Posts Tagged ‘UK’

Physicians in the UK are reporting a noticeable increase in the number of people developing allergies to fruits and vegetables. Dr Pamela Ewan, an allergist in Cambridge, said the rise in cases appears to be outstripping even peanut allergies. Symptoms include itching and swelling in the mouth and throat, and breathing difficulties. There is also a rise in what is called “oral allergy syndrome“, a condition whereby people who are allergic to pollen become allergic to fruits. It is unclear why this increase is occurring, but it is likely that the condition is being diagnosed more now that physicians are aware that allergies to fruits and vegetables are more common than they think. Do you know anyone with a fruit or vegetable allergy?

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The commonly used pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines do not appear to be effective for preventing pneumonia, found a UK and Swiss study. In many countries, including the US, pneumococcal vaccines are given primarily to people over the age of 65 and those with certain chronic diseases. The current study reviewed 22 prior studies and found that when only high quality studies were included, there was no evidence that pneumococcal vaccines could prevent pneumonia. However, some critics are warning that further research is needed prior to changing current vaccine policies.  For now the study adds to the ongoing debate around effectiveness of the vaccine.

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