BECAUSE IT’S THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
Still fighting Covid-Nineteen.
What a cruel year it has been!
Filled with sadness, anxiety and fear,
The virus is all we see and hear.
Yet, with the world in a rare unity,
Regardless of race, ideology or nationality,
Let’s never shed another tear.
Because it’s the Chinese New Year!
BACK
Pull back the curtain,
Unknown things become certain.
Flick back your hair,
You’ll see someone standing there.
Pull back your punch;
Learn to forfeit your free lunch.
Roll back the years,
Cos’ there’s no time for tears.
Hold back your belief
That every man is a thief.
But to earn back the trust,
The golden rules are a must.
Protocol for Emergency Treatment of Anaphylaxis (after Covid-19 vaccination)
1. Patient to be observed for 30 mins in the clinic after Covid-19 vaccine (and patient to observe himself for 24 hrs at home).
2. Diagnose anaphylaxis.
-Urticaria, angioedema
-Dyspnea, wheeze
-Dizziness, syncope, hypotension
-Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain
-Flush
-Upper airway edema
-Headache
-Rhinitis
-Substernal pain
-Pruritus without rash
-Seizure
3. Call 995 immediately.
4. Place patient in recumbent position and elevate lower extremities, but treat patient sitting up if he is breathless.
5. Monitor vital signs frequently (every two to five minutes) and stay with the patient.
6. Administer adrenaline 1:1,000 (weight-based) adults: 0.01 mL per kg, up to a maximum of 0.2 to 0.5 mL every 10 to 15 minutes as needed; children: 0.01 mL per kg, up to a maximum dose of 0.2 to 0.5 mL by SC or IM route and, if necessary, repeat every 15 minutes, up to two doses.
7. Maintain airway with an oropharyngeal airway device. Administer oxygen (if you have), usually 8 to 10 L per minute; lower concentrations may be appropriate for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
8. IM Piriton 1 ml stat.
9. IM Adrenaline 0.15 to 0.3 mL, into injection site (left deltoid) to inhibit further absorption of the injected substance (vaccine).
10. Set up IV line to treat hypotension with IV fluids.
11. Treat bronchospasm with Ventolin nebuliser 2 mls:1 ml saline stat.
12. Give IM hydrocortisone 100 mg stat or tab prednisone 20 mg stat orally in mild cases. This does not work immediately but reduces the risk of recurring or protracted anaphylaxis. These doses can be repeated every six hours, as required.
13. All fatal and life-threatening events are to be reported to HSA within 24 hrs and all other Severe Adverse Events and Adverse Events of Special Interest within 48 hrs online at https://www.hsa.gov.sg/adverse-events. Fatal events also are to be reported to the Coroner.
COVID FATIQUE
Have we lost our way?
Are we being led astray?
Which direction should we turn,
While behind, the bridges burn?
Everybody says: “stay positive,
Someday, there will be reprieve.”
But, the end of the road is near,
And the future is far from clear.
We seem to have missed the bus.
The gods are not smiling on us.
Providence has been found wanting,
So, there is no end to the waiting.
We keep moving in a straight line,
With the blind leading the blind.
We don’t know who is asking who?
So, please tell me what to do.
