Tag: child health

  • The Flu Vaccine: Protecting You and Your Family’s Health

    The Flu Vaccine: Protecting You and Your Family’s Health

    As Autumn sets in and the flu season approaches, it is important to consider vaccination and how it can protect us from this contagious, and sometimes severe, virus. The flu vaccine is widely available and recommended by both local and international health organisations. However, there is often reluctance to get the vaccine as misconceptions still exist about its efficacy and necessity. This article will discuss the benefits of the vaccine, how effective it is and how it acts as a protective measure for us and our families.

    What is flu?

    Flu is a respiratory virus spread by droplets created from sneezing or coughing. The infection causes a number of symptoms, including fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue. It sometimes can be more serious and result severe breathing difficulty, chest infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

    Understanding the flu vaccine

    The Flu vaccine is developed annually, based on research and recommendations from the World Health Organisation, who continuously monitor flu strains across the world. Each year they advise on the three or four key flu strains that are predicted to be the most common strains in the upcoming season. On receiving the vaccine, the body’s immune system is stimulated to develop antibodies, which then provide immune protection when the body is later exposed to those viruses. This reduces the likelihood of infection and can also reduce the severity of a subsequent flu infection, as well as the risk of complications.   

    Vaccine Effectiveness

    The efficacy of the flu vaccine is influenced by a number of factors, including age, other health conditions and how closely matched the flu strains in circulation and the vaccine are. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu by 40-60% when the vaccine closely matches the circulating flu viruses. 

    New evidence from studies of the UK’s flu data over our last Winter (2023-2024), has revealed that the flu vaccination reduced hospitalisations in over 65 year olds by 30% and reduced hospitalisations in children aged 2 to 17 by 74%.

    Types of Flu Vaccines

    There are a number of different types of flu vaccines, which are each designed for different age groups and health needs:

    • Quadrivalent injected vaccines – protect against four flu strains – this is the vaccine we have at Coyne Medical and protects against the four key strains recommended for 2024/25 by the World Health Organisation.
    • High dose quadrivalent injected vaccines – For older adults, to offer stronger immune protection.
    • Adjuvanted injected vaccines – for adults over the age of 65, as the adjuvant enhances the immune response. 
    • Nasal spray vaccines – a live attenuated vaccine offered to most children from the age of 2 up to year 11 of school (aside from a few exceptions, depending on medical history).

    Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

    As well as protecting us from flu and reducing the severity of flu illness, the benefits of the vaccine also extend to positive impacts upon the health, wellbeing and productivity of our wider communities. These benefits include:

    Individual Protection 

    • Reduced infection risk – The vaccine reduces the risk of infection and severity of infection.
    • Prevention of severe outcomes – Flu can result in severe complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Vaccination reduces the the risk of these complications and subsequently reduces rates of hospitalisations and ITU admissions due to infection. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions. 

    Family and community protection 

    • Herd Immunity – When a significant number of the a community have received vaccination, this creates herd immunity. As spread of viruses is limited by vaccination, protection is then offered to those who cannot be vaccination (such as young babies). 
    • Reduced Transmission – The reduction in transmission is also valuable in reducing infection rates in settings were close contacts with others is unavoidable (such as hospitals, schools and care homes)

    Economic and Healthcare Benefits

    • Decreased Healthcare Costs – Given that flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of flu, severity of flu and risk of complications, it helps reduce the costs associated with the treatment of flu and its complications (such as the cost of medication and hospital stays).
    • Enhanced Workforce Productivity – Those that are vaccinated are less likely to get flu and also experience milder symptoms if they get it. This means that they will need to take less time off work, which will have less of an impact on productivity and economic output.

    Addressing Common Misconceptions

    Myth 1: The Flu Vaccine Causes Flu 

    This is one of the most common myths that we hear. The vaccines either contain inactivated flu strains, weakened forms of the virus or genetic material from a virus. None of these elements cause flu but they do stimulate the immune response which can cause some mild flu-like symptoms as a side effect (such as low grade fever, aching and tiredness).

    Myth 2: Healthy Individuals Do Not Need the Flu Vaccine

    This is another common misconception. Whilst healthy people are at a lower risk of complications from flu infection, they can still become unwell and also spread the infection to others who may be more vulnerable. Vaccination helps to protect the individual and those around them.

    Myth 3: The Flu Vaccine is Ineffective

    This perception comes from the fact that the vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing infection. However it does not take into account the benefits of reduced severity of infection, reduced risk of complications and reduction in transmission (along with all of the many other substantial benefits listed above). Overall, the benefits clearly stack up.

    Recommendations and Best Practices

    Timing of Vaccination

    The optimal time to receive the vaccine is before the end of October, when flu viruses start to spread more. Vaccination later in the flu season can still provide benefits, as infection rates tend to peak in January and February, but can continue until May. It takes up to two weeks to get the full immunity benefits of the vaccine after having it.

