Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare neurological disease that can impact the way a person moves, speaks, eats, and breathes. The initial symptoms can be very mild, making it more difficult to hold a cup or find walking up the stairs a little harder than before. Our guide will allow you to understand the illness, identify any signs or symptoms, and seek advice and make decisions.
The nervous system is made up of nerve cells called motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons transmit messages to the muscles. In MND, these nerve cells become damaged and die over time. As the cells die, muscles weaken and may waste away. The disease can impact people in different ways, and the signs may develop at different rates.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most well-known type of MND. MND and ALS are terms that are sometimes used differently in different countries.
Early motor neurone disease symptoms may be easy to overlook. Symptoms depend on which muscles are first affected.
Notable symptoms are:
Some individuals may also notice a change in how they think, behave or feel. But it does not happen in everyone.
Any weakness that persists or worsens should be checked by a doctor. These are not specific to MND, and many other conditions can cause these symptoms.
Unfortunately, scientists have not yet found one cause for the majority of cases.
There is believed to be a mixture of inherited (genetic) factors and other unknown influences that contribute towards motor neurone disease (MND). For the majority of those who are diagnosed with the disease, there is no family history of the disease. Researchers are still trying to determine how and why the disease occurs.
MND is usually not hereditary. For most people, it is not passed down from a parent, although a small number of cases are caused by a gene change which can be inherited.
However, it is hereditary in some families, but the majority of cases are not. Where there are several family members who have had MND or another neurological disorder, a doctor may refer the person for genetic counselling and talk about testing.
If you have a family member with MND, this doesn’t mean you will get it; a genetics specialist can explain what this might mean for you and your other family members.
It usually starts slowly, with what may seem like a small change that gets worse over time. You could notice that one of your hands is weaker than the other, you trip over your own feet when you walk, or your speech sounds a little strange. Or maybe you notice first that you have difficulty swallowing, or you develop sudden stiffness in the muscles. The symptoms will vary depending on which motor nerves are initially involved. Since early symptoms may mimic other illnesses, diagnosis generally necessitates examination by a neurologist and further testing.
Each person experiences a different speed of progression. Some people may see their symptoms get worse over a period of months, while others take a little longer - several years. The MND diagnosis, which muscles are impacted and whether breathing or swallowing issues occur can all make a difference to how MND progresses. The doctor can look for changes over time to help you and your family plan for future care.
Motor neurone disease life expectancy is naturally difficult to predict, but for ALS, the most common type of the disease, the average survival from the first symptoms is two to five years. However, this can vary significantly. Some people can live much longer.
While there is no cure for motor neurone disease, treatment can help to manage symptoms, maintain independence and live as well as possible.
Treatment may include:
The later stages of this disease can include the weakening of muscles, problems with moving, eating and swallowing and eventually worsening breathing difficulties. Everyone's experience is different, and not all patients will develop all of these symptoms.
It offers relief and emotional support, and can address the tough symptoms that your body might be going through. You do not have to wait until the end of your life for palliative care.
Final Thoughts
This can be a difficult diagnosis to live with, both physically and emotionally. However, by recognising the symptoms, getting specialist advice, and finding the right help, you can make a difference to your daily life.
Talk with GP Glenroy for an early examination to pinpoint the cause and provide resources.
Sciatica pain can make even the most simple activities, like getting in and out of bed, sitting to work, or walking, really uncomfortable. The sharp, shooting pain running from your lower back and down your leg can take all your attention away and even keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, you can get sciatica pain relief at home.
The right approach depends on what’s causing your sciatica pain and its severity. You may find it helpful to stay in motion with specific stretches and gentle self-care. In this guide, we’ll discuss everyday tips for relieving sciatica pain.
Sciatica pain comes from the irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from your lower back and hips, through the buttocks and travels down the back of each leg. Generally, the pain from sciatica impacts one side of your lower body. You may experience pain that starts in your lower back, hip, buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. Others experience tingling, burning, or weakness instead of pain. The usual source of the pain is one or more of these:
Get up and walk at a slow pace around your house for a few minutes if this does not make your symptoms worse. Short, easy walks can help to keep the mobility in your back without overwhelming your back. If the pain runs down your leg or becomes much worse, give up going.
