A Question Of Health

MMR EMBARRASSMENT

Q. We got caught up in the anti-MMR hysteria when our children were supposed to be receiving their measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations. Now we would like to have them vaccinated, but are a bit sheepish about asking our GP. Is it too late (they are now seven and 10)? Will it be available on the NHS?

A. It is certainly not too late for your children to have MMR. The vaccine can be given at any age. Your children should each have two MMR jabs, at least three months apart. This should give them lifelong protection against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Measles is relatively rare these days, but there is always a risk of an outbreak. Mumps can cause swollen testicles and even infertility in men, and it is one of the commonest causes of deafness. Rubella can cause horrific problems for babies if their mothers catch it during pregnancy. The NHS will be happy to provide MMR for your children, and I'm sure your GP will be delighted that you have decided to protect them.

LAVATORY BREAK

Q. Recently I have collapsed twice in the middle of the night while standing at the toilet emptying my bladder. My doctor said it sounded like micturition syncope. I'm told this is not a serious condition, but it seems potentially quite dangerous to me.

A. Micturition syncope - fainting while you are having a pee - is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs while your bladder is emptying. It is surprisingly common among middle-aged men. When you get out of a warm bed, your circulatory system is in a relaxed state. As you stand up your blood pressure is unable to readjust itself quickly enough to maintain a steady supply of blood to the brain. This, in combination with the physiological effect of a bladder contraction, causes you to become dizzy and lose consciousness. Women are not affected by this because they empty their bladders in the sitting position. I recommend that you follow their example in the middle of the night.

I CAN'T FACE NEEDLES

Q. I have had a severe phobia of needles, which dates back to childhood. I am now 29 and I need to have some travel vaccinations, but I am terrified. Is there any cure for needle phobia?

A. Phobias of all kinds can be very effectively treated by psychologists who specialise in behaviour therapy. Psychological treatment, which often involves a step-by-step exposure to the frightening object, allows people with phobias to overcome their fears. Your GP might be able to refer you to a psychologist for behaviour therapy. The British Psychological Society maintains a list of qualified psychologists who are available for consultation. You can find the list on their website, www.bps.org.uk/e-services/find-a-psychologist.

Have your say: readers write

RG from Staffs monitors his own warfarin:

"Since purchasing a warfarin home-monitoring machine I have only been to the hospital once in a year for a check-up. I'm sure I must be saving the NHS a small fortune in out-patient appointments."

Please send your questions and suggestions to A Question of Health, 'The Independent', Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS; fax 020-7005 2182 or e-mail to health@independent.co.uk. Dr Kavalier regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.

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