Latest news with #PhilippaKaye
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Warning that disposable vapes ban ‘will backfire' as threat of £200 fines looms in just hours
EXPERTS have warned that the government's disposable vape ban will backfire. The threat of fines looms with just hours left before 4 Experts warned that the ban could lead to a surge in black market products Credit: Getty 4 Smokers relied on the products as an easy to use alternative to traditional cigarettes Credit: PA Coming into effect on Sunday June 1, the ban will make it illegal for any retailer to sell single use vapes online or in store. Only reusable vapes will be sold from June 1 with the Industry leaders have today warned that the ban will backfire with a slew of unintended consequences expected. Experts shared concerns that the ban will result in the Read more in News Concerns have been raised that after the ban smokers who moved away from cigarettes with the help of vapes will return to the deadly habit. Experts said that without Evidence from the USA and Australia indicates vape bans create a boom in black market, counterfeit vapes being sold. Disposable vapes have been extremely popular with smokers looking to kick the habit because they are as easy to use as a traditional Most read in News Experts said the ban was a "disproportionate response" to youth vaping and environmental concerns. Industry leaders said looking at other options like enforcing existing laws and education should have been considered. Kate Pike, the lead officer for She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a real worry that people will continue to use them as single-use disposable and therefore it won't help limit the damage to the environment.' 4 Further restrictions are set to hit the vape industry Credit: Getty 4 Retailers have been warned that they could be slapped with massive fines if they continue to sell the products Credit: AFP Further restrictions on disposable vapes are currently working their way through parliament. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will see marketing, packaging and flavours of Rogue traders who continue to sell the disposable vapes will face fines of £200 under the new legislation. This can be followed with an unlimited fine or jail time if the trader persists in selling the products. The Sun reported yesterday that retailers were selling off their remaining stock at discounted prices ahead of the ban. Images showed baskets filled with the disposable vapes being sold off in bulk for cheap as retailers scrambled to empty their shelves. There are just hours left before the products will be illegal to sell in stores or online. Experts have warned that the disposable products will soon be replaced with near identical reusable vapes as firms scramble to get new legal models onto shelves. Smoking vs. vaping VAPING has been touted as an effective tool to help people quit smoking. Though vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, the habit isn't completely harmless and comes with its own set of risks. The NHS only recommends it for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking. GP and author Dr Philippa Kaye explained to The Sun that the differences between vaping and smoking - and whether one is better than the other - is "complicated". "In a nutshell, vaping is better than smoking, but breathing air is better than vaping at all." Vaping exposes users to far fewer toxins - and at lower levels - than smoking cigarettes. Switching to vaping significantly reduces your exposure to toxins that can cause cancer, lung disease, and diseases of the heart and circulation like heart attack and stroke. These diseases are not caused by nicotine, which is relatively harmless to health. But research has still linked vaping to a higher risk of failure and lung disease. Health risks of cigarettes Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer Smokers are at greater risk for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels Smoking can cause lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body It affects overall health too, such as your mouth, eyes, immune system and fertility Health risks of vaping They can cause side effects such as throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough and feeling sick They could lead to tooth decay They could damage heart health They could cause lung disease They could slow brain development Read more on how vaping can affect your health Sources: NHS, CDC
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 5 popular holiday hotspots riddled with ‘disability-causing disease' this summer – the signs every parent must know
