A BRIEFING ABOUT THE FLU

By Kleovoulos Chandanos, Paediatrician

The Flu - Part II: Vaccinations and Medication

Vaccination is expected to decrease the repercussions of a pandemic on the population, particularly in the vulnerable groups, decreasing the complications from the illness.

The vaccine should be sold to predetermined priority groups.  Groups eligible for vaccination priority are: workers in health services, people in services necessary to the well-being of state and society, individuals belonging to vulnerable groups, people in old age homes, and schools. Vaccinating vulnerable groups against pneumonococcus can decrease considerably the frequency of pneumonococcal pneumonia as a flu complication. It is estimated that the vaccine provides protection for about 80 percent of those vaccinated and that the immunity lasts roughly five years. The priority vaccination list must include: the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases like cardiovascular ailments, lung deficiency, diabetes, alcoholism, and cirrhosis of the liver.

With regard to the medicines that can be used, zanamiviri (Relenza) mainly combats A and B type flu viruses (see part one), and in order to be effective it should be taken within 48 hours from the start of the symptoms. It should be avoided by patients with a history of respiratory ailments. Oseltamiviri (Tamiflu) must also be given within the first 48 hours, for five days. Its side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

However, we must remember that the effectiveness of these drugs has not been fully substantiated. 

IMPACTED TEETH

By Nikolaos Koubanakis, Dental Surgeon

Impacted teeth are those that have not fully erupted into their normal position within the normal amount of time, but remain in the jaw surrounded by bone and gums. They remain impacted because there isn't sufficient space to rise, or because the baby teeth did not fall on time, or for a number of other developmental/pathological reasons.  

Wisdom teeth are impacted more often than others and should be extracted in the following cases:

·        When relapsing inflammations appear

·        When there is extensive decay or a tooth chips

·        When cysts or abscesses appear

·        In cases of serious periodontal illness

·        As a precaution in special cases

·        To allow corrective dental treatment (bridge or denture placement)

·        To allow orthodontic treatment in cases of overcrowding

In most cases, extraction is done with local anaesthesia and only rarely is general anaesthesia necessary. As with all surgical procedures, surgical extraction can contain some dangers. The most common one is some secondary local infection, post surgical bleeding, and damage of surrounding nerves or teeth.

Apart from the wisdom teeth, other teeth, like the canine and bicuspids, can become impacted.  In these cases, it is preferable to uncover the tooth and move it to its proper place with orthodontic treatment. Finally, in the case of overcrowding, it's essential for the teeth to be extracted.

Maintaining oral health: One week after surgery, see your surgeon to confirm that healing is taking place without any complications. Stitches might also be taken out during this visit. Meanwhile, you need good oral hygiene during recovery. When the tissue recovers from the extraction, you can resume brushing and flossing.   

For a healthy smile: To maintain healthy gums and teeth, brush your teeth using a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste after each meal; use dental floss regularly; eat logically because often sugar or amylo-products promote tooth decay, and have your teeth cleaned regularly. The American Dental Federation proposes two visits per year for most people.