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Early Flu Peak Drives Hospital Concerns in Greater Manchester

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

‘Worrying’ Rise in Flu and Covid Cases Sends Children to Greater Manchester Hospitals, Urgent Warning issued

greater Manchester is⁤ seeing a concerning increase ‌in cases of ⁢flu and Covid-19 among children, leading to hospital admissions and prompting⁣ an urgent warning to parents.‍ Health officials report teh latest data indicates an early peak in flu circulation,raising fears of a challenging winter⁤ for ‌the region’s healthcare‌ system.

The ⁢rise in infections comes as the NHS ​urges eligible​ individuals⁢ to get ⁢vaccinated, emphasizing the‍ vaccine⁣ as the best defense⁢ against serious illness and hospitalization.Catch-up clinics for ​school-aged children are ‍currently underway across Greater Manchester, hosted ​at family hubs, leisure centres, and Sure Start centres.

“We strongly encourage all those who qualify for vaccination to ​come ⁢forward immediately to secure the best possible protection,” said Dr. Merav​ Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UK Health Security‍ Agency north West. “The vaccine is the strongest defense we ⁤have against what can be a serious illness. ​Taking up ⁣the offer of vaccination coudl be⁢ the‌ key to preventing serious illness and avoiding hospital admission.”

Local teams are offering vaccination sessions close to home,providing convenient access ⁣for residents. Symptoms of flu or Covid-19 include fever, persistent cough, fatigue, and body aches.⁤ Individuals experiencing these‌ symptoms ​are advised to limit contact with others, ​especially those at‌ higher risk.

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Health

Antidepressants: Risks, Benefits, and the Stigma of Mental Health Care

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Bryony Gordon: Why Headlines About Antidepressant Side Effects Worry Me

I felt a familiar sinking feeling reading recent headlines linking antidepressants to potential⁤ side effects like weight gain‌ and heart problems. This wasn’t about my own experience – I’ve only ever experienced ‌a ‍temporary drop in libido ‌when starting antidepressants,⁢ which thankfully resolved – but about the impact such ⁢news might ‍have on those⁤ currently struggling with severe anxiety or illness. It could ⁤deter ‍them‍ from seeking,⁣ or continuing, vital treatment.

Scientists at ⁤King’s College ​London and the University of Oxford have recently undertaken groundbreaking work, creating what is believed to⁢ be the first “league table”‌ of antidepressant side effects. This research aims to highlight the variability between the approximately 30 antidepressant medications currently prescribed in the⁣ UK.⁤ The study revealed differences in potential effects, such as weight ‌gain of up to 2kg within weeks⁤ for some patients, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

Dr. Toby Pillinger,a co-author ​of​ the ⁤study ‍from ‍King’s College London,emphasized that⁤ the intention isn’t to discourage antidepressant use. Instead, the goal is “to empower patients and clinicians ⁢to make informed choices and to‍ encourage personalised care.”

Though, despite the fact that 8.89 million people in the UK are ​currently prescribed antidepressants, a significant stigma surrounding these medications ⁢persists. As a mental health advocate, ⁤I ⁣regularly ‌hear from⁣ individuals afraid to start treatment, or considering ​stopping based on‍ misinformation circulating online – often promoted‌ by ⁤those advocating expensive, unproven alternatives.

The lengthy⁤ and often alarming‍ patient information leaflets accompanying ‌antidepressants, ⁢detailing a wide‍ range of potential side effects including seizures and​ suicidal ⁤thoughts, don’t help to alleviate these fears. ‌This latest news is unlikely to reassure ‍those already battling anxiety.

But it’s crucial to ⁢remember‌ that people rarely turn to antidepressants unless thay’ve exhausted other‍ options and are facing immense distress. And the reality is, mental health⁣ care in this⁣ country hasn’t improved in recent years.

Throughout my own experience with antidepressants, no ⁢superior alternative for treating mental illness ⁢has emerged.For many, these medications ⁣provide a crucial‍ foundation, allowing them‍ to ‌stabilize enough to access further support ⁣- whether through private therapy or community services.

We rarely discuss‌ the consequences of not taking antidepressants when suffering from mental illness. it’s vital to acknowledge the detrimental impact prolonged depression or anxiety‌ can have on both ‌physical health‍ and overall wellbeing,particularly when there’s no effective support system in‍ place.

If⁢ these ⁣headlines have ‍caused you concern about your ⁤medication, please⁤ consult‌ your doctor before‍ making any changes. And know this: ⁣I would ⁣much rather prioritize mental stability, even with some weight gain, than relive the intense suffering I experienced at 17.

