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While the benefits of breastfeeding have been long proven, many mothers become quickly discouraged. Lack of time, stressful sessions, lack of psychological support, incorrect information… And yet, breastfeeding is all good! We discussed the matter with Dr. Alleesaib, paediatrician, and Christel Legrand, midwife, both working at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

For Dr. Alleesaib, there is no comparison: if infant formula can cover the needs of the newborn, nothing beats breastfeeding. ‘Breast milk is a milk full of life, rich in immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which help the immune, respiratory, cerebral and digestive systems of the child to develop optimally’, she explains. The best thing is that breast milk constantly adapts to the needs of the child, at every stage of its growth.

Beyond the nutritive aspect, there is also the emotional aspect. ‘More than a source of food, breastfeeding also promotes attachment and creates a lifelong bond’, says Christel. As it provides comfort and safety, such contact supports in return the baby’s health. ‘Skin-to-skin is known for its effects on the immune system. It is indeed highly encouraged when the baby is premature, since it fosters the maturation of the nervous and digestive systems’, adds the doctor.

How does breastfeeding function? ‘The first two days, the mother will produce colostrum, a kind of thick, concentrated, yellow liquid. It can be considered as the baby’s first vaccine since it is packed with anti-infectious agents’, explains Christel. Then comes the first milk flow on the third day, the transition milk, and the mature milk. The latter is richer in lactose, which allows the child to hold longer between feeds.

‘We realise today that poor nutrition at the early stages of life will lead to disastrous effects on the future adult’s health, with a prevalence of diabetes for example’, underlines Dr. Alleesaib. This concept, taken up by the association Groupe Enfants & Mères, emphasizes the importance of the child’s first 1,000 days of life, from the time of conception to the age of two, also highlighting the long-term benefits of a healthy diet throughout this period.

In that respect, breastfeeding, which provides the very best nutrition, ensures the infant the best possible start in life. ‘Breastfed children have fewer respiratory and digestive problems’, says the doctor. Breastfeeding is also said to reduce the risk of autism and obesity, and allow optimal jaw development, with less chances of needing an orthodontist later!

And if you thought breastfeeding was only good for the baby… far from it! It not only allows the mother to lose weight, but also delays the menses and reduces the risks of bleedings. ‘Besides, breastfeeding also reduces the risks of developing breast or ovarian cancer’, continues Dr. Alleesaib. No need for bottles or other accessories: breastfeeding, a free source of food, is also the best choice, economically speaking!

Of course, things are not always simple. Breastfeeding can be more complicated for some mothers. ‘Sometimes there are medical reasons for mothers who are unable to provide breast milk’, explains Christel. Indeed, doctors can advise against breastfeeding when the mother is suffering from AIDS or hepatitis B, taking anti-cancer drugs or presenting psychiatric issues.

In other cases, flat or inverted nipples may also hinder the process of milk feeding, as the infant will have difficulties to latch on or suckle. ‘There is a solution in such case: the mother can choose between silicone nipples or the breast-pump’, says Christel.

There is also a whole psychological dimension to take into account. ‘Often, mothers do not receive support from their relatives, who spread more prejudices than encouragements. They become quickly stressed and discouraged’, deplores the doctor, according to whom the most important of all things remains the mother’s mental balance. ‘While the mother needs to feel supported in her choice, she also needs to do what is best for her’, she says.

And for those who decide to go into it, remember to pay attention to your diet! While fast food and other ultra-processed foods must be avoided as much as possible, the new mother must indulge in a real health cure. Cereals, pulses, fish, dates, chia seed, flax seed or fennel… This is the type of food that promises the production of abundant and nutritive milk. ‘During the first months, masala and coffee, which are known to increase infantile colic, should be avoided, as well as raw food throughout the nursing period’, concludes the doctor.

If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding, do not hesitate to contact our midwifery team at 401 95 00. They are always ready to listen to you, to guide you, and to answer all your requests.

