What COVID-19 tests are available and which one should I take?

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As most of us already know, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus discovered at the end of 2019. If you are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, or recent loss of sense of taste or smell, It's important for you to get tested to know if you have the virus.

To find out which test is more convenient for you, the recommendation is to consult with your health provider. If you or your healthcare provider suspect that you have COVID-19, you will need to take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading it to others, even if your test indicates that you do not have the virus. There are 2 different types of COVID-19 tests that are available on the market today. They are the viral test and antibody test.

COVID tests:

  • Viral test: To find out if you are currently infected with COVID-19, these tests check specimens from your nose (nose swab) or your saliva (mouth swab). There are two types of viral tests:
    • Molecular testing: This test is also known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which detects the genetic material of the virus and is the most accurate. However, a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of the virus. At the beginning of the infection the amount of virus is too low for it to be detected. The results from this test take at least 24 hours.
    • Antigen testing: This test detects the proteins that form the “crown” or “corona” on the surface of the virus. A sample of fluid is taken from your nose to do the test, and it can give the result in minutes. This test is less accurate because it needs a higher amount of the virus for it to be able to detect it. Therefore it is more likely to give a false negative result to people who are infected.
  • Antibody test: Antibodies are proteins produced by your body's immune system, they help fight infections and protect you from getting sick again. This test looks for antibodies in your blood to determine if you had a coronavirus infection in the past. If so, you might have immunity against covid for some period of time. This test is not recommended to determine if someone is currently infected.
Covid test

Who should get tested?

Mainly people who have the symptoms of COVID-19, also people who work exposed to continuous contact with the public, and people who have had close contact with another infected person. If you have had close contact with someone infected, you must quarantine yourself at home while you wait for the results. In this case, it is extremely important to follow the recommendations of your health care provider or public health professional.

Keep in mind that negative test results for COVID-19 are not 100% accurate. It can happen that you test negative and actually be infected. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 while you wait for your test results, develop the infection, and spread the virus to other people. If you experience symptoms later, you may need another test to determine if you are infected with the virus. For this reason it is very important to continue social distancing, wearing your mask, and following the recommendations from healthcare professionals to avoid getting sick or infecting others.

At Keralty clinics we offer COVID-19 RT-PCR test, Antigen Rapid test and Antibodies Rapid test. You can choose which COVID test you need here .

Date Published
2021-05-12

How to stay safe and protect yourself from the COVID-19

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Based on the online assessment, you are at low risk at this moment because you do not show any symptoms related to COVID-19. That does not mean you are at low risk of getting seriously ill if you do get infected in the future. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions seem to be at higher risk of being affected by the virus.

What you need to know

The best way to prevent the COVID-19 illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus, because there’s no vaccine yet. You could get the virus from other people or contaminated surfaces.

The virus spreads very easily even before people start showing symptoms. It can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (usually within six feet).

What you need to do

We want to share with you some tips and best practices to take the precautions needed to help you protect yourself and others.

1. Wash your hands regularly: Get used to washing your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, or being in a public place. Otherwise, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands until they feel dry.
 

Wash Hands

2. Avoid close contact with other people: Even inside your home, try to stay 6 feet apart from the person who is sick and everybody else. When you go outside, avoid groups, crowded places, and mass gatherings. This is particularly important if you are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Avoid close contact

3. Avoid touching your face: If you touch your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands you could get infected by the virus. You might want to cover your face with something in case you forget not to touch it.

Avoid touching your face

4. Remember to wear a mask or cloth cover: The cloth face cover and masks are meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Every person, sick or not sick, should wear a mask or a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to go to work. (Exception: Masks should not be placed on anyone who has trouble breathing, young children under age 2, or people unable to remove the mask without assistance.)

wear a mask

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces: This should be practiced on a daily basis. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, computers, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

clean and disinfect

6. Be alert for symptoms: Each family at home must have a digital thermometer to take their temperature every day if symptoms develop. Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen. Also, be alert for cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

be alert

 

Date Published
2021-04-14

Colorectal cancer screening tests

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1. FIT Kit
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT), is used to detect hidden blood in the stool. The FIT kit is completed in the privacy of your home by taking 1-3 small samples from different bowel movements. If a large polyp or tumor is growing in the colon or rectum, trace amounts of blood may be deposited on the stool as it passes through. If your test result is positive, a timely Colonoscopy is recommended.  Recommended frequency: Yearly

