Tag Archives: health

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Season

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Written by Thelma Okunuga MD, MPHARM

As we enter the COVID-19 and flu vaccination season, it’s important to review what COVID-19 is, the vaccines available, and the latest variants.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, remains a contagious and sometimes debilitating illness. Despite extensive research, new variants continue to emerge. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified five major variants of concern since the start of the pandemic:

  • Alpha (UK, 2020)
  • Beta (South Africa, 2020)
  • Gamma (Brazil, 2021)
  • Delta (India, 2020)
  • Omicron (South Africa, 2021)

According to the WHO (2025), vaccination with monovalent JN.1 or KP.2 antigens in humans has produced robust neutralizing antibody responses to JN.1 and related variants, including KP.3.1.1, XEC, LP.8.1, and LF.7.2. The currently approved JN.1 and KP.2 vaccines elicit broadly cross-reactive immune responses to circulating JN.1-derived variants. LP.8.1, as a vaccine antigen, shows similar or modestly increased cross-reactive antibody responses compared with JN.1 or KP.2 vaccines. Mathematical modeling suggests that higher neutralizing antibody levels may improve vaccine effectiveness and duration of protection.

WHO Key Facts (2023):

  • COVID-19 is caused by a virus and spreads through close contact.
  • Common symptoms include fever, chills, and sore throat.
  • Most people recover without hospital treatment, but severe cases require medical care.
  • Over 760 million cases and 6.9 million deaths have been reported worldwide.
  • More than 13 billion vaccine doses have been administered globally.

In the UK, there were 1,112 weekly cases and 122 weekly deaths from COVID-19 as of November 2024 (UKSA, 2024).

Treatment (NICE):

  • Mild cases: rest, fluids, paracetamol, or ibuprofen.
  • Severe cases: hospital care with antivirals such as Paxlovid, Xevudy, Lagevrio, Remdesivir, and Tocilizumab.

COVID-19 continues to affect global health and economies, but vaccination remains our best defense. Staying up to date with boosters helps reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations.

References:

  1. Cascella M. et al. (2024) StatPearls Publishing
  2. WHO (2023) Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  3. GOV.UK UKSA Dashboard (2024)
  4. Gallager J. (2020) BBC News
  5. WHO (2025) Statement on Antigen Composition of COVID-19 Vaccines

Uterine Fibroids: Prevalence, Symptoms, and Impact on Women’s Health

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There has been so much talk about fibroids lately. If you are wondering what it’s all about and if it affects you, this article is for you.

Uterine fibroids, medically known as leiomyomata, are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system. These tumors originate from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus and can grow in various locations within and around the uterine wall. Fibroids may present as a single tumor or multiple growths and can range in size from microscopic to large masses that distort the shape of the uterus (1).

These tumors affect a significant portion of women in their reproductive years, with prevalence estimates ranging from 15% to 30% (1). Epidemiological studies reveal notable racial differences, with uterine fibroids occurring two to three times more frequently in Black women than in White women (2). By the age of 50, it is estimated that as many as 50% of Black women will have developed uterine leiomyomata, underscoring the considerable racial disparity in disease occurrence (2).

Although uterine fibroids are asymptomatic in about half of affected women, they can cause a variety of symptoms when they do become clinically significant. Common symptoms include menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to anemia if left untreated. Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps, is also frequently reported. In addition, fibroids may cause abdominal swelling or a sensation of pelvic fullness or pressure, which can interfere with daily activities. Large fibroids may exert pressure on adjacent organs such as the bladder or rectum, leading to urinary frequency, constipation, or discomfort (2).

In some cases, uterine fibroids are associated with reproductive challenges, including infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and complications during pregnancy such as preterm labor. The impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes depends largely on the size, number, and location of the fibroids (1).

Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological tumor worldwide, but they pose a particularly significant health concern in Nigeria and other African countries, where access to diagnostic and treatment options may be limited. Early diagnosis and management are crucial in reducing the burden of symptoms and improving women’s quality of life (2).

Treatment options for uterine fibroids vary based on symptom severity, size and number of fibroids, patient age, and reproductive plans. They range from conservative management and medical therapies to surgical interventions such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. Minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization and newer therapies also offer alternatives to traditional surgery (1).

