Democratizing access to reliable health information
Tap into our pool of verified professionals or one of our communities to lend or gain support while learning fromthe collective knowledge of doctors in our ecosystem.
0
Hello @upon_a_star , it is not uncommon for a cough to last longer than a week. You should reattend to the GP for a reassessment of the situation since your cough has not fully resolved. Upper respiratory tract infections can be viral or bacterial. Generally, an uncomplicated upper respiratory tract viral infection Is treated symptomatically with a period of rest as well while a bacterial upper respiratory tract infection has antibiotics as an add on. Remember the precautions such as social distancing/ hand washing and wearing a mask during this period !
0
Hi @Mandy there is no need to wait, although do be particular about hygiene and not touching your face while cleaning. You can refer to NEA's guidelines on this for more details here: https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/public-cleanliness/environmental-cleaning-guidelines/guidelines/interim-guidelines-for-environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-in-residences
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
0
Dear teck337,
Thanks for your question!
In terms of protection from viruses, wearing a surgical or cloth mask may not protect you. There was a Vietnamese study on cloth masks vs surgical masks in healthcare workers. It showed that the group wearing surgical masks had a lower rate of developing influenza-like illness or viral respiratory infection, compared to the cloth masks group. However, even the group wearing surgical masks still had some infections.
We would advise you to wear a surgical mask if you are unwell. The purpose of this is to protect others when one coughs or sneezes, as the mask would trap those droplets and prevent those droplets from spreading and disseminating. In order to do this, the surgical mask is made with a certain pore size and materials that allow it to do its job.
At the end of the day, what you can do to protect yourself includes avoiding crowds, keeping a safe distance from others, hand hygiene, refraining from touching your face. As per our MOH guidelines, a medical mask is not required for people who are not sick.
Take care and stay well!
Thanks for your question!
In terms of protection from viruses, wearing a surgical or cloth mask may not protect you. There was a Vietnamese study on cloth masks vs surgical masks in healthcare workers. It showed that the group wearing surgical masks had a lower rate of developing influenza-like illness or viral respiratory infection, compared to the cloth masks group. However, even the group wearing surgical masks still had some infections.
We would advise you to wear a surgical mask if you are unwell. The purpose of this is to protect others when one coughs or sneezes, as the mask would trap those droplets and prevent those droplets from spreading and disseminating. In order to do this, the surgical mask is made with a certain pore size and materials that allow it to do its job.
At the end of the day, what you can do to protect yourself includes avoiding crowds, keeping a safe distance from others, hand hygiene, refraining from touching your face. As per our MOH guidelines, a medical mask is not required for people who are not sick.
Take care and stay well!
0
Hi @Wen . Thank you for your question! I do receive a lot of similar requests.
Yes most doctors will be able to provide a memo regarding the diagnosis after examination and history taking. Based on what you have written down it sounds possible to be related to allergic or vasomotor rhinitis (environmental causes) rather than an infective cause. The aforementioned is even more so if you/your husband or your son has a history of eczema/asthma/allergic rhinitis.
Though you may want to call ahead as usually such memos are written by the resident doctor (in the event the clinic is being covered by a locum doctor).
Hope this helps!
Yes most doctors will be able to provide a memo regarding the diagnosis after examination and history taking. Based on what you have written down it sounds possible to be related to allergic or vasomotor rhinitis (environmental causes) rather than an infective cause. The aforementioned is even more so if you/your husband or your son has a history of eczema/asthma/allergic rhinitis.
Though you may want to call ahead as usually such memos are written by the resident doctor (in the event the clinic is being covered by a locum doctor).
Hope this helps!
0
Dear J3llyb3ans,
Even in cities on lockdown, health experts encourage sunshine and exercise for their mental health and immune-boosting benefits.
Even in cities on lockdown, health experts encourage sunshine and exercise for their mental health and immune-boosting benefits.
However , there are certain safe and responsible practices to adhere to if you want to go outside without raising your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Keep the safe distance while performing your exercise and avoid touching your face and surfaces during your exercise. There may be occasions when weather or other circumstances make it less than ideal to go for a jog outdoors. In that case, it's still possible to get your exercise done at home with plenty of video guides on YouTube.
Hi @Concerned , I assume you are referring to Corona virus on this!
I would say excessive thirst alone has a broad number of possible diagnosis though the most common is just lack of hydration. In isolation I wouldn't say that it is related to COVID especially if it has been happening for a long period of time (2-3 months). A sore or dry throat itself can also cause "thirst" but this would not be classified as "true excessive thirst" or what we term as polydypsia. Would be good to see your GP if it has been happening in isolation for a long period of time.
