International health news

A recent study suggests that higher exposure to the sun may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in later life. Living in a sunnier climate can reduce the risk by 45%.

Research implies that taking hayfever tablets could increase the risk of male infertility. Men should consider reducing the amount of these antihistamines when wanting to try for a baby.

Country updates

The WHO has confirmed circulation of a type of polio in Somalia. It is recommended to have the polio vaccine before travelling to this area.

As the economic crisis in Venezuela becomes even worse, many citizens are fleeing to Colombia to get access to medical treatments that Venezuelan hospitals can no longer provide. Health officials say that Venezuelans made up nearly 25,000 visits to Colombian emergency rooms last year.

Health advice

A new study shows that some 80-year-olds can have the immune systems of 20-year-olds if they carried out lots of exercise. Make sure to continue to do exercise as you grow older to boost your immune system.

A recent study on mice has found that vitamin D may prevent heart failure after a heart attack. This could be a low-cost addition to treatments that are currently available.