Living with antimicrobial-resistant TB
In this blog post Samara shares her story of fighting antimicrobial -resistant tuberculosis, the hidden long-term consequences and the importance of getting that persistent cough checked out.
Blog Editor
How to avoid catching flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses this winter
As we brace ourselves for chillier days and look forward to more indoor gatherings and seasonal social events with friends and family, now is the ideal time to remind ourselves of behaviours that can reduce the spread of respiratory infections …
What is bird flu and how are we protecting people against it in the UK?
Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infectious disease that affects birds, caused by the influenza A virus. Birds are the hosts for a variety of influenza A virus subtypes, particularly waterfowl and shore birds. All birds are susceptible to avian …
How to protect your home and family from the invisible danger of carbon monoxide
As the weather turns colder and we close our windows and turn on our heating, there's an invisible danger that can leak into our homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that you cannot see, smell or taste - but it can kill.
How well will I be protected from flu this year with the current UK influenza vaccines?
Every winter, influenza viruses sweep through communities, causing a seasonal epidemic. There are several different flu vaccines that are used in the national vaccination programme and all of them protect against the 3 main flu virus types: influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B.
What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself
Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It has many causes, such as different germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In the UK, most cases are due to bacteria or viruses. Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also lead to septicaemia (blood …
Norovirus: What to do if you catch it and helping to stop the spread
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug (although you can catch it throughout the year, including during summer), is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through communities, making outbreaks common in settings where individuals have close contact such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries.
Join the fight against flu by taking part in our citizen science project
Our scientists are tracking flu and other respiratory viruses and they need your help. Join our FluSurvey UK-wide citizen science programme and contribute directly to protecting the nation’s health this winter.
Do I have flu, COVID-19 or a cold? Know the signs and symptoms
This blog post is an explainer of important information about these winter infections; their signs and symptoms, and information on who is eligible for vaccination.
Should we be worried about the current COVID-19 variants?
As we enter autumn, rates of respiratory illnesses start to rise and people ask how the most common current lineages - or groups of genetically similar viruses - compare to previous COVID-19 variants.