When a flare occurs, wrapped in a towel, cold packs can help reduce the pain and stress; cold compresses can help relax stiff muscles. Use for 15- 20-minute intervals. Do not apply ice or heating pads directly to your skin, and avoid using too much heat.
Some sciatica relief stretches can help relax the lower back and hips. If tight buttock muscles are the reason for your discomfort, a gentle figure-four stretch can be beneficial. On your back, knees bent, cross your ankle over your other thigh and, slowly and gently, bring your supporting leg toward your chest until you feel pressure, not pain. Hold for just a moment and avoid bouncing. Do not push the stretch if it causes a tingly or painful sensation to travel further down the leg.
You may benefit from gentle pelvic tilts, light walking, and mobility exercises. Not all exercises are suitable for everyone. Refrain from too much deep forward bending or aggressive twisting if it aggravates your condition. Physio Glenroy can help you relieve sciatica pain with the right exercises depending on the cause and severity.
Sitting for extended periods can worsen your sciatica if your lower back is uncomfortably unsupported. Select a chair that provides good lumbar support, sit with your feet flat on the floor and change position frequently. If sitting worsens your pain, get up and take a short walk.
Gentle massage for sciatica pain relief may be effective in relaxing tight muscles in your buttocks and lower back. Apply light touch and massage on the muscles around the nerve instead of pressing the painful nerve.
Massage can provide temporary relief for muscular pain; however, it isn't able to remedy all types of sciatica. If deep tissue work intensifies your pain, numbness, or tingling, skip it.
A Glenroy GP can diagnose the cause and treat any conditions if home care doesn't work. This treatment might include physiotherapy.
Can sciatic nerve pain cause knee pain? Yes. Nerve irritation of the sciatic nerve can result in radiating pain around and in the knee, but there are other sources of knee problems.
So, can sciatica cause groin pain? Though it is not common with sciatica, groin pain can be due to issues with the hip joint or other disorders. Groin pain that persists or is severe should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.
When it comes to sciatica pain relief, think about the cause and your symptoms. You can opt for gentle movement, good posture, heat or ice therapy, exercises, or seek help from doctors at Magnus Medical, the most trusted Glenroy medical centre.
What is vitamin B6 toxicity?
What causes high levels of vitamin B6 in blood?
What are vitamin B6 toxicity symptoms?
What does vitamin B6 do?
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Foods high in vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 toxicity treatment
Conclusion
Vitamin B6 is an important part of the body, helping to support nerve function and brain health, and also helps to produce red blood cells. But too much vitamin B6 taken as a supplement may cause a number of health problems, especially damage to the nerves. You need to understand potential symptoms of vitamin B6 toxicity and how it can be treated.
The excess consumption of vitamin B6 can lead to vitamin B6 toxicity. It is also called vitamin B6 poisoning. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means the human body can remove the excess amount through urine. However, excessive consumption for a long time can still cause nervous system damage. High-dose vitamin B6 supplements can increase the risk of poisoning. This is the reason you need to check the labels of vitamin B6 rich foods or supplements. For the right amount of dose, you can reach out to dietitian Glenroy at Magnus Medical.
The main cause of vitamin B6 toxicity is taking too many vitamin B6 supplements for too long. Here are some everyday products that may have vitamin B6:
When you take multiple products containing vitamin B6, it can increase your total daily intake. You may develop symptoms even if you are having lower doses than others. Reaching out to Pathology Glenroy for a blood test can show how high your vitamin B6 level is, but make sure to get consultation from a healthcare professional.
The nerves are mainly affected by Vitamin B6 toxicity. Here are the most common symptoms of vitamin B6 toxicity:
In some cases, a high dose of vitamin B6 can also lead to heartburn, nausea, and skin sensitivity to sunlight. The nerve condition linked to vitamin B6 toxicity is known as peripheral neuropathy. If it is not treated, nerve damage can become long-lasting. If you experience these symptoms, you need to get in touch with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in body functions. It helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to generate energy. Here are other important functions of vitamin B6:
When the body doesn’t get or use Vitamin B6, it leads to Vitamin B6 deficiency. It can also occur due to other certain medical conditions, alcohol dependence, poor nutrient absorption, or some medications.