Fit Kit

 

2. Cologuard
Cologuard uses advanced stool DNA technology to find elevated levels of altered DNA and/or hemoglobin in your cells, which could be associated with cancer or precancer. The Cologuard collection kit is completed in the privacy or your home by collecting a single stool sample. If your test result is positive, a timely Colonoscopy is recommended. Recommended frequency: Every 3 years

Cologuard

3. Colonoscopy
A Colonoscopy is used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This test requires patients to complete a bowel prep kit before the procedure and bring a companion to escort you home. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. If any polyps or other types of abnormal tissue are found during the procedure, they can be removed right then. Any tissue samples taken during the procedure are then sent off for biopsy. Recommended frequency: Every 10 years

Colonoscopy

Visit Keralty Clinics for any Endoscopy Services you may need or contact us at customer.care@keralty.com.ph or call us at (02) 8637 9661.

Date Published
2021-04-02

Most common screenings for women

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Why screening test are important?
Regular screenings can improve your quality of life and prevent complications.
 

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1. Be proactive about your health

Stay on top of necessary screenings and health care visits. These are general guidelines that would not apply if you have risks factors. Always talk to you doctor about your particular check-ups and screenings.

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2. General health

A physical examination with your primary care doctor every 2-3 years

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3. Bone health

A bone density test, at least once beginning age 65

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4. Breast health

A mammogram every 2 years starting at age 50 (USPSTF Guidelines) and every 3 years age 20s-30s and every year over 40.

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5. Colorectal health

A colonoscopy, every 10 years starting at age 50.

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6.  Heart health

Blood pressure check at least every 2 years and cholesterol every 5 years starting at age 35.

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7. Reproductive health

Pap test every 3 years for women 21-30 years old, HPV and Pap test combines test every 5 years for women over 30, and all sexually active women and their partners should be tested for HIV and other STDs before starting sexual activity.

Celebrate Women’s Month with Keralty clinics!

Book an appointment here https://forms.keralty.com.ph/210597170421854

How to Prepare for an Endoscopy?

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Endoscopy Image

Are you scheduled to have an endoscopy soon? If you are, here’s a quick article that details what you need to do to prepare for your endoscopy.

But before we dive into that, let’s do a quick recap on what an endoscopy is. An endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that examines a person’s digestive tract. In this procedure, an endoscope, a long flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the body. There are two main types of endoscopies. The first is a upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, also known as Gastroscopy, or Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy, wherein the endoscope is inserted through your mouth, to your esophagus down to the stomach and the first part of small intestine, the duodenum. The second type is the lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, or a colonoscopy. This time, the endoscope is inserted from your anal opening or butt, up to cecal area or Ileocecal valve area. 

Why are endoscopies important? Doctors request for endoscopies to help detect and prevent illnesses and diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract such as peptic ulcers, structural problems like blockage of the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia wherein the part of the stomach pushes up to your diaphragm and chest area. An endoscopy also allows doctors to check for any masses or malignancy or polyps and determine the cause of bleeding, irregular bowel movement, constipation, stool changes, and more.

Before you head on over for your endoscopy, here are 7 things you need to do to prepare for your procedure.

  1. Discuss your medical conditions. Let your doctor know of any existing conditions. For example, if you have a heart disease, inform your doctor so he or she knows what precautionary measures to take for your endoscopy.
     
  2. Mention current medicines and allergies. If you’re currently taking medicine, give your doctor a list of your medicine so he or she can assess if any of the medicines may be in conflict with the procedure. Be open with your current allergies, too. You doctor will veer away from anything that may cause an allergic reaction.
     
  3. Keep yourself informed. If there’s anything you don’t know or want to know more about, ask your doctor. Don’t be shy to ask about the risks and complications, or even the step-by-step process. The more informed you are, the more relaxed and prepared you will be.
     
  4. Arrange for someone to bring you home. In most cases, if not all, you will be given a sedative before the procedure so that you are relaxed during the process. It takes a while for the drowsiness from the sedative to abate, so don’t risk driving yourself home. Instead, ask for someone to take you home.
     
  5. Don’t eat or drink beforehand. Make sure you don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your procedure, other than clear liquids. These are mainly water, black coffee, apple juice, clear soda, and broth. But to be sure, confirm with your doctor what exactly you can take after midnight.
     
