New guidelines have been released by the HKSAR Government here. In some cases the quarantine period has been reduced to 7 days if you have been fully vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 and have a positive COVID-19 antibody test within the past 3 months.  This antibody blood test from an approved laboratory (Pathlab) is available at The London for our patients to have, before they travel for the summer. Contact us for more details. 

YES, is the short answer. Except for a very small proportion of people - outlined in the HK Government leaflet below, most people are suitable for the vaccine. Please get one asap to protect yourself, others around you and the rest of the population. 

Book yours here.

At The London Medical Clinic, we will make sure to share any new information regarding the vaccination with our patients. Unlike other vaccines, private clinics are not allowed to order the COVID-19 vaccines directly from the drug companies, as the vaccines will be allocated to the doctors from the government. So far our understanding is that: 
​

• The vaccines will be available this week but only to certain priority groups. The two major suppliers to HK will be distributing vaccines from China, this will be Fosun Pharma/BioNtech(in collaboration with Pfizer/BioNtech) and Sinovac. 
• The Hong Kong government has also ordered the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines, which are made in the UK, however, there is no further information regarding the quantity or when they will arrive.  
• The Hong Kong government will be offering the vaccine to the public for free in a phased manner based on government criteria.

We shall inform you once we have any further information. Feel free to reach out to pharmacy@thelondonmedicalclinic.com with any questions. Further official information: https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/programme

2020 has been an unprecedented year. The virus continues to spread at a slow burn; occasional lockdowns are now normal.
We believe an increase in the transmission is likely to happen as the weather gets colder. COVID-19 is likely to have a seasonal oscillation leading to more winter outbreaks like many human respiratory viruses such as influenza.
Peoples' immunity are also generally lower and they are more likely to remain indoors in winter, where transmission of the virus through droplets can be a greater risk.

The common differences between Cold, Flu, or COVID-19:
However, with the winter period approaching patients may get flu-like symptoms and be worried if it is a cold, flu, or COVID-19. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, and therefore it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.

While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. The following table compares all 3 conditions, given the best available information to date.

• Colds

The common cold is upper respiratory tract infection (throat, nose, sinuses, upper airways). The period of a cold could be 7-10 days. Colds are a mild upper respiratory condition, with a runny, stuffy nose without a fever. There are no tests required.

• Flu (influenza)

Influenza is an upper respiratory and/or lower respiratory tract infection. The duration of the flu ranges from around 5 days to 2 weeks. Flu symptoms include mild to moderate fever, headache, cough, fatigue, and pains in the body. 
The risk of complications for healthy children is higher for flu compared to COVID-19. However, infants and children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for both flu and COVID-19. Doctors diagnose flu based on clinical signs and readily available laboratory tests. Flu vaccine will provide 70% protection against 4 predicated strains this year. Medication to treat flu is available.

• COVID-19 

A single-stranded, positive-sense RNA coronavirus is responsible for COVID-19. It can cause severe respiratory problems. It has an incubation time of around 2-14 days. 
If a person has COVID-19, it could take them longer to develop symptoms than if they had flu. COVID-19's main symptoms are headache, fatigue, fever and mild to severe cough.
From the current data we have we know that symptoms can be very similar to flu and there are even differences in the symptoms suffered between age groups. The standard high temperature, continuous cough and loss of taste and smell may not appear for those aged below 18 and above 65. You don't see (loss of taste and smell) in older people and in kids at all. Despite scientists around the world working at lighting speed to produce a vaccine, currently there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 or effective treatment for COVID-19.


COVID-19 TEST: 

A Molecular Test (Sputum test) 
The molecular test is also known as a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). This detects the virus's genetic material that triggers COVID-19. It involves collecting an early morning sputum sample and is the most commonly performed test in Hong Kong.

A nasopharyngeal swab can also be done. Again, this is a COVID-19 PCR test however it involves swabbing the inside of your nose or throat. It is usually done in hospital where full PPE is worn.


