Latest news with #UniversityofExeterMedicalSchool
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Oral Health Could Shape Cognitive Decline, and Ways to Improve It
'Maintaining good oral hygiene, addressing dental issues early, and supporting a healthy oral microbiome may influence brain health more than we ever realized,' Joanna L'Heureux, a researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School, told The Epoch Times. The oral microbiome—the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our mouths—can influence brain health in multiple ways. Some microbial species are linked to better memory and focus, while others have been tied to cognitive decline and genetic risk factors for dementia. Simple, inexpensive habits like brushing, flossing, and even what we eat can help tip the balance in our favor. The Link to Cognitive Health When oral health is compromised, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums after chewing or brushing. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria, A healthy immune system typically clears bacteria out, but older adults with weakened immunity may struggle to eliminate harmful bacteria. Over time, bacteria and inflammation can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, leading to neuroinflammation, the buildup of toxic proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, and changes in blood vessels—all of which are Another way oral health appears to influence brain function is through the nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Beneficial oral bacteria help convert dietary nitrate into nitrite, which the body then turns into nitric oxide—a molecule essential for blood flow, nerve signaling, immune defense, and memory. As we age, the body naturally produces less nitric oxide, which may contribute to cognitive decline. Related Stories 9/23/2024 4/27/2025 A January This raises the possibility that early changes in the oral microbiome could act as warning signs for cognitive decline—and an opportunity to intervene before symptoms begin, said L'Heureux, one of the study's researchers. Early Signs How can you tell if your oral bacteria might be affecting your brain? There are a few red flags to watch for, Angel Planells, registered dietitian nutritionist, told The Epoch Times. Chronic gum issues—like gingivitis or periodontitis—persistent bad breath, bleeding or receding gums, and frequent mouth infections can all signal an imbalance in the oral microbiome. These are signs that harmful bacteria may be taking over. Some dentists and specialty labs now offer oral microbiome testing, which can detect overgrowths of these harmful microbes, he added. Specific patterns in oral bacteria, such as higher levels of Prevotella intermedia, might also serve as early warning signs for dementia risk. A 2020 Finally, subtle, unexplained cognitive changes like memory lapses or brain fog, paired with poor oral health hint at a deeper connection, Planells said. How to Support a Healthier Oral Microbiome 'Targeting the oral microbiome could be a promising way to help prevent cognitive decline,' L'Heureux said. That starts with good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups go a long way toward keeping harmful bacteria in check, she said. A 2020 Diet matters, too. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbs can reduce the fuel that harmful bacteria thrive on, Planells said. At the same time, loading up on fibrous fruits and vegetables helps sweep away oral plaque and feeds the beneficial bugs. Leafy greens and beets, which are high in dietary nitrates, may be especially helpful. These foods support the growth of helpful bacteria that boost nitric oxide, L'Heureux said. Polyphenol-rich foods like berries, green tea, and dark chocolate can help suppress harmful bacteria, Planells said. And don't forget fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. While they benefit the gut microbiome, they may also indirectly support the oral microbiome by enhancing immune function and microbial diversity. Planells also recommends staying well-hydrated to keep saliva flowing, since it contains natural antimicrobial compounds. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which can disrupt the microbiome. Managing stress and getting enough restorative sleep are also key, as both impact immunity and oral health. 'And remember, not all bacteria are bad,' Planells said. 'A healthy oral microbiome is diverse. Using mouthwashes with strong antiseptics, alcohol, or harsh chemicals can wipe out both the good and bad bacteria, disrupting that balance.' What About Genes? Is it all about oral hygiene and bacteria, or do our genes have a say too? L'Heureux's study found that people with mild cognitive impairment who carried the APOE4 gene had higher levels of harmful oral bacteria linked to dementia. 'Our genes might play a role in shaping which bacteria thrive in our mouths, and that, in turn, could influence brain health,' L'Heureux said. It's still unclear whether APOE4 directly alters the mouth's environment or whether it's part of a broader genetic influence on the microbiome, she added.