  6. Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable clothes. You want to be as relaxed as possible before and after your procedure. The process can cause discomfort, so slipping into soft clothing will be very helpful.
     
  7. Take time off to recover. Lastly, don’t get right back to your daily routine. Take some time off from work, school, or any other of your activities until you feel you have fully recovered.

We hope this has been helpful. Now, do you feel prepared for your procedure?

If you have any other questions, comments, or if you want to schedule an endoscopy or book an appointment with a Gastroenterologist get in touch with us now.

Contact our Customer care Centre at 0919-081-9115 or book an appointment through Keralty Appointments.

Date Published
2021-03-01

Four warning signs of a heart attack

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Heart attack

80% of people who come to the emergency department thinking they are having a heart attack are actually experiencing symptoms that aren't related to heart problems. To help you from getting confused or being stressed unnecessarily, here are four signs that are clear indicators.

  1. Chest pain

    But it's not like in the movies, where the person clutches their chest dramatically and collapses. It doesn't usually happen like that. Although many things can cause chest pain, heart attacks usually start with a low-intensity pain that disappears and then reappears, much stronger, after a few hours. It is an oppressive pain, and isn't relieved by anything; many patients say it feels like being crushed by a huge weight. The pain often spreads to the arms, neck, and jaw.

  2. Shortness of breath

    Depending on the part of the heart that is affected, a feeling of suffocating can start shortly before the attack, or at the same time. It happens when a clot blocks one of the heart's arteries, preventing the heart from being able to pump blood properly. If oxygenated blood can't get to the lungs, an edema (accumulation of liquid) forms, and the patient suffocates.

  3. A feeling of fullness and nausea 

    These are symptoms that we tend to associate with stomach problems or stress, instead of a heart attack. Even though pain is considered the fifth vital sign, the nerve impulse doesn't only reach the brain, but other parts of the body as well. Because the stomach is close to the heart, and they share the same nerve supply (parasympathetic or vagal), it is not uncommon to experience confused symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea.

  4. Dizziness and cold sweats

    Though these are not signs that usually make you think of a heart attack, some survivors talk about having felt dizziness that they ignored. When the pumping rhythm of the heart is disturbed and it cannot pump blood in or out properly, or it pumps blood randomly, blood pressure lowers. This means that not enough blood reaches the brain, which can lead to fainting.

Getting it off your chest

There are some chest pains that can be misleading, but aren't actually a medical emergency:

  • A pinch that lasts for a few seconds and then goes away. This is almost always muscle-related pain.
  • Aching that gets worse when pressure is applied to the chest. This is bone and joint pain.
  • Pain that gets worse with coughing. This is usually caused by a problem in the lungs: the membrane covering the lungs (the pleura) can become inflamed.

For any Cardiology Consultation contact us at (02) 8637 9661 or email us at customer.care@keralty.com.ph. 

Date Published
2021-02-16

7 Questions to Ask Before Having Plastic Surgery

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Plastic Surgery

Are you thinking about having plastic surgery done?

Whether you’ve been considering it for a while now or are new to the idea, the best way to find out more about plastic surgery is by getting a plastic surgeon’s opinion firsthand. Your doctor will be able to add clarity your fears and concerns, as well as provide expert information on all the kinds of procedures. In addition, your plastic surgeon can provide useful advise on which procedures will best suit your needs.

To help clear you of all your doubts and help you get all the answers you need when you meet your doctor, here’s a list of questions you can ask.

  1. What are the benefits of plastic surgery?

In the first place, why did you consider getting plastic surgery done? What perceivable benefits were you expecting to gain from it? Ask your doctor if your initial thoughts are correct, then ask him or her about any other benefits that you may not have been aware of. You might be surprised to find out that plastic surgery has a lot more to offer.

  1. What are the risks and potential complications?

Before you undergo surgery, you want to know what you’re getting yourself into. You want to be well-informed and prepared, which means you also need to be aware of the risks and potential complications that may arise. Ask your doctor about all the possible outcomes of having plastic surgery—even the bad—and ask about what can be done in case something doesn’t turn out as planned.

  1. What procedure do you recommend for me?

You may already have a procedure in mind, but visit your doctor with an open mind. Your doctor is an expert and can recommend procedures that you may not have considered but may be very beneficial for you.

