FAQs

Fast Facts about South Africa’s Listeriosis Outbreak

There has been a lot of worry surrounding the recent outbreak of Listeriosis in South Africa. Listeriosis is a serious medical condition that can, in some cases, be life-threatening. It’s important not to panic based on misinformation and unfounded fears.

The best thing to do right now is to empower yourself, by making sure you know all the facts about Listeriosis. Here are some straight answers to common questions and concerns about the outbreak.

What is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is an infection caused by a bacterium called Listeria. People can become infected by eating food that’s been contaminated with this bacterium.

How is Listeriosis Spread?

Listeria is found in soil and water, and also in some animals like cattle and poultry. That means there are a few different ways this food-borne disease can spread.

Animals carrying Listeria can contaminate meat and dairy products. Processed foods like cold meats and soft cheeses can be contaminated after processing, especially if quality control is lacking during production. Unpasteurised (raw) milk and raw dairy products can also spread Listeriosis.

In some cases, even vegetables can carry Listeria, if they are grown in contaminated soil or fertilised with contaminated animal manure.

The current outbreak in South Africa has been traced back to ready-to-eat processed meat products – and the companies concerned have started the recalling process.

Am I at Risk?

Healthy adults and children with normally functioning immune systems are unlikely to become seriously ill from Listeria.

People with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, babies, pregnant women, people with cancer or diabetes, and people living with HIV/Aids are at a significantly higher risk.

A Listeria infection during pregnancy carries higher risk so pregnant women must take special care. Babies can also be born with the infection if the mother eats contaminated foods during her pregnancy. Listeriosis in babies is very serious and can be fatal.

How do I know if I have Listeriosis?

If you’ve eaten a contaminated product, it’s important to look out for common symptoms of Listeriosis, so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.

Listeriosis symptoms typically appear within a few days of infection, although it may take as long as 30 days for the symptoms to start. The infection usually resembles a ‘flu bug’. The infected person will experience fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea. Listeriosis can also affect the nervous system, with symptoms such as headaches, neck stiffness, mental confusion, and even convulsions.

If you’re experiencing signs of Listeriosis, immediately seek treatment with your healthcare practitioner. While some infections will clear up on their own, others may require antibiotic treatments.

How can I Protect Myself from Listeriosis?

As always, prevention is better than cure. The good news is you can keep yourself (and your family) safe from infection by following a few sensible steps:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
  2. Store uncooked meat separately from cooked foods, ready-to-eat foods and vegetables.
  3. Keep your refrigerator clean; wipe up any spills immediately, to prevent Listeria growth.
  4. Cook raw animal-derived foods (beef, pork or poultry) thoroughly before eating.
  5. Wash your kitchen knives and cutting boards thoroughly after handling uncooked foods.
  6. Keep cooked hot foods hot and cold foods cold, to prevent the growth of bacteria.
  7. Avoid unpasteurised (raw) milk, and dairy products made from raw milk.
  8. Scrub raw vegetables thoroughly before eating, using a clean produce brush and clean water.
  9. If you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system, avoid high risk foods like hot dogs, deli meats, polony, soft cheeses and pâté.
  10. Reheating contaminated food won’t make it safe. If you’re unsure whether a food is safe, err on the side of caution and don’t eat it.

If you have any further questions or concerns about Listeriosis, get in touch with your doctor or local clinic. Be smart, be informed, and be safe!

 

Sources:

Symptoms associated with Listeriosis:
http://www.enca.com/south-africa/symptoms-associated-with-listeriosis

7 Things you need to know about the Listeriosis outbreak:
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-03-05-7-things-to-know-about-listeria/

Listeria (Listeriosis): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment:
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/tc/listeriosis-topic-overview

Food Safety:
https://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/listeria/index.html

Everything we know so far about the Listeriosis outbreak:
https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/listeriosis-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know-20180305

2021-04-09T12:01:29+00:00
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Arborvirus FAQs

Find out more about arbovirus infection by reading these questions and answers.

1. Question: What is an arbovirus?
An arbovirus is a virus that is carried and transmitted by an arthropod such as a mosquito, spider, tick, mite, millipede or sandfly.