BBC News
19-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Brighton woman with long Covid says she's 'mourning her old life'
A woman from East Sussex who is living with long Covid says she is "mourning her old life".Amber Richards, from Brighton, caught the coronavirus disease in March 2020 but said she never properly recovered and was diagnosed with long Covid in November 2021. Ms Richards used to love going out walking, to festivals, clubbing and going to the theatre, but now sleeps for 14 to 18 hours a day."Looking at my old life and looking at old photos and videos, it's like I'm looking at someone else's life," the 50-year-old said. According to the NHS, the most common symptoms of long Covid include extreme tiredness, problems with memory and concentration, dizziness and joint Richards said she has to carefully choose what she does, as small activities can exhaust her and it can take her hours to make a simple meal."Showering, bathing, washing, laundry, just make me so tired," she said. "I can't even concentrate on the telly for very long."Just going to the doctors the other day, I literally came home and fell asleep for five hours."Ms Richards receives both NHS and private treatment to try to ease her symptoms, which include burning rashes and extreme pain. Ms Richards said her condition had left her struggling financially as she had been medically retired from her job as a civil servant working in local rents her flat from a friend but finds food very expensive and she'd like to afford more adaptations, such as a seat for the shower, to help her live an independent life."I never thought I'd be here now," she said."I'm embarrassed and humiliated by the fact I can't work."In March last year the Office for National Statistics said that an estimated two million people in England and Scotland were experiencing self-reported long Covid. 'I try and count my lucky stars' Prof David Strain, a long Covid expert at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "Because we don't fully know what causes long Covid, it makes it very difficult to know what the right treatment is. "Many people with long Covid have different symptoms and those different symptoms often require different treatments."Ms Richards said she tried to stay positive and believed "things could be a lot worse"."I just try and count my lucky stars I'm still here," she added.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
I'm 46 and I tried Jennifer Aniston's Pvolve workout – it felt like I was exercising for my future self
As a woman in midlife, the need to embrace resistance and strength training hasn't escaped me. Well-meaning friends offer up advice on an almost daily basis, colleagues wax lyrical about Hyrox, and a growing number of resistance band workouts pepper my social feeds. Scrolling through the seemingly endless stream of plank and Pilates wall challenges, I notice Pvolve. Mainly, I have to admit, because its front woman is none other than Jennifer Aniston. Pvolve promises 'transformational total-body toning' and if Jen at fifty-six is anything to go by, then it's got to be worth a shot. A devotee for years, she loved the concept so much she's said she, 'just had to join the company,' and is now a spokesperson and ambassador for the brand. Pvolve's early followers were in their twenties and early thirties and included the likes of Victoria's Secret models, however, Pvolve's demographic is now, 'skewing older', according to chief training officer, Antonietta Vicario. 'Jen definitely brought more people around her age to us, but the low impact nature of what we do really appeals to women in their forties and fifties. It's chicken and egg.' she says. A new study from the University of Exeter Medical School published just last month and funded by Pvolve is also fuelling the brand's popularity with women 40+. The research found that the training method can improve a range of common physical issues that affect women in menopause and is actually more effective than the government's recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. What is Pvolve? Pvolve stands for 'personal evolution' and promises functional fitness at its best. It pairs low impact movements, which originate from physiotherapy, with resistance band equipment to sculpt, strengthen and restore the body without the wear and tear of high impact exercise. The brand's founder Rachel Katzman had tried almost every fitness fad in New York City in a bid to lose weight. A punishing training regime was making her scoliosis worse, intensifying her back and hip pain. Then she discovered functional fitness classes, where the focus was less on pushing her body to its limits and more on exercises which mimic common movements. Bending, twisting, lifting and loading worked for Katzman, her muscular skeletal pains went away and aesthetically her body started to look the way she wanted it to. She started filming some of her workouts and soon opened her first Pvolve studio in New York. Now there are over sixty studios open or in development across the States and Canada and, I'm told, the UK is most definitely on her wish list. Moving through menopause Like many Pvolve devotees, I occupy the