In summary, uterine fibroids are common benign tumors that affect a large proportion of women, particularly in their reproductive years. The condition’s higher prevalence in Black women and its impact on symptoms and reproductive health highlight the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and tailored management strategies to support women’s health globally.

References

  1. Baird DD, Dunson DB, Hill MC, Cousins D, Schectman JM. High cumulative incidence of uterine leiomyoma in black and white women: ultrasound evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;188(1):100-107.
  2. Okogbenin SA, Okonofua FE. Uterine leiomyomata in Nigerian women: prevalence and clinical features. Afr J Med Med Sci. 1993;22(3):153-158.

Do You Understand Your Skin? A Closer Look at Black Skin and Why It Matters

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The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It breathes, absorbs, excretes, and protects. Yet, despite being such a vital part of our health and identity, most people don’t fully understand their skin — especially how it differs based on ethnicity, environment, and individual needs.

Understanding your skin isn’t just about beauty or appearance — it’s about health. Today, how we look can significantly influence our confidence, self-identity, and, in some unfortunate cases, even job opportunities. So, ask yourself: do you truly understand your skin?

Let’s break it down.

The Structure of the Skin

There are three main layers of the skin:

  1. Epidermis – the outermost layer, responsible for skin tone and acting as the first line of defense.
  2. Dermis – the middle layer, rich in collagen and elastin. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles and plays a key role in temperature regulation and sensation.
  3. Subcutaneous (fatty) tissue – the deepest layer, providing insulation and cushioning for internal organs.

Each layer plays a unique role in maintaining your skin’s function and overall health. The primary role of the skin is protection — it shields us from infections, toxins, and environmental stress. However, the skin itself is not immune to damage. It can be affected by infections, lesions, trauma, and chronic skin conditions — many of which manifest differently depending on your skin type and ethnicity.

Why Ethnicity Matters in Skin Care

There is a growing need to highlight how skin conditions present differently in people of color, particularly Black/African skin. Unfortunately, due to lack of training and awareness in dermatology, many of these conditions go misdiagnosed or untreated, leading to worsened outcomes.

Black skin is unique in several ways:

  • Melanin levels: Black skin has a higher melanin content, which provides natural protection from the sun but also makes it more prone to hyperpigmentation.
  • Melanosome distribution: Unlike in lighter skin, where melanin is grouped in certain areas, Black skin has melanin spread throughout the entire epidermis.
  • Hair follicle structure: The curved structure of hair follicles in Black skin contributes to conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) — often mistaken for acne, this occurs when curly hairs grow back into the skin.

Common Skin Conditions in Black Skin

While many skin conditions affect all ethnicities, Black skin is more prone to certain issues — and they can often appear differently than in lighter skin tones:

1. Hyperpigmentation

Excess melanin can lead to dark patches or spots, often following inflammation, acne, or skin injury. This condition is more persistent and noticeable in darker skin.

2. Acne

While common in all skin types, acne in Black skin is more likely to lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leaving behind dark spots long after the breakout has cleared.

3. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)

Also known as ingrown hairs, PFB is particularly common among Black and Hispanic individuals due to the curved nature of the hair shaft. It often presents as bumps that are mistaken for acne or infection.

4. Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema tends to be more severe in Black individuals and can present as darker, thicker patches compared to its red and inflamed appearance in lighter skin.

5. Keloids

These raised scars form as a result of an overproduction of collagen during healing. Black skin is more susceptible to keloid formation, especially following cuts, piercings, or surgery.

The Problem with Misdiagnosis

Many of these conditions are either overlooked or misdiagnosed in Black individuals due to a lack of education and representation in dermatological research and training materials. For example, skin conditions in textbooks are often shown only on lighter skin, leading to missed early signs and improper treatment for people with darker skin tones.

This not only affects physical health but can also have psychological and emotional impacts.

What Needs to Change

There’s an urgent need for:

  • Increased research into skin conditions affecting people of color.
  • Better training for healthcare professionals in identifying and treating skin conditions in diverse populations.
  • Public education to empower individuals with the knowledge to understand and advocate for their skin health.

Final Thoughts

Your skin is more than just a surface — it’s a dynamic organ that deserves attention, care, and understanding. Especially for Black and African individuals, acknowledging the unique aspects of your skin can lead to better health outcomes and a stronger sense of identity.

Let’s stop treating skin as one-size-fits-all.