Common symptoms include:
You can eat many foods that contain vitamin B6, but it’s suggested not to rely on high-dose supplements.
Avoid excessive consumption of vitamin B6 supplements.
Treatment may include:
Conclusion
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in healthy nerves, brain functions, and normal metabolism. But excess intake can lead to vitamin B6 toxicity. You can get in touch with a dietitian at Magnus Medical for a personalised diet plan to ensure you are taking the right amount of vitamin B6.
What is caffeine?
Is coffee good for you?
How long does caffeine stay in your system?
How much caffeine should you have in a day?
How many mg of caffeine in one shot of coffee?
Does caffeine increase blood pressure?
Caffeine overdose symptoms
Does caffeine make you sweat?
Conclusion
Daily caffeine intake is many people’s routine. Whether it’s a morning coffee or afternoon tea, it helps people feel more energetic. But did you know what the recommended caffeine intake per day is? How much caffeine is safe? In this guide, we’ll explain everything you must know about caffeine.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant, which has a strong effect on the brain and central nervous system. If you have enough caffeine, you'll feel more awake and relaxed, and it can help you focus for a little while. Caffeine is present in tea leaves, coffee beans and cocoa. You’ll also find caffeine in many soft drinks, energy drinks and some medicines. Caffeine can give you a boost of energy, but too much can lead to headaches, restlessness, anxiety, and sleep problems.
To summarise, yes. Coffee can be a good addition to a healthy diet but only if taken in an adequate amount. It has antioxidants and other natural compounds that might help with health.
Good coffee can help you to focus, stay alert and improve your physical performance. Research has also shown that the right level of caffeine can lower the risk of some health problems. But you have to bear in mind that coffee isn't equally suitable for everybody. Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, affect sleep, increase heart rate, and upset the stomach. If you are adding large amounts of cream, sugar, or flavoured syrup, it can also increase its calorie content. So, it’s recommended to avoid having coffee at bedtime.
After caffeine intake, it will start affecting your body within 15 to 45 minutes. The effect of caffeine may last for several hours. On average, the caffeine amount in your body takes approximately four to six hours to reduce by half. But this may differ depending on your health, age, medications and how your body metabolises things. For example, if you drink coffee in the evening, some caffeine might still be present in your body when you go to bed which can make it hard to fall asleep.
The FDA says most healthy people can have up to 400 mg per day of caffeine without negative effects. Keep in mind this is a general guideline; not everyone needs to meet it. Some people experience side effects even at lower amounts.
Here are some common sources of caffeine:
These amounts are estimates and can vary by brand, serving size, and preparation method. If you have certain health problems, you can ask a dietitian Glenroy at Magnus Medical.
A standard shot of espresso may measure in at 25- 30 ml and contain 60-75 milligrams of caffeine. As a further example of how different this could be depending on the brewing method, coffee, and the size of the shot.
A double espresso usually has approximately 120-150 mg, but keep in mind that amount may vary. If you love coffee, you need to check serving size and caffeine content.
Yes, caffeine can increase the level of blood pressure temporarily. When this happens to your nervous system, it causes blood vessels to constrict and your blood pressure to rise temporarily. The action might be more pronounced in some who don't like to drink coffee every day.
Excess caffeine consumption may lead to several dangerous symptoms:
Yes, many people tend to sweat too much after having a coffee. It can be neurostimulating and promote high alertness and nervousness. This, however, does not mean that coffee will make you sweat a lot, so if you experience excessive sweating after drinking coffee, try cutting down on caffeine and see if it helps.
Conclusion
You might feel energetic after drinking caffeine; but when taken in large amounts, it may have adverse effects on your blood pressure, sleep and health. To know what caffeine level intake suits your lifestyle, you may connect with a dietitian at Magnus Medical, a trusted Glenroy Medical Centre.
Have you ever felt pain or irritation in the throat? Many reasons can lead to this, but the most common reason is a sore throat. People with a sore throat experience a burning sensation in the back of the throat that happens due to viral infections like the common cold or flu. However, it is a common condition that can be cured with medications and some home remedies. To explore home remedies for sore throat, continue reading this blog.
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Viral infection can be the primary cause of a sore throat, which includes a cold or the flu. Despite this, it can also be caused by bacterial infections, environmental irritants, or allergies. Other primary causes of sore throat can be mouth breathing, smoking, acid reflux, or viral illness.