BUG BEAR The 5 popular holiday hotspots riddled with 'disability-causing disease' this summer – the signs every parent must know ONE of the world's most contagious diseases is surging across Europe – and it's striking some of the UK's favorite summer holiday hotspots. Cases of measles cases rose tenfold, hitting 35,212 in 2024, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Advertisement This is the highest number of cases recorded in the EU region since 1997, with health experts warning that more are likely in the coming months. For many, the virus – often linked to the Victorian era when it was widespread – may feel like a common cold. But for others, especially in children under five, it can lead to serious complications. In some cases, the virus spreads to other parts of the body, like the lungs or brain, sometimes resulting in lifelong disabilities or even death. Advertisement Measles is also incredibly contagious and spreads rapidly through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. One person with measles can spread the infection to 12 to 18 others. To put that into perspective, the R0 (basic reproduction number) for flu is 1 to 4, and for Covid-19, it's 2 to 5. Vaccination, however, is very effective at stopping the virus. Advertisement One dose of the MMR jab, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, reduces the risk of measles by about 95 per cent. Two doses, also called a booster, reduce it even further, by around 99 per cent. Dr Philippa Kaye urges parents to get their children vaccinated as measles infections surge This week, UK health officials announced that the age for the second MMR jab has been brought forward from three years old to just 18 months. The first dose is still given when children are one year old. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which made the decision, said it hoped the move would "improve uptake and provide earlier protection." Advertisement Although the MMR vaccine is typically given to young children, it is free to everyone on the NHS and is available from GP surgeries. To stop outbreaks, 95 per cent of the population must be vaccinated – a concept known as herd immunity. Over the past 20 years, vaccination rates in the UK and EU have been steadily falling, with a big dip during the pandemic when access to healthcare was limited. 1 Advertisement Which countries have been affected? So far in 2025, around 4,500 measles cases have been reported across the European Union, according to ECDC's latest measles and rubella report, most of which most are unvaccinated kids under four. But which countries, which also happen to be popular with UK tourists, have been worst impacted? 1. Romania Romania is bearing the brunt, with 3,203 cases by late March, and four deaths – the only EU country with measles-related fatalities this year. Advertisement The outbreak has been driven by anti-vaccine movements, mixed health advice, and an overstretched medical system, according to euronews. Only 62 per cent of Romanians were fully vaccinated in 2023, far below the rate needed to prevent outbreaks. 2. France In France, 345 measles cases have been reported, partly thanks to a increase in cases brought into the country from abroad year, says Public Health France (SpF). Advertisement In March, health chiefs warned the country was likely to see more cases in the "coming weeks", French news website, The Connexion, reports. In 2023, 93 per cent of people in France were fully vaccinated – just below the level needed to keep the virus in check. 3. Italy Italy's seen 227 cases so far – second only to Romania – with 85 per cent of its population vaccinated in 2023. Advertisement The country's measles jab rate was 85 per cent in 2023, not high enough to keep outbreaks at bay. Last month, the Italian Pediatric Society launched a campaign to fight against the spread of fake vaccine info and boost jab rates. 4. Netherlands The Netherlands logged 204 measles cases in the first three months of 2025 – already more than the total for all of 2024. Advertisement Over two dozen of those were people who caught measles in Morocco or Romania before heading to the Netherlands. With just 81 per cent coverage, the Netherlands has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates in the EU – only Romania and Cyprus, both at 80 per cent, rank lower. The majority of cases were in children under four, which makes sense, as the public health body has previously reported a 'sharp rise' in outbreaks at primary schools, according to DutchNews. However, officials were quick to point out there's no national outbreak — at least not yet. Advertisement 5. Spain Spain, meanwhile, is battling several outbreaks, with 202 reported cases, mostly from outside the country. But with 92 per cent vaccination coverage, Spain was close to herd immunity - where those who are protected help shield those who aren't. Last month, a major hospital on Spain's Costa del Sol in Malaga declared a measles outbreak, according to The Spanish Eye. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Major change to childhood immunisation schedule after concern over surge in killer infection
