Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ask Dralexa...
As the NHS links up with Amazon to offer medical advice, Mirror’s Steve consults the digital doc
After Amazon announced users can ask virtual assistant Alexa for medical advice from the NHS, verified by professionals, we put it to the test.
Bosses hope it will help patients take more control of their healthcare
But it seems you have to be careful to phrase your questions in a way the speaker understands. This is what happened when we asked Dr Alexa...
What’s the best cure for a headache?
You can ease headaches by drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of rest if you have a cold or the flu, trying to relax, exercising when you can, and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.
See a GP if your headache keeps coming back; painkillers don’t help and your headache gets worse; you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head; you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful; or if you get other symptoms – for example, your arms or legs feel numb or weak.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Chickenpox starts with red spots, can appear anywhere on the body and is very itchy.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
A hernia usually develops between your chest and hips. In many cases it causes no or very few symptoms, although you may notice a swelling in your tummy or groin.
See your GP if you think you have a hernia.
Have I broken my leg?
I don’t know that one.
My arm hurts; what should I do?
I don’t know that one.
What should I do if I have diarrhoea?
You can usually treat diarrhoea at home. The most important thing is to have plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Stay at home and get plenty of rest, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you are in discomfort.
How do you treat a bee sting?
Home treatment can be used for bee stings. This often means removing the stingers, washing the area with soap and water, and applying a cold compress.
But if you’re stung multiple times or have an allergic reaction to a bee sting, it’s important to get immediate treatment.
Alexa, there’s a piece of bone sticking out of my arm; what should I do?
I don’t know that one.
I’m having a heart attack
If you need immediate help, call 999.
You may want to alert your family members or a neighbour so they can provide assistance until help arrives.
I think I have food poisoning
Food poisoning is usually caused by campylobacter bacteria, salmonella bacteria, E. coli bacteria, and norovirus.
You can catch food poisoning if you eat something that has been contaminated with germs.
This can happen if food isn’t cooked or reheated thoroughly, isn’t stored correctly, is left out for too long, is handled by someone who is ill or has not washed their hands, or is eaten after its “use by” date.