new study suggests no point in taking paracetamol for relieving the symptoms

health reporter,London(wp/es): New research published in the medical journal Respirology claims that the popular drug neither reduces fever or aches and pains When you feel yourself coming down with the sniffles, the first thing you’ll likely do is reach for the medicine cabinet and take a couple of paracetamol tablets to relieve the symptoms. But contrary to NHS advice, a new study suggests that the popular drug neither reduces fever nor other symptoms like aches and pains. The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand recently carried out a study in which 40 flu sufferers were given paracetamol for five days and 40 were given placebo pills. The study, published in the medical journal Respirology, found that paracetamol had no effect on the sufferer's condition. The study concluded: "Despite recommendations to administer paracetamol for symptom relief in influenza and influenza-like illnesses, this study has found that regular administration of paracetamol has no effect on viral or clinical outcomes in this setting." The researchers say their concerns were prompted by studies in animals exposed to flu, which showed that those given paracetamol and other fever-controlling drugs were more likely to die from the virus. Dr Irene Braithwaite, of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, said: "We initially theorised that taking paracetamol might be harmful, as the influenza virus cannot replicate as well at higher temperatures and by reducing a person’s temperature the virus may have thrived. "Fortunately this was found not to be the case." However, the authors admitted their work may have been affected by the fact that all patients were given the anti-flu drug Tamiflu, as part of safety protocols in the study, which may have clouded the results, the Daily Mail reported. The NHS Choices website says in its section on treating flu: “If you feel unwell and have a fever, you can take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to lower your temperature and relieve aches.“ Of the study, the NHS commented: "The trial specifically looked at whether paracetamol had any effect on the amount of flu virus in the body (viral load). But it should be stressed this is something paracetamol is not designed to do. Paracetamol is designed to relieve symptoms, not cure any underlying infection. "The trial provides a route for further research, but with so many other studies reporting the opposite, it is too early to be changing recommendations."

prince charles very important messege for armed forces

royal correspondent,London(wp/es): The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the great "personal sacrifice" of Britain's servicemen and women in a Christmas message to the armed forces. Charles spoke of his admiration for those who endure "great danger" to protect the country, and the families who support them. And he praised the "professionalism, understanding and cultural sensitivity" of those in the military. Delivering the address to Forces TV and BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Services) Radio, he said service personnel will face many challenging tasks over the festive period, some of which will "put our service people in great danger as they carry out their challenging duties". He said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to send you all a Christmas message, for while many of the current news headlines around the world appear rather grim, they have reminded us all of the vital importance of the armed forces. "Sometimes it would appear that there is no real threat facing Britain and that therefore defence can perhaps seem somewhat irrelevant. "However, the extent of current global deployments of the UK's armed forces only goes to highlight the continued, essential role of the armed forces in today's society." Almost 23,000 military personnel will be stationed or deployed abroad over Christmas, including more than 3,000 on operations. Of those, 870 are involved in the campaign to counter Islamic State and 200 are carrying out training in Iraq. This month, HMS Defender and its 180-strong crew joined the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Indian Ocean to support operations against IS. The Type 45 air defence destroyer is on a nine-month deployment to the Middle East and is set to continue with the French Carrier Task Group well into 2016. There are almost 14,000 troops across Europe, including just over 3,000 in Cyprus, 1,170 across North Africa and the Middle East and about 1,000 in the Falklands. With pictures of Princes William and Harry in their military dress behind him, Charles also thanked the families of those stationed across the globe, saying their "loyalty and constant support are such a crucial part of the remarkable selflessness of the whole military He ended his message: "I can only wish you all the happiest possible Christmas and send you a sincere and heartfelt thank you for your continued service and personal sacrifice. "I can assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that this is hugely valued and appreciated."