Fortunately, we have not yet had the predicted influenza epidemic this winter, but we have seen a significant number of upper and lower respiratory infections as usual, partly because our cities are damp, polluted, and crowded. The worst polluting agents appear to be nitrogen dioxide from diesel fumes, and Oxford Street in Central London is the worst in the world for this type of pollution
Fortunately, we have not yet had the predicted influenza epidemic this winter, but we have seen a significant number of upper and lower respiratory infections as usual, partly because our cities are damp, polluted, and crowded. The worst polluting agents appear to be nitrogen dioxide from diesel fumes, and Oxford Street in Central London is the worst in the world for this type of pollution.
Nevertheless, the NHS is already under strain, and we have now been advised that there is an outbreak of norovirus, which is affecting patients and staff and adding to the already stretched NHS resources. SameDayDoctor Private Doctor GP walk-in clinics are open every day apart from Christmas Day, and we can take the workload off the NHS if patients are willing and able to use a Private GP service. SameDayDoctor's appointments can be made by phone or email, or you can walk in during our opening hours.
During the winter months, we find many patients consulting us with symptoms of upper and lower respiratory disorders. We have diagnosed several patients this year with pneumonia, and we have successfully treated them in the community without the need for hospital treatment.
Conversely, many patients with symptoms of upper respiratory disease have a mild viral infection. We use throat swabs and blood tests to distinguish between viral and bacterial diseases, and we try to avoid using antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.
Sinus and throat infections caused by bacteria are quite common, especially in the inner cities, and we do not withhold antibiotics from someone who is clearly in need of antibacterial treatment. Our research indicates that 20 to 25% of people with sore throats do, in fact, have a bacterial infection.
We have open access to x-ray facilities, which have been invaluable in our management of severe chest infections, including pneumonia. Similarly, we can get blood tests and throat swab results on the same day to assist with our management of these conditions.
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