2. Question: How many different arboviruses are there?
Currently about 100 arboviruses that may infect humans have been identified. There may be many more that we are not aware of yet.

3. Question: How is an arbovirus infection transmitted?
An arbovirus lives inside a host such as a bird or monkey. An arthropod (eg a tick, mosquito or sandfly) feeds on the host and now carries the virus, thus becoming the vector. This vector transfers the virus to other organisms by feeding on their blood. In turn the newly infected organism now becomes a host for the virus … and thus the cycle continues.

4. Question: What causes an arbovirus infection in humans?
Just as the arbovirus is transmitted to new hosts (see Question 3), the virus is transmitted to a human when the arthropod bites or feeds on him or her. The virus multiplies in the human body and the person becomes ill.

5. Question: Who can get an arbovirus infection?
Anyone who’s been bitten by an arthropod that is a vector, that is, a carrier of the virus, can get an arbovirus infection. Young children and the elderly usually are more susceptible and become very ill.

6. Question: What are the symptoms of an arbovirus infection?
The symptoms range from short-lived, slight fevers to serious viral fevers with bleeding and death. The most common symptoms of infection are fever, headache, rash and feeling unwell.

7. Question: What should you do if you suspect that you’ve contracted an arbovirus infection?
Symptoms generally occur within three to five but in some cases up to 15 days after exposure to the virus. Consult a doctor or clinic immediately and tell the person of your concern. The doctor will send a sample of your blood to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in Gauteng to be tested. The health professional will also start treatment to alleviate your symptoms while waiting for the results.

8. Question: What is the treatment for an arbovirus infection?
Currently there is no specific treatment available for arbovirus infections. Treatment focusses on alleviating the symptoms while the immune system of an infected person fights the illness.

9. Question: Can an arbovirus infection be prevented?
Prevention of arbovirus infection includes the eradication of arboviruses through environmental eradication programmes often run by governments or NGOs. Citizens must also prevent being bitten by vectors by:

  • Wearing clothing with long sleeves and covering your ankles – especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Applying insect repellents directly to the skin.
  • Using long-lasting insecticide sprays inside homes and buildings.
  • Using mosquito netting over the beds – they can also be soaked in certain types of insecticide.
  • Treating blankets and even clothing with insect repellents.
  • Placing wire or gauze screens on all doors and windows.
  • Keeping a fan on in the room during the night – the current seems to ward off the mosquitoes.
  • Spending evenings indoors rather than outdoors – you are much less likely to get bitten by mosquitoes.
  • Getting rid of discarded tires, cans or plastic containers left outside that may contain standing water.
  • Turning over plastic wading pools and wheel barrows when not in use so that the water cannot gather in them
  • Regularly draining standing water from your pool or hot tub cover.
  • Replacing the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every three to four days.
  • Keeping drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will drain properly.
  • Cleaning the gutters to ensure they drain properly
  • Where appropriate, getting a vaccine before visiting an area where there is an arbovirus outbreak, for example of yellow fever.

10. Question: Can you become immune to an arbovirus infection?
Yes. After an arbovirus infection, you can be immune to that specific virus. It is also thought that you may even become immune to other related arboviruses.

Sources

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/arboviralInfections.htm
Prinsloo, B. Arboviral diseases in southern Africa. SA Fam Pract 2006:48(8).
Retrieved from http://www.safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/665/579
Rautenbach, PGD. Mosquito-borne viral infections in southern Africa: a public health perspective. Retrieved from ttp://cmej.org.za/index.php/cmej/article/viewFile/2103/1794

2021-04-15T11:20:38+00:00
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Epilepsy FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on epilepsy.

Question: What is epilepsy?
Answer: Epilepsy is a controllable neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain which results in temporary seizures that lead to an alteration or complete loss of consciousness. Normal brain function cannot return until the electrical bursts subside.

The word “epilepsy” comes from the Greek word for “seizure”. It is not a disease! Epilepsy is actually an umbrella term covering about twenty different types of seizure disorders.

