HEALTH TIPS
Precautions Before Receiving Vaccination
In the face of the challenges posed by infectious diseases, the invisible transmission chain of variant influenza viruses has been spreading in the community in recent years, once again raising concerns among the general public in Hong Kong regarding vaccination. Each individual's constitution is different, and the reactions to vaccination can vary, depending on one's own diet and lifestyle habits. Therefore, it is important to ensure good health and nutrition before and after vaccination, in order to provide the immune system with readiness and enable the vaccine to effectively take effect.
Sufficient Rest and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
It is recommended to maintain a healthy state two weeks before receiving the vaccine, with a daily sleep duration of 6 to 8 hours. Adequate rest helps boost immunity. In terms of diet, it is advisable to consume as many healthy, natural, unprocessed foods as possible, while avoiding processed, fried, high-sugar, and heavily salted foods. Increase the intake of fresh vegetables, moderate amounts of fruits, and nuts, ensuring sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals to help the body combat oxidation and maintain the normal function of cells and organs.
Recommendations for Nutritional Supplements
The purpose of vaccination is to stimulate the immune system by triggering an immune response in the body, leading to the production of antibodies and related immune factors. At the same time, local injection site or systemic inflammation reactions may occur. Therefore, supplementing with nutrients in advance can help reduce post-vaccination discomfort. Nutritional supplements that can help reduce inflammation reactions include:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C plays an important role in the immune system. In fact, common side effects that may occur after vaccination, such as fever and headache, are related to inflammation in the body. Early supplementation of vitamin C can help alleviate inflammation reactions and reduce discomfort.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for maintaining normal physiological functions in the body. They have comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to helping us maintain good physical condition and promote immune regulation, they can also counteract the potential side effects and discomfort caused by vaccination. It is generally recommended for adults to consume 600mg to 1000mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily. If there are concerns about heavy metal contamination or a low intake of fish, considering supplementation with high-concentration fish oil products can be a more direct and convenient option.
Prebiotics: If you want to further ensure that the vaccine has the maximum effect, gut health is also crucial. Approximately 70% of immune cells are concentrated in the intestines, making it the most densely populated area for immune cells. Prebiotics can be beneficial for individuals with weaker immune systems. Adequate supplementation of prebiotics, along with probiotics, can help improve gastrointestinal function, balance the gut microbiota, and promote intestinal motility, thereby enhancing the body's resistance.
Preventing HPV Virus Infection
According to studies cited by the Centre for Health Protection, sexually active individuals have a 75% lifetime risk of HPV virus infection. While condoms can help prevent virus transmission, they do not cover all skin in the genital area, so unprotected skin can still be infected. HPV virus can remain dormant for many years, and the absence of symptoms does not mean there is no HPV infection. Early vaccination against HPV can prevent human papillomavirus infection. However, it's important to note that vaccination does not protect against all HPV types, so regular cervical screening is still necessary to prevent cervical cancer.
What health problems does HPV virus infection cause?
After HPV virus infection, most individuals do not experience any symptoms, but some may develop various diseases. HPV infections that occur through skin contact can cause skin warts on areas like the hands and feet. HPV infections transmitted through sexual contact can infect the genitals and anus, leading to genital warts (commonly known as "cauliflower-like" warts). High-risk HPV types can cause cancer, and persistent infection increases the risk of developing cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers.
The first line of defense against cervical cancer
Although Pap smears can be used for screening, HPV infections can remain asymptomatic for many years before progressing to cervical cancer, and Pap smears may not effectively detect cellular abnormalities during this latent period. Early HPV DNA screening can detect HPV infections in the early stages, allowing for more effective prevention of cervical cancer.
What can HPV DNA screening detect?
If HPV virus is detected:
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Further examinations (e.g., colposcopy) and consultations with a doctor are recommended to determine if there are any cervical cell abnormalities.
If no HPV virus is detected:
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It means that HPV infection was not detected in the vaginal cells. However, even in this case, regular cervical screening is still necessary to prevent cervical cancer.
Is it necessary to undergo HPV DNA screening before vaccination?
The purpose of screening is to detect early signs of HPV infection or abnormal changes in cervical cells. Vaccination aims to prevent infection with non-infected genotypes. Therefore, it is not "mandatory" to undergo screening before vaccination. However, for sexually active individuals, preliminary screening can help identify any abnormalities in cervical cells early on and determine if further treatment is needed.
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