Education Corner

1. Are all acne the same? Are there different types? The most common types of acne are as follows: Whiteheads: Raised bumps on the skin with white or yellow pus inside. Blackheads: Open comedones with a darker surface. Papules: Small, red rashes without pus. Pustules: Usually red with a white pus-filled surface, generally considered moderately inflamed. Nodules: Large, firm, and buried deep in the skin. Cysts: Larger than nodules and filled with pus, generally more painful. If the skin is already red, indicating inflammation, it is generally not recommended to pop it yourself. This is because popping it can worsen the inflammation and may even cause scarring.   2. What are some effective ways to prevent acne? In addition to maintaining a positive mood, you can also try the following to prevent acne: Face cleansing habits: Use gentle cleansing products both morning and evening, avoiding over-cleansing. Avoid frequent contact with your face. Dietary habits: Avoid consuming high-sugar, high-fat foods, and dairy products. Lifestyle habits: Exercise regularly and avoid staying up late.   3. When should you see a doctor? What treatments are available? Acne typically develops during adolescence. Hormonal factors can trigger acne growth, and many adults also develop acne due to excessive stress or an unbalanced diet. Most acne breakouts gradually subside after adolescence. If an adult experiences persistent breakouts for more than two months without improvement, it's recommended to seek medical attention. Your doctor will prescribe topical and oral medications, such as isotretinoin and antibiotics, based on your skin condition. In severe cases, steroids or laser treatments may be recommended to reduce inflammation and scarring, and promote skin repair.

Has anyone ever experienced dizziness or loss of balance while walking? You might think it's just low blood sugar, but it could actually be a sign of a stroke!   1. What is a stroke? Strokes are generally divided into three types: ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery, obstructing blood flow, or when the blood vessel wall thickens, reducing blood flow. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when bleeding within the brain or subarachnoid hemorrhage affects blood circulation to the brain. Transient ischemic stroke, commonly known as a "mini-stroke," typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and resolves within 24 hours.   2. What are the symptoms of a stroke? Half of the face droops, asymmetrical expression Difficulty speaking, slurred speech Weakness in one limb Severe headache or dizziness Loss of balance   3. Who is at high risk for stroke? Stroke is actually caused by a combination of high-risk factors. Individuals with this condition should pay special attention to their health and prevent it. High blood pressure, high cholesterol Diabetes Heart disease Family history of disease Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption Obesity   4. Is there a golden window for stroke treatment? Since strokes typically occur suddenly, if diagnosed as an ischemic stroke by a doctor, according to the Hospital Authority, the chance of recovery is higher if intravenous thrombolytic therapy is received within three hours. Therefore, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately if a problem is identified. This golden window is crucial for seeking medical attention.

Although COVID-19 has eased over time, the disease has not completely disappeared, and infections leading to death continue to occur each year. Fatal cases caused by COVID-19 have never ceased entirely, so the risk remains present.   Why is COVID-19 still a concern?While COVID-19 is no longer considered a global pandemic, infections and deaths continue to be reported worldwide — including in Hong Kong. According to the Centre for Health Protection, from January 30, 2023 to December 28, 2024, there were still 1,398 deaths preliminarily assessed to be related to COVID-19. Therefore, until the disease is fully eradicated, the situation should not be taken lightly. Are there any government-subsidized services available?Yes. Even though the pandemic has ended, the government has continued its COVID-related initiatives. Eligible individuals can still receive government-funded COVID-19 vaccinations. Further details are available on the government’s dedicated webpage:https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/106934.html In addition, the government provides the oral antiviral medication Paxlovid free of charge to eligible COVID-19 patients. This medication helps relieve symptoms and can reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization by 85–89%, especially in high-risk groups. It is recommended that patients begin treatment within five days after symptom onset. Paxlovid can also be obtained through private doctors participating in the government scheme. Human Health is one of the designated organizations authorized to distribute the medication. Confirmed patients may visit their nearest Human Health Medical Centre for inquiries. More details can be found here:https://humanhealth.com.hk/zh-hant/Gov-funded-Programme/details/covid_paxlovid   Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)   How long do I need to take the oral COVID-19 medication?Treatment should start within five days of symptom onset and continue for a total of five days without interruption.   Who should take special precautions before using COVID-19 oral medication?The medication can be used by individuals aged 12 or above, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, it affects liver enzymes, so it is unsuitable for patients with severe kidney impairment or liver failure. It may also interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs or HIV medications. Patients taking these long-term should consult a doctor before starting treatment.   Are there any side effects from the COVID-19 oral medication?Known side effects of Paxlovid include changes in taste and diarrhea. Less common reactions may include mild headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, high blood pressure, and general discomfort. These effects usually resolve after completing the full treatment course. If significant discomfort occurs, patients should seek medical advice.