Blood Test (Serology test)
This tests for antibodies in your blood. A few days or weeks after you are infected, they are produced in the body.  There are two different types of antibodies. One which informs us if you currently have the infection IgM and one which indicates if you've been infected in the past with conditions, COVID-19 IgG. This test has a lower accuracy rate. Commercially available test relies on picking up these antibodies in your blood.


Are there any tests to distinguish Cold, Flu or COVID-19? 
But you need not worry. If you are unwell, please call or email us at the clinic and we will offer consultation by telephone or Zoom, in the first instance. We can then arrange for you to have sputum test that can distinguish between flu, or COVID-19, and maybe some blood tests.
A doctor can usually make a diagnosis based on history taking, examination, looking at vital statistics and with some test results. We can then prescribe some medication for someone to pick up on your behalf to ease your symptoms or prescribe specific medicine for influenzas. In Hong Kong at present, all positive COVID-19 PCR tests are reported to public health department which would warrant compulsory hospital admission.
The 2020/2021 flu vaccine is now available in the clinic and with COVID-19 still in circulation - it is even more important this year to have it. There is an anticipation that there may be a worldwide shortage of flu vaccine this year as well.


In conclusion:
We conclude by reiterating a few basic safety measures again to protect you and your family:

• Clean your hands often with soap and sanitizers.
• Keep a safe distance from anyone.
• Wear a mask.
• Don’t touch your nose, eyes, or mouth.
• If you feel unwell, stay and work from home. Call or email your doctor for advice. Do not attend the clinic in person. We can offer remote consultation and arrange for  you to receive medication and COVID-19 tests without you attending the clinic.
• Get the flu vaccine, which is still avaible in the clinic. Additional vaccines sucha as penuomnia vaccine are advised for those at risk of  chest infection.
• It may be advisable for you to have a blood pressure monitor and a thermometer at home (available in the clinic). Simple devices such as Oximter which checks for oxygen levels has also been suggested.  Providing such information to the doctor during a remote consultation will be useful.
• In recent weeks , there has been news that the long awaited COVID-19 vaccine  may soon be available. However, as yet, we have had very limited information. When this will be and how many will be districtubed to Hong Kong is still not clear, however it would most likely be given to the most vulnerable patients initially due to limitations of supply. We will keep you informed.
• This year has been tough on mental health. Change has been the only constant. Maintaining good physical health will help, but reach out to us if you feel you are not coping. There is support out there for you.

​Stay safe.
​

The clinic will be closed from Friday 10th April 2020 to Monday 13th April inclusive. We will be open as usual from Tuesday 14th April 2020.

​Have a nice Easter but try and stay at home!

On March 11th 2020 the W.H.O classified the COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic.   The situation is evolving rapidly with different guidelines being issued by respective governments around the world.
In view of this, our clinic is trying to adapt to these events by balancing the medical needs of our patients to the safety and well-being of patients in the clinic and our staff. 
 

COVID -19 Testing
We can arrange private rapid Covid -19 testing for those who require a certificate for travel, fitness to return to work or concerned about their symptoms. This can be done as a blood, nose/throat swab or saliva test. It is mandatory to have a phone consultation with one of our doctors to assess if you are suitable for this test first. Please contact the clinic for further information.

Teleconsultation
In addition, we have set up teleconsultations via Zoom
 
Teleconsults would be suitable for;
 
1-Those who have travelled anywhere in the past 14 days and present with any respiratory symptoms (sore throat, cough, runny nose) with or without a fever or anyone who has been in close contact with them. For such patient you are advised as per Centre of Health protection Hong Kong to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
 
2-We can arrange home testing of COVID-19 . This is only after a consultation with a doctor to assess if it is suitable for you. 
 
3-Those who wish to seek medical advice, but do not wish to attend the clinic due to personal circumstances.
 
4-As always skype consultations continue to be available for psychiatrist or psychologist.
 
For further information regards the above services please email info@thelondonmedicalclinic.com
 

Take a deep breath and carry on.
 