    Vaccination for Specific Populations

    Anyone over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine, but certain groups should prioritise vaccination, as they are at increased risk of complications. This includes:

    • Adults and children with certain long term health conditions (see below)
    • Adults over the age of 65 (recommended to get the adjuvanted vaccine)
    • Children aged 2 years and above, up to year 11 of school
    • Pregnant women 
    • People who live in a residential or nursing home
    • People who are carers
    • People with a learning disability
    • Those living with someone who has a weakened immune system
    • Health and social care workers

    Children and adults with long term health conditions are advised to get the flu jab as sometimes flu can make their  condition worse. This includes heart problems, certain lung diseases, kidney disease, those with weakened immunity, liver disease, prior stroke or mini-stroke, diabetes, some neurological conditions, problems with your spleen and people with a body mass index of over 40.

    Annual Vaccination

    As flu viruses are constantly evolving and new strains are regularly appearing, yearly vaccination is essential to ensure that we have optimal immunity against the current flu strains. Data is continually being collected on the current circulating strains and this is used to make recommendations of the composition of the flu vaccine each year.

    Conclusion

    The flu vaccine is a vital tool that helps protect us against this contagious and sometimes severe infection. It has a huge range of benefits for individuals, by reducing the risk of infection, severity of infection and risk of complications. But it also has more far reaching benefits for families and wider communities, by reducing transmission, offering herd immunity and helping protect the vulnerable (including those who may not be eligible for or have access to the vaccine). As flu season approaches, it is imperative to prioritise flu vaccination for ourselves and our families.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Longevity & Healthspan Guides
  • Energy Drinks and Student Well-being

    Energy Drinks and Student Well-being

    It’s early summer 2005, Dr Lucy, Dr Kat and I stand outside Wilson House in Paddington. We are about to walk into the examination hall to sit our medical final exams, six years of study are leading up to this. Some of our fellow students laugh nervously, sharing jokes among themselves. Others frantically leaf through textbooks in search of last-minute medical revelations. Many hold in their hand a highly caffeinated energy drink. The magical elixir that they hope will give them the edge in the battle against the examiners. 

    Energy drinks have an undeniable allure. This is particularly the case among under-prepared students seeking a mental performance edge. They are marketed as modern-day elixirs of vitality and focus. These beverages are often seen as the essential fuel for late-night study sessions and intensive exam preparations. But, recent findings from the SHOT2022 study highlight the impact of these ubiquitous drinks on young adults’ sleep and overall health. SHOT2022 was a comprehensive survey of Norwegian students’ health. 

    The Study at a Glance

    The SHOT2022 study delved into the daily habits of over 53,000 young adults. It was conducted across a broad demographic of full-time students in Norway. The study explored the murky, sticky, sweet-smelling waters of energy drink consumption. This ritual was followed by 3.3% of female and 4.7% of male students each day. The study revealed a troubling association between energy drink intake and sleep disturbances. It suggested an urgent need to reassess our reliance on these potent brews.

    Energy Drinks and Sleep: A Fraught Relationship

    The allure of energy drinks lies in their promise of instant alertness. This is, of course, attributed primarily to their high caffeine content and sometimes, their taurine content. However, the study’s findings suggest that this short-term gain comes at a potentially high cost to long-term health. Regular consumers of energy drinks reported significantly shorter sleep durations and more frequent insomnia than their peers who abstained or indulged only occasionally.

    Interestingly, even infrequent consumption of energy drinks was associated with poor sleep outcomes. This highlights the potent effects of their ingredients. The stimulants in energy drinks go beyond caffeine to include sugars and other stimulants like guarana. These components can disrupt sleep patterns and decrease sleep quality. They ultimately leave students tired and offset the very gains in alertness and performance students seek.

    Gender Differences in Consumption and Impact

    The study also shed light on gender-specific responses to energy drinks. Men generally reported higher consumption rates. In addition, men showed stronger correlations between energy drink intake and disrupted sleep patterns. This included delayed bedtimes and reduced sleep efficiency. The study suggests that energy drinks tend to exacerbate the natural tendency among young men to engage in other behaviours that can also impair sleep. For example, men tended towards increased screen time and irregular sleep schedules.

    Navigating a Healthier Path

    For health-conscious individuals and those advising them, the takeaway is clear. Energy drinks can offer a temporary boost, but their long-term effects on sleep health are concerning. Instead of relying on these quick fixes, we should consider more sustainable methods to enhance academic performance and energy levels. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep schedules are far more effective in fostering true cognitive and physical vitality. Of course, rigorous academic preparation is also crucial. 

    The broader implications of this research suggest advocating for healthier lifestyles among students. Rather than relying on the crutch of energy drinks, natural energy boosters and strategies that support both academic success and overall well-being should be emphasised. Encouraging a shift from energy drinks to wholesome alternatives would not only enhance students’ academic performance but also their quality of life.