perimenopausal age bracket so the results of the Uni of Exeter's recent study made me sit up and listen. On my quest to understand how much faith I should place in the study, I spoke not only with Pvolve's team but also with a range of experts who shed light on what happens to the body as we age and how the workout might influence common symptoms. I read horrifying statistics, for example that muscle mass and strength decline between three and seven percent from our late thirties, contributing to an alarming rise in osteoporosis and sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) in menopausal women. Dr Jan Toledano, founder of the London Hormone Clinic explained that, 'whilst things like fitness, genetics, nutrition and alcohol consumption affect bone loss, hormones are the main player. Oestrogen is the most important hormone for bone integrity and its decline at menopause means there's less bone formation and more bone loss. And, as oestrogen supports joints and soft tissue, we find more arthritis and joint inflammation. Testosterone decline also contributes to bone loss and muscle decline and makes it harder to build and maintain muscle mass.' Toledano goes on to say that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can prevent and reverse all of this, but we can also help ourselves before we get to that point by ensuring we eat well and have sufficient vitamin D and by doing weight-bearing exercise which itself stimulates bone growth. 'The key thing is to be aware of all this in advance and work to prevent it, instead of just waiting for it to happen,' she adds. Health coach, Jodi Montlake, agrees. She explains that, 'we may not want to think about the risk of falls and fractures and even death from them in our thirties and forties. These things are probably not on our radar but consider them we must. The sooner we start to build strength, combat muscle loss and work on balance and co-ordination, the better, especially if we want to live long, and live strong. Moving in the right way and being proactive puts the power back in our hands and means we can take control of our future selves and way of life.' As a trip to the States to visit a Pvolve studio wasn't on the cards for me, I became one of Pvolve's international streamers. By doing this you can access the workouts from anywhere in the world and if you're in the UK like me, you can get all the patented resistance equipment delivered from the brand's online stockist. First impressions of Pvolve On opening my freshly delivered Pvolve parcel, I sensed the product had been designed with a certain audience in mind. The branding is simple, yet stylish and the monotone packaging, classy yet contemporary. I pictured the lycra-clad New York in-crowd, working out in a whitewashed industrial unit with views of the city's skyline, a world away from my rather chilly living room. I had opted for the brand's signature bundle – a sleek black precision mat, divided into squares with dots and numbers printed across it, a P-band and a P-ball. The band offers a pair of gloves, attached a bit like a toddler's with a string – although this is less about keeping the gloves together and more about pulling them apart. And the ball? That too has a resistance band wrapped around it which initially looked far too tight to go over anything except my wrists (it's supposed to be worn over the ankles and thighs.) After a little hiccup logging on, which was speedily resolved, I started my programme. Head trainers, Dani Coleman and Maeve McEwan, introduced me to my bundle of equipment and the Pvolve Method, before we started work on strengthening and sculpting – building mobility, stability, and strength. This programme is Pvolve's 'bread and butter' apparently, pairing functional fitness with their specially designed resistance equipment. From here you move onto progressive weight training and, if you wish, sculpting and burning. I decided to stick with strength and sculpt to begin with. A cardio-lover at heart, I'm happiest spinning, swimming and generally getting sweaty. In lockdown, I became yoga obsessed and I've done my fair share of barre, Pilates and conditioning classes, but to be perfectly honest, I can find these workouts repetitive and even meditative, which, after a while, turns me off. Pvolve is a little different and it's meant to be. Its approach promises variety and I'm told 'no two classes will ever be the same.' The different equipment combinations, movements and sequences challenge both my body and my brain. Two workouts in one, it seems, which keeps me focused and engaged. The other immediate difference I notice is the specific foot positioning and frequent hip rotations and mobility exercises – movements I've never intentionally put my body through before. However, chief training officer Vicario tells me I do these every day when I tie shoelaces, pick things up off the floor or get in and out of the car. These are, not that I realised it, movements for life, and for longevity and this is what sets Pvolve apart. Basically, if I want to be able to carry my shopping, hang out my washing and be active and mobile in my eighties, then I need to start working on this now. The Pvolve