The UK's official list of COVID-19 symptoms is too narrow, say experts, and expanding it could help identify more cases sooner. This would require careful implementation, but new data suggests that testing people based on combinations of unofficial and official symptoms could be used to achieve this.
A recent trial found that consuming a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduces headache frequency and severity compared to a typical diet. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that increasing omega 3 intake can lead to reduced levels of pain-reducing oxylipins and improved quality of life for those with migraines.
A systematic review of international studies on COVID-19 management found that border controls, testing, self-isolation, and quarantine are key elements in stopping the spread of infection. The best strategies include comprehensive case finding, repeat testing, and use of smartphone apps for contact tracing and monitoring compliance.
A large long-term study found that individuals with high physical activity levels and healthy sleep patterns had lower risks of death from heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Those who were physically inactive and had poor sleep quality were most at risk of dying from these causes.
A pooled data analysis of 19 studies involving 8676 children and teens found that interventions focused on boosting PE quality increased brainpower and academic prowess, mainly in maths skills. Schools should place more emphasis on PE to raise students' cognition and academic performance.
Burnout is a significant issue in today's NHS, with 44% of staff reporting work-related stress. Improving staff health and wellbeing is crucial for the moral, social, and economic priority it represents.
The number of NHS doctors taking early retirement has more than tripled over the past 13 years, with 1358 doctors quitting in 2020-21. The British Medical Association blames tax regulation changes and freezing of the lifetime allowance for pensions taxation, citing a potential mass exodus of highly experienced doctors.
A special report highlights the controversy surrounding the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, with clinicians weighing in on the role of exercise in rehabilitation. While some advocates reject research on exercise, others argue that careful screening and individualized treatments are key to helping patients manage t...
Life expectancy in the US decreased by nearly two years between 2018 and 2020, widening the gap with other high-income countries, especially among Hispanic and Black Americans. The largest declines were observed in these groups, with life expectancy falling by 15-18 times more than in peer countries.
Researchers found that fortified tea with folate and vitamin B12 can increase serum levels of these essential nutrients in Indian women. The study showed significant average increases in serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, as well as improved haemoglobin levels, after 2 months of daily consumption.
Research found that spending cuts to children's support centres in England resulted in 4575 more obese children and 9174 more overweight/obese children between 2010/11 and 2017/18. The effects were worst in deprived areas, widening the 'obesity gap' between rich and poor kids.
The study found that 88% of mobile health apps can access and potentially share personal data, including advert identifiers, email addresses, and geolocation information. Clinicians are advised to inform patients about potential privacy risks before installing and using these apps.
A junk food diet may increase the risk of dangerous driving among truck/lorry drivers by boosting fatigue. The study found that vegetable-rich and staple food diets were associated with safe driving behaviours, while animal protein and snack diets were linked to higher rates of errors and unsafe behaviour.
A consensus statement by a US expert panel suggests that strict rest after a sports-related concussion can slow recovery and prolong symptoms. Most athletes will recover fully within 2-4 weeks, but factors such as previous concussions, loss of consciousness, and underlying conditions may complicate recovery.
Research suggests that 'ice' flavoured e-cigarettes may be positively associated with conventional smoking and nicotine dependence among young adults. The study found that vapers of ice flavours were more likely to report smoking regular cigarettes, symptoms of vaping dependence, and using disposable non-cartridge devices.
Experts warn that India's current vaccination approach is causing huge numbers of avoidable deaths and is deeply inequitable. The government's focus on younger age groups has resulted in unequal access to vaccines, with rural areas and disadvantaged urban populations receiving limited coverage.
A six-country study found that plant-based and/or fish diets were associated with lower odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, with 73% and 59% reductions, respectively. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of nutrient-dense foods on immune system function.
A study analyzing e-scooter injuries in Berlin found that most incidents occur on weekends, at night, and are caused by loss of control or kerb jumping. The researchers advocate for stricter regulations, including helmet use, age limits, and technical modifications to reduce injury risk.
Scientific papers suggesting nicotine has a protective effect against COVID-19 were funded by the tobacco industry. Studies have since found that smoking increases the risk of COVID-19-related death. The BMJ investigation reveals undisclosed financial links between authors and the tobacco industry.
Experts recommend making COVID-19 jabs free in India to boost uptake and curb the death toll from the infection. The country is facing a critical shortage of hospital beds, ICU beds, medicines, ventilators, oxygen, and healthcare staff due to high infections.
Research found nearly all Indian films rated suitable for children under 12 contained alcohol imagery, with 97% of films featuring some form of alcohol reference, write the researchers. This highlights the need for stricter controls on films aimed at young people in India.
A recent investigation by The BMJ found that vaccine advisory committees in the US and UK have different disclosure standards, leaving the public uncertain about experts' industry ties. Experts on these committees rarely disclose conflicts of interest, despite significant financial payments from pharmaceutical companies.
A large Swedish study found that first-born children have a lower risk of cardiovascular events, while people with lots of siblings are more likely to experience these events. The study also suggests that family size may play a role in cardiovascular health.
A recent study found that up to a third of patients taking methotrexate had inadequate antibody levels after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This is compared to healthy participants and those on other immunomodulatory drugs, who showed an adequate immune response.
