Whelehans Health News

Holiday Tips Part 1 Several diseases travelers should be aware of include hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria. Hepatitis A: a liver viral infection contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with an infected person.  Practicing good hygiene will protect against catching the hepatitis A.  A vaccine is also available. Typhoid is contracted in the same way as hepatitis A but is caused by a bacterium instead of a virus.  The bacterium, called Salmonella typhi, enters the intestines and can spread to the bloodstream. Antibiotics are used to treat typhoid. It is recommended to get vaccinated against the...

Hayfever- Part 2 Treatment As total avoidance of triggers like pollen is impossible, medication is often needed to control symptoms. Antihistamines Oral antihistamines are effective in relieving eye symptoms, running nose, sneezing and nasal irritation but have negligible effect on nasal congestion. Antihistamines are useful in patients with troublesome symptoms at multiple sites e.g. itching of roof of the mouth, throat or eyes. First Generation Antihistamines. ("Sedative") Sedation is the most common side effect of these drugs and may affect the patient’s ability to drive and operate machinery and concentrate. They should not be used in patients with prostatic hypertrophy...

Hayfever- Part 1 Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen or spores. Hay fever affects the nose, sinuses, throat, and eyes. From May to July grass and flowers are in pollen, so is the most common time for hay fever. Mould and fungi also release tiny reproductive particles, called spores which also cause allergies. Grass is the most common cause of hayfever.   Hay fever is a common condition that affects around 20% of the population. Hay fever is more likely if there is a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema. Hay fever usually begins in...

Covid 19 Booster Vaccines Update on 2nd Booster   Who is eligible for a 2nd booster? People aged 65 years and over aged 12 and over with a weak immune system   You can get your booster vaccine at a HSE vaccination centre or a participating GP or pharmacy. Whelehans Pharmacy at Pearse St Mullingar have a walk in Covid 19 vaccine clinic every Wednesday which includes 2nd boosters.   The second booster prevents those more vulnerable to COVID-19 from becoming seriously ill or needing hospital treatment due to COVID-19. Immunity from Covid 19 vaccines wanes significantly from 3 months...

Stoma care (Part 1)   A stoma is the result of an operation to remove disease such as cancer, Crohn's disease or diverticulitis or from a bowel obstruction or injury to the digestive or urinary system. It is an artificial opening that allows faeces or urine either from the intestine or from the urinary tract to pass from the body. Types of stoma   There are three main types of stoma related to the digestive and urinary system - these are: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Colostomy In a colostomy operation, part of your colon is brought to the surface of your abdomen...