaccine against Zika virus, so pregnant women should avoid traveling to high risk areas. If travel is unavoidable, scrupulous mosquito bite avoidance is advised. If traveling to a high risk area, avoid conception during travel and for 28 days after returning home. If a pregnant woman returns from areas of high risk, even she if does not have any symptoms, consider seeking medical advice to rule out having acquired the virus. A full range of travel vaccinations are available from JDoc365, including Yellow Fever jabs. CallJDoc365 on 0800 043 1492 for travel advice. 12 JDOC365 APPLE MAGAZINE
TRIGGER FINGER By Professor Abhilash Jain MBBS, MRCS, MSc, PhD, FRCS(Plast) Associate Professor of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Oxford & Imperial College Trust London Trigger finger is a common condition affecting the base of the finger or thumb in the palm, particularly when trying to straighten the digit. It can produce a “click” when the digit is straightened. Tendons pass through a tunnel in the finger, known as the flexor sheath. Sometimes this becomes swollen and restricts tendons, causing them to ‘catch’ and ‘lock’. This catching can cause pain and restrict movement which results in ‘triggering’. Trigger finger is more common in women, patients over 60, in the dominant hand and in those with diabetes or arthritis. It is also associated with other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the median nerve and can cause tingling and numbness in the fingers. Once the finger starts to lock, it is likely to get worse unless treated. Within the first six months, prevention of movement of the finger using a splint for up to six weeks can be effective, however it can result in some stiffness. Instead, most specialist Hand Surgeons treat trigger finger with a steroid injection. This is usually effective and patients can use the hand immediately, although the triggering may take a couple of weeks to settle down. Sometimes a repeat injection is needed six weeks following the first injection. In severe cases, a small operation may be necessary. This simple surgery only requires a local anaesthetic, but must be carried out by a specialist Hand Surgeon – and JDoc365 can refer you. The procedure is almost 100% successful, is not usually painful and patients are able to use the hand normally almost immediately. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 13
- Page 1 and 2: THEApple TODAY’S NEWS FROM YOUR D
- Page 3 and 4: Sixth sense By Dr. Herschil Lewin A
- Page 5 and 6: MEET THE DOCTOR Dr. Heschil Lewin D
- Page 7 and 8: AFFILIATE PARTNER FEATURE PROFBIOTI
- Page 9 and 10: the er FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 9
- Page 11: JDoc365 helps latest fundraiser at
- Page 15 and 16: They meet the quality, medical and
Zika<br />
What you should know about the latest<br />
tropical virus that’s all over the news…<br />
By Dr. Dalia Bialostocky<br />
Zika was discovered in 1947, although<br />
outbreaks were rare prior to 2015.<br />
Until recently, Zika occurred mainly in Africa, Southeast<br />
Asia and the Pacific Islands. Now however, we see an<br />
increasing number of cases in Brazil, and across Latin<br />
America and the Caribbean.<br />
Zika virus is transmitted primarily by the bite of an<br />
infected Aedes mosquito. Whilst there have also been<br />
cases which were transmitted sexually or from mother<br />
to baby via the placenta, these are rare. Generally, Zika<br />
is NOT passed from person to person.<br />
What are the symptoms?<br />
Zika has an incubation period of 3-12 days. Symptoms<br />
include low grade fever, joint and muscle pains, rash,<br />
conjunctivitis, a headache and eye pain.<br />
Why is Zika such a serious virus?<br />
The World<br />
Health<br />
Organisation<br />
claim that a test<br />
to more easily<br />
diagnose<br />
the Zika<br />
virus could be<br />
available within<br />
weeks, not<br />
years.<br />
When contracted during pregnancy (especially in the early<br />
stages), the Zika virus is associated with microcephaly.<br />
This is a neurological condition in which a baby's head<br />
is significantly smaller than those of other children of<br />
the same age and sex, and this will often lead to<br />
developmental issues. During the Zika outbreak, there<br />
have also been an increased number of cases of<br />
Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This affects the peripheral<br />
nervous system. It occurs when the body's immune<br />
system attacks part of the nervous system.<br />
How can you minimise the risk?<br />
There is currently no vaccine against Zika virus, so<br />
pregnant women should avoid traveling to high risk<br />
areas. If travel is unavoidable, scrupulous mosquito<br />
bite avoidance is advised.<br />
If traveling to a high risk area, avoid conception during<br />
travel and for 28 days after returning home.<br />
If a pregnant woman returns from areas of high risk,<br />
even she if does not have any symptoms, consider<br />
seeking medical advice to rule out having<br />
acquired the virus.<br />
A full range of travel vaccinations<br />
are available from JDoc365,<br />
including Yellow Fever jabs.<br />
CallJDoc365 on 0800 043 1492 for travel advice.<br />
12 JDOC365 APPLE MAGAZINE
Change language