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Pregnant women and new mothers are not being given enough information about life-threatening group B strep, a charity has warned. A survey for the charity Group B Strep Support (GBSS) of 529 pregnant women and mothers who had a baby in the last two years found that 66% are not getting information from their healthcare professional about group B strep. Just 24% said they were given information by a health professional about the bacteria and 62% did not feel confident identifying symptoms of the potentially life-threatening infection in a baby. What is group B strep? It is a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria and can be found in both men and women. GBSS says around two to four out of every 10 women in the UK will carry group B strep in their rectum, vagina, or intestines, although most of them won’t experience any symptoms. It’s usually harmless, and even common in pregnancy, but there is a risk it could spread to your baby and make them ill. What happens if a baby gets it?Group B strep It’s the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, and it can kill within hours.The charity says two babies a day develop the infection, one baby dies of it every week, and one baby a week recovers, but with a life-changing disability. It says most of these cases could be prevented. It can also lead to serious conditions including meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. Why are there not more tests? The NHS does not routinely test for group B strep, though women can pay privately for a test (which costs around £40). It may be found during examinations for another reason, such as a vaginal swab. Group B Strep Support says many high-income countries routinely offer testing to all pregnant women, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Spain. However, the national screening committee ruled that tests cannot accurately distinguish between those mothers whose babies are at risk, and those who are not. It said this means that a large number of women would unnecessarily be offered antibiotics. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “There is currently insufficient evidence that the benefits of universal screening for Group B streptococcal infections could outweigh the harm. “However, there is an ongoing clinical trial into this screening, which is due to report in 2024, and the UK National Screening Committee will consider its results when complete.” Are there any signs in newborns? Symptoms of a group B strep infection can develop up to three months after birth. Go to A&E or call 999 if your baby is floppy and unresponsive, working hard to breathe, has very fast or slow breathing, unusually high temperature, changes to their skin colour, vomiting up milk, or has an unusually fast or slow heart rate.How is it treated?If you do get tested or you’ve had a baby who has been affected before, you may be advised to give birth in a hospital setting (rather than midwife-run birth centre or at home).Some women can have antibiotics in labour to cut the chance a baby will fall ill. You may be asked to stay in hospital for at least 12 hours after giving birth to monitor the baby, the NHS says. Newborn babies can be given antibiotics too. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Britney Spears: I worked my ass off to get my memoir written Emilia Clarke’s brain haemorrhage ‘profoundly changed our lives’, says star’s mother What is ‘bed rotting’ and is it actually self-care?

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Dementia UK and The Menopause Charity have published advice on the crossover symptoms of both young onset dementia and menopause, after former TV presenter Fiona Phillips disclosed her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The shared symptoms mean that it is difficult for some women to spot the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and instead mistake those symptoms for menopause. It comes as Phillips has revealed that she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, at the age of 62. The former breakfast TV presenter first noticed symptoms of “crippling anxiety” and “brain fog”, but since Phillips had not experienced this before, she and her family thought it might be menopausal symptoms. After undergoing Hormone Therapy Treatment (HRT) to alleviate her menopausal symptoms, Phillips’s brain fog remained. This prompted Phillips and her husband to seek further help, including months of cognitive tests before a lumbar puncture to assess spinal fluid revealed she had Alzheimer’s. Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain, while Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Paul Edwards, Director of Clinical Services at Dementia UK, said in a statement that many people are unaware of the shared symptoms of the conditions. “For some women, dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms may develop at the same time as the perimenopause or menopause which can bring additional challenges when it comes to seeking a diagnosis,” he explained. Dementia UK and The Menopause Charity have worked together to create an information leaflet on the similarities and differences between young onset dementia and menopause and perimenopause. While dementia is most common in people over the age of 65, an estimated 70,800 people in the UK are living with young onset dementia, where symptoms begin before 65. Common menopause symptoms include changes in periods, hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, stress, brain fog, vaginal dryness and more. Brain fog is a very common menopause symptom, and women often say that their brains feel like “cotton wool” while experiencing it. The symptom can make it difficult to recall words, complete multiple tasks or find themselves losing things. This can affect concentration, word-finding, memory and multitasking, impacting their emotions and overall well being day to day. Since these symptoms may also occur in dementia, some women become concerned that they are showing signs of young onset dementia. According to Dementia UK, though, brain fog is not typically the first symptom of dementia, so there are other initial signs to be aware of if you are concerned about dementia or Alzheimer’s. Early signs of dementia are more likely to be changes in vision and spatial awareness, language problems and changes in behaviour. It is typical that family members, friends and work colleagues may notice these changes first, often before the person themselves. Both Dementia UK and The Menopause Charity advise that because it is difficult to know what these symptoms are being caused by, it is important to see a GP to address any concerns. For more information, you can access an information leaflet produced by both charities here. If you would like to speak to a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse about young onset dementia and perimenopause or menopause, or any other aspect of dementia, can call our free Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or by emailing helpline@dementiauk.org. Read More Fiona Phillips, 62, reveals she has Alzheimer’s disease Fiona Phillips explains why she hid Alzheimer’s diagnosis from her children Woman exits plane after tirade about passenger who is ‘not real’: ‘Final Destination vibes’ Fiona Phillips Alzheimer’s diagnosis at 62: 7 ways to reduce your risk Fiona Phillips explains why she hid Alzheimer’s diagnosis from her children Fiona Phillips, 62, reveals she has Alzheimer’s disease