Experts recommend a mandatory UK register of doctors' financial and non-pecuniary interests. The proposed register aims to increase transparency for patients and reduce potential conflicts of interest, following concerns raised by the Cumberlege review.
A study published in The BMJ found that 979,000 total excess deaths occurred in 29 high-income countries in 2020, with the US and UK leading the way. Excess deaths were particularly high among men aged 75 or older.
Despite its commitment to tackling carbon emissions, Wellcome's £28 billion endowment holds significant stakes in fossil fuels. The charity has refused divestment despite criticism and the success of other institutions that have made similar moves.
A US study published in The BMJ found that 14% of adults with COVID-19 developed new conditions requiring medical care during the post-acute phase. Risk was higher in younger adults and those with pre-existing conditions, but persisted even among those who recovered at home.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that accurately predicted cardiac arrest risk by combining timing and weather data. The results showed that Sundays, Mondays, public holidays, winter, and low temperatures were associated with higher risks of cardiac arrest.
Autistic people in Europe struggled to access COVID-19 testing, treatment, and hospital care due to communication barriers and sensory sensitivities. The pandemic widened existing health inequalities, resulting in significant harm to this community.
A US study suggests that delaying the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines for people under 65 could result in lower mortality rates, with estimates suggesting a 20% reduction in deaths. The strategy is optimal when vaccine efficacy from one dose is 80% or higher and vaccination rates are low.
UK's COVID-19 travel plan will allow new variants to enter the country, says virologists. Researchers warn that resuming international air travel poses a risk to controlling virus transmission and tackling climate change.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that long-term use of prescription medications for insomnia does not improve sleep quality or duration in middle-aged women. Despite this, many people still take these drugs due to chronic insomnia.
Frontline healthcare workers may face temporary redeployment if they refuse COVID-19 vaccination, according to ethicists. A mild form of mandatory vaccination policy is justified to protect patients and colleagues.
A recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found a significant rise in young children swallowing magnets over the past 5 years in the UK. Nearly half of these cases required surgery for retrieval, highlighting the dangers of small, powerful magnets, especially those intended for toys.
Research strongly links thin and brittle bones to increased heart attack and stroke risk in women. Thinning lower spine, top thigh bone, and hip were independently associated with a heightened risk, while osteoporosis was linked to a 79% higher cardiovascular disease risk.
Research published in Gut journal reveals a strong association between daily sugar-sweetened drink intake and increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Women who consumed two or more drinks per day were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer before age 50, according to the study.
A global review of natural disasters reveals a significant increase in violence against women and girls, with stressors like trauma and financial insecurity emerging as key triggers. The study emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies and inclusion of women in disaster management to prevent such violence.
A large study found a slightly increased rate of vein blood clots, including cerebral venous thrombosis, after the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine. However, researchers stress that the risk is considered low and the benefits of vaccination still outweigh the risks for most age groups.
Experts argue that PTSD is often conflated with normal responses to stress, leading to increased pressure on services. However, another study suggests that PTSD may be underdiagnosed, with only a small proportion of those seeking help receiving a diagnosis.
A study published in The BMJ found that ICU admission is associated with a small increased risk of future suicide or self-harm after discharge. Younger patients with pre-existing psychiatric illness and those who received invasive life support were at higher risk, according to the research.
Children born preterm remain at high risk of developmental difficulties affecting behavior and learning ability. Rates of neurodevelopmental disabilities increase as gestational age decreases, with 28% severe to moderate disabilities among those born 24-26 weeks.
Experts debate whether wearing masks outdoors can help reduce covid-19 transmission and encourage mask-wearing indoors. Some argue that normalising outdoor mask-wearing can bring benefits, while others believe efforts should focus on reducing indoor transmission.
A large analysis of patient data suggests that delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher risk subgroups. The study found no significant difference in symptom severity or duration between delayed and immediate antibiotics, but a slight benefit in reducing re-consultation...
Experts argue that universal low-risk testing is unlikely to reduce transmission and encourage prioritizing the improvement of testing programmes for those with symptoms. They also emphasize the need for transparency, sound evaluation, and high-quality testing services in addressing the pandemic.
Researchers found that shift working could be just as important a risk factor as already known high risk features such as ethnicity and living in poorer areas. Shift workers were more likely to test positive for Covid-19, with those doing irregular night shifts being three times more likely.
Exposure to secondhand smoke increases oral cancer risk by 51%, according to a review of existing research. Long-term exposure is associated with significantly higher risk, highlighting the need for effective prevention programmes.
A study published in BMJ Military Health found that female military veterans experience unique barriers to accessing mental healthcare, including a lack of recognition of their veteran status and negative stereotypes. The research highlights the need for further studies to address these issues and ensure equal access to support services.
A national registry is needed to capture all pharma/medical device industry payments and benefits made to doctors, healthcare organisations, and patient support groups in the UK. The UK government has been dragging its feet on setting up such a system despite recommendations from key reviews.
A large population study found that taking probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, multivits or vitamin D was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with protective effects seen only among women. The study used data from the COVID-19 Symptom Study app and analyzed over 372,000 UK subscribers.