World Health Organization data indicate that influenza A viruses were by far the most common cause of illness in the Southern Hemisphere’s 2018 flu season, with subtype A (H1N1) pdm09 dominating overall.

Last flu season was deadliest since 1976, CDC says: The US saw about 80,000 deaths related to flu and complications from the illness last winter, the most since 1976, according to the CDC. Nearly all the deaths — 90% — were in people at least 65 years old.

Get flu shot by end of Oct., CDC advises: The CDC is calling for people ages 6 months and older to be vaccinated against seasonal flu by the end of October. Because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for people to develop antibodies against influenza, they should receive the vaccine before the virus starts circulating nearby. Flu vaccination is the best way to protect those most at risk.

Due to the holidays, please schedule earlier than usual as we may not be able to accommodate as requested. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and we thank you for your cooperation.

Dr Kissane will not be available during December 22nd, 2018 – January 6th, 2019.

The American Clinic Tokyo will be closed on Monday December 24th, 2018 due to a National Holiday (Emperor’s Birthday observed). 

The American Clinic Tokyo will be closed during December 29th, 2018 –  January 6th, 2019.

Supply is limited, but please feel free to call us at 03-6441-0969 to secure an appointment.

• Recommendation for vaccination: Routine annual vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and above who do not have contraindications.

The WHO recommends the following for the Northern Hemisphere’s quadrivalent (four-strain) vaccines:

• For H1N1, an A/Michigan/45/2015-like virus
• For H3N2, an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016-like virus
• For B Victoria, a B/Colorado/06/2017-like virus
• For B Yamagata, a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus

The Japanese vaccine will contain the following four-strains:

• For H1N1, an A/Singapore / GP1908 / 2015 pdm09-like virus
• For H3N2, an A/Singapore / INFIMH-16-0019 / 2016-like virus
• For B Victoria, a B / Maryland / 15 / 2016-like virus
• For B Yamagata, a B / Phuket / 3073 / 2013-like virus

• Timing of vaccination: Vaccination should occur before onset of influenza activity in the community.

• Travelers: Travelers who wish to reduce the risk for influenza infection should consider influenza vaccination, preferably 2 weeks before departure.

Please contact our office for details and appointments. Special arrangements can be made for large groups or companies that require all employees to be vaccinated.

Supporting clinicians to treat mood and anxiety disorders
Enabling organizations to deliver care
Empowering patients on their personal path to recovery

By using Psynary you will be providing your clinician with all the information they need to make the best decisions about your treatment before you come to clinic, so you can use the clinic time to focus on what is important to you.

Psynary is secure, completely anonymous and free. Psynary does not collect any information that can be used to personally identify you. You are linked directly to your clinician, but you can also link to other health professionals in your team to help coordinate your care.

Psynary can be accessed through any internet device: desktops, laptops, tablets or smart phones. You can carry out assessments in your own home, in your own time.

The American Clinic Tokyo can create a Psynary account for you. Please call us at 03-6441-0969 and find out more about how it can help you.

https://www.psynary.com/accounts/login/about/patient/

Since the launch of our website in October 2013, we have reached 200,000 views. Your interest and support have helped our growth. Your kind support will allow us to serve you better. Thank you!

In an effort to measure and assess our performance against set standards, Dr Andrew Kissane has taken part in clinical governance activities, including an audit cycle. We are conducting this practice at the American Clinic Tokyo and have audited the outcomes we are achieving for patients. The data has been published in an audit poster at the Royal College of Psychiatrists International Congress 2017 held in Edinburgh.

ACT audit RCPsych Int Congress 2017    Audit RCPsych Int Congress 2017

For more information, please follow the links below:

https://www.psynary.com/

http://www.tokyomentalhealth.com

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria get into the urethra and travel up into the bladder. They are among the most common infections in people, and antibiotic treatment is usually helpful in treating an infection.

If the infection stays just in the bladder, it is a called “cystitis.” Common symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, urinary frequency or urgency, blood in the urine. Treatment will usually require a 3-5 day course of antibiotics.

But if the infection travels up past the bladder and into the kidneys, it is called “pyelonephritis.” Common symptoms include fever, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment will usually require a 7-14 day course of antibiotics.

More information can be found here: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/urinary-tract-infections-in-adolescents-and-adults-beyond-the-basics

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 03-6441-0969 and talk with one of our nurses.

The Japanese National Tourism Organization has prepared a guide for travelers in Japan. You can search medical facilities by area or keyword. The page is also available in Korean and Chinese.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html