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'Game-changing' stop smoking pill Varenicline to be rolled out on NHS and save thousands of lives
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12th November 2024 - The Mirror
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The NHS is rolling out a “game changing” stop smoking pill which it says could save thousands of lives.
The daily tablet called Varenicline reduces cravings for nicotine and blocks its effect on the brain, while also helping with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable or having difficulty sleeping.
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It has been shown to work as well as vapes to help people quit and be more effective than nicotine-replacement gum or patches.
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When used alongside behavioural support, such as counselling, the treatment has been shown to help around one in four people to stop smoking for at least six months.
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The Tripledemic Threat: Why We Must Act Now to Protect the Most Vulnerable
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As we brace for another harsh winter, a new term has entered the healthcare sphere—tripledemic. It’s more than just a buzzword. With COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating simultaneously, this tripledemic could overwhelm an already strained NHS, especially as vaccine uptake struggles to keep pace. The question is: are we ready for what lies ahead?
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A Perfect Storm of Viruses
For healthcare professionals, the threat of a tripledemic feels like the perfect storm. Each virus—COVID, flu, and RSV—on its own is challenging enough, but together, they have the potential to cause severe disruption.
Vulnerable groups, including older adults, those in care homes, and individuals with chronic health conditions, are already bearing the brunt of these overlapping threats.