Plus, everything you need to know about the MMR jab - from whether it's safe to what it's made from JABS UP Major change to childhood immunisation schedule after concern over surge in killer infection HEALTH chiefs have unveiled "significant" changes to the childhood vaccination schedule following a sharp rise in cases of a deadly infection. The age at which children get the MMR jab, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella has been brought forward from three years old to just 18 months. Advertisement 1 It comes after the UK has seen a huge spike in measles cases over the last few years, while vaccine rates have plummeted. Globally, rates of the lethal Victorian disease had doubled in the past year alone. Two doses offer up to 99 per cent protection against measles, mumps and rubella, which can lead to deadly meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Officals from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) hope the move with "improve uptake and provide earlier protection". Advertisement There are four other changes to the jab programme which will "optimise the overall protection of children in the UK", they added. One of the main tweaks is the introduction of a new fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine, given at 18 months. This jab protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (also known as pertussis), polio, hepatitis B and Hib - short for haemophilus influenzae type b. Hib is a type of bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections like meningitis and sepsis. Advertisement The change will apply to children turning one on or after July 1, 2025, who will then be offered the extra dose when they hit 18 months. Health officials say the update is needed because the current Hib/Men C vaccine, called Menitorix, which is offered at the one-year mark, is being discontinued due to supply issues. Dr Philippa Kaye urges parents to get their children vaccinated as measles infections surge Despite this, the 12-month appointment will still include the first dose of the MMR vaccine. along with booster shots for meningitis B and pneumococcal disease. Other changes involve the second dose of the meningitis B vaccine being given earlier, at 12 weeks instead of 16. This follows a recent study showing that earlier protection could be more effective. Advertisement To balance this out and avoid too many jabs at one time, the first dose of the pneumococcal vaccine is being moved from 12 weeks to 16 weeks. From January 1, 2026, children turning 18 months will be offered their second MMR jab much earlier than before - at 18 months instead of waiting until three years and four months. However, kids who are already between 18 months and three years four months on January 1, 2026, will stay on the current schedule and get their second MMR dose at the usual time. Changes to routine childhood immunisation schedule From July 2025: The Hib/Men C vaccine (Menitorix) will no longer be given to children turning one. will no longer be given to children turning one. The second meningitis B dose will be moved from 16 weeks to 12 weeks . will be moved from . The first pneumococcal (PCV) dose will be moved from 12 weeks to 16 weeks . will be moved from . The monovalent hepatitis B dose given at one year (for some babies) will be stopped. From January 2026: A new fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) will be introduced at 18 months . of the will be introduced at . The second MMR dose will be moved from 3 years 4 months to 18 months. Latest NHS Digital data shows that in some parts of England, up to three in ten children haven't had both MMR jabs by the time they turn five. Advertisement But the figure needs to be above 90 per cent to stop outbreaks, public health guidance says. Measles mostly produces flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, a cold, and a blotchy rash that is usually not itchy. But in some cases, it can travel to other parts of the body, like the lungs or brain, and cause serious illness. Complications include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and death. Advertisement It is transmitted through direct contact with airborne droplets that spread when a person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both MMR vaccine doses or had measles before. The MMR vaccine is free to everyone on the NHS and is available from GP surgeries. 'Will save the lives of more very young babies' Professor Azeem Majeed, from Imperial College London, told GP magazine Pulse: "The changes to the NHS childhood vaccination programme have important implications for general practices and parents of children in England. Advertisement "For general practices, the guidance requires significant adjustments to vaccination schedules, increased administrative efforts, and proactive communication to ensure compliance and maintain high uptake. "For parents, the changes mean adapting to a new 18-month appointment, understanding the revised schedule based on their child's birth date, and ensuring timely vaccinations." Dr Julie Yates, from UKHSA, added: "Following a review of the latest evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended a number of changes to optimise the Childhood Immunisation programme and increase overall protection of children in the UK. "With the UK close to seeing an end to Meningitis C circulating, JCVI advised that a vaccination is no longer required for infants due to the excellent population protection provided by the adolescent Meningitis ACWY programme. Advertisement "Other changes, such as the bringing forward of the Meningitis B vaccine are based on evidence that will save the lives of more very young babies."