When we talk about a clinic’s efficiency, we immediately associate it with the care organization and teams. However, many of our behind-the-scenes colleagues are vital to making the Clinic efficient and productive. Among them are the system administrators, who will be honoured on July 29^th 2022. Meet Yashley Gooroochurn, a major contributor to the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

For Yashley, who joined the Clinic as a system administrator in February 2022, choosing the world of IT was almost an obvious choice. ‘My passion is to make things happen, and nowadays, improving a company by setting up a new IT infrastructure has become a priority since it is a fast-moving market,’ he explains.

This is no easy job, as the tasks of a system administrator include a great deal of work. ‘A system administrator is responsible for the management of the IT infrastructure, licences, fixing and updating hardware and software equipment. They also ensures that appropriate measures are implemented in response to unforeseen problems as quickly as possible,’ he adds.

The job requires a great deal of attention, patience, analysis and stress management, and no two days are completely similar. ‘Every day we have to make sure that the IT and telephone networks are working properly and that everything is up to date,’ explains Yashley. At the same time, the system administrator is always on the alert for any unexpected user problems, such as computer downtime or zero-day breaches.

Indeed, if the computer or telephone system fails, the clinic’s whole operation is disrupted, with, for example, the impossibility to make appointments. A real challenge in a sector that constantly moves forward! ‘That’ s also why I find the medical field very interesting, even though it can be a stressful job at times. You always have to be up to date and give it your best shot because it’s the patients’ lives that are at stake,’ says Yashley.

For the latter, the effort is definitely worth it. ‘We work in a good atmosphere, with a friendly and challenging team, on interesting projects,’ he adds. The most interesting project for him was the implementation of the new telephony system, 3CX. And since he has only recently joined the company, 2022 promises to be full of new initiatives!

Launched in the United States, where the consumption of ultra-processed foods is one of the worst habits, National Junk Food Day is an annual reminder of the dangers of unhealthy food. Indeed, it is thought to be responsible for one in five deaths, even more than smoking! Let’s take a look at the situation with Dr Anjuli Gunness, endocrinologist and diabetologist at the Bon Pasteur Clinic.

What does ‘junk food’ means? ‘Junk food refers to eating anything that is considered unhealthy or unbalanced. This can be an excess or a lack of what one needs, or a very poor food quality’, explains Dr Gunness. Deep-fried or high-fat, high-salt or high-sugar foods are the most common examples.

Dr Gunness is adamant. ‘Everything we consume directly affects our health. Therefore, junk food can lead to many medical issues’, she says. For instance, a high carbohydrate and sugar diet can lead to significant weight gain, sometimes even to serious obesity. ‘We have found evidence that link obesity to more than 200 medical conditions, such as cancers, diabetes and sleep apnea’, she adds.

Eating fatty or fried foods can lead to high cholesterol and is a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. A diet high in salt and processed foods can increase blood pressure and lead to many heart and kidney problems, while excessive consumption of meat and industrial products is likely to cause some types of cancer.

‘Other lesser-known health problems are also caused by improper eating, since it can result in certain vitamin and mineral shortages. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and affect the nerve endings in the feet’, adds Dr Gunness. While sugar – a widely used additive in our food – is known to be addictive, other products have become subject to the influence of social behaviour because they are associated with special festive occasions and celebrations.

‘I think it’s time to stop rewarding people, especially children, with sugary foods and to redefine what we want to associate with these special and festive moments’, advises Dr Gunness. While this is, for the most part, a matter of conditioning, it also reflects a real societal reality. Indeed, these foods, in addition to being unhealthy, are also affordable, thus turning them into products of first choice for less well-off households.

Is it possible to eat healthily and indulge once in a while? ‘It depends on what “indulging” means. For one person it might be a food binge, for another it might be two biscuits’, says Dr Gunness. She believes that moderation is the answer, but also proper hygiene and nutrition information, especially for people with diabetes, where a little indulgence can quickly turn into a real danger. ‘I want my patients to have a healthy relationship with food and learn to eat well – and not necessarily less – without fear, while pleasing themselves. This requires a dietary education’, explains Dr. Gunness.