Question: What are seizures?
Answer: In someone with epilepsy, the normal electrical functions of the brain are interrupted by intermittent bursts of electrical energy that are much more intense than usual. This is called a seizure. Seizures may include muscle spasms, mental confusion, a loss of consciousness and/or uncontrolled or aimless body movements.
There are two main types of seizures:

  • Generalised seizures that begin with a discharge of neurons throughout the brain. They include “grand mal”, which is a loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body and jerking of the limbs, and “petit mal” with blank spells, staring and slight twitching
  • Partial seizures that begin with a discharge of neurons in just one part of the brain. They include simple partial seizures (uncontrolled body movements, brief changes in sensory perceptions), complex partial seizures (confusion, loss of awareness, aimless movements) and infantile spasms (babies have sudden, jerking seizures).

There are also many less common types of seizures. Seizures may be frequent or rare, they may last a second or several minutes and they may be severe or mild. Any one person can have more than one type of seizure, and the pattern of seizures may change over time.

Question: How long does a seizure last?
Answer: The time differs between the types of seizure but a seizure can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Rarely, seizures can last many hours. In most cases, seizures are short and little first aid is required.

Question: Can a seizure be life-threatening?
Answer: Yes, but only rarely. When a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, medical attention is needed because brain injury and death may occur. Children with epilepsy should not be left alone as they may injure or harm themselves while having a seizure.

Question: What causes epilepsy?
Answer: In most cases the cause is unknown. However, there is a link between recurring seizures and the following:

  • Head trauma as a result of motor car accidents, falls and blows, gunshot wounds or sports accidents
  • Infections such as meningitis, viral encephalitis and sometimes mumps, measles and diphtheria
  • Stroke and brain tumours
  • Poisoning caused by lead or alcohol
  • Injury, infection or illness that affected the developing brain of the foetus during pregnancy
  • Lack of oxygen during birth
  • Genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis, but heredity usually is not a direct factor in epilepsy.

Question: Can anyone have epilepsy?
Answer: Each person has a brain seizure threshold which makes him or her more or less resistant to seizures, but virtually everyone can have a seizure when the causes listed above are present.

Question: At what age does epilepsy start?
Answer: Epilepsy can start at any age but it primarily affects children and young adults. About 47% of cases develop before the age of nine, 30% between die age of 10 and 19, 13% between 20 and 29, 6% between 30 and 39 and 4% after the age of 40.

It is likely that people who develop seizures during their earlier years will see a reduction in the intensity and frequency of their seizures as they grow older. Often epilepsy will disappear completely.

Question: How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Answer: The doctor will:

  • Take a medical history, asking for a detailed description of the seizures, as well as family and personal health histories
  • Do a physical examination and have laboratory tests done to determine if the seizures are caused by a specific physical or metabolic problem
  • Do a neurological examination which includes an examination of the nervous system. An EEG (electroencephalogram), CT or MRI scans may be used.

Question: How is epilepsy treated?
Answer: Most seizure disorders can be controlled partly or completely by:

  • Anti-convulsive medication
  • Surgery
  • Diet
  • VNS therapy (an implanted device programmed to stimulate the vagus nerve).

Question: How can I help someone who is having a seizure?
Answer: It’s a good idea for those with epilepsy to wear a medical bracelet. If a seizure occurs, the bracelet will tell others what is happening so they can respond appropriately. Should you come across someone having a seizure:

  • Don’t try to restrain or revive the person. If the person is seated, help ease him/her to the floor and put something under the head
  • Don’t move the person to a different area unless the location is clearly dangerous, for example a busy street
  • Turn the person over on the left side which is a better position for easier breathing and improved circulation
  • Turn his or her head slightly downward so saliva won’t go into the lungs
  • Remove hazardous objects that could cause injury
  • Loosen tight clothing and remove glasses
  • Never try to force something into the person’s mouth!
  • It is not necessary to call an ambulance unless the seizure lasts more than five minutes, is immediately followed by another one, or if the person is injured, ill or pregnant
  • When the seizure ends, usually within three minutes, let the person rest or sleep. Be calm and reassuring because the person may feel disoriented or embarrassed.