equipment The precision mat certainly helps with this, and as I've progressed through the classes, I've begun to understand what the pattern of lines, numbers and dots drawn upon it are for. I'm sometimes worried that my positioning isn't always where it should be and can certainly see the benefit of doing Pvolve in person, but the quality of the trainers – they're all highly experienced and accredited – and their clear instructions are a good enough substitute, for now. Along with the mat, the P-band and P-ball make frequent appearances in my classes and are exceptionally easy to use, and comfortable too. I may have winced a little on realising I had to wear the aforementioned P-ball between my thighs, but it was surprisingly easy to put on and stayed in place – no chasing it around the room in comedy fashion like I've done many times before in Pilates. In fact, I'm so impressed by the quality of the equipment I'm tempted to go shopping for more; the foam roller, slant board and gliders catch my eye, as does their premium price tag. The signature bundle I'm using costs £290.49 and the bundle with all the extras will set you back £799.99. The Pvolve Schedule My suggested schedule involves 12 classes over a three-week period and even for a busy working mum, often frustrated by workouts being pushed down my priority list, this feels achievable. The sessions are relatively short, on average around thirty minutes, and, as I don't have to leave the house to do them, there's little excuse. Full of enthusiasm, I did the first two workouts back-to-back and although I worried I'd be stiff as a board the following day, I wasn't. In fact, I didn't ache at all and, more than that, didn't feel as depleted as I can do after a long swim or spin class. The sessions grew in intensity though and I soon found that one a day was enough – I definitely felt the burn. As there was little cardio involved, I thought I'd miss my heart-racing, but I found it pumping. Engaging muscle groups in ways I hadn't ever done before energised me and although I've only done a fraction of the hundreds of workouts available to me, I haven't once felt bored. I'm amazed by the variety of exercises that come from just three simple pieces of equipment and my own body weight, and I'm eager to discover more. The verdict The women behind Pvolve say the thing that sets it apart from other fitness regimes on the market is the fact that it's science-led and science-backed and I have to say this does ring true. The precision of the movements, and knowing why I'm doing them, feels more satisfying than many of the workouts I've done in the past and I've enjoyed the challenge of moving in ways I haven't done before. I've yet to see the definition and toning that the method promises, although I'm hopeful that will come. I do feel stronger and more coordinated, both whilst doing the workouts and more generally. So would I recommend it? Well, the fact that I'll be continuing with my programme is a ringing endorsement and although the equipment isn't cheap, it looks and feels built to last. More than that, and beyond all the marketing and hype, it does feel like I'm investing in my future. If keeping osteoporosis and muscle decline at bay is a tangible result of this, then I feel it's worth it and so am I.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pneumonia, bronchitis or flu – the three deadly threats to people in their 70s
It's an unfortunate fact that we become more vulnerable to respiratory infections as we get older. Viruses and bugs that we used to be able to clear within days can become a deadly threat and even the Pope isn't immune. At 88, Pope Francis is in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs (it is more common for both lungs to be affected among the older population), after developing bronchitis and a polymicrobial infection. 'The bronchitis was probably caused by a common virus – anything from the common cold to influenza or Covid – that's caused inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels,' explains Dr David Strain, an associate professor at the University of Exeter Medical School who specialises in viral infections. 'Polymicrobial infection means that all the bugs that are supposed to be living in the respiratory tract are starting to replicate more than they should,' he says. Then, one of those bugs will have become dominant, causing the immune system to send a whole load of inflammatory white blood cells to the area. 'As soon as our inflammatory cells start to fill up the airways, that's where we say it's pneumonia,' Dr Strain says. How to know which one you've got What is the flu? What is bronchitis? What is pneumonia? How to treat them at home When to see a doctor Prevention The symptoms of the flu, bronchitis and pneumonia overlap but flu typically starts with a sudden fever, body aches and exhaustion. Bronchitis occurs as a result of a respiratory infection, such as the flu, and a hacking cough that brings up mucus is a telltale sign. Pneumonia usually causes breathing difficulties, chest pain and a high temperature. An older person's symptoms at each stage – an initial flu infection, the subsequent bronchitis and later pneumonia – will depend on their overall health and biological age (how old your cells and tissues appear). If an elderly person is aware that they are ill, it's usually a good sign, Dr Strain says. 