According to the WHO, junk food has nowadays global health consequences as it kills 11 million people every year, while tobacco is responsible for more than 7 million deaths and hypertension for more than 9 million. The organisation advises people to choose diets high in fruits, vegetables, pulses and cereals, low in salt and sugar, and to favour unsaturated fats – found in fish, avocado, nuts and olive, sunflower or rapeseed oil.

Those healthy practices start from the cradle, as the organisation believes that breastfeeding has numerous long-term benefits, including reducing the risk of overweight, obesity and non-transmittable diseases such as diabetes. Providing optimal nutrition at the time of child feeding would then consolidate these health benefits. An additional incentive to ensure your child’s optimum health!

Should you wish to adopt a healthier lifestyle, do not hesitate to contact us on 401 95 00. We will support you in every step towards a better quality of life.

 

July 15th marks World Youth Skills Day and celebrates the importance of teaching young people all the relevant skills needed to achieve success in employment, getting a decent job and becoming an entrepreneur. The Clinique Bon Pasteur has been participating in the training of these young talents to help shape the future workforce. Read more about the project.

The Clinic has been welcoming young people wishing to do their internship in the medical field for years now. ‘We now mainly welcome trainees from schools such as the Quatre Bornes Professional Training Centre, but also from other countries, notably Switzerland,’ says Michael L’Éveillé, Medical Supervisor at the Clinic. The aim is to transmit not only know-how, but also a passion for the profession.

‘Nursing is a profession that requires a lot of love and human warmth, it is a real vocation. We try to encourage this as much as possible because it is becoming increasingly difficult to get nurses,’ Michael adds. According to him, the traineeship takes on a whole new dimension than just training future talent. ‘Trainees contribute to challenging ourselves, in particular in a constantly evolving world. Their contribution helps us to keep looking for ways to improve,’ he says.

One of the positive aspects of this experience is that once the internship is over, some of them are offered the opportunity to pursue their career path by becoming employees of the Clinic itself, like Melissa Chavriya, a nurse who has been working at the Clinic for four years now. ‘When I finished my training, I did a six-month internship at the Clinic. The teams were satisfied with my work and I was invited to join them,’ she says.

Besides increasing her confidence in her abilities, Melissa learned a lot during this special moment. ‘I discovered a great deal and it confirmed my love for this profession. These internships are essential to understand the expectations that come with this job,” she explains. Four years later, she still talks about her experience with a smile.

Beyond the purely medical aspect, the Clinic also welcomes other trainees from other fields. Rachelle Nymphe, for example, came to the Clinic after leaving secondary school for a three-month internship… which was soon followed by more! ‘I’ve been at the Clinic for a year now and I really feel like I’m part of a big family,’ she says.

Although her first task was to file patient records to make the work of the billing team easier, her skills were soon noticed and she was given new responsibilities. ‘I was soon trusted with other things, such as the vaccination process. This allowed me to be more polyvalent and to develop other competences, which made me confident that I could manage things successfully,’ she says. Today, she uses these skills in her daily work at the clinic!

For more information about our medical internships, please contact us on 401 95 00.

Even today, vitiligo is a condition that is still causing researchers much concern! Affecting about 1% of the population, it is expressed by a gradual depigmentation of the skin that irregularly affects certain parts of the body, particularly the face, extremities, joints and friction zones. Dr Adnath, dermatologist at the Bon Pasteur Clinic, goes over some preconceived ideas.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease.

True, like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Researchers agree that the affected person’s immune system produces antibodies that attack melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin – a substance that produces skin pigmentation.

There are different types of vitiligo.

False, but it can be classified into two main forms: the segmental form, which affects one area in particular, and the generalized form – the most common – which affects several areas of the body. It can also be active or stable.

Vitiligo is a contagious disease.

False: Vitiligo is a harmless, non-infectious and non-contagious skin disease.

Vitiligo can appear at any age.

True. While most cases of vitiligo occur in the teenage or young adult years, it can also occur in early childhood or later in life, although this is less common.

Vitiligo is hereditary.

False, but you can be prone to developing vitiligo. A person with a parent with vitiligo has a 5-8% chance of developing the disease.

Vitiligo and thyroid problems are often linked.

