Home » World » Every third inhabitant of Latvia is treated using the Internet

Every third inhabitant of Latvia is treated using the Internet

Self-invented treatment can have negative and even irreversible consequences. People often do not notice all the symptoms of the disease, make a misdiagnosis and endanger their health by choosing inappropriate medications, overdosing them or combining them incorrectly, which can either intensify their action or, on the contrary, neutralize them. Common, everyday illnesses and very serious, sometimes life-threatening illnesses can have very similar symptoms. The duration of the symptoms is also important, for example, a cough lasting a few days can mean a cold, but a cough for several weeks can indicate a completely more serious illness, so it is important to consult a specialist and in case of suspicion to go to the doctor in advance.

“Although the information found on the Internet can be valuable for everyday needs, it must never become a source for a person to make a diagnosis and, even more so, to start treatment. Unfortunately, pharmacists are still too often faced with situations where people turn to a pharmacist for advice only when the method of their choice has not produced the desired results – in such situations the disease is often prolonged and the pharmacist can no longer help, instead needs medical help, ”says the pharmacy. Jānis Kūliņš, Member of the Board of the Apotheka Network.

“Even if a person is knowledgeable, has done critical research and selected information on the Internet, it does not mean that the chosen treatment method will be effective and safe for health. If, however, a person has found information on the Internet, they should discuss it with a doctor or pharmacist, find out what the specialist’s opinion is, and jointly decide on the most appropriate solution for the specific situation, ”comments Mana Aptieka pharmacist and Tukums pharmacy manager Agnese Ritene.

First aid in case of illness – pharmacist

The results of the health index survey show that the majority of the population (83%) trust pharmacists as health care professionals.

“We see that the role of pharmacists in health care is becoming more and more noticeable, especially in the spring, when Covid-19 broke out. At that time, polyclinics and other medical institutions were closed, so we – pharmacists – became the closest and most accessible health care professionals, as pharmacies continued their work as usual. The most important thing is not to be shy, to start a conversation, to ask. We listen to everyone, help to assess whether the chosen treatment method and medication will be the most appropriate, what are the possible side effects and interactions with other drugs, including food, for a successful recovery. Also, it is often the pharmacist who encourages to see a doctor in time, ”says A. Ritene.

About My Pharmacy & Apotheka Health Index

My Pharmacy & Apotheka Health Index is an annual measurement of the self-assessment and prevention trends of the health status of the Latvian population. The index has been compiled in cooperation with the market and public opinion research center SKDS, every year a representative number of people aged 18 to 75 are surveyed in direct interviews. This is the fifth measurement of the My Pharmacy & Apotheka Health Index.

Others are currently reading

As a Texas boy grows up, he experienced an incomprehensible tragedy at the very beginning of his life



Could Rebekah Koha, who has finished her career, be able to represent another country in the future? What obligations remain with the athlete




In masks and without a party – Solvita Āboltiņa’s daughter graduated from pandemic-affected Italy





Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.