'The people who are really, really sick have no concept of how unwell they are because their body is focusing entirely on fixing the infection.' Elderly patients with pneumonia often have delirium and can appear severely demented for a few days, as their brain has effectively switched itself off so all their energy can be diverted, Dr Strain explains. 'We see that with people with pneumonia all the time, that older patients don't complain or think that there is a problem because their body is trying to health itself and ignoring the basic senses. They actually start to feel worse as they get better.' Influenza is very infectious and can spread rapidly between people. It's caught by breathing in air containing the virus (such as after a person coughs or sneezes) or touching a surface where the virus has landed and then touching the mouth or nose. Flu breaks down the protective lining of the airways, which is made up of mucus and hair and usually acts like a Compeed plaster or a shield, Dr Strain says. While a young, healthy person with a strong immune system should be able to repair this lining and completely recover within days, it can develop into a serious illness for older people. For them, flu and other respiratory viruses act as sandpaper, scraping away the protective layer that lines the airways. 'We all get exactly the same virus but it's the amount of protective layer and amount of reserve that you've got available,' he explains. 'A young, fit person will only need 10 per cent of their reserve to fight the flu virus, whereas an older adult might need 100 per cent. The body throws absolutely everything at the virus and there's nothing left for the next thing that comes along.' 'Bronchitis means that the lining of the airways is inflamed and irritated,' Dr Strain explains. 'Bronchus is the airways [the tube that carries air from your windpipe into your lungs] and itis means inflammation.' It's the body's response to flu but can also be caused by other respiratory viruses. 'If a young, healthy person develops bronchitis, the protective layer in their respiratory tract will very quickly heal over,' Dr Strain says. 'For older adults, it takes them much, much longer for the protective layers to heal over.' In the meantime, they are vulnerable to a bacterial infection, which occurs if the normal bugs living in the airways penetrate through the damaged mucus lining. This can ultimately lead to pneumonia. Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. When the body senses that inflammation has occurred (for example, as a result of bronchitis) and bacteria is present, the immune system releases white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, whose job it is to ward off infection and inflammation, Dr Strain explains. 'But these cells can clog up the alveoli – tiny air sacs in the lungs that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged – so that we can't breathe properly,' he adds. In England, emergency admissions for pneumonia range between 130,000 to 270,000 per year and it is fatal in 5-14 per cent of hospitalised cases. 'The vast majority of people who are dying from pneumonia are already in their last two years of life,' Dr Strain explains. For patients with lots of health problems, it's usually the thing that pushes them over the edge, he adds. Flu and pneumonia were responsible for more than 24,000 deaths (or 4.2 per cent of all deaths in England and Wales) in 2023. An influenza infection will cause flu-like symptoms, including a sudden high temperature, an aching body and exhaustion. At this stage, turn to simple paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids to manage symptoms, Dr Strain says. Antibiotics don't work against it. 'Having a fever burns lots of extra energy, so bringing a fever down with paracetamol will actually help people to get better quicker,' he explains. Similarly, bronchitis usually clears up on its own within weeks by drinking lots of fluid, getting plenty of rest and taking paracetamol to ease symptoms. 'You don't need to be in hospital if you can continue to drink fluids and still feel lucid,' Dr Strain says. If a patient has pneumonia, they are usually given antibiotics and get better at home within two to four weeks, though older and at-risk patients will likely be admitted to hospital. 'As soon as a person starts behaving differently – it could be that they become erratic, hyper-emotional or completely withdrawn – that's the time we need to see them in hospital,' Dr Strain says. 'Even if they are still at the viral [flu] stage, we need to make sure they're not at risk of a bacterial infection. It's a bacterial infection, on top of their viral infection, that's going to do damage,' he says. Doctors can find out if a bacterial infection has occurred through a quick blood test. If the infection is viral, then the patient will be given fluids and paracetamol, just as they would at home, but if there's any evidence of a bacterial infection, there will be heavy-duty antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours, Dr Strain says. 