A round-up of other health news in brief
One dose of swine flu vaccine is 'enough'
One dose of the swine flu vaccine is enough to protect people against the virus, research suggested yesterday.
The results of GlaxoSmithKline’s first trial on its swine flu vaccine showed that one dose produced a strong immune response.
A statement from GSK said its results showed one dose can “provide a strong immune response” which exceeds the requirement set down by authorities that will license the vaccine.
Its clinical trial, taking place in Germany, involves 130 healthy volunteers aged 18-60. More than 98 per cent of the group receiving the vaccine with an adjuvant had an adequate immune response three weeks after receiving their jab.
Melons have calming powers
Melons can reduce stress, a study has shown. The finding was made by French researchers who discovered the calming powers of an antioxidant in the fruit called superoxide dismutase.
Seventy volunteers took part in the street test – 35 were given capsules with the enzyme and the others given a placebo – a capsule filled with inactive starch.
The research is published in BioMed Central’s open access Nutrition Journal and researchers found the supplement decreased the signs and symptoms of perceived stress and fatigue in healthy volunteers.
Spain to ban smoking in bars
Spain will join countries including Ireland, Britain France and Italy by banning smoking in bars and restaurants.
Health minister Trinidad Jimenez said new legislation to stop people lighting up will be brought in “as soon as possible”. The vast majority of bars and small restaurants in Spain still allow customers to smoke, taking advantage of a loophole in a partial ban implemented three years ago.
But yesterday health minister Trinidad Jimenez said: “I cannot give an exact date, but we want it to happen as soon as possible,” he said.