Question: How can we help create awareness about epilepsy?
Answer:

  • Get to know the facts on epilepsy
  • Explain the facts to co-workers, family and friends
  • Support efforts in your workplace and community to create awareness, promote legislation and design policies to give people with epilepsy a fair and equal chance in life
  • Don’t discriminate against someone living with epilepsy or any other condition.

Sources

Epicentre, http://137.172.248.46
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org
http://www.intercom.net

2021-04-12T07:35:03+00:00
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions on multiple sclerosis.

Question: What is multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS) – which includes the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord – progressively degenerate. Each nerve fibre in the body is surrounded and insulated by a protective layer of myelin, along which nerve signals travel between the brain and the rest of the body. In MS, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear or scar, leading to slower electrical impulses and damage to the nerve cells. The name “multiple sclerosis” means “many scars”. As more nerve cells are affected, the sufferer experiences more interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system, such as movement, feeling and co-ordination.

Question: What causes multiple sclerosis?

Answer: The cause of MS remains unknown. The latest suspicion is that a foreign body or agent such as a virus could cause the immune system to alter into perceiving myelin as an intruder and cause the immune system to attack it. This is why MS is classified as an autoimmune disorder.

Question: How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

Answer: Doctors usually diagnose MS through a process of elimination of others diseases. This can take months to years. Tools that doctors can use in helping with diagnosis are neurological exams, MRI scans and spinal taps.

Question: What are the most common first symptoms of MS?

Answer: Visual disturbances, limb weakness, muscle spasms, numbness, speech impediments, tremors, dizziness and memory problems are among the more common early symptoms of MS, as is depression, impaired judgment and difficulty with concentration.

Question: How is MS treated?

Answer: Beta-interferon injections are the most widely used of drug therapies for MS. They have been proven to bring the attack rate down by a third and also prevent the formation of silent lesions. Steroids such as prednisone are sometimes prescribed to speed up the recovery from attacks, especially when the attacks are severe and can cause physical disability and pain. Where attacks lead to other symptoms, such as muscle spasms or fatigue, medicines specifically for those symptoms are prescribed.

Question: What is the prognosis for people with MS?

Answer: Because of the variance of symptoms between sufferers, it is difficult to predict how the disease may or may not develop over time. MS does not affect the life span of sufferers.

Sources
www.medicinenet.com
www.mult-sclerosis.org
www.multiplesclerosis.co.za
www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org

2021-03-31T09:35:37+00:00
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Asthma FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about asthma.

Question: What is asthma?

Answer: Asthma is an incurable chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways), recognised by repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and nighttime or early morning coughing which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Symptoms may occur several times in affected individuals and for some the symptoms become worse during physical activity.

Question: Is asthma curable?

Answer: Proper diagnosis, treatment and education can result in good asthma management and control. Failure to recognise and avoid triggers that lead to a tightened airway can be life threatening, resulting in an asthma attack, respiratory distress and even death.

Question: Who is affected by asthma?

Answer: Asthma occurs in all countries regardless of level of development but over 80% of asthma deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries. Asthma is hereditary and it affects people of any age and can change over time.

Question: What are the risk factors for developing asthma?

Answer: The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites in bedding, stuffed furniture and carpets and outdoor allergens such as pollens and moulds, tobacco smoke, wood smoke and high humidity.

Question: What triggers asthmatic attacks?

Answer: Asthma triggers (something irritating the airways to and from the lungs) can include cold air, extreme emotional states such as anger or fear and physical exercise. If you have asthma your airways always have some irritation and when you have an asthma attack this irritation gets worse and your airways close part way while getting blocked with mucus.

Question: How is asthma treated?

Answer: Asthma is primarily treated with medicines delivered through inhalers, usually with a combination of preventor and reliever inhalers. Anyone affected by asthma should have a reliever inhaler which is usually blue and should be taken when asthma symptoms occur. If a reliever inhaler is needed more than three times a week, it is indicative of a poorly controlled asthma situation and patients should go back to their doctor to have their symptoms reviewed.

Question: What is the purpose of preventor inhalers?

