The role of a family physician in the management ofVibrio vulnificusinfection is multifaceted, encompassing prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and education.Vibrio vulnificusis a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium and an opportunistic human pathogen. Infection is common inV. vulnificusspecies and it can potentially cause a necrotizing fasciitis which is life threatening. Presented here is a case of a 39-year-old pregnant female who came in at the Emergency Department due to a noticeable swelling and severe pain on the third digit of her left hand after it was punctured while cleaning fresh Tilapia. The patient was then urgently referred to an orthopedic specialist for further management. Given the risk of compartment syndrome or necrotizing fasciitis the patient underwent amputation of the third digit of left hand. Patient underwent psychosocial and supportive intervention given by the family physician anticipating challenges in her illness trajectory. The paper emphasizes the role of family physicians in the comprehensive management ofVibrio vulnificusinfection, traversing all levels of prevention. Through educating patients and the community, along with providing timely and appropriate medical care, we can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this serious infection.

Human ; Bacteria ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing

Dropped head syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the inability to maintain an upright head posture. It is commonly associated with neuromuscular disorders and is more frequently observed among the elderly population. While the exact cause of dropped head syndrome can vary, one potential cause is electrolyte imbalance, specifically hypokalemia, which can be induced by chronic alcoholism. Chronic alcohol use disorder could be traced back from psychosocial factors which can be identified by using various family assessment tools.

This is a case of a 40-year-old male who presented with a sudden inability to lift his head after a two-week long alcoholic beverage intake.

The case highlights the importance of the biopsychosocial approach in primary care, which offers holistic management by addressing not only medical problems but also the psychosocial factors that contribute to the patient’s clinical presentation.

Human ; Male ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Dropped Head Syndrome ; Alcohol Use Disorder ; Alcoholism

Background: Rabies continues to circulate in low levels through the years. It is continuing to be a public health problem in the Philippines.1,2 The Philippine government created programs, which provided guidelines and tasked several agencies in a collective effort to prevent and control rabies with the aim of declaring the Philippines rabies-free by 2020. Despite this, increase in cases have been noted.2,3,4 Objectives: This study aimed to describe demographics and explore the level of access to care as perceived by the animal bite patients in terms of accessibility, availability, and affordability of vaccine, animal bite treatment center and health worker influencing the control of rabies, which could be useful in the improvement of strategies in the management thereof Results: The study included 71 respondents. 69% were adults and majority live within Baguio City, within the 5km radius from the ABTC. 81.7% can easily obtain ARV from the conveniently accessible ABTC, which is manned by effective health workers. Majority claimed that the vaccine are readily available on the spot and they predominantly paid about Php 1000-2000. Only 14.1% were able to have free vaccine and less than half of the respondents had no problem with affording hospital costs. 18.3% claimed that opening hours of ABTC are in conflict with their schedule. Conclusion The access to care in the control of rabies is important to the health care delivery system. Improvement in the control of rabies underscoring the factors such as distribution, coverage, health care workers, price and supply are avenues to advance efforts in the achievement of the program goal
Health Services Accessibility