The last bite

February's ailments

If January seems to drag then February is usually just that bit shorter (Leap Years excepted) but what does the shortest month hold health-wise? Apparently a rise in the risk of detached retina, according to a study which found twice as many cases at the beginning of the year due possibly to cold weather making eye tissue more vulnerable.

However, sperm counts are highest in February and March (lowest during September) according to research in Fertility and Sterility journal, although no one seems to know why, while March and April see the most cold sores, with another spike in August, according to a study in the Journal of Interdisciplinary Cycle Research. Low immune defences may be responsible for sores in spring, while sun exposure, which can also reduce the immune system's strength, may be implicated in August.

Scientists have also found that gum disease peaks in winter, which may be linked to a lower immune system but as March is one of the safest times for surgery perhaps planning those gingivectomies might pay off!