Hope this helps!
I would say excessive thirst alone has a broad number of possible diagnosis though the most common is just lack of hydration. In isolation I wouldn't say that it is related to COVID especially if it has been happening for a long period of time (2-3 months). A sore or dry throat itself can also cause "thirst" but this would not be classified as "true excessive thirst" or what we term as polydypsia. Would be good to see your GP if it has been happening in isolation for a long period of time.
Hope this helps!
0
Hi @Aicrop thank you for the question! Im delighted to hear that your kids have cultivated such an excellent hobby. Yes, it is absolutely safe to borrow and read books during this time. In fact, it is recommended to do so along with physical activity outdoors, given that everyone is getting on the #stayhomestaysafe bandwagon (studies have shown our kids in Singapore get too much screen time).
To keep them safe, just continue to observe and guide your kids on MOH’s general advice as follows;
1) social distancing (eg when in the library)
2) avoid touching the face
3) wash hands thoroughly after leavig common areas, upon reaching home and before eating meals
Hope this helps😊
To keep them safe, just continue to observe and guide your kids on MOH’s general advice as follows;
1) social distancing (eg when in the library)
2) avoid touching the face
3) wash hands thoroughly after leavig common areas, upon reaching home and before eating meals
Hope this helps😊
1Hi @Ew thank you for the question! As a general rule of thumb, a temperature more than 37.5 is considered a fever. Some variation may be due to calibration settings, although this crisis has also exposed errors and fundamental flaws in some non-contact thermometers sold online that consistently produce inaccurate readings.
Use the “probe” type thermometers for a measurement of oral or armpit temperature, which you can purchase from established brands such as Guardian.
That being said, fever is a natural response of the immune system to any trigger of inflammation. If you feel unwell, with or without a measured temperature, and especially if you developed other symptoms, don’t hesitate to review with a medical professional to get personalised advice. Hope this helps!
Use the “probe” type thermometers for a measurement of oral or armpit temperature, which you can purchase from established brands such as Guardian.
That being said, fever is a natural response of the immune system to any trigger of inflammation. If you feel unwell, with or without a measured temperature, and especially if you developed other symptoms, don’t hesitate to review with a medical professional to get personalised advice. Hope this helps!
1My short answer is yes however it is because it is able to capture droplets from the wearer and restrict you from touching your face. Cloth mask typically does not fit well and may be less breathable than a surgical mask.
If you want to know more, refer to the link below.
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
If you want to know more, refer to the link below.
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
0Hi @_yt . Thanks for your question!
Other than medication, for such a condition, the best way to resolve it would be to remove the offending agent.
We see many patients with persistent symptoms which are usually attributed to dust/cold air. Occasionally, it can be related to certain foods which trigger the condition. It is important to figure out for yourself what is causing triggering your symptoms. Patients often overlook locations/objects that can retain dust. Such examples include air conditioner unit/stuffed animals/carpets.
In terms of medication, you may want to try nasal sprays such as avamys/nasonex/oxynase which can help relieve symptoms. Though I would suggest trying to remove the offending agent where possible as medications are only temporizing.
Though, if you develop fever/purulent nasal discharge (appears very thick and foul smelling)/significant facial pain or headaches, these could be signs suggesting you are having an episode of sinusitis. These occasionally require antibiotics and I would advise you to see a GP if it occurs. People with sensitive nose or "allergic rhinitis", are more predisposed to such infections.
Hope this helps!
Other than medication, for such a condition, the best way to resolve it would be to remove the offending agent.
We see many patients with persistent symptoms which are usually attributed to dust/cold air. Occasionally, it can be related to certain foods which trigger the condition. It is important to figure out for yourself what is causing triggering your symptoms. Patients often overlook locations/objects that can retain dust. Such examples include air conditioner unit/stuffed animals/carpets.
In terms of medication, you may want to try nasal sprays such as avamys/nasonex/oxynase which can help relieve symptoms. Though I would suggest trying to remove the offending agent where possible as medications are only temporizing.
Though, if you develop fever/purulent nasal discharge (appears very thick and foul smelling)/significant facial pain or headaches, these could be signs suggesting you are having an episode of sinusitis. These occasionally require antibiotics and I would advise you to see a GP if it occurs. People with sensitive nose or "allergic rhinitis", are more predisposed to such infections.