Answer: Preventor inhalers control the swelling and inflammation in the airways, minimising the sensitivity and reducing the risk of severe asthma attacks. They should be taken regularly.

Question: Is asthma painful?

Answer: In many instances there is severe chest pain during uncontrolled asthma due to the lungs expanding considerably as a result of the large quantity of air trapped inside the lungs and the wall of the chest stretching due to overexpansion, straining the rib joints and causing pain.

Question: When does an asthmatic attack become life threatening?

Answer: Emergency symptoms include a bluish color to the lips and face, decreased level of alertness, extreme difficulty breathing, a rapid pulse, severe anxiety and sweating. Medical attention should be sought immediately.

Question: How does one care for an asthmatic patient?

Answer: Important care and self-care skills include knowing the symptoms, knowing how to take peak flow reading and what it means, keeping the emergency phone number at hand, knowing the triggers and informing co-workers or teachers of the condition and steps to take in the case of an emergency.

Sources
http://www.asthmainformationguide.com
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.dosomething.org
http://www.medicinenet.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.who.int

2021-04-15T10:35:37+00:00
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Tuberculosis (TB) FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about tuberculosis.

Question: What is tuberculosis?

Answer: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that affects the lungs but may attack other parts of the body. According to the World Health Organisation, tuberculosis is curable – yet it kills 5000 people every day. Two billion people (one third of the world’s population) are infected with TB bacilli (the microbes that cause tuberculosis) and one in ten people infected will become sick with active tuberculosis.

Question: What causes tuberculosis?

Answer: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium first isolated in 1882 by Robert Koch, a German physician who received the Nobel Prize for this discovery.

Question: How is tuberculosis transmitted?

Answer: Infection mostly happens when you inhale minute particles of infected sputum deposited in the air by the coughing, shouting, spitting or sneezing of a person who has a tuberculosis lung infection. An infected person may carry the bacteria for years without showing any symptoms or spreading it to others but when his or her immune system weakens, TB infection develops into an active disease. If not treated each person with active TB can infect about 10 to 15 people per year.

Question: What is Mycobacterium bovis?

Answer: A related bacterium, called Mycobacterium bovis, causes a form of atypical tuberculosis that is transmitted by drinking unpasteurised milk that has this bacterium.

Question: What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Answer: Symptoms depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are multiplying but usually they affect the lungs. Symptoms that are lung related include a bad cough that lasts longer than two weeks, chest pain and coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs). Other symptoms are tiredness, weakness, weight loss, chills, night sweats and fever.

Question: How is tuberculosis tested?

Answer: A skin test is used to diagnose tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease is diagnosed using a chest x-ray or a test of a sputum sample.

Question: What is the relation between tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS?

Answer: TB is a major cause of death in people living with HIV due to their weakened immune system. HIV/Aids, TB and malaria kill between 5 to 6 million people per year with nearly two million deaths caused by tuberculosis.

Question: Is tuberculosis more prevalent in some areas?

Answer: Poverty is a major influence on the statistics related to tuberculosis and virtually all TB deaths occur in the developing world, affecting mostly young adults in their most productive years. The highest rates per capita are in Africa (about 29%) and half of all new cases are in six Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Question: Is tuberculosis curable?

Answer: Tuberculosis can be cured with rigorous unbroken treatment that lasts for six months. Failure to complete the treatment regimen can result in the emergence of drug-resistant strains of TB, a very serious complication. Inactive tuberculosis are treated with an antibiotic to prevent the TB infection from becoming active; active TB is treated with INH in combination with one or more drugs.

Question: What is the future outlook for tuberculosis?

Answer: The probability of eliminating TB by effective treatment, vaccinations and public-health measures was high by the year 2000. The emergence of HIV changed the situation drastically and a tremendous increase in the frequency of TB occurred in the 1980s and throughout the 1990s. The epidemic of TB and HIV has been a deadly combination, especially on the African continent and, despite effective treatment availability, the distribution of medicine to developing countries remain problematic.

Sources
http://www.dhpe.org
http://www.medicinenet.com
http://www.who.int

 

 

2021-03-15T16:46:29+00:00
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High Cholesterol FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about high cholesterol.