True. Vitiligo is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, especially in people with endocrine disorders. It is estimated that 15-20% of people with vitiligo also have autoimmune hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

There is no treatment for vitiligo.

True. The treatment of vitiligo is the subject of much research, not all of which is yet conclusive. The most popular treatment remains UVB phototherapy which, in certain cases, makes it possible to stimulate the remaining melanocyte reserve and activate partial repigmentation.

Vitiligo is detected by clinical examination.

True. Vitiligo is easily recognized by a basic skin inspection. The dermatologist may also use a Wood’s lamp, an ultraviolet light, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other types of skin discoloration.

Vitiligo has long-term consequences, including skin cancer.

True and false. In itself, having vitiligo does not increase the risk of developing skin cancer, quite the contrary! Actually, the presence of melanoma is three times lower for these people. However, unprotected exposure to the sun could lead to the appearance of carcinoma-type cancers on the discolored areas, which is why it is so important to protect yourself carefully whenever you are out in the sun!

For more information, do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 401 95 00. Our team of dermatologists will be able to assist you with all your questions.

 

 

Thanks to phenomenal medical and technological progress, people tend to live longer every year. However, with a growing ageing population, the WHO reports that by 2021, 1 in 6 elderly people are likely to have been subjected to abuse. On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Dr Pascale Dinan, a specialist in geriatrics, gives us an overview of the situation.

What exactly is elder abuse?

In order to understand this issue, we must differentiate between the terms ‘good treatment’ and ‘abuse’. According to ANESM, good treatment is a real culture based on individual actions and community relationships. Its aim is to ensure the well-being of vulnerable people by individualizing and personalizing the way they are treated. Abuse, on the other hand, consists, according to the WHO, of ‘a single and repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person’. These actions, whether intentional or not, constitute a breach in human rights.

Are there different types of abuse?

There are 7 types of abuse. It can be physical, with violence or physical restraint inflicted on the person, or psychological, with verbal violence and other pressure and punitive actions exerted on the person. There is also iatrogenic abuse (too much or too little medication), financial abuse (looting, extortion, etc.), institutional abuse (loss of freedom of movement, inadequate assistance, etc.), civil abuse (infringement of liberty and dignity) and societal abuse (ageism and discriminatory prejudices towards these people).

How can such a situation arise?

According to Professor Robert Moulias, there are six basic characteristics associated with abuse: the victim’s weakness, lack of awareness of the person’s needs and humanity, ignorance of proper treatment, the victim’s silence, social isolation and, finally, the environment. Most of the time, these acts of abuse are unintentional and result from the physical and moral overload of the carer, hence the importance of appropriate training. For the carer, many factors have to be taken into account, such as social problems, difficulties with integration, or inappropriate behaviour (humiliation, insults, etc.) towards the cared-for person.

What are the warning symptoms?

First of all, you should pay attention to any behavioural changes. The person may suddenly become suspicious or even show depressive symptoms such as sadness, self-withdrawal, loss of initiative. On the physical level, there may be repeated unexplainable bruising or falls, or a neglected physical appearance. The person concerned may also complain of particular psychosomatic disorders. In some cases, the explanations of the elderly person and the carer may differ, and this can also be a warning sign.

Once a case of abuse is detected, which actions are required?

There are two hotlines in Mauritius to report cases of abuse: 172 and 199. The Welfare and Elderly Persons’ Protection Unit (WEPPU) was set up in 2006 to manage and deal with these cases. Elderly Watch branches are also present throughout the country and also promote the welfare of older people by implementing actions to prevent abuse. Once a complaint has been lodged, an investigation is launched and appropriate care is provided.

From a psychological point of view, abuse is also part of the exclusion that older people often experience. How can it be prevented?

While some older people maintain an active life by, for example, looking after their grandchildren or concentrating on their hobbies, others tend to withdraw from contact with the outside world, thereby reinforcing their feeling of loneliness, which can be detrimental to them. It is essential to break the social isolation that the person may feel, and the family is most likely to play this role. The NGO Groupement FIAPA Océan Indien offers a wide range of activities on a weekly basis and group outings in accordance with the health regulations. It is therefore necessary, as far as possible, to maintain this link with the world around them.

