Q What’s the reality about superbugs and should I be afraid to go to hospital unless it’s absolutely vital?

RF, Swindon

A Go to hospital if necessary but remember the two main hospital superbugs – MRSA and clostridium difficile – can be fatal to someone in poor health. They are usually contracted because of poor hygiene. If visiting hospital, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before and afterwards; if you are an inpatient, check all the proper hygiene procedures are observed on the ward. The Dr Know answer? A matron on every ward responsible for its cleanliness. For more on MRSA visit www.mrsainfection.org.

Q Seven years ago I began to have chest pains. After tests with a consultant, I was diagnosed with LBBB (left bundle branch block) and prescribed medication but told there was no cure. Have things moved on since then?

PT, via e-mail

A Rather than a disease in itself, LBBB is an indication of other issues, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure or an enlarged heart. In your case, the LBBB sounds as though it was triggered by high blood pressure and angina, hence your medication, which is treating these problems. Keep your heart as healthy as you can by taking your medication, exercising regularly, keeping your weight down and not smoking.

Q Our one-year-old baby has been diagnosed with German measles. How worried should we be, and does this mean he won’t get measles later on in life?

AD, west London

AThe number of cases of both measles and German measles (rubella) in the UK is on the rise because of a fall in the uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Though complications are uncommon with rubella in children, measles is by no means a minor illness: before the development of the vaccine it killed millions of people. Although he should now have an immunity against German measles, your baby could still catch measles, which is a different virus, so he must have his routine immunisations.

All questions are answered by a practising doctor. To consult Dr Know, e-mail drknow@sunday-times.co.uk. E-mails cannot be replied to individually

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