'Getting on top of that as quickly as possible is really beneficial for patients,' he says. Avoiding catching flu or another respiratory infection in the first place is the key step. While infections can be unavoidable, sensible steps like avoiding people who've got a viral illness – including telling family to delay a visit if they've got a cough and cold – is simple but effective, Dr Strain says. The flu vaccine means a flu infection is more likely to be mild. It's also important to prevent frailty by keeping active, Dr Strain says. 'Frailty – the inability to tackle infections as they hit you – is what's going to put you in hospital,' he says. 'Going out for your daily five minute walk to pick up the newspaper, or even just getting out a few times a week, is very clearly demonstrated to boost your immune system,' Dr Strain notes. For those who keep active, they will still feel terrible when hit with a respiratory infection, but they're going to bounce back from it quickly, he says. The more frail a person is, the longer it will take to recover from pneumonia, he notes. 'It can take several months to build your strength back up to where you were and it's important for those picking up their loved one from hospital to know that they're not going to be as strong as they were.' 'At the end of the day, we cannot make people live forever,' says Dr Strain. 'What we want to do is keep them as healthy as possible until they die. And pneumonia is the thing that tends to be the final straw for people who have problems with their health.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
21-02-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Pneumonia, bronchitis or flu – the three deadly threats to people in their 70s
It's an unfortunate fact that we become more vulnerable to respiratory infections as we get older. Viruses and bugs that we used to be able to clear within days can become a deadly threat and even the Pope isn't immune. At 88, Pope Francis is in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs (it is more common for both lungs to be affected among the older population), after developing bronchitis and a polymicrobial infection. 'The bronchitis was probably caused by a common virus – anything from the common cold to influenza or Covid – that's caused inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels,' explains Dr David Strain, an associate professor at the University of Exeter Medical School who specialises in viral infections. 'Polymicrobial infection means that all the bugs that are supposed to be living in the respiratory tract are starting to replicate more than they should,' he says. Then, one of those bugs will have become dominant, causing the immune system to send a whole load of inflammatory white blood cells to the area. 'As soon as our inflammatory cells start to fill up the airways, that's where we say it's pneumonia,' Dr Strain says. How to know which one you've got The symptoms of the flu, bronchitis and pneumonia overlap but flu typically starts with a sudden fever, body aches and exhaustion. Bronchitis occurs as a result of a respiratory infection, such as the flu, and a hacking cough that brings up mucus is a telltale sign. Pneumonia usually causes breathing difficulties, chest pain and a high temperature. An older person's symptoms at each stage – an initial flu infection, the subsequent bronchitis and later pneumonia – will depend on their overall health and biological age (how old your cells and tissues appear). If an elderly person is aware that they are ill, it's usually a good sign, Dr Strain says. 'The people who are really, really sick have no concept of how unwell they are because their body is focusing entirely on fixing the infection.' Elderly patients with pneumonia often have delirium and can appear severely demented for a few days, as their brain has effectively switched itself off so all their energy can be diverted, Dr Strain explains. 'We see that with people with pneumonia all the time, that older patients don't complain or think that there is a problem because their body is trying to health itself and ignoring the basic senses. They actually start to feel worse as they get better.' What is the flu? Influenza is very infectious and can spread rapidly between people. It's caught by breathing in air containing the virus (such as after a person coughs or sneezes) or touching a surface where the virus has landed and then touching the mouth or nose. Flu breaks down the protective lining of the airways, which is made up of mucus and hair and usually acts like a Compeed plaster or a shield, Dr Strain says. While a young, healthy person with a strong immune system should be able to repair this lining and completely recover within days, it can develop into a serious illness for older people. For them, flu and other respiratory viruses act as sandpaper, scraping away the protective layer that lines the airways. 'We all get exactly the same virus but it's the amount of protective layer and amount of reserve that you've got available,' he explains. 