Day: September 21, 2023

#Infectious diseases #S

Syphilis

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by bacteria and is easy to cure if found early. There are 4 stages of syphilis infection. If not treated, syphilis can lead to serious complications in your brain, eyes and heart. What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by bacteria and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. However, it is easy to cure if found early. Syphilis is rare in Australia, but the numbers are increasing, especially in men who have sex with men and young Aboriginal and Torres

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#S #Sexual health

Safe sex

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Any type of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and oral sex, can carry a risk of infection. Safe sex is important to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy and sexual abuse. Always use a condom to reduce your risk of STIs and an unplanned pregnancy. See your doctor or local sexual health clinic to check for STIs on a regular basis and before starting a new sexual relationship. Tell your partners if you are diagnosed with an STI. If you have unprotected sex, get tested for STIs. If you are female and don’t want

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#H #Infectious diseases

HIV infection and AIDS

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What are HIV and AIDS? The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system. It gradually destroys cells called CD4 cells, which usually help the body stay healthy by fighting off disease. If HIV is not treated, most people will develop severe immune deficiency within 10 years. At this point, the body is no longer able to fight infection and stop cancer from developing. This late stage of HIV infection is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). What are the symptoms of HIV infection? Most people have no symptoms or just a mild flu-like illness when they

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#H #Infectious diseases

Hepatitis B

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Symptoms of hepatitis B include dark urine, nausea and fatigue. However, many people have no symptoms at all. Hepatitis B infection can be either acute (when the illness lasts for less than 6 months), or chronic (the illness lasts for longer than 6 months). Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination. What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can cause long lasting liver damage. Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. If a person has acute hepatitis B,

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#G #Infectious diseases

Gonorrhoea (the clap)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It is sometimes known as ‘the clap’. It can affect the urethra (the tube for urine), cervix (the opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina), anus, throat or eyes. What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea often has no symptoms. In women, if symptoms do occur, they usually develop within 10 days of infection. In women, symptoms may include: unusual vaginal discharge pain, discomfort or burning sensation when passing urine pelvic pain, especially during sex irregular bleeding, especially between periods or after sex anal discharge and

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#G

Genital warts

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Genital warts are lumps that appear in the genital area, cervix, anus and rectum (back passage), and sometimes around your mouth. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through sexual contact. There are many types of HPV — the types that cause genital warts don’t cause cancer. Genital warts can be removed with creams, cryotherapy or laser, but treatment won’t get rid of the virus itself, which usually clears up by itself within 2 years. You can reduce your risk of genital warts by using condoms and being vaccinated. What are genital warts? Genital warts

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#G #Herpesvirus infections #Infectious diseases

Genital herpes

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. It may cause small ulcers or blisters, and stinging or tingling in the genital area, but some people don’t have any signs or symptoms. You can prevent passing on genital herpes if you have it, but you may not know you have it if you don’t have symptoms. If you have genital herpes, you can take antiviral medicines to help your sores heal more quickly, and make the flare-up shorter and less severe — medicines will also reduce your risk

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#C #Infectious diseases

Chlamydia

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that usually spreads through unprotected sex. Most people with chlamydia don’t have symptoms, which means you may not know if you or your partner has it. If untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications such as infertility and chronic pain. Once diagnosed, chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics. If you’re under 30 and sexually active you are at greatest risk — you should get checked for chlamydia and other STIs regularly. What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) — a disease you can get from having unprotected sex. It’s caused

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#S

Speed

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Speed is a form of methamphetamine that is less potent (less strong) than ice. It is an illegal drug that affects the messages sent between your body and your brain. Speed can make a user feel happy, but can also cause unwanted effects, such as aggression. Overdosing on speed can be fatal. If you want to stop using speed, you can speak to your doctor. What is speed? Speed is a type of amphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the way your brain works and how your body functions. There are different types of amphetamines. Doctors

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#M

MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) (ecstasy)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is MDMA? MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an illicit drug that can give users a euphoric rush after swallowing it. It is a central nervous system stimulant which causes high levels of dopamine to be released. Dopamine is a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward. MDMA is the presumed main ingredient in an illicit drug called ecstasy. Ecstasy comes as a pill in a variety of colours. They are often stamped, or have logos on them. These pills might contain some MDMA or none at all. Even 2 pills that look the same might come from different sources and contain different ingredients. MDMA can

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#C

Cannabis (marijuana)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is cannabis? Cannabis is the general name for drugs like marijuana, hash and hashish oil that are made from the plant cannabis sativa. It’s the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia. The different forms of cannabis are: marijuana: made from the plant’s dried leaves and flowers, and the most common form of cannabis. It is smoked in a joint or bong hashish: dried resin from the plant, usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to food, such as cookies or brownies hash oil: a liquid added to the tip of a joint or cigarette concentrates: cannabis extracts

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#L

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts LSD is an illegal hallucinogenic drug that is usually swallowed. People who use LSD usually experience trips that change their perception of reality. However, trips can be frightening, and cause users to take risks and attempt harm. Users can develop tolerance to LSD, which means they need higher doses to feel the same effect. What is LSD? LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is an illicit hallucinogenic drug. It’s a chemical extracted from a fungus. It comes as an odourless white powder. LSD is also sometimes sold as: a liquid in tablets in capsules The pure form of LSD is

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#K

Ketamine

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Ketamine is used by doctors and vets as a pain killer, sedative and sometimes to treat depression. It’s also used illegally as a hallucinogen. Ketamine causes users to feel happy and relaxed, but can also cause unwanted mental and physical effects. Ketamine overdose can be fatal. Stopping ketamine can be hard and you should speak to your doctor if you are struggling with withdrawal. What is ketamine? Ketamine is a medicine used by doctors and vets as a pain killer and a sedative. It stops your brain from interpreting pain messages. It’s being studied as a medicine for depression.

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#I

Ice (crystal meth)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Ice is an illegal drug. Ice use can lead to psychosis, and an ice overdose can be fatal. Speak with your doctor if you want to stop using ice. What is ice? Ice (crystal meth) is an illegal methamphetamine, a member of the amphetamine family of drugs. It is very addictive and is linked to chronic physical and mental health problems. Ice is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the messages sent between your body and your brain. It is purer and more powerful than other types of methamphetamine, such as speed. It comes as little crystals that look like

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#H

Heroin

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Heroin is an addictive, illegal drug belonging to the opioid family. A heroin overdose can cause seizures, strokes, and even death. Over time, a person can become tolerant and dependent on heroin, leading to higher doses and worse side effects. Withdrawal from heroin can be difficult, and it may help to speak to your doctor about treatment or seek counselling. What is heroin? Heroin is an addictive drug that is illegal in Australia. It is made from the opium poppy. Heroin belongs to the family of drugs called opioids, along with prescription medicines such as: morphine codeine pethidine methadone

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#G

GHB – [Gamma HydroxyButyrate]

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts GHB is an illegal party drug. GHB is often used in drink spiking as it cannot be detected easily in a drink. People who take GHB experience similar symptoms to being drunk and may behave out of character. It is easy to overdose on GHB, which can be fatal. If you want to stop using GHB, it’s important to talk to your doctor. What is GHB? GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is an illegal drug commonly found around the dance and party scene. It’s known as a ‘date rape’ drug, because it is hard to detect if it is slipped into a drink

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