In the initial phase, you may feel dryness in your throat before it actually turns into pain. Slowly, it may get worse over time, and you may start feeling a sharp pain in your throat while talking or swallowing. Apart from this, here we have listed other common symptoms of a sore throat, including:
How to get rid of a sore throat? To treat a sore throat faster, you can try various methods, and that can be home remedies or medical treatments. What treatment or home remedy will heal a sore throat depends on the severity of your sore throat. Have a closer look at the following list of home remedies for sore throat for faster recovery:
A warm water gargle is one of the easiest and quickest home remedies to heal a sore throat. It draws out moisture from inflamed tissues to reduce swelling. It also helps clear bacteria and mucus from the throat. For this, you just need to mix half a spoon of salt into 120 ml to 240 ml of warm water and stir it properly until the salt dissolves in the water. Then gargle it for 30-40 seconds and spit it out. You can gargle right before bed and immediately after waking up.
Another natural remedy for a sore throat that you can try is a honey and lemon mixture. Honey is known for having anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce irritation. On the other hand, lemon helps break down mucus. To make this mixture, take 1-2 spoons of raw honey and mix it into 240 ml of warm water with lemon juice. Drink this mixture slowly to reduce irritation in the throat. If you feel comfortable, you can try this remedy.
You can try some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Keep in mind to consume the recommended dose as prescribed by your doctor. You may take medication 1 hour before bedtime to avoid sore throat pain. You can get in touch with our GP at Magnus Medical, which is a trusted Glenory Medical Centre.
If you have a sore throat but no other symptoms, then it could be due to:
How long a sore throat lasts will depend on the type of sore throat you are struggling with.
Ice cream may soothe your sore throat for a while because of its cold and soothing feel. However, this relief does not last long, and the high sugar content present in most ice creams often increases inflammation and reduces your immunity, which can worsen your condition.
Many people believe that drinking orange juice can make them feel better when struggling with a cold. However, due to its acidity, orange juice can worsen a sore throat. This means orange juice can cause more irritation in your throat.
Ginger contains a natural anti-inflammatory agent with antimicrobial properties, which can soothe a sore throat. Ginger has bioactive compounds that can reduce inflammation. To make ginger tea, take a glass of water and cut slices of ginger. In boiling water, put these slices and filter it using a strainer. Now, you can drink the ginger tea to reduce pain.
In boiling water, put ground turmeric and let it simmer for a few minutes, then filter it into a cup. To sweeten it, you can add honey.
Conclusion
If you have been struggling with a sore throat for several days, you can opt for home remedies. If home remedies don’t work, you can get in touch with the best general practitioner Glenroy at Magnus Medical.
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Q fever is a zoonotic disease in which people get infected from animals. There’s a type of bacteria that causes Q fever, and flu-like symptoms appear.
There might be no illness or only mild illness in many people. People may start noticing symptoms about 2-3 weeks after getting infected. The symptoms of Q fever are quite similar to flu symptoms, including:
Additionally, you may also experience:
If you don’t get treatment on time, the symptoms may worsen over time and last up to 6 weeks.
The bacterium called Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever. People can be affected by farm animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. It is also found in other domestic and wild animals such as cats, dogs, and kangaroos. You can’t identify whether animals have Q fever, but animals with Q fever can spread bacteria to people. When you breathe in infected air that is contaminated by bacteria, you will get infected with Q fever. You may also become affected by handling:
Infection of humans occurs by breathing in air contaminated by dried:
Contaminated clothing, animal hides, wool, and straw can also lead to infection. If you work with animals, you are at high risk of being affected by Q fever. This includes being a meat worker, farmer, shearer, or vet. It’s rare for Q fever to spread from person to person. Despite this, if you drink unpasteurised milk, it can also increase the risk of getting Q fever. With pasteurisation, bacteria are killed.
Vaccination for Q fever can prevent Q fever infection. It’s advisable for all people aged 15 years and over who:
Q fever vaccination is recommended for:
If you work with camels, cattle, goats, sheep, and kangaroos, you can get in touch with GP Glenory at Magnus Medical Centre about getting the Q fever vaccination. If you have previously had Q fever or been vaccinated for Q fever, you don’t need to be vaccinated.