1. What is cataract? Are there ways to cure it completely?A cataract refers to the clouding of the lens inside the eye. The only way to completely treat cataracts is through surgery. Modern cataract surgery technology is highly advanced, with small incisions (2.2 mm) and quick recovery. During the surgery, the doctor removes the cloudy lens and implants an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).   2. What is an intraocular lens (IOL), and how do I choose the right one?There are several types of intraocular lenses to choose from, including: Monofocal lens:This lens provides clear vision at only one distance. Patients can choose whether to have clearer vision for near, intermediate, or far distances. They may still need glasses for other distances. To reduce dependence on glasses after surgery, some patients can use monovision, where one eye is adjusted for near vision and the other for distance vision. It takes time for the brain to adapt, and the doctor will assess suitability beforehand. Multifocal lens:This lens has multiple concentric focusing zones, allowing light from different distances to focus on the retina. The advantage is that patients can see both near and far objects without glasses. However, the brain also needs time to adjust to this new way of seeing. Some patients may experience halos or glare, and vision in dim lighting may be less sharp. Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lens:This lens uses optical technology to extend depth of focus, providing continuous vision from far to intermediate distances. It offers smoother vision transitions and tends to cause fewer halos and glare compared with multifocal lenses. Toric lens:For patients with astigmatism, toric lenses can be used—available in monofocal, multifocal, or EDOF versions—to correct astigmatism and improve visual clarity.   Each type of lens has its own advantages and drawbacks. When selecting an appropriate lens, the doctor will consider various factors such as whether the patient prefers not to wear glasses, lifestyle and work needs, and the presence of other eye conditions. For instance, patients with glaucoma or macular disease may not be suitable for multifocal lenses.

Facing the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, hidden transmission chains of new virus variants have recently been spreading in the community, once again drawing public attention to COVID-19 vaccination. Each person has a different physical constitution and may react differently to the vaccine. These reactions also depend on one’s diet and lifestyle. Therefore, maintaining good health and proper nutrition before and after vaccination is important to support the immune system and help the vaccine work effectively. What should I do to prepare for vaccination? Is it helpful to take fever or pain relief medicine after the shot?The purpose of vaccination is to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and immune responses, which may cause local or systemic inflammation. Instead of relying on pain or fever medicine afterward, it is more effective to take key nutrients in advance to reduce inflammation and discomfort. The following nutritional supplements may help ease inflammation before and after vaccination: Vitamin C – Vitamin C plays a vital role in the immune system. Common post-vaccination symptoms such as fever or headache are related to inflammation. Taking Vitamin C early can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Since the human body cannot produce Vitamin C on its own, and cooking fruits and vegetables may destroy it while increasing sugar intake, Vitamin C supplements can help enhance antioxidant capacity and strengthen immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3s are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that help maintain normal body functions and have broad anti-inflammatory benefits. They strengthen the immune system and help reduce potential vaccine-related side effects. The recommended daily intake for adults is 600–1000 mg, but dietary intake is usually low since these fatty acids are mainly found in deep-sea fish and cannot be produced by the body. People who consume little fish or are concerned about heavy metal contamination can conveniently obtain Omega-3s through high-concentration fish oil supplements. Prebiotics – Gut health plays a key role in maximizing vaccine effectiveness. About 70% of immune cells are concentrated in the gut, the body’s frontline defense. Prebiotics, especially when combined with probiotics, can improve gut flora balance, promote bowel movement, and enhance immune resistance, which is particularly beneficial for people with weaker immune systems.     2. Why do I feel tired after vaccination? How can I relieve this?Feeling fatigued for a few days after vaccination is normal, as the body’s immune system becomes active to build protection. It is crucial to maintain a healthy and regular lifestyle during the two weeks following vaccination to help your body recover. Avoid smoking, drinking, and staying up late. Drink plenty of water (at least 2,000 ml per day) to support circulation and speed up metabolism, which helps ease immune reactions. In terms of diet, focus on high-fiber, low-fat, and low-sugar foods. Limit fried and processed foods such as cakes, chips, and luncheon meat, which can trigger inflammation and slow recovery. Choose high-quality protein instead, including “white meats” and plant-based proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, and tofu. These are lower in fat, reduce body burden, and help support immune function, white blood cell production, and antibody formation.  