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Health

-title Wales Faces Challenges as Mounjaro Eligibility High, Drug Rollout Paused

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Weight-Loss‍ Drug Access Restricted in Wales as NHS Develops New Clinical pathway

Cardiff, ‍Wales – Access to the weight-loss drug tirzepatide on the National Health⁣ Service (NHS) in Wales has been temporarily paused as health officials develop a new “clinical pathway” aimed at ensuring equitable and sustainable access to⁣ these medications. An interim rule, issued Thursday⁢ by Sioned‍ Rees, director of public health, and Andrew ⁤Evans, the Welsh ⁢Government’s chief pharmaceutical officer, now restricts⁣ prescriptions to specialist weight management⁤ services ‍only.

The move comes amid a ⁢global surge in demand for weight-loss drugs‌ like tirzepatide, semaglutide (Wegovy), and liraglutide (Saxenda), considerably outpacing available supply. The Welsh Government acknowledges “considerable demand for specialist weight management services and a growing ⁢pressure for access to these ‌medications through the NHS.”

While new prescriptions are limited, patients already receiving these drugs through ‌the NHS prior⁢ to the recent circular will be able to continue their treatment uninterrupted. The restriction does not apply to ⁤tirzepatide ⁤prescriptions for its other approved medical uses.

The ⁤new clinical pathway is designed to treat and manage obesity as a chronic, recurring ‍condition, ⁣and to facilitate “equitable access to weight-loss drugs and associated wrap-around support,” ‌according to Welsh Government officials. The pathway‌ will focus on building capacity‌ and capability across specialist,primary care,and community healthcare settings.

The national Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) typically requires new drugs‍ to be⁢ available ‌within two months of approval.However, recognizing the possibly “very large eligible cohort” for these medications, NICE granted an exemption, extending the implementation ​period in Wales to up to 12 years.

Officials stated ‍the new pathways ‌will ensure tirzepatide and ​other weight-loss medications can be made available “in a seamless, equitable, safe, and effective way.”

An exception to the specialist-only prescription rule exists for patients with specific ​high-need medical conditions, ​including those undergoing cancer ⁣treatment, awaiting organ transplants, or receiving fertility services.

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Health

Hull-area couple on the rare illness that has struck their young son

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Hull Couple Launch Fundraising Mission for Son’s⁤ Rare Mitochondrial Disease

HULL, England – A Hull couple is spearheading a ⁣fundraising campaign too support⁣ their young son’s battle with a rare and debilitating mitochondrial disease. Ezra Fletcher, age four, was diagnosed with mitochondrial dysfunction, ⁢a condition affecting the‍ energy-producing parts of cells, leaving ‍him⁣ with a range of complex health challenges. His parents, Laura Mattinson and an unnamed father, are steadfast to⁤ raise awareness and funds for‍ vital research and potential treatments.

mitochondrial diseases are estimated to affect around‌ 1 in 5,000 people worldwide, and can manifest in⁤ a multitude of ways, impacting⁣ nearly every system in ‍the⁢ body. While there is currently no cure, increased ‌research offers hope for improved treatments and a​ better quality of life‍ for those affected. Ezra’s condition means he requires constant care⁢ and faces an uncertain future, prompting⁣ his family to⁢ launch “Ezra’s Mission”⁣ to support⁢ research and connect with⁢ others ‍facing similar struggles.

“We‍ would‍ love to get some‍ people ​together and do some charity fundraising days.It will be great if‌ others can support ezra’s Mission too,” said Mattinson.‍ The family is​ seeking ‌support from the local community and ⁤beyond ​to help fund research into mitochondrial dysfunction, which medical experts believe could have implications ​for treating a wide‌ range⁣ of illnesses.

Prof.⁢ Volkmar ‍Weissig, president of⁢ the World Mitochondrial Society, emphasizes the broad ​impact⁢ of ⁣mitochondrial malfunction, stating, “It is now widely accepted ‌there hardly exists any human⁣ disease which does not involve mitochondrial malfunction in some way.” The condition is now recognized as a factor in⁤ diseases such as autism, cancer, obesity,⁤ dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, heart ⁢disease,‍ and Parkinson’s, among others.

Those wishing to support Ezra⁤ and his family can⁣ find more information and donate at https://www.mymitomission.uk/ezras-mito-mission-hull/.