A Q fever skin test is a pre-vaccination screening tool used to check if you have been previously infected with Coxiella burnetii bacteria. This screening tool is used alongside a blood test.
Only one dose is recommended in a person’s lifetime. Booster doses are not recommended.
Q fever doesn’t spread from one person to another. Instead, it is spread from cattle, sheep, and goats, and other wild and domestic animals to humans.
Antibiotics are used to treat Q fever. You will recover quickly if you get treatment early. On the other hand, long-term antibiotics may be required to treat chronic Q fever. Tips to prevent Q fever:
Conclusion
Q fever is often spread from animals to humans; that’s why Q fever vaccination is often recommended. Reach out to Glenroy Medical Centre doctors if you notice symptoms mentioned in the blog.
Pain in shoulder when lifting arm is one of the ost common orthopedic complaints in adults, and one of the most frequently misunderstood by patients. The mobility in shoulder joint depends on coordination of tendons, muscles, fluid-filled sacs, and structure of bones. When any of those components is damaged or irritated, you may experience shoulder pain when lifting arm. In this guide, we’ll help you know shoulder pain causes, symptoms, and when you need to see a specialist.
The shoulder joint is not a simple joint. It involves the subacromial bursa (a fluid-filled sac that supports those tendons), rotator cuff (four tendons that help rotate the upper arm bone), the acromion (the bony roof of the shoulder), the labrum (a ring of cartilage that deepens the socket), and the biceps tendon. When any of these structures become stiffened, compressed, inflamed, or torn, the mechanics of arm elevation break down. Here are the most common culprits:
Each leads to pain in overlapping ways, which is why self-diagnosis falls short. The location, arc, and type of your pain each tell part of the story.
Shoulder impingement is caused when the bursa and rotator cuff tendons are compressed under the acromion when elevating the arm. This is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in adults under 65, especially in individuals with overhead athletic activity, physically demanding jobs, or repetitive reaching demands. Bone spurs along the acromion can slowly narrow the available space, making impingement worse over time. Left untreated, chronic impingement creates the conditions for partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The condition can be treated, but it won’t resolve on its own.
The four rotator cuff muscles - infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis work in coordination to keep the shoulder joint stable and control upper arm bone rotation. Rotator-cuff tendinitis means the tendons are inflamed. A rotator cuff tear indicates physical d disruption of the tissue itself. Two warning signs that indicate a rotator cuff tear: significant weakness when lifting the arm and pain that doesn’t improve on its own or with rest.
The subacromial bursa supports the rotator cuff tendons against the acromion. When it becomes damaged or inflamed from injury, overuse, or sustained compression from impingement, it swells and makes overhead motion acutely painful. Shoulder bursitis rarely happens in isolation. It’s generally found alongside shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tendinitis. The pain may get worse with reaching your arm overhead.
Adhesive capsulitis is tightening of the shoulder joint capsule that limits range of motion in all directions. It’s commonly found in women between 40 and 60, and in people dealing with thyroid or diabetes conditions. Frozen shoulder doesn’t just cause pain, but it can also lead to weakness and stiffness. It restricts movement. You won’t be able to lift the arm properly without resistance and discomfort.
Shoulder pain that comes from bursitis can come on suddenly or build up slowly. You may experience a dull pain all the time. However, the pain may become sharp inside your shoulder when you lift your arm over your head. You will feel more pain if you sleep or lie on your affected shoulder.
Opting for gentle external rotation stretches can be an ideal early intervention. They help maintain mobility, decompress the joint, and don’t load the rotator cuff under tension. These are a reasonable starting point to reduce shoulder pain while you arrange a consultation with Physio Glenroy at Magnus Medical Centre.
After recovering from an injury or condition, opting for physiotherapy can help you strengthen your shoulder. It can reduce the pain and prevent the condition from coming back.
In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to repair damage or replace your shoulder joint. If other options haven’t helped, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Conclusion
If you experience shoulder pain when lifting your arm, you need to identify the root cause. You can also speak to a physiotherapist at Magnus Medical, a bulk billing medical centre Glenroy, to get personalised guidance to relieve shoulder pain.
