Aust Fam Physician
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterial pathogen that causes serious, sometimes fatal, infections primarily in young children, especially in the second 6 months of life. Immunisation of children against Hib is now an important issue and four conjugate Hib vaccines have become available. The various vaccines, and their characteristics are documented in this paper.
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Concussion is an injury that occurs frequently in the general community. Most cases are caused by sporting accidents, falls and assaults. This article reviews the presentation and management of this common problem. High velocity impacts as in motor vehicle accidents may result in concussion but are more likely to produce a serious brain injury.
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Rehabilitation means 'to restore to previous condition, rights, privileges, to attain some degree of independence (New Oxford Dictionary). The general practitioner will inevitably be involved in deciding when and where the patient will go. With increasing care, understanding and effort, it is hoped that with the above in mind, an increasing number of seemingly incapable elderly people will be helped. Just as with other age groups, an increasing number of elderly will be able to continue making a worthwhile contribution to society and to solve their own problems in ways that they choose.
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Australians have come to realise that they have a right to access high quality health care through their general practitioner. It is essential that people with cognitive impairments through intellectual disability, psychiatric disorders, senility or brain damage are not denied equity of access through their inability to seek medical attention. ⋯ The general practitioner is often the first person to become aware of the needs of disabled people and is well placed to intervene to ensure the protection of their rights. This includes the right to good health care.