Question: What is cholesterol?

Answer: Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance known as a lipid and is manufactured in the liver of all animals and humans. It is essential in the production of hormones and bile, which is necessary for digestion. Generally the body creates all the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is an important element in the manufacturing of many of the body’s natural steroid hormones and vitamin D. It is an essential component of the membrane forming the walls of individual cells and it insulates nerve fibres

Question: What are lipoproteins?

Answer: Cholesterol is carried through the blood in tiny packages that are mixed with large molecules known as lipoproteins, which are combinations of fats and proteins. These molecules assist fats such as cholesterol in dissolving in the blood stream.

Question: What is the difference between high-density and low-density lipoproteins?

Answer: The two major types of lipoproteins are high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are lipoproteins with a higher level of protein than fat, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are lipoproteins with more fat than protein. LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol because it deposits fat into the walls of arteries, which forms oily collections known as plaques. These form clots which could hamper or stop blood supply, leading to organ malfunction. When this happens in the heart’s arteries, angina or a heart attack may result. Plaque buildup in arteries leading to the brain can cause stroke while plaque buildup in arteries in the legs may lead to gangrene.

Question: How is cholesterol tested?

Answer: A blood test is required to determine the levels of cholesterol in blood. Normal cholesterol levels are in the range of 140 to 200 mg of cholesterol per deciliter of blood.

Question: Why are triglyceride levels tested?

Answer: Triglyceride levels may also be tested as triglycerides are the fats used for energy originating from fatty foods. Unused triglycerides are stored in the fatty tissues of your body and excess triglycerides in the blood also increases the risk of heart disease.

Question: What are the dangers of high cholesterol?

Answer: High levels of cholesterol are dangerous as it leads to a condition known as hypercholesterolaemia. As there are no symptoms to the condition it may go undetected if regular screenings are not done. It may result in organ damage.

Question: Which preventative measures can be taken in treating high cholesterol?

Answer: Prevention is possible through early diagnosis and aggressive treatment aimed at lowering cholesterol levels. The most effective way to lower cholesterol levels is to radically reduce the amount of animal fat in your diet.

Question: Which factors influence blood cholesterol levels?

Answer: With age the levels of cholesterol naturally increases and is higher in men and post-menopausal women. Factors affecting blood cholesterol levels include heredity, diet, exercise, high alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, under active thyroid gland, diabetes and body weight.

Question: What does treatment for high cholesterol entail?

Answer: Treatment involves following a low-fat, high-fiber diet, increasing exercise, smoking cessation, losing weight, taking supplements and limiting alcohol intake. Medicinal intervention is needed if the lifestyle changes do not improve the cholesterol levels tested.

Question: What are the risks of high cholesterol?

Answer: LDL cholesterol reduction is only part of the battle against atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup) and individuals who have normal or mildly elevated LDL cholesterol levels are still at risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Sources
http://www.csiro.au/
http://www.medicinenet.com/
http://www.nhs.uk/
http://seniorhealth.about.com

2021-04-07T08:11:25+00:00
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Hypertension FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions about hypertension.

Question: What is hypertension?

Answer: Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure, which is measured by the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Hypertension causes the heart to work too much, hardening the walls of the arteries. It heightens the risk of heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.

Question: What is blood pressure?

Answer: Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by an individual’s heart as well as the amount of resistance to blood which flows in the arteries. The more blood pumped from the heart and the narrower the arteries, the higher is the blood pressure.

Question: How is blood pressure measured?

Answer: Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers, the top number (systolic blood pressure – this corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries) and the bottom number (diastolic blood pressure – this represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction reflecting the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed). Normal blood pressure is when a person’s blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg; high blood pressure is when it is 140/90 mmHg or above. When it is 120/80 or higher but below 140/90 it is called pre-hypertension which is indicative of a hypertension prone individual.

Question: Why is hypertension known as “the silent killer”?

Answer: Hypertension develops over many years and it affects nearly everyone eventually. It occurs without any symptoms and has been labeled “the silent killer” due to its progression to eventually develop one or more of the several potentially fatal complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

Question: Who is susceptible to hypertension?