On the back of your knee, fluid-filled lumps are called Baker’s cysts. When something causes swelling in your knee, it could lead to this condition. Usually, they are not serious. However, you need to see a healthcare provider to get it diagnosed.
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A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is a swelling of fluid that develops behind the knee. It occurs when excess fluid that is normally inside the knee joint, known as synovial fluid, collects in a small sac of tissue behind the knee.
The lump or fullness behind the knee that is felt in a Baker's cyst. There may be no other symptoms than the swelling of the knee. Others may have stiffness, tightness, pain, or trouble bending the knee.
The condition is named after William Morrant Baker, a 19th-century British surgeon who characterised the condition and linked it to knee problems. This condition is named for the doctor who first described it and is unrelated to the process of baking.
A Baker’s cyst forms when something inside the knee causes the joint to produce excess fluid. When the excess fluid shifts to the back of the knee, it forms a Baker’s cyst. Here are the most common causes:
Here are the most common symptoms of Baker’s Cyst:
You may feel discomfort when sleeping with a Baker’s cyst, especially if pressure on the back of the knee increases your symptoms.
Try sleeping on your back
Place a pillow under your lower leg if you are unable to sleep on your back. Try to avoid using positions that make it difficult for you to sleep or put pressure on the swollen area.
Try side sleeping
You need to place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side, as it can help keep the legs in a comfortable position.
Elevate the leg
You need to elevate your leg slightly to reduce swelling. Pay close attention to make sure your leg is fully supported to ensure comfort.
Consider cold therapy before bed
You can wrap a cold pack in a towel to reduce swelling and pain. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin. Try sleeping in the right position to avoid discomfort.
There is no single time limit for how long a Baker’s cyst will last. Some Baker’s cysts improve when the underlying knee issues decrease. On the other hand, some Baker’s cysts may remain for several weeks or months, especially when the condition leads to excess joint fluid formation. How long a Baker’s cyst lasts may depend on:
Treatment of Baker’s cyst depends on the cause and severity of the cyst. Common treatment options include:
Rest and activity modification
With proper rest, it may help reduce swelling and irritation.
Ice
You can apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling and pain.
Pain-relieving medicines
Over-the-counter pain medicines may help this condition. But they aren’t for everyone. For advice tailored to you, contact the doctors at Magnus Medical Centre Glenroy.
Compression & elevation
Elevation and compression may help reduce swelling depending on your condition.
Physiotherapy
A physical therapist or Physio Glenroy at Magnus Medical can suggest some exercises that can help to improve knee strength and motion.
Treating the underlying knee problem
Healthcare professionals may help you identify the root cause of the problem. For example, if arthritis or other conditions cause excess fluid, then treating those conditions may reduce the cyst.
Here are some things to avoid:
Recovery from a ruptured Baker’s cyst may vary from one person to another. Basically, the recovery time may depend on the severity of the condition and the amount of inflammation. Swelling and pain may reduce over days to weeks, but some people experience symptoms for longer.
Final Thoughts
A Baker’s cyst forms at the back of the knee. If you are struggling with this condition, you can get in touch with doctors at Magnus Medical Centre.
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Influenza is also referred to as flu, a contagious respiratory illness that often affects people of all ages. You may have heard of different influenza viruses; influenza A and influenza B are the two primary types. One common question people ask when they get the flu is: Is influenza A or B worse? The answer is not as simple as simply saying one type is more dangerous. Both influenza A and B can lead to mild to severe illness. Understanding the difference between influenza A and B can help you identify symptoms, how long it may last, and know when medical care may be necessary.
Influenza or flu affects the respiratory system, which covers the nose, lungs and throat. It is contagious and spreads from person to person, especially when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Flu symptoms usually appear quickly and may include:
Flu symptoms usually develop quickly and are generally more severe than those of the common cold. Most healthy people recover from it within several days to a couple of weeks, but it can sometimes lead to serious complications. Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health problems are often at high risk of complications.
The primary type of influenza that infects humans is influenza A. It can lead to many seasonal flu infections and can cause illness ranging from mild to severe. Influenza A can affect both humans and some animals. It is categorised into different subtypes depending on proteins present on their surface. It may change over time, which is the primary reason new strains can emerge. Although influenza A can lead to severe disease, having influenza A doesn’t always mean that a person will have a more serious illness than someone with influenza B.