Dr Lily Wong

 

Due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation and pandemic spread we understand a lot of patients have concerns about coming in person to the clinic. They may also have come back from countries where the virus is spreading. Although we are screening our appointments we appreciate some patients would like a virtual consultation from their home or work. As such we will be rolling out the ability to have Zoom consultations with our doctors. A lot parents will be familiar with the app which is available for iOS/Android and Windows PC/Macs. Please contact us by telephone or email for more details. Consultation fees will be the same as a standard clinic appointment. 

 
February has been a challenging month for most of us. It’s been over 1 month since the Coronavirus (COVID -19) first hit Hong Kong. Being highly contagious, the mortality rate of the virus is estimated at 2% in the epicenter of the outbreak, Hubei province, but thankfully this figure is much less elsewhere. Putting this into context, SARS had a death rate of more than 10%, so although the COVID-19 might be highly contagious, it is definitely less deadly.
However, as there is no vaccine to date and with the uncertainty of when the virus will subside, or indeed where it will spread to next- it’s not surprising that many people will feel anxious about the current situation. Added to the fact that Hong Kong has seen some pretty turbulent times with the protests last year and now with the disruption caused by the virus from our daily routines, home schooling and fears over employment- it’s no wonder that some people feel emotionally distressed and drained.        
 
However, apart from the standard government advice of good hand and personal hygiene and avoiding crowded areas, there is only so much a person can do to avoid exposure to the virus.  
The best thing anyone can do in these situations is to take a step back, take a deep breath and try to look at ways to safe guard your own mental health and outlook on life to face the uncertain challenges that lie ahead. Here’s a couple of pointers that you might find useful.
 

• You will feel much better when you set up a new routine for the day, particularly if you are working from home and/or have children who are now being home schooled.
• As a parent I understand the importance of them achieving high academic grades, but as an employer I know it’s as important for children to develop interpersonal skills to equip them for their working life ahead.  These unprecedented times whilst they are off school might be the perfect opportunity to teach them such life skills such as cooking, asking them to plan a BBQ list, allowing them to plan a hiking trip etc. Also think of activities to strengthen bonding with your children. After all, they will be observing and learning from us now as to how we are handling change and uncertainties in our current lives.
• Eat healthily and sleep well.
• Try and keep up with some regular exercise twice a week.
• Download mediation apps such as CALM and Headspace. Meditation has many benefits, including reducing stress and boosting one’s immune system. Its free, easily accessible anywhere and if learnt with your child, will help them to face life’s challenges.

 

• Don’t plan too far ahead. Accept there may be changes to be made.

 

• Simple measures such as frequent vigorous hand washing, especially after touching potentially infected surfaces (like shoes, shopping trolley handles, and money), is the most important advice to reduce infection rates as well as social distancing.

 

• Epidemics bring out the best and worst in social media. Try to avoid relying on unregulated social media for information. Human behavior is such that we have a greater tendency to share emotionally evocative images and text that provokes fear and panic in us.

 

• There is still some flu vaccine available which is recommended to all from 6 months, especially this year. This does not protect you against the Coronavirus, but protects you against influenzas only. By doing so it allows your immune system to work at an optimal level to tackle any other infection you may come across, which is especially important in the current situation.

​On a side note, we will continue to implement the following preventive measures in the clinic to protect the health and safety of our patients and staff by:
 

• Screening all patients who make appointments.
• Not accepting  walk-in patients for the time being.
• Temperatures checks for all patients.
• We have also increased the frequency of disinfection of public areas in the clinic.
• Drs are always accessible by email or phone for those who are uncertain as to what to do or whether to attend the clinic for appointments.

 
Novel Coronavirus testing has just been made available to private clinics. This can be either by blood or nose and throat swab. The likelihood is that it will only be appropriate for testing of low risk patients. We will be providing our patients with more information once it becomes available.
 
In the meantime, stay calm, take sensible preventive measures and keep your self-updated with the latest information and advice via https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/index.html
 
 
Yours in Good health
Dr Lily Wong