Health

A Vietnamese Nurse Sentenced for Infecting Children with Genital Warts

Published

3 years ago

April 14, 2019

A nurse in Vietnam has been sentenced to jail for 10 years, for violating the medical regulations. In a case of negligence, the nurse infected 117 children with genital warts, a disease which first saw an outbreak in July 2017 with more than 80 boys, maximum aged below 2 years.

Due to this negligence, the nurse was found guilty by Hung Yen Province People’s Court in Northern Vietnam, which barred her from doing her practice for 3 years after her release from jail.

The court also ordered the nurse to pay compensation of more than 2.2 billion Dong to the families, that amounts to a total of $94,850. This amount is to be distributed to 111 of the 117 families of victims. The remaining 6 families failed to prove whether the nurse was the only cause of their children’s infection or not.

This amount will help the parents to find a doctor who can prescribe the most appropriate treatment for genital warts in children.

As per the findings of the court, the nurse ran an unlicensed medical service at her own home, where she used to examine the genitals of the children. For each treatment, the nurse charged up to VND 520,000. The reason why children acquired genital warts was because the nurse was using unsterilized equipment to treat the children.

The treatment was given for phimosis. Phimosis is a condition in which the tight foreskin of the penis cannot be pulled back over the head. For treating phimosis, the foreskin has to be widened. But since the equipment to widen the foreskin was unsterilized, children contracted human papillomavirus (HPV), which subsequently led to the genital warts.

Health

How to Know if You’re Depressed

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2022

Michelle Langton

Are you depressed or just feeling down? Sometimes it’s hard to recognise where we sit on the depression scale. If you’re constantly experiencing feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that can last for weeks, months, or even years; you may benefit from seeing an expert psychologist in Melbourne. This article should hopefully shine some light on the symptoms of depression, how to get help, and where to find support.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is often defined as “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest”. It’s more than just a bout of the blues, and it’s not simply a case of feeling sad after experiencing something upsetting. Rather, it’s an ongoing low mood that interferes with your everyday life and prevents you from enjoying activities that you used to love.

Symptoms of depression can include:

Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or “empty”
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed
Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Fatigue and decreased energy levels
Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
Appetite changes or weight gain/loss
Thoughts of death or suicide

How do I know if I’m depressed or just sad?

While it’s normal to feel sad from time to time, you may be suffering from depression if these feelings last for more than two weeks and are interfering with your ability to live a normal life. Depression can also be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue and changes in appetite. If you’re unsure whether you’re depressed or just sad, it’s best to see a mental health professional for an assessment.

What causes depression and how can it be treated?

There is no single cause of depression, but it can be triggered by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, hormones, and life events (such as trauma or loss). Depression is often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may also be recommended.

How can I help a loved one who is depressed?

If you think a loved one may be depressed, the best thing you can do is encourage them to see a mental health professional. You can also offer your support and understanding, and let them know that they are not alone. If you’re worried that they may be suicidal, it’s important to talk to them about it directly.

With the right help, depression can be treated and you can regain your lease on life. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.