As abuse occurs most frequently at home, would moving to a nursing home prevent this?

The majority of abuse cases do indeed take place at home. If the retirement home can act as a safeguard against abuse, this does not necessarily mean that they are exempt from maltreatment! Most of the time, this abuse is not intentional and can, for example, be the result of overwork. It can also take place in a more insidious way, where the carer may act with the greatest benevolence, but does not respond adequately to the person’s needs. This is why each institution should first and foremost draw up a welfare charter to develop a culture around this notion and train its professionals to properly implement it.

We often hear about the importance of having a health check-up. As a preventative health care measure, it helps to identify potential pathologies before they appear or become serious. Who should have a check-up? How does it work? Interview with Dr Panchcoory, general practitioner at the Bon Pasteur Clinic.

Celebrated on June 12^th, Global Wellness Day is designed to serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves. This also means taking preventive measures! ‘The health check-up is an essential screening tool to determine a person’s health condition. It also enables us to detect diseases that have remained unnoticed. The earlier a disorder is detected, the better the chances of a favorable diagnosis,’ explains Dr. Panchcoory.

Although the health check-up is aimed at any individual wishing to determine their health condition, from the age of 40 onwards a more regular check-up, every year or two, is recommended. ‘It also depends on the person’s personal health concerns, for example, if they have a high risk of heart disease or stroke, or if they have a chronic illness. If, for example, the person has a family history of cardiovascular disease, they should start the check-ups earlier and be monitored more regularly,’ says Dr. Panchcoory. The patient’s medical history, which includes the information gathered by the doctor during the examination – age, sex, occupation, smoking or alcohol consumption, etc. – also serves as a guide for the tests to be carried out.

The basic health check-up consists in the following steps: first of all, an analysis by the general practitioner – including blood pressure, physical examination, lung and abdominal examination, measurement of weight, height, waist and hip circumference, etc. – is used to draw up an initial health profile of the patient. In addition, a blood sample is taken on an empty stomach in the morning to detect, for example, possible diabetes, high cholesterol, infectious or tumor pathology, or anemia.

The examination is sometimes followed by a urine test or a resting electrocardiogram. However, for Dr Panchcoory, each check-up must be personalized. ‘We have to take into account the patient’s history and family background to offer a check-up with tests that are specifically designed for them,’ he says.

Even if there are no symptoms, a person with, for example, a family history of colorectal cancer should start having colonoscopies even before the age of 50. At the same time, the person’s lifestyle is also taken into account when determining the most appropriate tests. ‘A smoker or a person exposed to pollutants such as construction products or dust, for example, should have their lung function assessed by spirometry,’ he adds.

Although laboratories sometimes offer complete check-ups, it is still necessary to be previously examined by a general practitioner. The latter will be able to guide you as to which tests to carry out and will ensure that the check-up is as accurate as possible. ‘Once the evaluation has been carried out, we can, if necessary, refer the patient to other more specific tests for an even more accurate diagnosis,’ concludes the Dr.

Need to have a health check-up? Contact us on 401 95 00 and we will advise you on how to proceed.

Each year on May 25^th, the thyroid gland is given special attention. And for good reason! Despite its small size, this gland controls many of our body’s essential functions. And since thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine problems, endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Anjuli Gunness tells us more.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland located close to the Adam’s apple in the throat. It produces thyroid hormones that are vital for many of the body’s functions, including the gut, the heart, the brain and even the reproductive organs! We all possess thyroid hormone receptors throughout the body and a single malfunction can affect growth, sleep, mood, hunger and metabolism in many ways.

What are the most common diseases associated with this disorder?

The most common disorders are hyperthyroidism, which is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, and hypothyroidism, which is a decrease in their production. The possibility of developing thyroid nodules, which are usually benign, is also noted. However, they need to be monitored as they can lead to compressions and even cancer. Thyroid cancer, although rare, may develop.

Which symptoms are associated with a thyroid disorder?

