The NHS is warning that the winter flu has started 6-8 weeks early this year, and this is partly down to a new mutation in the H3N1 flu virus. It could be the worst flu season for a decade or more. The bottom line is basically that if you’re eligible, or can afford to pay, …
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Category:Infectious Disease
Measles Warning
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued another warning about measles. Infections in Europe (including UK) are at a 25-year high, so there is concern that unvaccinated holidaymakers are especially vulnerable to catching the disease (and, of course, bringing it home after a ruined holiday). There’s a BBC News report at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c706y4jr95lo.
West Nile Virus
Today, UKHSA and Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in the UK. There is currently no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitos in the UK and the risk to the general public is very low. While one agrees …
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Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough is out there and case rates are (relatively) high compared with most rcenet years. So here’s an interesting critique of the UKHSA’s “keep calm” message. Whooping cough – have UKHSA got the framing right?
Whooping Cough on the Rise
Cases of Whopping Cough (Pertussis) are continuing to rise across the country – and it can be a killer, especially for the very young. BBC Report.
Measles
The UK Health Security agency (UKHSA) has declared a national health incident due to the rising number of cases of measles. The increase is brought about by the low take-up of the MMR vaccination with a country average of only 85% (and as low as 75% in London) of children starting school being fully vaccinated …
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Scabies
Apparently the UK is facing an unusually large outbreak of scabies. This is being made worse by a shortage of the drugs used to treat it. More at https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-uk-unusually-large-scabies-outbreaks.html
Measles
Received from NW London NHS … Measles cases are rising in London, and can make your child seriously ill. Vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. Parents need to: Book a GP appointment, if your child needs to catch up on their vaccinations If you are unsure about your child’s vaccination status, check …
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Rise in UK measles cases
A “very concerning” rise in the number of people catching measles in the UK has been reported by health officials. BBC News report at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65481976.
Stay at Home and Face Mask Guidance
As people across the UK return to work following the Christmas holidays, and children return to school, there are high infection rates of flu, Covid and Strep A. This has prompted experts, including UKHSA, to issue fresh guidance involving a “stay at home” message and face masks to help deal with the high levels of …
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