Hope this helps!
0Hi @malfrands unfortunately this indicates that your infection is persisting after the 5 days of rest and MC.
In the current situation, you will need to have a physical review with the GP that issued the MC, in order to have an assessment including examination of your lungs etc to determine what is happening.
In order to protect those at home and around you, please wear a mask as well as call the clinic to let them know that you are returning for a review so that they can prepare their clinic room accordingly👌🏻
In the current situation, you will need to have a physical review with the GP that issued the MC, in order to have an assessment including examination of your lungs etc to determine what is happening.
In order to protect those at home and around you, please wear a mask as well as call the clinic to let them know that you are returning for a review so that they can prepare their clinic room accordingly👌🏻
0
Hi @Human67 I cannot say for certain without examining it in person, but it sure appears so! Would you happen to have any other skin lesions elsewhere, preceding injury/insect bite, or any other symptoms?
0hi @AM . Thank you for your question!
Neck pain and headaches can be due to a variety of causes and they can be interlinked as well as what we refer to as a "cervicogenic headache" which might be what you are suffering from.
You may want to have a trial of anti-inflammatories such as brufen or neurofen and muscles relaxants such as anarex.
I would say that if it is disrupting your life, the pain is worsening and/or you develop any form of neurology such as weakness/numbness/imbalance/blurring vision you should visit your GP for a review. More often than not, the cause is likely due to either some form of physical activity or poor sleeping/sitting posture (in your age group).
Hope this helps!
Neck pain and headaches can be due to a variety of causes and they can be interlinked as well as what we refer to as a "cervicogenic headache" which might be what you are suffering from.
You may want to have a trial of anti-inflammatories such as brufen or neurofen and muscles relaxants such as anarex.
I would say that if it is disrupting your life, the pain is worsening and/or you develop any form of neurology such as weakness/numbness/imbalance/blurring vision you should visit your GP for a review. More often than not, the cause is likely due to either some form of physical activity or poor sleeping/sitting posture (in your age group).
Hope this helps!
0Hi @Ding thats a great question! Based on the latest advisory “Updated advisory for Sport and Physical activity” published 26 March, thats fine so long as the pool maintenance team complies with recommendations set out in the document and social distancing is maintained.
You can read more about it at MOH’s official website here - https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
You can read more about it at MOH’s official website here - https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
0
Hi @CG , there are many possible causes for this, ranging from allergies to fungal infections or heat rash which is common in our local context in Singapore. The first step would be to monitor the rash and observe if any particular activities or exposures cause it to worsen. Practice hygiene and keep the area of skin exposed and dry at home. Unfortunately the remedies for some causes may make the others worse, such as creams containing steroids that may be soothing for some causes, can make fungal infections worse.
If it does not improve, it would be best to have a discussion with a GP to work this out, particularly if your symptoms are getting worse. You may want to do this right away if the rash is extensive (beyond just the upper arms), worsening, causing your child discomfort, or if they have any other symptoms such as fever. This can easily be done online via apps like DoctorWorld that provide video-based consultations, and the attending doctor would be able to prescribe medications and have them delivered to you. Here is a link that shares more about this: https://www.todayonline.com/brand-spotlight/doctor-will-see-you-next-app
If it does not improve, it would be best to have a discussion with a GP to work this out, particularly if your symptoms are getting worse. You may want to do this right away if the rash is extensive (beyond just the upper arms), worsening, causing your child discomfort, or if they have any other symptoms such as fever. This can easily be done online via apps like DoctorWorld that provide video-based consultations, and the attending doctor would be able to prescribe medications and have them delivered to you. Here is a link that shares more about this: https://www.todayonline.com/brand-spotlight/doctor-will-see-you-next-app
0
Hi @Tim Im sorry to hear that! What symptoms are you encountering? Also, do you notice any patterns for associations of these daytime symptoms with particular exposures/ activities, or any changes such as construction work near your home that you pass by on your way to/from work? These are all potential contributing factors to worsening asthma, although there are potentially other aggravating factors such as infections that could cause it to get progressively worse to the extent it becomes dangerous.
You may want to consider having a detailed discussion with a GP to work this out, particularly if your symptoms are getting worse. It is possible to have a preliminary discussion online via an app like DoctorWorld, however the doctor may need to refer you to a clinic in-person if they determine that you need to be examined. Here is a link that shares more about this: https://www.todayonline.com/brand-spotlight/doctor-will-see-you-next-app
You may want to consider having a detailed discussion with a GP to work this out, particularly if your symptoms are getting worse. It is possible to have a preliminary discussion online via an app like DoctorWorld, however the doctor may need to refer you to a clinic in-person if they determine that you need to be examined. Here is a link that shares more about this: https://www.todayonline.com/brand-spotlight/doctor-will-see-you-next-app
0
Hey Gabriel!