'A young, fit person will only need 10 per cent of their reserve to fight the flu virus, whereas an older adult might need 100 per cent. The body throws absolutely everything at the virus and there's nothing left for the next thing that comes along.' What is bronchitis? 'Bronchitis means that the lining of the airways is inflamed and irritated,' Dr Strain explains. ' Bronchus is the airways [the tube that carries air from your windpipe into your lungs] and itis means inflammation.' It's the body's response to flu but can also be caused by other respiratory viruses. 'If a young, healthy person develops bronchitis, the protective layer in their respiratory tract will very quickly heal over,' Dr Strain says. 'For older adults, it takes them much, much longer for the protective layers to heal over.' In the meantime, they are vulnerable to a bacterial infection, which occurs if the normal bugs living in the airways penetrate through the damaged mucus lining. This can ultimately lead to pneumonia. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. When the body senses that inflammation has occurred (for example, as a result of bronchitis) and bacteria is present, the immune system releases white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, whose job it is to ward off infection and inflammation, Dr Strain explains. 'But these cells can clog up the alveoli – tiny air sacs in the lungs that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged – so that we can't breathe properly,' he adds. In England, emergency admissions for pneumonia range between 130,000 to 270,000 per year and it is fatal in 5-14 per cent of hospitalised cases. 'The vast majority of people who are dying from pneumonia are already in their last two years of life,' Dr Strain explains. For patients with lots of health problems, it's usually the thing that pushes them over the edge, he adds. Flu and pneumonia were responsible for more than 24,000 deaths (or 4.2 per cent of all deaths in England and Wales) in 2023. How to treat them at home An influenza infection will cause flu-like symptoms, including a sudden high temperature, an aching body and exhaustion. At this stage, turn to simple paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids to manage symptoms, Dr Strain says. Antibiotics don't work against it. 'Having a fever burns lots of extra energy, so bringing a fever down with paracetamol will actually help people to get better quicker,' he explains. Similarly, bronchitis usually clears up on its own within weeks by drinking lots of fluid, getting plenty of rest and taking paracetamol to ease symptoms. 'You don't need to be in hospital if you can continue to drink fluids and still feel lucid,' Dr Strain says. If a patient has pneumonia, they are usually given antibiotics and get better at home within two to four weeks, though older and at-risk patients will likely be admitted to hospital. When to see a doctor 'As soon as a person starts behaving differently – it could be that they become erratic, hyper-emotional or completely withdrawn – that's the time we need to see them in hospital,' Dr Strain says. 'Even if they are still at the viral [flu] stage, we need to make sure they're not at risk of a bacterial infection. It's a bacterial infection, on top of their viral infection, that's going to do damage,' he says. Doctors can find out if a bacterial infection has occurred through a quick blood test. If the infection is viral, then the patient will be given fluids and paracetamol, just as they would at home, but if there's any evidence of a bacterial infection, there will be heavy-duty antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours, Dr Strain says. 'Getting on top of that as quickly as possible is really beneficial for patients,' he says. How to prevent flu, bronchitis and pneumonia Avoiding catching flu or another respiratory infection in the first place is the key step. While infections can be unavoidable, sensible steps like avoiding people who've got a viral illness – including telling family to delay a visit if they've got a cough and cold – is simple but effective, Dr Strain says. The flu vaccine means a flu infection is more likely to be mild. It's also important to prevent frailty by keeping active, Dr Strain says. 'Frailty – the inability to tackle infections as they hit you – is what's going to put you in hospital,' he says. 'Going out for your daily five minute walk to pick up the newspaper, or even just getting out a few times a week, is very clearly demonstrated to boost your immune system,' Dr Strain notes. For those who keep active, they will still feel terrible when hit with a respiratory infection, but they're going to bounce back from it quickly, he says. The more frail a person is, the longer it will take to recover from pneumonia, he notes. 'It can take several months to build your strength back up to where you were and it's important for those picking up their loved one from hospital to know that they're not going to be as strong as they were.' 'At the end of the day, we cannot make people live forever,' says Dr Strain. 'What we want to do is keep them as healthy as possible until they die. And pneumonia is the thing that tends to be the final straw for people who have problems with their health.'
