Guarding Against Meningococcal Disease: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitides. It is a potentially deadly infection, where one can develop meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcaemia (bacteria proliferating in the bloodstream and damaging the walls of the blood vessels, causing bleeding into the skin and organs). About 10 to 15 in 100 people infected with the disease will die, and up to 1 in 5 survivors will develop long-term disabilities such as loss of limb and brain infection.

Although this disease is not common in Singapore, there is still some risk of getting infected. This bacterium can spread through respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing. Close and lengthy contact with an infected person and age can also increase the chances of contracting the disease. Hence, those who are at risk are:

• Households or close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease

• People travelling to a country where meningococcal disease is epidemic or highly endemic

• First-year college students who live in halls of residence

• Military recruits

• Infants (less than 12 months old)

• Adolescents (aged 16 to 23 years old)

Signs and symptoms to watch out for include:

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Limb pain

• Pale skin

• Cold hands and feet

• Rash

• Neck stiffness

• Dislike of bright light

• Confusion

The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is through vaccination, such as the Nimenrix vaccination. There are a few types of Neisseria meningitides and Nimenrix protects against four common types: A, C, W-135 and Y.

Intemedical offers Nimenrix vaccinations at all clinics.

Pricing:

$150 before GST (Nimenrix alone)

$185 before GST (Nimenrix + flu vaccine)

Do note that Nimenrix is offered as ready stock at our Tampines outlet only. Other outlets will require preorders and 1-2 weeks wait.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Sources:

https://www.pfizer.com/science/focus-areas/vaccines/Meningococcal-Disease

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/nimenrix#:~:text=Nimenrix%20is%20a%20vaccine%20used,%2D135%2C%20and%20Y).

Shingles and Shingrix: Now with 10-year protection

It is official - Shingrix, the vaccine to prevent Shingles, has been proven to provide at least 10 years of protection.

New data found in a clinical trial conducted by GSK showed that the Shingrix vaccine is at least 89% effective 10 years after administration in people aged 50 and up. No new safety concerns were identified during the study as well.

This is heartening news and further emphasises the importance of vaccinating yourself or your loved ones against a painful disease.

To recap - Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus from its dormant stage and usually happens as we age or as our immunity wanes.

What are the symptoms of Shingles?

Some symptoms to look out for are a feeling of pain (aching, burning, stabbing) in a specific area, followed by the appearance of rashes. After 1-3 days, the patient may notice a group of blisters in the same area. Accompanying symptoms also include fever, headache or fatigue.

Who are at risk?

Studies have found that the virus can reactivate in one in three adults. The risk of shingles occurring is higher in adults above 50 due to the age-related decline in immunity. Being female, having chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic heart and lung diseases, or a family history of the virus also increases the risk of the disease.

How can I go about getting the vaccine?

Whatsapp any of our clinics below to check the availability of the Shingrix vaccine before making an appointment.

Do note that the vaccine costs $448 nett (inclusive of GST) per dose and 2 doses are required.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Sources:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/gsk-high-risk-infection-may-be-prevented-with-visit-family-doctor

https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/new-data-show-shingrix-can-provide-at-least-10-years-of-protection-against-shingles-in-adults-aged-50-years-and-over/#:~:text=From%201%20month%20post%2Dsecond,new%20safety%20concerns%20were%20identified.

Healthier SG: Pre-enrolment available for those with chronic illness

In 2022, the Healthier SG programme was announced as Singapore's new preventive care strategy where participants will enrol with a primary care doctor who will holistically manage their health.

It was initially stated to kick off in July this year, starting with those who are at least 60. But due to concerns of an overwhelming response, a pre-enrolment exercise will be introduced from May for those aged 40 and above with chronic illness.

If you are eligible for the pre-enrolment, it is highly encouraged for you to sign up and enjoy benefits such as:

1. Free initial consultation

2. Work with the doctor to come up with a health plan which will include lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise regimen etc) and regular check-ups

3. Eligible

for free annual check-ups and nationally recommended vaccinations such as flu shots. Screen for the following diseases will be free:

1. Type 2 diabetes

2. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

3. Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol)

4. Breast cancer

5. Cervical cancer

6. Colorectal cancer

To qualify for early enrolment, you must have been seeing the same GP regularly for the management of your chronic illness, and the clinic must have signed up to be in the programme.

Early chronic condition management can secure your quality of life in the future, so speak to our anchor doctors today about it when you next see them in clinic and look out for enrolment instructions via SMS from MOH.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/those-with-chronic-illness-will-be-able-to-sign-up-earlier-for-healthier-sg

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/4-things-to-know-about-healthier-sg