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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has suggested that the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) vaccine that offers protection to children against flu may also help reduce the rate of group A strep infections. LAIV is a nasal spray offered each season to most children aged 2 and 3 years old, and to school-aged children, to help protect against flu. The new study looked back at data from 2013 to 2017, comparing rates of group A strep (GAS) infections in pilot areas and comparing them to other areas where the vaccine was not being offered as widely. It was found that incidence of GAS was lower in pilot areas where the LAIV vaccine was being offered to all primary school children, compared to areas where it was being incrementally rolled out. The study revealed, in 2 to 4 year olds, rates of GAS were 73.5 per 100,000 children in pilot areas, compared to 93 per 100,000 children in non-pilot areas. In 5 to 10 year olds, rates of GAS were 50.3 per 100,000 children in pilot areas, compared to 57.8 per 100,000 in non-pilot areas.

Nasofed Anti Viral Nasal Spray, from EM Pharma, is delighted to welcome Dr Sarah Jarvis as medical adviser for its winter colds and flu consumer awareness campaign. Sarah is well known as a trusted and reliable source of medical advice through her various media roles as Resident GP on BBC R2's The Jeremey Vine Show, Good Morning Britain, Channel 5 and ITV News. Says Paul Walsh, EM Pharma Managing Director: "Dr Sarah will be offering advice on how people can best protect themselves and their families against seasonal and year-round viruses, including the use of Nasofed anti viral thixotropic nasal spray as an extra layer of protection particularly in situations of increased viral risk." Dr Sarah adds: "Viruses continue to affect our daily lives, whether that be year-round viruses or more seasonal viruses such as colds and flu and RSV, all of which are expected to be particularly prevalent this year. In situations of increased viral risk, a thixotropic nasal spray delivering anti viral ingredients will help protect you. It's a real step forward in virus prevention, not just for colds and flu, but also year-round viruses."

AstraZeneca UK has revised the expiry dates for certain batches of Fluenz Tetra nasal spray vaccines as a precautionary measure, after finding that their potency (strength) dropped faster than predicted once thawed, during routine testing. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been informed by the manufacturer that the printed expiry date for a limited number of batches is "incorrect." However, the MHRA has assured patients that the affected batches are safe to use and fully effective within the amended expiry date. If the vaccine is administered after the amended expiry date, it may be less effective in protecting against flu, it said. The UK regulatory authority also reiterated that it "keeps the safety of medicines, including vaccines, under review, and acts where necessary to protect patients and the public."

Olbas has announced the launch of its new TV ad campaign which will debut across the country this October. The TV campaign, which will be supported by a £1.5 million pound media investment, has been directed by commercial film director, Anthony Farquhar-Smith. The latest Olbas advertising creative will feature a new animated character, Lauren who is suffering with congestion caused by a cold. Lauren will be seen at home as the house begins to fill with balloons causing Lauren to feel uncomfortable and restricted, mimicking the 'bunged up' feeling of a heavy head cold. Olbas then saves the day as we see Lauren reach for a bottle of Olbas Oil to ease the symptoms of congestion, and as a result, the balloons deflate and the house returns to normal. Along with the large media investment, the campaign will also benefit from a strong PR programme to ensure the brand and retail sales are well supported throughout the peak cold and flu season. Owned by family-run health business, Lanes Health, Olbas Oil continues to be manufactured at their Gloucester based factory. Olbas uses only natural essential oils to provide a gentle but effective formulation to ease congestion and enhance breathing passages. The product offer includes Olbas Oil, Olbas For Children, Olbas Inhaler, Olbas Nasal Spray, Olbas Menthol Pastilles and Olbas Bath.