I took the Covid-19 Vaccine a few days ago and I am feeling weak with general body pains and fever. Kindly let me know what to do
— Nasiru (by SMS)
Your experience is appropriate with Covid-19 vaccination and its nothing to worry about. You will need to take a good rest, take plenty of fluids as well as some medications for your body pains. However, if there is no improvement in your condition in about a week, you will need to seek medical attention with your doctor.
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Can I use skin bleaching cream?
Many of my friends who are using Bleaching creams have lots of boyfriends who give them a lot of money and gifts. I also want to be like them but I am afraid of using bleaching creams which I have been told is very bad for the body. Kindly advise me as I also want to be popular with boys.
— Olabisi (by SMS)
I will want to thank you for your letter which confirmed your maturity and sincerity. Yes, it is true that Skin Bleaching Creams are dangerous. Apart from the fact that the cream exposes the skin to the possibilities of cancer and difficulties in wound healing, the chemicals in the cream when absorbed through the skin can be injurious to the kidneys. In addition, being famous with boys is not a good thing as it will also expose you to many dangers such as infections and unwanted pregnancies. I believe that with your natural beauty, you will meet a good man who will love you for what you are and not because of your artificial light skin.
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Is this diabetes?
I am a 66-year-old regular reader of your column. Aatsalthough I am in good health, I have been urinating frequently for the past few weeks. I read somewhere that this could be due to enlarged Prostate which is common at my age. However, I am also worried in case my problem is due to Diabetes. Kindly let me know what to do.
—James (by WhatsApp)
While it is true that frequent urination can occur due to enlarged Prostate in elderly males, it is equally true that Diabetes Mellitus (Excess Blood Sugar) can present with frequent urination. I will advise that you see a doctor for proper examination and Laboratory tests.
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I always have malaria
I am a 25- year lady. I always have malaria. Some people said it is because my Blood group is A negative. Kindly enlighten me on how to safeguard my life from Malaria attacks.
— Cecilia (by SMS)
It is true that studies have reported association of ABO blood group to resistance, susceptibility, and severity of P. falciparum malaria infection. Individuals with blood group “A” have been found to be highly susceptibleto falciparum malaria whereas blood group “O” is said to confer protection against complicated cases. Despite this association, it is important for everyone irrespective of their blood group to protect themselves from Malaria attack. This can be done through the use of insect repellents to exposed skin, the use of a mosquito net over one’s bed, as well as the spraying of an insecticide in the room. The use of antimalarial medication through a doctor’s prescription can also be considered.
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My son’s swollen testicle
My eighteen-year-old son recently came home with the complaint that one of his testicles is bigger than the other. The doctor who examined him said that he had Torsion of one of his testicles which was the bigger of the two. He said that my son will need surgery to remove the swollen testicle which he said is already diseased. I am worried if my son can procreate with just one testicle
—Nnamdi (by SMS)
The doctor is right. The swollen and diseased testicle needs to be removed so as not to cause any damage to the healthy one. In some cases, the healthy testicle may also be fixed to avoid another torsion. One testicle is enough for procreation. You therefore have nothing to worry about.
