MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
- Dr Charles Shepherd and the ME Association's other advisers answer these questions by sharing their expert knowledge.
- Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor’ series in ME Essential magazine.
- It is a free resource that supplements the detailed information contained in the full range of literature that can be found in the website shop.
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Questions in the Category: Meningitis
Symptom: Sore Throat
Like many people with ME I have more than my fair share of sore throats – sometimes accompanied by enlarged neck glands. I’ve read the MEA guidance on the self-help management of sore throats and I know that there’s usually no point in going to the doctor to ask for antibiotics. But having had a really nasty attack this winter, which did result in my GP prescribing a course of antibiotics, it would be helpful if you could clarify when we do need to consult a doctor.
Vaccines: Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
I have been offered the pneumococcal vaccine by my GP as I am over 65. I have had mild to moderate ME/CFS for about 10 years. My immediate reaction was to say NO WAY, as I find any infection causes a crash that lasts for weeks. I also understand that vaccinations can sometimes trigger ME/CFS, or cause a relapse of existing ME/CFS. I appreciate that this vaccine provides protection against an infection that can have serious consequences for the elderly and other people with health conditions that place them at increased risk. So, do you know of any people with ME/CFS who have had this vaccine?
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Shepherd has been Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association for more than 40 years. He is integral to the charity's activities and provides information and support based on his professional knowledge, personal experience as a doctor with ME/CFS, and the understanding gained from helping many thousands of people with the condition. He was a member of the comittee responsible for the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline and is a recognised expert on ME/CFS in the UK. His knowledge extends to Post-Viral Fatigue Syndromes (PVFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long Covid.
If you have questions about ME/CFS or Long Covid, you can:
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Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor‘ series featured in the highly-regarded member’s magazine, ME Essential, and in the healthcare professional magazine, ME Medical. Both are produced by the ME Association and published as hard-copy magazines every 3 months and sent to members and healthcare professionals by post to home or business addresses.
If you are a Health Care Professional you can sign-up to receive ME Medical magazine (people with ME/CFS can also nominate their HCP by completing the sign-up form).