The most common symptom of hypothyroidism is a general metabolic slowdown. People affected suffer from low energy, fatigue, bradycardia, constipation and often complain of feeling cold, having difficulty making decisions or carrying out certain tasks. In women, irregular bleeding and even a decrease in fertility may occur. Weight gain, hair loss and fragile fingernails are also symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite! Those affected complain of diarrhoea, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disorders, itchy skin, loss of weight and menstrual changes in women.

What are these disorders caused by?

They are most often caused by an autoimmune disease: in the case of hypothyroidism, the body produces antibodies that reduce the thyroid gland’s ability to produce these hormones. Conversely, autoimmune hyperthyroidism will result in an excessive amount of thyroid hormone production. Other common causes include inflammation of the gland following a viral infection, resulting in temporary and, in rare cases, permanent disturbances. Surgery following the formation of a hyperactive nodular goitre – a cause of hyperthyroidism – or radiation to treat hyperthyroidism or a form of cancer of the gland can, on the other hand, cause damage to its function and result in hypothyroidism. Lastly, a deficiency of iodine can also cause hypothyroidism.

How are these disorders diagnosed?

Thyroid problems are easy to detect. The Clinic’s laboratory performs two blood tests: the T3 T4 TSH test measures thyroid hormone levels, while the ATPO ATG test analyses antibodies in the blood. An ultrasound scan of the thyroid can also be performed to see if there are any nodules. For more advanced tests, radioactive iodine tests can identify gland activity.

Can thyroid dysfunction be prevented?

Yes and no. Some people have hereditary thyroid disorders. Others may have antibodies but no disorder. Some may need to have part of the gland removed. These people, who do not have any symptoms yet, need further follow-up. CT-scans or certain medications can also affect thyroid function and should be monitored. For people with hypothyroidism, a rich iodine diet can be implemented to improve thyroid function. However, neither diet nor stress in itself can be factors of thyroid dysfunction.

If you think you may have a thyroid disorder, please call Dr. Gunness at 401 95 00 to make an appointment.

Temperatures have started to drop and evenings are turning milder. Winter is beginning to show its face, no doubt about it! With it comes the onset of seasonal flu, which can be prepared for with the vaccines offered by the Clinic. Who are they for? When to get vaccinated? Dr Veeraragoo, a specialist in internal medicine, gives us more information.

 

What is seasonal flu?

The seasonal influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. These viruses occur every year, mainly in winter, and affect all populations worldwide. They are unique in that they mutate continuously, which means that they are constantly changing and are never the same every year. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, some are quite common and are found in most infected people, such as headache, fever, runny nose, myalgia, weakness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Flu is mostly harmless, but can lead to serious consequences, including hospitalisation or even death, in at-risk populations.

 

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

The vaccine is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, especially for particular risk profiles. One of the target groups are elderly people as they are more likely to develop serious complications after being infected. Secondly, we also advise children between 6 months and 2 years of age to be vaccinated. As their immune systems are still immature, they tend to develop more intense forms of flu. Thirdly, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma or certain heart diseases are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Finally, pregnant women may also be at risk, as influenza can lead to complications such as miscarriage and premature delivery.

 

When is the best time for a vaccination?

As seasonal flu tends to occur in winter, it is advisable to get the vaccine before the weather turns cold. The ideal time would therefore be between February and March, but the vaccine will still be effective regardless of when it is given, as it protects the patient for 6 to 8 months. It should then be repeated every year at the same period.

 

How does it work?

The two vaccines offered at the Clinic, Influvac and Vaxigrip, are composed of inactivated viruses. This means that once injected, the virus cannot multiply in the body’s cells and cause flu. In other words, it wakes up the immune system and builds a response to future attacks. If the immune defence is actually activated, the person is fully ready to neutralise the real virus before it can do too much damage. As these viruses change every year, vaccines are continually updated according to the strains in circulation. The Vaxigrip vaccine, for example, is a tetravalent vaccine and prepares the immune system against four different subtypes of influenza A and B currently in circulation.

 

Does the vaccine cause side effects?

The flu vaccine has been used for almost 60 years! It has been extensively studied and is therefore safe. However, it is possible to experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, runny nose, fever or loss of appetite within 48 hours of the injection. However, these symptoms are less severe. In very rare cases, a person may be unknowingly allergic to one of the components of the vaccine. This can lead to an allergic reaction of varying severity.

