Whelehans Health Blog

Get the flu vaccine...not the flu! Part 1 Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacies, Pearse St and Clonmore, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie   Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can affect people of any age. The seasonal flu vaccine for 2021/22 protects against 4 strains of flu virus. These are the strains most likely to be circulating this flu season. You can get the flu vaccination your GP surgery or local pharmacy. The flu vaccine is free if you have...

Local pharmacies can now administer Covid-19 vaccines to 18-to-34-year olds   Since Monday 5th July, pharmacies including many Westmeath can supply the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) single-dose Vaccine to 18 - 34-year-olds as well as over 50’s. People do not need to register on hse.ie but you need an appointment with the pharmacy. There is currently a limited supply available. As more vaccines become available, pharmacies will be able to issue more appointments.   Additionally, from Friday July 9th, the HSE vaccine portal at www.hse.ie has been open to 30 to 34-year-olds so this age group will be able to register...

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Part 3: Treatment   This is the third of my 4-part series in BPH, a common condition as men get older; last week I discussed diagnosis.   Medication The most common medications prescribed for mild to moderate BPH symptoms are Alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI’s) either separately or as a combination therapy.   Alpha blockers Ideal for patients with obstructive symptoms (difficulty urinating) as they relax the bladder neck muscles and relax the prostate also. This easing of tension improves urinary flow. Types include alfuzosin, tamsulosin, doxazosin and silodosin.   One of the advantages...

Swollen Ankles & Fluid Retention  Part 2   The feet and ankles are the most common areas for swelling. This week, I discuss swelling that can be due to more serious medical conditions.   Oedema caused by Congestive Heart Failure Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is more common amongst the elderly affecting 6 to 10% of over 65’s. Average age of diagnosis is 76. It is the leading cause of hospital admissions in over 65’s, accounting for 20% of hospital admissions in this age group. Heart failure is often a cause of swollen ankles. This is because the heart is unable...

Swollen Ankles & Fluid Retention Part 1   The feet and ankles are the most common areas for swelling because they are furthest from the heart meaning the heart’s force of “pushing” blood through our blood vessels is weakest and due to forces of gravity. Oedema is the medical term for fluid retention.   Why does fluid retention occur? Swelling can occur in one part of the body such (e.g.) result of an injury, or it can be more general. More general fluid retention tends to be due more serious health conditions such as heart failure or kidney failure.   As well as...