Influenza A can lead to several symptoms that are very similar to those caused by influenza B. Here are common symptoms:
Many people with influenza A symptoms feel better within 3 to 7 days. However, this doesn’t mean that a person will recover completely within a week. They may experience cough and tiredness for another week or longer. It may take older adults, young children or people with a chronic disease longer to recover. The length of this condition may vary from one person to another. Resting enough, drinking fluids and following medical guidance can help recovery.
Influenza A is highly contagious. An infected person can spread the virus beginning about one day before symptoms appear. During the first few days after becoming infected, people are usually most contagious. However, some people continue spreading influenza even after 5-7 days of getting infected.
There’s no easy answer to whether influenza A is worse than B. Both types of influenza can cause serious disease. The severity of the illness depends on factors like age, the specific virus, your health and your immune system. Influenza A gets most of the attention because it has caused large outbreaks. But that doesn’t mean that all influenza A are worse than influenza B. Flu B can also cause serious respiratory problems and complications. You need to consider the severity of symptoms rather than just focusing on whether influenza A is worse than B.
Influenza B virus causes seasonal flu. Influenza B is different from influenza A, as it is found among humans. They have symptoms that appear similar to influenza A, including cough, fever, sore throat, headaches, body pain, and tiredness.
Yes, influenza B is contagious. The infection can spread from an infected person when he/she coughs, sneeze, or talk.
People with influenza A and B can recover with:
Influenza A and B can cause significant illness, and neither type should be considered worse than the other. If you develop flu symptoms, you can speak to doctors at Magnus Medical, which is a reliable Glenroy Medical Centre.
The test that is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes is an HbA1c test. With this type of test, blood sugar levels can be monitored in people struggling with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Red blood cells are likely to live for around 120 days. An HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar level from the past 8 to 12 weeks. HbA1c blood test is not like a standard blood glucose test, which is used to measure your blood sugar level at a single point in time. The test is also known as haemoglobin A1c or glycated Hb.
Glenroy Medical Centre doctors may advise you to get an HbA1c blood test done if you are at high risk of diabetes or have symptoms of diabetes. If you are struggling with diabetes, the blood test shows how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 8 to 12 weeks. People with diabetes are often advised to get this test done every 3 months. On the other hand, if your blood sugar levels are under control, you may be less likely to need this test done. It’s crucial to keep track of HbA1c in people with diabetes. This is because if your HbA1c is higher, then there will be a higher risk of getting diabetes-related problems, such as:
The amount of haemoglobin present in your red blood cells that has glucose associated with it is measured by an HbA1c blood test. With this test, you will come to know your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, and it is commonly used to monitor diabetes.
| HbA1c result | Interpretation |
| Below 5.7% | Normal range |
| 5.7%–6.4% | Prediabetes range |
| 6.5% or above | Diabetes range |
Normal range: If blood glucose is below the threshold, it can be used to identify prediabetes.
Prediabetes range: If your blood glucose is higher than the normal range, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes will be increased.
Diabetes range: Your results meet the HbA1c range used to identify diabetes.
No. Generally, you are not required to fast prior to your HbA1c blood test because it is primarily used to measure average blood glucose over the preceding months rather than your blood sugar at a single moment. On the other hand, if other blood tests are also being performed at the same time, Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical may provide you with separate fasting instructions.
The accuracy of HbA1c results can be affected by certain conditions like kidney disease, anaemia, recent blood loss, pregnancy, blood transfusions, and some haemoglobin disorders. Your doctor may suggest additional tests if your result does not match your symptoms or other blood glucose measurements.
During the blood test, a sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. After this, the blood will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
You can get in touch with Pathology Glenroy for an HbA1c blood test and confirm whether they perform this type of test. You can get a referral from your doctor. Your doctor will recommend a pathology centre near you. Sometimes, your doctor will collect a blood sample for testing in their clinic. Blood tests are generally done in hospitals.
Conclusion
The blog outlines and explains the HbA1c blood test, when it is done, why it is done, and what happens during the blood test. If you notice that you need to get this test done, you need to get checked by doctors at Magnus Medical Centre, as they will confirm whether you need this test done.