Understand your skin. Advocate for your health. And let’s push for a future where every skin tone is seen, studied, and supported.

Don’t Ignore That Burning Sensation: What You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

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Have you ever felt a tingling or burning sensation in your lower abdomen? Or noticed you’re rushing to the toilet more often, and it hurts when you pee? Maybe you’ve even spotted blood in your urine? If so, please don’t ignore these symptoms — they could be signs of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

What Is a UTI?

A UTI occurs when bacteria build up in the urinary tract, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. While anyone can get a UTI, women are more commonly affected due to the anatomy of the urinary system.

What Causes a UTI?

There are several common habits that can contribute to the development of a UTI, including:

  • Not drinking enough water
  • Holding in urine for too long
  • Poor hygiene in the genital area
  • Wearing tight or non-breathable underwear

All of these can allow harmful bacteria to remain in the urinary tract and multiply, leading to infection.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Some telltale signs of a UTI include:

  • Burning or stinging sensation while urinating
  • Frequent urge to urinate, even when little comes out
  • Discomfort or pressure in the lower tummy
  • Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine

These symptoms can be uncomfortable — but they’re your body’s way of waving a red flag.

Early Treatment Is Key

The good news? UTIs are usually easy to treat, especially if caught early. Treatment options may include:

  • Cystitis sachets: These help neutralize the acidic environment in the bladder, relieving symptoms.
  • Antibiotics: Prescribed depending on your health condition and any other medications you’re taking.

Alongside treatment, it’s crucial to stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.

When Things Get Serious: Pyelonephritis

If a UTI is left untreated, it can travel up to the kidneys and become more serious — a condition called pyelonephritis. This can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the blood.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis include:

  • Pain in your lower back or sides (just below the ribs)
  • Fever, chills, or rigors
  • Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these, seek medical help immediately — especially if you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or have other health conditions.

Prevention Tips: Keep UTIs at Bay

The best way to deal with a UTI? Prevent it from happening in the first place. Here’s how:

  • Drink water regularly — aim for at least 6–8 glasses a day
  • Don’t hold in your urine — go when you feel the need
  • Practice good hygiene — always wipe from front to back
  • Avoid tight or synthetic underwear — opt for breathable cotton

Final Thoughts

UTIs are common but shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re a man or woman, any discomfort in your lower abdomen or a burning sensation when you pee deserves attention. With early care, they’re usually easy to treat — but if left unchecked, they can become serious.

So, take care of your body, stay hydrated, and listen to the signals it’s sending you. Your urinary tract will thank you!

What’s Wrong With You? — A Wake-Up Call About Mental Health

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The other day, my husband asked me a simple question:
“What’s wrong with you? Why are you so angry?”

At first, I brushed it off. But later that night, I sat with it. And then it hit me — I have been angry. Irrational. Easily triggered. But why?

That moment forced me to reflect, and I realized something deeper was going on. It wasn’t just a bad day. It was my mental health calling out for attention — and I wasn’t listening.

Why Women Must Pay Attention to Mental Health

How many of us women pause to think about our mental well-being?

We juggle roles, responsibilities, and expectations — often without checking in with ourselves. Mental health isn’t just about disorders or diagnoses — it’s an entire spectrum, and it’s just as vital as our physical health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

It’s not just about surviving — it’s about thriving.

Mental Health ≠ Mental Illness

It’s important to note: Poor mental health isn’t the same as mental illness.

You can have no clinical diagnosis and still feel overwhelmed, numb, irritable, or exhausted. Things like:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Chronic stress
  • Grief or bereavement
  • Certain foods or medications
  • Health issues
  • Lack of exercise or social connection

…all of these can affect how we feel mentally.

The Silent Struggle

And yet, so many of us suffer in silence. Why? Because there’s still stigma.

We’re often taught to:

  • “Be strong”
  • “Get on with it”
  • “Stop being dramatic”

But ignoring our mental health doesn’t make us strong — it makes us suffer longer.

How Do We Care for Our Mental Health?

Let’s talk solutions. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to care for your mental well-being:

  • 🧠 Talk about it – with a friend, a therapist, or your partner.
  • 🚶‍♀️ Move your body – even a short walk can make a difference.
  • 🥗 Eat mindfully – what we consume can affect our mood.
  • 🛏️ Sleep well – rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
  • ☕ Take breaks – from screens, work, and even people if needed.
  • 🤝 Ask for help – you don’t have to do it all alone.