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Health

Covid Stratus warning to anyone who vapes as new strain sweeps across Northern Ireland

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Covid & vaping: ⁢New Strain Prompts Warning​ for Northern Ireland Residents

Belfast,⁤ Northern ⁤Ireland – Health officials are urging vapers in northern Ireland to temporarily cease use‍ as the highly transmissible Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB. 1.8.1)⁢ Covid variants rapidly ​circulate. Experts warn that combining vaping​ with a Covid infection places additional strain on the lungs, hindering recovery.

While the​ new variants are not currently indicated to‍ cause more severe illness, their increased transmissibility is leading to a rise in cases and potential for respiratory complications, particularly among those with‌ pre-existing lung conditions or who vape.

Medical professionals have noted a resurgence of familiar covid symptoms like ⁣sore throats and hoarse voices, ⁢alongside‍ an increase in persistent respiratory issues. “It’s ‌not just about⁤ avoiding serious ‍illness,” stated an expert, “It’s about giving your ‌lungs a fair chance to ⁢recover. Every puff ⁢delays that healing a little bit more.”

Current guidance recommends isolating for at⁣ least 5 days if you test positive for Covid, or over, and at least 3 days if‍ you are under 18. Individuals are​ also‍ advised to ⁣inform their employer and avoid contact with those⁣ vulnerable to severe⁣ illness for ​10 days.

Health officials emphasize that ⁤even ‌if the effects of vaping seem harmless, it exacerbates the damage ‍caused by the virus. “Think of it this way,” one ⁤expert⁢ explained, “Your lungs are already fighting off one attacker, which is covid. Don’t give them another opponent ‍in the form of⁤ vapour chemicals.even ‌if it⁣ feels harmless, it’s like adding fuel to a fire that’s already burning.”

Anyone recently infected with Covid, or experiencing coughing and shortness of breath, is strongly encouraged to stop vaping – even temporarily – to allow lungs to heal. Improved ‌breathing might potentially be noticeable within weeks. “Just because you ​don’t feel the damage today doesn’t mean it isn’t⁤ happening,” ⁣a health professional cautioned. “With these new ⁤variants spreading, your lungs⁢ are working overtime. The best thing you can do for them is ‍stop adding to⁢ the strain.”

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Health

‘My son complained about sore muscles after school – hours later he was dead’

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor
written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Boy Dies Suddenly‍ After ‍Complaining of Muscle Aches, Raising Alarm Over Meningitis Symptoms

[CITY, STATE] – A family is mourning the sudden loss of their son,⁤ who died ‌hours after complaining of muscle soreness ‌following a normal day at⁤ school. Authorities are investigating the⁢ case and have issued a warning⁣ to parents about the potential signs of⁢ meningitis, a serious infection‍ of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal ​cord.

The boy, whose name has not ​been released pending family notification, initially reported feeling⁢ unwell with ⁤aching muscles after school on​[DATE-[DATE-[DATE-[DATE-not provided in source]. ‍His condition rapidly deteriorated over the next few hours, leading to a⁣ heartbreaking outcome.⁤ Health officials are working to determine the exact cause of death, but initial⁢ concerns center around a possible case of meningitis. This tragedy​ underscores the critical⁤ importance of recognizing the early symptoms of this possibly fatal illness, notably in children.

Meningitis can be caused by viral ⁤or bacterial ⁢infections. Bacterial meningitis ⁣is⁢ particularly ​dangerous and can lead to severe complications,including brain damage,hearing loss,and even death,if not treated promptly. Symptoms can appear quickly and vary depending on​ age.

Common symptoms of meningitis ‌in children and adults include:

* ​Spots or a rash (this might potentially be harder to‍ see on brown or black skin)
*​ ⁢ Headache
* A stiff neck
* ​ A dislike of radiant lights
*​ Being very‌ sleepy or ‍difficult ‌to wake
* Fits (seizures)

Babies and young ​children‌ may exhibit different symptoms, such⁤ as:

* Refusing⁣ feeds
* Irritability
* A high-pitched cry
* Having a stiff body or being‌ floppy or unresponsive
* ⁤ A bulging soft spot​ on ‍the top of their head.

Health officials urge anyone experiencing these​ symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Early ‌diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for preventing severe complications and improving​ the chances of recovery‌ in ​cases ⁢of bacterial meningitis.

Further updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses. parents are ⁢encouraged to consult ⁣with their healthcare provider if they have any concerns about meningitis or their child’s ​health.

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