>> I reproduce below the patient note from my first experience of the
Internet
>> in medicine, on a Healthcall deputising visit...
>> "
>> 06/05/96 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx n Xxxxxx Xxxxx
>> 20:27 Chickenpox. aged 29. Children also got it. Seen on Sat but
not
>> offered Acyclovir.
>> Internet connection, therefore has same references as I do.
>> Advised too late now, cool skin etc.
>> "
>> She was covered in spots, and very cross. Personally I think I
would have
>> given her the Acyclovir to start with. The Web page she consulted
advised
>> Acyclovir...
>You cannot be serious! (McEnroe,J, Wimbledon 198? - can't remember).
>Spending over UKP100 to treat spots and a flu-like illness in a non
>immune compromised healthy adult would have been an immoral waste of
>money. So far as Web pages' medical advice is concerned - well I'd be
>sceptical - Web pages are not peer reviewed and you can't rely on
>their advice - it's only some other person's opinion. Even if an RCT
>showed a significant reduction in the length of the illness and the
>severity of the symptoms that still doesn't mean that the improvement
>was clinically important or necessary - certainly not to the tune of a
>hundred pounds.
>Toby
I believe there have been several deaths in the UK from chickenpox
in immunocompetent adults in recent years. It is therefore
considered prudent to use acyclovir unless you know your patient
will be OK
Doug Jenkinson, Keyworth, Nottingham.
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