    Conclusion

    We continue to establish the collateral health damage of modern dietary habits. Studies like SHOT2022 provide invaluable insights into the often-overlooked consequences of popular choices like energy drinks. Energy drinks reflect a more general trend in society towards quick fixes rather than perseverance and hard work. For students and young professionals navigating the demands of high-level education and early career challenges, understanding these impacts is crucial. It invites a reevaluation of how we fuel our bodies and minds. We should be aiming for sustained energy and focus. That would support not only academic and professional success but also long-term health and wellness.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Nutrition & Lifestyle Guides
  • Living Your Best Day, Every Day – Blending Ancient Wisdom With Modern Medical Evidence

    Living Your Best Day, Every Day – Blending Ancient Wisdom With Modern Medical Evidence

    One of the many culture wars occurring at the moment is the battle between two modern versions of ancient philosophy. On one side of the battle is modern Stoicism, also known somewhat disingenuously as “Silicon-Valley Sorticism,” advocated by the likes of writer and entrepreneur Tim Ferris and author Ryan Holiday. On the other side is modern Epicureanism.

    Ancient Stoicism, practised by Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, advocates that virtue is the only good and that to live a life of goodness one had to live in accordance with nature. Stoicism advocates self-mastery and resilience. Epicureanism is named after the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurius. This philosophy promotes the idea of seeking the absence of pain and fear and the attainment of tranquillity. This is achieved through seeking moderate sustained pleasure. Its modern interpretation sometimes conflates this with being a bon vivant. However, Epicureanism advocates against overindulgence which can lead to fear and anxiety. Think of it as being “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” 

    In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now many articles on “Living your best life” and “Living your best average day.” This is essentially modern Epicureanism. Living a day that you would be happy to live over and over again. There is available modern medical evidence on how to live a life of tranquillity that is free from pain and anxiety. The evidence advocates daily practises that are designed to improve an individual’s physical and mental health. This evidence is not merely Epicurean as it also reflects some of the wisdom of the stoics. 

    A practice of the stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius was early waking. In living a life without fear and in tranquillity, rising early is integral. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that waking an hour earlier is associated with a reduced risk of depression (it is worth noting a big confounder of this study was that the early rising was genetically linked which may also point to a genetic predisposition to depression in later risers). Getting sufficient sleep is associated with less negative thinking and it has been shown that early risers are less prone to negative ruminations. 

    There is an abundance of medical evidence on the benefits of meditation. Although, meditation does not suit everyone. When the ancients described meditation it is more a form of contemplation rather than emptying the mind of thoughts. However people prefer to practice it, a period of reflection, contemplation, gratitude or simply tranquillity can have enormous benefits. Time spent reflecting also allows us to assess our priorities. If done early in the day, reflection allows us to prioritise what is most important to our happiness and, as far as possible, eliminate what makes us unhappy. 

    Several studies have suggested that spending time outdoors surrounded by nature can reduce stress and improve physical health and immune function. Reimagining your day so that not only do you exercise outdoors but also hold meetings or telephone conversations outdoors can allow you to garner these benefits. 

    Epicureans were believers in achieving happiness via negativa. That is in removing the things which made them unhappy. To this end, minimising exposure to social media is likely to be of benefit in pursuing a happy day. Indeed, there is evidence that social media usage can worsen people’s sense of satisfaction with their lives. Minimising social media and other distractions is also important to enhance our productivity. Other things to consider removing from your daily schedule might include unproductive meetings.

    Daily exercise has a multitude of enormous physical and mental health benefits. The Stoic philosopher Seneca was a proponent of what appears to be an ancient form of HIIT “short simple exercises which tire the body rapidly.” Epicureans also believed in practising daily exercise.  

    Nutrition is a central pillar of health. Synthesis of the scientific literature suggests that the optimal diet for health is one that is composed of foods that have a minimum of processing and is a “Pesco-Mediterranean” diet. That is, fish is the main meat, plenty of olive oil, leafy green veg, fresh fruit or nuts as snacks, other meats consumed should be good quality and the animal consumed ‘nose to tail’, water or coffee during the day and red wine at night. Such a diet is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, depression, cognitive decline, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cancer. The stoic belief of living in accordance with nature can be fulfilled through nutrition by ensuring that what we eat is of high quality and locally and ethically sourced. Stoics practised restraint and to this end, intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding can be beneficial. Time-restricted feeding, eating all of your calories for the day in an 8-hour or 12-hour window can be useful for weight loss and metabolism. It can also help decrease intra-abdominal fat. This ancient human adaptation also elicits powerful cellular responses that improve glucose metabolism and reduce systemic inflammation, and may also reduce risks of diabetes, CVD, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. It can also improve heart rate balance and heart rate variability. 

    There is also some emerging evidence that intermittent fasting may be of benefit in improving biomarkers of disease and be helpful in preserving learning and memory. Cicero observed that “need is what provides the seasoning for every and any appetite.” Hence, a period of fasting can make even the most simple of meals seem delicious. The Epicureans delighted in deriving enjoyment from simple pleasures. Taking the time to savour our food and contemplate its benefits enhances our days. Cheat meals are also important. These are something to indulge in so that we do not continuously crave them. As I said before, everything in moderation, including moderation. 

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Nutrition & Lifestyle Guides