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning to anyone who suffered a ‘spring cold' as new study raises fears over male fertility
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEN struck down by a 'spring cold' could be at risk of fertility issues, a new study suggests. Scientists in China found men who caught the Omicron Covid variant - still spreading widely in the UK - had weaker, more damaged sperm than those who didn't. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Even a mild bout of Covid might damage sperm Credit: Getty The virus is now so common - and symptoms often so mild - that many mistake it for a typical seasonal sniffle. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as of April 2025, suggests Covid cases are creeping up, with test positivity in hospitals having risen from 4.2 per cent to 4.9 per cent in just two weeks. And while hospital admissions remain low, this new study suggests the virus could quietly be affecting men's fertility, up to a month after recovery. A previous study, published in the Journal Reproduction in 2021, found severe cases of Covid might impact the quality of a man's sperm. Experts not involved in the research warned, at the time, that being ill from any virus such as flu can temporarily drop sperm count (sometimes to zero) for a few weeks or months. "This makes it difficult to work out how much of the reductions observed in this study were specific to Covid rather than just from being ill,' said Dr Channa Jayasena, from Imperial College London, in an email to CNN. The latest study, published in Scientific Reports, looked how how badly a mild Omicron Covid infection impacted men's sperm quality over a month. To investigate this, experts from China Medical University in Shenyang analysed the sperm of over 600 men - all of whom were seeking fertility treatment at a specialised centre. This included 140 who gave samples both before and after infection, and 149 healthy men who tested negative throughout. They also looked at 515 previously infected men in a separate study, comparing them with 89 men who never caught the bug. Dr Philippa Kaye answers the web's most EMBARRASSING women's sex questions One month after testing postive nearly 58 per cent showed reduced sperm count, and around 69 per cent had poorer sperm motility, which is how well sperm move. The most dramatic fall was seen in the fastest, highest-quality sperm, with 71 per cent showing a drop. And DNA damage, known to affect pregnancy rates and even increase miscarriage risk, was found in 75 per cent of men post-Covid. "Further research is needed to observe the long-term effect of Covid on sperm quality or reproductive outcomes," the scientists wrote in the paper. "There may be a need to constantly monitor the SARS-CoV-2 infection and integrate screening and diagnosis of the disease in the management of male infertility," they added. 5 ways to boost your chances of being a dad Dr Amit Shah, leading fertility expert and co-founder of Fertility Plus, shares tips that will increase male fertility over time: Eat a healthy well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables and protein, such as Brazil nuts, fish, meat, poultry, eggs and wholegrain cereal. Aim for a healthy body weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24) with regular exercise, even if it is a 45-minute walk four times a week. Keep alcohol intake down, so no binge drinking and ideally less than ten units a week (a pint of lager is roughly 2-3 units). Cut out smoking, which deteriorates sperm health. Don't sit and suffer. Seek help from professionals.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning to anyone who suffered a ‘spring cold' as new study raises fears over male fertility
MEN struck down by a 'spring cold' could be at risk of fertility issues, a new study suggests. Scientists in China found men who caught the Omicron Covid variant - still spreading widely in the UK - had weaker, more damaged sperm than those who didn't. The virus is now so common - and symptoms often so mild - that many mistake it for a typical seasonal sniffle. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as of April 2025, suggests Covid cases are creeping up, with test positivity in hospitals having risen from 4.2 per cent to 4.9 per cent in just two weeks. And while hospital admissions remain low, this new study suggests the virus could quietly be affecting men's fertility, up to a month after recovery. A previous study, published in the Journal Reproduction in 2021, found severe cases of Covid might impact the quality of a man's sperm. Experts not involved in the research warned, at the time, that being ill from any virus such as flu can temporarily drop sperm count (sometimes to zero) for a few weeks or months. "This makes it difficult to work out how much of the reductions observed in this study were specific to Covid rather than just from being ill,' said Dr Channa Jayasena, from Imperial College London, in an email to CNN. The latest study, published in Scientific Reports, looked how how badly a mild Omicron Covid infection impacted men's sperm quality over a month. To investigate this, experts from China Medical University in Shenyang analysed the sperm of over 600 men - all of whom were seeking fertility treatment at a specialised centre. This included 140 who gave samples both before and after infection, and 149 healthy men who tested negative throughout. They also looked at 515 previously infected men in a separate study, comparing them with 89 men who never caught the bug. Dr Philippa Kaye answers the web's most EMBARRASSING women's sex questions One month after testing postive nearly 58 per cent showed reduced sperm count, and around 69 per cent had poorer sperm motility, which is how well sperm move. The most dramatic fall was seen in the fastest, highest-quality sperm, with 71 per cent showing a drop. And DNA damage, known to affect pregnancy rates and even increase miscarriage risk, was found in 75 per cent of men post-Covid. "Further research is needed to observe the long-term effect of Covid on sperm quality or reproductive outcomes," the scientists wrote in the paper. "There may be a need to constantly monitor the SARS-CoV-2 infection and integrate screening and diagnosis of the disease in the management of male infertility," they added.
