While ‘male privilege’ is a term sometimes used in relation to better access to high-paying jobs, when it comes to health, men are at a significant disadvantage biologically and socially in some key areas.
Australian men are among the healthiest in the world, but they die younger than women on average. Men living in rural and regional areas also have additional disadvantages when it comes to their health.
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Overseas travellers caused possible exposures to measles in Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne earlier this year.
An alarming global surge in measles cases this year has caused a large increase in the number of deaths worldwide. In May, Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer announced seven Victorian residents had contracted measles from contact with two infected overseas travellers. So far this year there have been 132 confirmed cases of measles in Australia.
If you have a normal immune system and have had measles in the past or have had two measles vaccinations, you are protected. If you are unsure, your GP can do a blood test to see if you have antibodies to protect against measles. You may be eligible for a free vaccine. Most people born in 1965 or earlier have immunity from having had measles.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications and death. In our community there are people who are not protected against measles. This is because not everyone is a suitable candidate for a vaccine. This includes:
babies younger than 6 months whose mother is not protected
children 6 to 12 months who have not had a measles vaccine
people who have not had two measles vaccinations
people unable to have vaccinations for medical reasons
people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised). This includes people with certain inherited conditions as well as cancer, transplant and HIV/AIDS patients, and other people who take immunosuppressive medication
Pregnant women who are not protected against measles should not have a measles (MMR) vaccination during their pregnancy. They should speak to their doctor if they have concerns.
While measles is rare in Australia because of high vaccination rates, major outbreaks in Asia, Europe, the US and Africa mean travellers returning to Australia may bring the illness with them.
Vaccines cause our bodies to produce antibodies that are ready to fight an infection when we are exposed to it.
At least 95 per cent of people need to be vaccinated to ensure sufficient protection (herd immunity) across the population to stop the spread of measles and protect those who cannot be vaccinated.
People travelling abroad should check they are properly protected against measles before departure; this includes babies not yet vaccinated under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule. Under the NIP, babies are routinely vaccinated against measles at 12 months of age and then again at 18 months. But the Australian Immunisation Handbook has recently updated its advice:
‘The recommended age at which infants can receive MMR vaccine in special circumstances has been lowered from 9 months to 6 months. Infants as young as 6 months of age can receive MMR vaccine for travel to highly endemic areas, during outbreaks and as post-exposure prophylaxis.’
Post-exposure prophylaxis is when a vaccine is given to a child who has been exposed to measles in an attempt to stop them developing the disease.
(Please note: infants younger than 11 months who have an early measles vaccination will still require their scheduled 12 month and 18 month MMR vaccinations under the NIP. Early vaccination for infants travelling to highly endemic areas is not funded under the NIP or Immunisation Schedule Victoria.)
It’s a good idea to bring your family's vaccination records with you when you speak to your doctor regarding measles and travel vaccinations prior to departure overseas.
Australia’s Department of Health advises it’s safe to have additional doses of measles vaccine if you are unsure of your vaccine status. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for a free MMR vaccine.
* Supply is currently unavailable in Victoria for MMR vaccines not provided free under government-funded programs. Private prescription supplies are expected to be available again in late October. Supplies of the measles vaccine are available under the NIP and Immunisation Schedule Victoria programs.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that typically causes a red skin rash and fever. Other symptoms include:
severe cough
malaise (body discomfort or weakness)
runny nose
red watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
The rash typically begins on the face and neck and spreads to other parts of the body.
Measles can cause serious complications that may result in death. Such complications include:
pneumonia
encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Encephalitis can also cause seizures and brain injury leading to intellectual impairment.
Other complications of measles include:
infection of the middle ear
deafness
adverse effects on pregnant women, including miscarriage
The measles virus is spread by contact with droplets (or by touching infected surfaces) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Anyone nearby who is not immune to measles has a very high chance of contracting the disease. Measles has an incubation period of 10 to 14 days and a person is potentially infectious from about 5 days prior to the appearance of a rash to 4 days afterwards.
About 10 per cent of measles cases involve complications, and those most at risk of complications are:
people with a chronic illness
children under 5 years
adults
What to do if you think you have a measles rash
Campaspe’s Nurse Team Leader and nurse Immuniser Chris Green advises you follow practice protocol to minimise the risk of transmission to others:
call Campaspe Family Practice immediately on 5422 2877 and explain you think you (or a family member) has a measles rash
on arrival at the practice, park in the 5-minute parking bay, wait in your car and phone reception
a GP will come out to your car, assess the rash and let you know what you need to do next
If your doctor thinks you have measles, they will take a blood test and nose and throat swabs to confirm the diagnosis. Because measles is highly contagious, your doctor is required to notify the Department of Health and Human Services if they suspect you have measles.
