Dr. Brian Costiniano - Internal Medicine

14/08/2026

🧠💚 Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Many people go through struggles that we don’t always see—and a little kindness can go a long way.

✨ Here’s how you can help:
• Be kind and respectful
• Listen without judgment
• Learn and share accurate information
• Support and uplift others

Remember: You are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Book now via the NowServing app or visit: https://seriousmd.com/doc/jbrian

Let’s break the stigma and support each other. 💬💚

06/08/2026

If you need help, we are available

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a comprehensive guide to understanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It details the biological impact of the virus on the immune system and the critical stages of the disease, including AIDS. The source emphasizes that while there is no cure, consistent medical treatment allows individuals to live long lives and effectively eliminates the risk of sexual transmission. Key sections outline practical strategies for prevention, such as PrEP and condom use, alongside the necessity of testing for everyone. Ultimately, the resource serves as an educational tool to improve public health outcomes through awareness and early intervention.

03/08/2026

❤️ HIV Awareness Matters ❤️

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can affect anyone — but with the right information, testing, and treatment, we can protect ourselves and others.

✅ Know the facts
✅ Practice safe behaviors
✅ Get tested regularly
✅ End stigma and discrimination

Remember: HIV is NOT spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or shaking hands.

Early testing and treatment save lives. Modern treatment allows people living with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission.

📲 Want to know your HIV status or consult online?
Scan the QR code in the infographic or visit:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/jbrian

Together, let’s build a healthier, stigma-free community. ❤️

20/07/2026

🚨 **COVID-19 & Dengue: A Dangerous "Double Burden"** 🚨
Did you know that the overlap of COVID-19 and Dengue fever has created a complex health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions? 🌍 Here are a few critical things you need to know to stay safe:
🔍 **Tricky to Tell Apart:** Both illnesses share very similar early symptoms, such as high fever, severe headaches, muscle/joint aches, and fatigue
🧪
**Diagnostic Confusion:** The immune responses to these viruses can "cross-react" in laboratory tests. In some cases, COVID-19 antibodies or vaccinations can cause a false positive on a Dengue serological test, leading to potential misdiagnoses
⚠️
**Increased Severity:** Studies show that catching both simultaneously, or having a recent COVID-19 infection, can increase the risk of developing severe Dengue complications. This includes dangerous drops in blood platelets, respiratory distress, and plasma leakage
💊
**Treatment Paradox:** This is crucial! Medications like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) and blood thinners are sometimes used for COVID-19, but they are **strictly contraindicated** for Dengue because they significantly increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding Acetaminophen (paracetamol) remains the safest option to manage fever
**How to protect yourself and your family:**
✅
**Don't self-medicate** if you get a sudden fever—consult a doctor immediately for proper dual-testing (like RT-PCR) so they can rule out or treat either virus correctly ✅
**Eliminate standing water** around your home (in pots, old tires, or buckets) to stop _Aedes aegypti_ mosquitoes from breeding ✅ **Use EPA-registered insect repellent** and sleep under bed nets if you are in a high-risk area
Let's work together to protect our communities from both of these health threats! 🛡️🦟🦠

10/07/2026

🌋 Wondering how the Kanlaon ashfall reached Cebu so quickly and when it will end? Here is what you need to know! 🌫️
If you woke up to hazy skies and traces of ash yesterday, you aren't alone. Here is the science behind why the Mt. Kanlaon eruption reached us across the island:
🌬️ The "Habagat" Effect: The southwest monsoon (habagat), which was enhanced by Typhoon Inday, created the perfect wind conditions. Strong winds blowing at 50 km/h carried the volcanic ash eastward directly toward Central Visayas.
⏱️ How fast did it travel? Because of the strong winds, the ash crossed over to Cebu in just about 2 hours after Kanlaon's 7:33 AM eruption on Thursday! A cool, rainy atmosphere also kept the finer ash particles suspended in the air for much longer.
⏳ How long will it last? Good news! 🌤️ PAGASA forecasted that the main ash plume would move past Cebu and toward Leyte. As long as Mt. Kanlaon doesn't have another eruption, Cebu should be largely clear of the ashfall by today (Friday).
🛑 Safety First! Even as the ash clears out, the DOH reminds everyone that leftover volcanic ash can irritate your eyes, skin, and throat.
😷 Wear an N95 or KN95 mask if you are cleaning up outside.
💧 Protect your drinking water from contamination.
🧹 Sweep the ash instead of hosing it down to prevent clogged drains.
Stay safe, everyone! How is the situation in your area right now? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

03/07/2026

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a comprehensive guide to understanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It details the biological impact of the virus on the immune system and the critical stages of the disease, including AIDS. The source emphasizes that while there is no cure, consistent medical treatment allows individuals to live long lives and effectively eliminates the risk of sexual transmission. Key sections outline practical strategies for prevention, such as PrEP and condom use, alongside the necessity of testing for everyone. Ultimately, the resource serves as an educational tool to improve public health outcomes through awareness and early intervention.

30/06/2026

We are available ♥️

🫀 Your Heart Matters!

Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death—but the good news is, many cases are preventable.

Take small steps today:
🥗 Eat healthy
🚶 Stay active
🚭 Avoid smoking
⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight
🩺 Get regular check-ups

Know the risks. Act early. Protect your heart. ❤️

📲 For more information, Book now via the NowServing app or visit: https://seriousmd.com/doc/jbrian

25/06/2026

World Hepatitis Day 2025: Breaking Barriers for Elimination

The provided text outlines the mission and digital infrastructure of the World Hepatitis Day website, a platform dedicated to eradicating the world’s most fatal communicable disease. It emphasizes that while viral hepatitis is both preventable and treatable, high mortality rates persist due to low public awareness, social stigma, and political inaction. The source details the 2025 campaign goals, which include educating the public on liver cancer risks and advocating for increased resources from global decision-makers. Additionally, a significant portion of the text clarifies the website's privacy policies, specifically explaining how various cookies manage security, user accessibility, and site analytics. By offering multi-language resources and actionable facts, the organization aims to mobilize a global community to eliminate the disease by 2030.

19/06/2026

We are available ❤️

🤢 FOOD POISONING (FOODBORNE ILLNESS): WHAT TO DO 🍽️⚠️

Food poisoning can happen from contaminated food due to bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Most cases are mild—but some can become serious.

⚠️ COMMON SYMPTOMS:
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Nausea & vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst) (Mayo Clinic)

💧 FIRST AID (WHAT TO DO):
✔ Sip fluids slowly (water or oral rehydration drinks)
✔ Take small, frequent sips to avoid worsening nausea
✔ Monitor urine (should be light-colored and regular)
✔ Rest and let your body recover

🚫 AVOID:
• Anti-diarrheal meds unless advised by a doctor
• Giving these medicines to children (Mayo Clinic)

🚨 SEEK MEDICAL HELP IF:
❗ Severe stomach pain
❗ Bloody diarrhea
❗ Vomiting lasts more than 2 days
❗ High fever (≥ 38.3°C)
❗ Signs of dehydration or fainting
❗ High-risk individuals (kids, elderly, pregnant, or with illness) (Mayo Clinic)

💡 REMEMBER:
Most cases improve within a few days—but staying hydrated is key!

👉 When in doubt, don’t ignore symptoms—early care can prevent complications.

Book now via the NowServing app or visit: https://seriousmd.com/doc/jbrian