FAMILY HEALTH Why illnesses from the past are making a comeback
With measles, Dickensian diseases such as scarlet fever, whooping cough, and tuberculosis rearing their heads and life expectancy rates down, asks why our health seems to be getting worse, not better
FOR a long time, it seemed the march of medical science would gradually banish the ailments that afflict us. But recently some illnesses we’d assumed were beaten or brought under control have come roaring back. We asked some experts why our health seems to be going backwards.
“There’s also a misconception it can be treated with antibiotics – it is a virus so antibiotics have no effect,” warns Dr Leonard.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is now considering not allowing children to start school unless they have had both MMR vaccinations.
“SCARLET fever is definitely making a big comeback,” says Dr Leonard. In 2018, there were over 30,000 cases of scarlet fever in England and Wales – the highest number since 1960.
This contagious disease mainly affects children and can lead to meningitis and septicaemia. Treatment is with antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications. “There may be a link between the increase in cases and the fact GPs no longer prescribe antibiotics for sore throats,” explains Dr Leonard.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses but are effective against streptococcus bacteria (strep throat). Because scarlet fever usually starts with a sore throat, it’s possible early intervention with antibiotics had an impact.
A retro virus? growth, fragile bones and malformation of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D and sometimes calcium.
“With more people covering up for religious and cultural reasons, parents becoming meticulous about sunscreen and fewer children playing outside, it’s unsurprising many of us are low in vitamin D,” explains Dr Leonard. “The Chief Medical Officer now says that everyone should take it between October and April.
A lack of vitamin D causes rickets
It is also offered to pregnant women as it can provide passive immunity to the newborn baby. anyone over 16 – apart from healthcare workers.