Answer: Everyone is vulnerable to hypertension and more than one out of four adults (and one out of two people over the age of 60) have high blood pressure. A person can have hypertension for many years without displaying any symptoms but it is easily detectable and, once the condition is identified, it can be managed and controlled.

Question: Which factors contribute to hypertension?

Answer: What causes hypertension is largely unknown but factors contributing to the condition are smoking, obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, sodium sensitivity, insufficient calcium, potassium and magnesium consumption, vitamin D deficiency, high levels of alcohol consumption, stress, aging, medicines, genetics, chronic kidney disease, and adrenal and thyroid problems.

Question: What is the difference between essential, secondary and malignant hypertension?

Answer: When no cause to a person’s hypertension is found, it is called essential hypertension and when hypertension is caused by another medical condition or medication it is called secondary hypertension. Malignant hypertension is when a dangerous form of high blood pressure develops, causing severe headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, changes in vision or nosebleeds. Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke.

Question: What is the purpose of treating hypertension?

Answer: Treatment is aimed at lowering the risk of complications. Lowering blood pressure cuts the risk of heart failure, dementia and kidney disease. Lifestyle modification is a major part of prevention and treatment of hypertension and is the recommended treatment for pre-hypertension. Following a healthy eating pattern, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking are recommended lifestyle changes.

Question: What are the risks of diabetes and cholesterol combined with hypertension?

Answer: Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease if hypertension is also present. Cholesterol is an important factor in determining the danger of high blood pressure as high cholesterol increases the sensitivity of the arteries to high blood pressure and makes them more prone to damage.

Question: Which preventative measures can be taken?

Answer: It is important that all adults near or past middle age should “know their numbers”. These are your height, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular blood pressure tests are essential if there is a family tendency towards hypertension. By treating hypertension with lifestyle changes and medication, complications can be avoided and average life expectancy will remain almost normal whereas it will be reduced dramatically if the situation is not controlled and managed.

Sources
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
http://www.medicinenet.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk

2021-04-01T11:13:53+00:00
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HIV and AIDS in South Africa FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the HIV and Aids epidemic in South Africa.

Question: How many people are living with HIV in South Africa?

Answer: The most current estimate (February 2011) is that 5.5 million people are living with HIV, which represents about 12% of the population. One in four people between 15 and 49 years of age is infected with HIV.

Question: Are there any differences between Aids in Africa and elsewhere in the world?

Answer: The cause of Aids is always the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but, as most common HIV subtypes in Africa are slightly different from those in the developed world, responses to treatment (and possible future vaccines) might be affected.

Question: Did Aids originate in Africa?

Answer: On current evidence, it seems likely that Africa was where the transfer of HIV to humans first occurred. However, how exactly the virus spread from Africa to America and beyond remains a mystery. It is quite possible that separate “pockets” of the virus could have been developing in a number of different countries years before the first cases were ever officially identified, making it virtually impossible to trace one single source.

Question: How many people stay on treatment?

Answer: One cross-country study found that 40% of people discontinued treatment within two years. Reasons for people dropping out include death, the cost of treatment, poor supply of medicines and problems with transport to obtain the medicines.

Question: What is the main cause of death in SA?

Answer: In February 2011, it was estimated that there are over 1,700 Aids-related deaths in South Africa each day. This is at least five times greater than the next largest single cause of death.

Question: How many Aids orphans are there in South Africa?

Answer: The latest estimate has revealed that 600,000 children have been orphaned because of Aids.

Question: How successful is the mass media in preventing Aids?

Answer: According to the South African Medical Research Council, mass media campaigns designed to raise awareness of HIV and Aids have shown immediate and significant effects in the promotion of voluntary HIV counselling and testing (HCT). However, while mass media campaigns have shown an immediate and significant overall effect on HCT, no significant long-term effect has been demonstrated. This may have been due to the short duration of the campaigns.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) is available 24 hours a day. If you want to know more about HIV and Aids, call us on the EWP number or email us at help@lifeassist.co.za.

Sources
South African Medical Research Council
www.avert.org
www.health24.com

2021-04-07T08:01:21+00:00
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