  1. What is the step-by-step process of the procedure?

After deciding on what plastic surgery procedure you want to have, ask your doctor about the step-by-step process so you know exactly what will happen. Knowing everything that will happen, from start to end, will help you relax and worry less.

  1. What preparations do I have to make before surgery?

Don’t forget to ask your doctor about the things you need to do prior to surgery. You want to come into surgery prepared and ready, so ask for a list of things you need to do to beforehand, if any.

  1. What will my recovery process be like?

Ask about your recovery process. How much rest do you need? Do you need to take supplementary oral medicine to ease the pain or speed up the process? Seek any additional information that will help you first, understand what your journey towards recovery will be like, and two, what you can do to make the journey more comfortable for you.

  1. Where will the surgery take place?

Lastly, ask about the facilities where you will be undergoing surgery. You want to make sure that you will be undergoing surgery in a trusted facility with good service and top-of-the-line surgical equipment. Asking about the facility will give you an idea of both. Where you have surgery and under whose care matter, so don’t forget to investigate this part, too.

Keralty Clinics is one of the leading medical centers in the Philippines known for its Comprehensive healthcare services, an extensive line of in-house specialists, and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Keralty is also a pioneer in primary healthcare and outpatient surgery, including plastic surgery.

With trusted in-house plastic surgeons and a fully equipped operating room, you can come any time for a consultation and later on, schedule your procedure at the clinic.

Want to learn more?

Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.
Call our customer service team today at (02) 8637 9661/ 0919 081 9115 or email at customer.care@keralty.com.ph to schedule an appointment with them. 

Date Published
2021-02-10

Five causes of bad breath and five solutions

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Dental

The alarm goes off, another day begins. You stretch, take a deep breath and .... ugh, that stinks! Food is almost always the culprit for bad breath, but a large number of people find that they have bad breath throughout the day, and it has nothing to do with natural chemistry. Here are the primary causes of bad breath, and some possible solutions.

Bad hygiene
 
We tend to blame it on our stomachs, but actually, 90% of the time, the source of bad breath is in your mouth, says Dr. Fernando Barriga, dentist at the Unidad Médica Cecimin. If you don't keep up with your oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can start to break down the hidden food stuck between your teeth or on your tongue, emitting smelly gases. It's estimated that in less than half an inch of tongue there are over one hundred bacteria, and over four inches of your tongue there can be as many as one thousand bacteria. This is why it is important to clean the tongue all the way to the back. A clean and healthy tongue should always be pink; white and yellow are signs of problems. Lack of saliva. Saliva is useful not only for helping with breaking down food, it also helps to lubricate your mouth and fight against germs. Just like a disinfectant, the more saliva that's produced, the more aseptic and fresh your mouth will be.

Dental prostheses  

Bridges, orthodontics, and fixed or removable prostheses, and even fillings that are in bad shape can make it difficult to remove all the food from your mouth with a toothbrush. Though there are many solutions available (e.g., flossers, toothpicks, creams, and brushes) that adjust to every need, none of them will work unless they are used properly. Your dentist can tell you which products you should be using.

Infections

An abscess, sinusitis, or bacterial tonsillitis, as well as pain, fever, and other problems, can cause bad breath. Other chronic illnesses such as late-stage diabetes, kidney failure, or cancer can also sometimes cause bad breath for patients.

Certain foods

Obviously eating garlic, onion, coffee, sardines, and strong-tasting sauces can cause a distinct smell as they are being absorbed through your intestinal tract, which can last up to 72 hours. The alternative is to reduce your consumption of these foods, or keep some space between you and the person you're talking to. Smoking can also cause a distinct smell, which can even mask bad breath, but the solution to this problem is complicated, because nicotine accumulates on the surface of your teeth, gums, and tongue. It also increases bacterial growth, because it prevents tissue from being well oxygenated.

A breath of fresh air

  • Keep your teeth clean, by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
  • Breakfast. In addition to giving you energy, it eliminates bad breath from the night before.
  • Hydration. Drinking plenty of water during the day keeps germs under control.
  • Fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and veggies increases the natural bacteria in your mouth, to help fight against germs.
  • See your dentist. Professional check-ups and cleaning every six months are important for the removal of bad-breath causing plaque and tartar.
Date Published
2021-02-09