Final Thoughts

Let’s normalize checking in with ourselves.

Let’s stop brushing off our moods as “just hormones” or “just stress.” Let’s start caring for our minds as much as we care for our bodies.

Because our mental health matters — every single day.

What About You?

Have you ever realized you were struggling mentally without even knowing it?
Let me know in the comments — your story might help someone else feel less alone.

The Bittersweet Beauty of Birth: Navigating Natural Birth and C-Sections

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Having a baby is one of life’s most powerful experiences—a moment that can be both bitter and blissful. There’s immense joy in welcoming a newborn into the world, but it’s often accompanied by pain, exhaustion, and a rollercoaster of emotions. For many women, childbirth is a transformative process that leaves a permanent mark—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The Journey to Birth

Pregnancy typically lasts between 36 to 40 weeks, the period when a baby reaches full physical maturity. When the time for birth finally arrives, it can happen in a number of ways. For some, labor starts naturally with the breaking of the waters. For others, labor is induced on a set date.

The natural birth process is usually broken down into four stages:

  1. Latent Phase of Labour:
    This is the longest phase, during which the cervix begins to soften, thin out (efface), and slowly dilate in preparation for active labor.
  2. Active Labour:
    Contractions become more frequent and intense, and the cervix dilates from around 4cm to 10cm. This is often the most physically demanding part.
  3. Delivery of the Baby:
    This is what many refer to as the “pushing” stage. Once the cervix is fully dilated, the baby moves through the birth canal, and the head and shoulders emerge first.
  4. Delivery of the Placenta:
    After the baby is born, the placenta (which has nourished the baby throughout pregnancy) is delivered.

This natural process is what many women hope for, but unfortunately, not every birth goes as planned.

When Things Change: The Rise of C-Sections

Sometimes, due to medical complications or unforeseen circumstances, a woman may need to deliver her baby via caesarean section (C-section). This surgical procedure involves making incisions through the abdominal wall and uterus to deliver the baby. It is typically done under regional anesthesia and involves careful suturing of the deep abdominal layers post-delivery.

According to a 2021 report from the World Health Organization, around 1 in 5 births (21%) globally are now delivered via C-section—a figure that is expected to rise to over one-third by 2030.

As a medical student during clinical rotations, I witnessed both vaginal births and C-sections firsthand. Watching a C-section being performed highlights how major a surgical procedure it really is. The incisions are deep, and the surgical precision required—especially during suturing—underscores the risks involved.

Risks and Complications of C-Sections

While C-sections can be life-saving, they come with their own set of risks:

  • Infections at the incision site or within the uterus
  • Excessive bleeding and risk of blood clots
  • Injury to nearby organs, such as the bladder or bowel (rare but possible)
  • Scar tissue adhesions, which can complicate future surgeries
  • Increased risk in future pregnancies, including conditions like placenta previa or uterine rupture
  • Delayed bonding, as skin-to-skin contact might be postponed
  • Longer recovery time compared to vaginal birth
  • Cosmetic concerns, such as visible scarring on the lower abdomen

In some cultures, particularly in parts of Africa and the Middle East, there has traditionally been a stigma surrounding C-sections. However, thanks to better education and awareness, these perceptions are gradually shifting.

Why Are C-Sections on the Rise?

This leads to an important question: Why are more women choosing—or needing—C-sections today?

Could it be due to:

  • Improved diagnostic technology detecting complications earlier?
  • Higher maternal age or more high-risk pregnancies?
  • Increasing rates of obesity and other health conditions?
  • Societal shifts—more educated, career-oriented women planning childbirth differently?
  • More elective C-sections by choice?

The reasons are complex and multifactorial, and while the trend raises questions, it also reflects evolving medical practices and changing societal norms.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve had a natural birth or a C-section, your experience is valid and uniquely yours. Each journey into motherhood is powerful, and every woman deserves care, respect, and support—no matter how her baby arrives in the world.

If you’ve recently given birth and are unsure about your recovery—be it post-C-section or vaginal delivery—please contact your midwife or GP. Proper aftercare is essential for healing and well-being, both for you and your baby.

Have you experienced childbirth, either naturally or via C-section? Feel free to share your story in the comments or reach out if you have any questions about postnatal care. You’re not alone in this journey.