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, bringing a heavy burden to the world, with cases and outbreaks still occurring in Hong Kong. To reduce the impact of COVID-19 on public health and society, vaccination is the greatest hope for the world to emerge from the epidemic. Many countries have begun rolling out vaccinations, hoping to control the pandemic as soon as possible. So far, the government has introduced three COVID-19 vaccines: Vaccine Name Sinovac (CoronaVac) Fosun Pharma / BioNTech (Germany) (Comirnaty) AstraZeneca & Oxford University Type Inactivated vaccine mRNA / Messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine Non-replicating viral vector vaccine Efficacy* 50% to 90% (varies by region) 95% 70-90% Technology Uses complete, inactivated, non-toxic pathogen to induce immune response in the body. mRNA instructs cells to produce a protein, triggering an immune response to prevent virus invasion. Uses genetic engineering to add virus spike protein gene to adenovirus; unloads gene in cells to induce immune response. Manufacturer Sinovac Biotech Fosun Pharma & BioNTech (Germany) AstraZeneca & Oxford University Production Location Beijing, China Germany No relevant data available Doses 2 doses, 28 days apart 2 doses, at least 21 days apart 2 doses Eligible Age 18 years and above 16 years and above   Storage Temperature 2-8°C -70°C Can be stored at 2-5°C for 5 days; 2-8°C     Notes: Requires special cold storage and dilution first. *For reference only; check official latest announcements for accurate data. Possible Side Effects Most vaccines are generally safe, with common mild and temporary side effects like slight fever, redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Some people may experience more serious adverse reactions, but these are generally rare. Vaccination Program The COVID-19 vaccination program is about to launch, offering free COVID-19 vaccines to all Hong Kong citizens. The government plans to provide vaccination services at the following locations*: Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs): 29 centers across Hong Kong's 18 districts, operating for at least 6 months. Open daily from 8am to 8pm. Each center offers one vaccine type: Sinovac at Kowloon Bay Sports Centre, Tin Shui Wai Tin Fai Road Sports Centre, Hong Kong Central Library, Yau Ma Tei Jordan Sau Shing Sports Centre, and Sha Tin Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre; the other 24 offer Comirnaty. 18 General Out-patient Clinics under Hospital Authority. Residential care homes for the elderly and disabled (outreach service). Over 1,500 private clinics. Vaccination Arrangements Starting next Friday, 5 vaccination centers and general out-patient clinics will vaccinate priority groups; participating private doctors can join from early next month. Eligible persons can select vaccine, appointment time, and location via online system; bring ID and priority group proof on the day. Online booking is mandatory for CVCs and clinics. *Details await government announcement. 5 Priority Groups Based on latest scientific evidence on government-procured vaccines, overseas health authority advice, and experience, priority goes to high-risk persons and those essential for social operations, in this order: Healthcare workers and anti-epidemic personnel. Elderly aged 60+. Residents and staff of residential care homes for the elderly/disabled. Disciplined forces and public service personnel handling environmental hygiene, etc. Cross-boundary truck drivers, aircrew, and other port transport workers. For 70+ elderly, up to 2 accompanying persons can get priority vaccination. For online booking or more vaccine info, visit: www.covidvaccine.gov.hk