We all feel anxious at times. It can even help our performance in certain situations. The challenges of modern life, social media and even what we eat have been associated with increased feelings of anxiety. So when is feeling anxious part of the normal ups and downs of everyday living and when is it a health issue?
Read MoreYour body needs water to work properly, but it’s not always easy to know if you are drinking enough, especially in the summer months. Excessive sweating on hot days or when exercising vigorously can cause significant fluid loss. So while you may be drinking, it may not be enough.
Read MoreDid you know severe eczema may be a sign of food allergy in young babies? Food allergies usually occur soon after eating the food or within two hours. According to Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, some babies can be sensitised to a food protein through breast milk or creams that contain food allergens such as nuts, oils, milk or egg.
The most serious symptoms of food allergy (anaphylaxis) are breathing difficulties and/or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Your infant may appear pale and floppy. This severe reaction can be life threatening. Follow emergency procedures (scroll down to see what to do in an emergency) then dial 000 immediately for an ambulance.
With childhood allergy rapidly on the rise in Australia, managing allergies and making the right decision in an emergency can be a challenge for parents, grandparents, babysitters, teachers and other carers.
It’s estimated 40 per cent of children will be affected by some kind of allergy. Currently there is no cure for allergies, and research is now aimed at finding ways to prevent allergies from developing.
This year’s improved flu vaccination is now available at clinic. We encourage you to take advantage of our convenient flu vaccination clinics. Please contact us on 5422 2877 to book a time. Should you wish to discuss health-related vaccination issues before having your vaccination, please book to see your GP.
Read MoreConfusion often arises because the symptoms of food intolerances and allergies can appear similar when mild or moderate. While symptoms of food intolerances may be unpleasant or debilitating, the immune system is not involved in food intolerances and therefore there is no chance of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Read MoreWith popular medical TV shows putting the spotlight on the link between our gut health and physical and mental wellbeing, even usually polite conversation is venturing to previously unmentionable areas: poo, bowels, faecal transplants, farting, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and cramping.
Read MoreGut issues are a hot topic. How the food you eat affects the microorganisms in your gut - and how your gut microbiome affects your health - is being keenly studied by researchers worldwide.
Read MoreTo help you achieve your health goals this year, in this issue of Health e-News we have interviewed local experts in fitness, mental health and smoking cessation about why it's so hard to keep New Year's resolutions. They have generously shared their top tips for success.
Read MoreThunderstorm asthma occurs when there is a combination of a high rye grass pollen count and particular thunderstorm conditions. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events, where many people develop asthma symptoms over a short space of time, are uncommon. Whole grass-pollen grains are usually too large to enter lung airways but can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, causing hay fever. Winds created in certain thunderstorms concentrate grass pollens at ground level. Some pollens burst open releasing tiny particles (allergens) small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events don’t happen every year, but can occur during grass pollen season, typically October to December.
Read MoreIf you suddenly became seriously ill and were unable to communicate, would your family and doctors know what care or medical intervention you wanted? Would your loved ones argue and fallout over what they believed to be your wishes? Who would you want to speak on your behalf and what would you want them to say?
Read MoreFeeling tired and irritable? Then you may be one of the many Australians in the grip of a national sleep deprivation epidemic, according to the Sleep Heath Foundation. Newly published results from a national survey last year found a third to almost half of adults sleep poorly or not long enough most nights.
Read MoreFlu season is a time of sharing (germs) and caring. If you’ve ever had seasonal influenza, you certainly wouldn’t want it again - or want to share it with friends and family. That’s where the caring bit comes in. Having an annual flu shot is your best protection against weeks of illness and recovery with the virus. Plus, by being vaccinated you may be saving the lives of others in your community. 2017 vaccines are available at Campaspe Family Practice now.
Read MoreSunburn for some is as Aussie as budgie smugglers and Vegemite sangers. If you spent the summer holidays largely outdoors enjoying barbecues, lazy days at the beach or pool, watching sport, or gardening, you probably experienced some degree of sunburn. January is a peak time for extreme sunburn. Last month SunSmart reported a record number of Victorians had attended public hospital emergency departments with severe sunburn in 2017. Most of the 355 people treated were children and people in their 20s. With school starting for the year, it’s no time for complacency.
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If you require medical assistance, our closest hospital is Kyneton Hospital located next door. The Kyneton Hospital Urgent Care Centre can be contacted on 03 5422 9900. Through our close relationship with the Kyneton Hospital, our doctors continue to support the After-Hours Service.
For out of hours medical advice, please call the After Hours GP Helpline on 1800 022 222 or visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/after-hours-gp-helpline
Campaspe Family Practice
7-25 Caroline Chisholm Drive
Kyneton Hospital 3444
ABN: 16 603 549 926
