Skip to main content

A parent’s guide to summer infections and health hazards

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Children and Young people
Four children playing tug of war on a sunny day

As summer arrives, you’re likely to spend more time outdoors with your children. Lots of us love this time of year and it’s great to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather.

It’s worth being aware, however, of some common seasonal infections and hazards to help you spot illness more easily and take action if you need to

What is Candidozyma auris? Fungal pathogen and emerging global health threat

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Protecting the country's health, UKHSA science
Two Petri dishes containing Candidozyma auris (C. auris)

C. auris is a recently discovered fungus. It rarely causes infections in healthy individuals though can pose a risk to people in hospital, particularly those who have been in hospital for a long time, who are critically unwell and/or who have weakened immune systems.

What is measles and why is it so important we're all up to date with our MMR vaccine?

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Children and Young people, Immunisation and vaccination
Young boy blowing out candles on a birthday cake with other children in the background

As families prepare for travel over the summer break, there is more chance for measles to be brought in from countries where there are outbreaks. Catching up children who missed out on their MMR vaccines is a priority, in order to help prevent another rise in measles cases.

My measles journey: ‘I woke to find a rash all over my body’

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: immunisations
Posters from the Why We Get Vaccinated community engagement campaign in Bengali

On 19 May 2016, I was admitted to Barnet General Hospital with measles.

I’d started to feel unwell a few days prior to this with a sore throat and temperature, but didn’t think it was anything serious so started a self-care routine of taking paracetamol and warm fluids with some rest.

Travel health and the growing risk of antibiotic-resistant STIs like gonorrhoea

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Sexual health
People dancing in a club

Recent data shows a concerning upward trend of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea infections, particularly in popular tourist destinations across the Asia-Pacific region. This includes countries such as Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. These infections are sometimes called ‘super-gonorrhoea’ in the media.