 

How effective is the flu vaccine?

The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on many factors: the health of the person, their age, but also the type of virus currently in circulation. As a general rule, the vaccine is 40-60% effective. This means that you can still get the flu, but your system’s immune response will be much faster because the body recognises the virus straight away. The virus, since it is already known to our immune system, will not proliferate, thus hindering contamination, which is usually through the airways. In addition, the vaccine remains effective against the strains that make it up. It is therefore possible for a person to be infected with a subtype not provided by the vaccine.

 

What are the necessary formalities for obtaining a vaccine?

At the Clinic, you will need a prescription from a general practitioner or other doctor before you can be vaccinated. The pharmacy will then deliver the prescribed vaccine to the patient. Medical advice is also required before the injection, as it is not recommended to be vaccinated if you have a fever, for example.

 

Besides vaccination, what are your recommendations for coping with winter and seasonal flu?

In order to limit the risk of contamination, especially for symptomatic cases, we would advise implementing the same precautions recommended since the advent of the pandemic: wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, social distancing, use of hydroalcoholic gel, etc. Furthermore, a healthy diet, made up of fresh fruits and vegetables and balanced meals, also ensures optimal immunity. It is equally advisable to exercise, as it oxygenates our system and boosts our immunity and mental health. Finally, if we suffer from comorbidities, we should do all the necessary check-ups. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in a diabetic suffering from flu can lead to serious complications. It is therefore wise to listen to your body and, above all, to take care of it.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact our pharmacy on 401 95 00.

 

Radiology and pulmonology : what pulmonary imaging can reveal about your lungs

Everyday your lungs are doing an extraordinary job: bringing oxygen into the blood and driving out the carbon dioxide produced by the cells. They may be nevertheless affected by ailments, particularly when smoking is involved. Let us take a peek at the radiology department with Vishal Dhomun, radiographer, and Dr. Deerpalsing, pulmonologist at the Clinique Bon Pasteur.

‘The first thing to do when we receive a patient with lung problems is to establish an accurate history of symptoms and risk factors, such as smoking, which may predispose to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer,’ begins Dr. Deerpalsing. Further tests can be recommended on many grounds: for example, if the patient has smoked for more than 20 years and suffers from chronic cough, shortness of breath, a lot of sputum in absence of infection, or chest pain. Several investigative procedures, such as blood tests, spirometry and radiological tests, are used to issue an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

After the approval of a pulmonologist is obtained, the patient is directed to the radiology department for an X-ray or a CT scan in order to detect problems such as emphysema, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis or even lung cancers. ‘Simple radiography provides us with basic information and can already help us detect a pathology,’ says Dr. Deerpalsing. ‘However, to obtain more advanced information, such as for the detection of lumps, we opt for a CT-Scan, which provides us with millimeter-scale cross-sectional images of excellent precision,’ continues Vishal.

For an X-ray, which does not usually take more than a minute, there is no special preparation. For the CT-Scan, the patient may be requested to fast for a few hours if the investigation requires an injection of iodinated contrast medium to make lumps even more visible. ‘It all depends on what we’re looking for and the patient’s condition,’ says Vishal. While X-ray procedures on a targeted part of the body presents negligible risks, computed tomography is a more invasive technique, which should be used sparingly.

‘As much as possible, we avoid performing CT-Scans on young people and women, for example, to minimise their exposure to radiation,’ says the doctor. Actually, women undergoing repeated scans would see their risk of developing cancer, especially breast cancer, increase over the course of investigation. The injection of iodinated contrast medium presents a minimal risk of allergy. To prevent this, people with severe allergy to iodine, seafood or certain medications, will have to abstain from such an injection, while mild allergy sufferers will be administered a corticosteroid drug to avoid any adverse effects. ‘The main thing is to make sure you’re doing the right scan on the right person at the right time,’ concludes the doctor.

For more information on the tests performed at the Clinic, do not hesitate to contact our radiology department on 454 21 71.