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Boys allowed

Following recent recommendations that all men under 45 who have sex with men ( MSM) be offered the HPV vaccine, the UK government has now decided that all adolescent boys should have the vaccine, too, to help prevent anal, oral and penile cancers. The jab is already given to girls and has helped to reduce the number of cervical cancers. The vaccination for boys will be administered at school or at their doctor’s surgery. MSM can access it for free at sexual health clinics.

Oh, honey!

Before you see your GP about that winter cough, try some traditional remedies such as honey and lemon first. The majority of winter coughs are caused by viruses and don’t need medication — in fact, it’s estimated that 40 per cent of antibiotic prescriptions for coughs aren’t necessary and self- care is a better option, according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. However, if your cough doesn’t improve, be sure to visit your doctor.