Thank you for your question. A few things to consider,
1. When did it start?
2.Does it hurt?
3. Any past pain or history of infection where th ball is?
Sometimes, a yellow ball in gum, could refer to an active infection from a tooth causing the pus to collect and form a sac which look like a ball in the gum. However it could also be something else, so I would advise that if is persists please go to your dentist to get it checked out.
Regards
Dr Beth
Thank you for your question. A few things to consider,
1. When did it start?
2.Does it hurt?
3. Any past pain or history of infection where th ball is?
Sometimes, a yellow ball in gum, could refer to an active infection from a tooth causing the pus to collect and form a sac which look like a ball in the gum. However it could also be something else, so I would advise that if is persists please go to your dentist to get it checked out.
Regards
Dr Beth
0Hey
It is quite possible that you would be infected by COVID -19 and be experiencing mild symptoms. 80 % of all cases of COVID -19 are either asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. Even if you are positive for COVID -19, your treatment will not change for the type of symptoms you are currently experiencing. If you experience breathless and/or symptoms seem to worsen contact your country's COVID helpline/hospital.
Maintain self isolation and try to follow these guidelines -
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
Do te if you have any more queries.
Take Care
Dr. Harshit K
It is quite possible that you would be infected by COVID -19 and be experiencing mild symptoms. 80 % of all cases of COVID -19 are either asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. Even if you are positive for COVID -19, your treatment will not change for the type of symptoms you are currently experiencing. If you experience breathless and/or symptoms seem to worsen contact your country's COVID helpline/hospital.
Maintain self isolation and try to follow these guidelines -
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
Do te if you have any more queries.
Take Care
Dr. Harshit K
0Hi @cyeap ! Thank you for your question.
Realistically speaking it would take at least 6 months (on average), up to 2 years, for a drug to pass phase II clinical trials (which is where safety is determined). As such even if a vaccine was being developed it would not be distributed any time soon unfortunately.
Realistically speaking it would take at least 6 months (on average), up to 2 years, for a drug to pass phase II clinical trials (which is where safety is determined). As such even if a vaccine was being developed it would not be distributed any time soon unfortunately.
0Hi @worriedmum thats a timely question! Self-isolation is a public health measure to reduce spread, that requires the at-risk individual (whether from travel or possible exposure) to practice social responsibility by remaining at home and avoiding contact with others. This is the overarching concept whereby stay home notice (SHN) is a subset.
It has been broken down to 3 incremental levels within Singapore for the current outbreak - leave of abscence (LOA), SHN and Quarrantine. More on that at this link: https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/2019-ncov/moh-health-advisory-for-persons-issued-stay-home-notice-(updated-13-mar)-(1530h).pdf
Unlike LOA, SHN has a legal element whereby relevant individuals are obligated to stay within their home premises at all times except for emergencies. Ultimately, you’d be doing your friends, loved ones and neighbours a solid by not exposing them if in case you develop the illness. Also, failure to comply may result in prosecution under the infectious disease act.
Family members are not needed to isolate as well, but are recommended to take precautions at home to avoid exposure, and to seek esrly medical attention should you feel unwell. More on that at this link: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-faq-stay-home-notice-what-you-need-to-know-coronavirus-12542892
It has been broken down to 3 incremental levels within Singapore for the current outbreak - leave of abscence (LOA), SHN and Quarrantine. More on that at this link: https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/2019-ncov/moh-health-advisory-for-persons-issued-stay-home-notice-(updated-13-mar)-(1530h).pdf
Unlike LOA, SHN has a legal element whereby relevant individuals are obligated to stay within their home premises at all times except for emergencies. Ultimately, you’d be doing your friends, loved ones and neighbours a solid by not exposing them if in case you develop the illness. Also, failure to comply may result in prosecution under the infectious disease act.
Family members are not needed to isolate as well, but are recommended to take precautions at home to avoid exposure, and to seek esrly medical attention should you feel unwell. More on that at this link: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-faq-stay-home-notice-what-you-need-to-know-coronavirus-12542892
MOST HELPFUL DOCTORS
MOST POPULAR SPACES
