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.
Blog Editor
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.
Your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2025 flu vaccine
As we approach autumn, it's nearly time for people with certain long-term health conditions to be booked in for their free flu jab. Individuals with these conditions are at risk of more severe outcomes if they catch flu. If you're eligible, you need to know why it matters that you take up the offer.
What are the symptoms of Oropouche virus disease and how can you avoid it?
Oropouche virus disease is a lesser-known tropical infection that’s been spreading across Central and South America in recent years. If you're planning to travel to the region, or are just curious about this emerging health concern, here's everything you need to know.
What are the symptoms of the chikungunya virus and is there a vaccine?
Chikungunya may not be a household name, but this mosquito-borne viral infection has become a significant concern for travellers to some destinations. The disease, whose name derives from the Kimakonde (a language of Southern Tanzania) word meaning ‘that which bends up’ due to the severe joint pain it causes, has spread across the globe in …
Why some people suffer more than others during heatwaves
While many of us revel in the hot summer sunshine, others are at risk of developing heat-related complications such as sunstroke and heatstroke. In this blog post we will outline how heat affects the body and look at some of the …
The essential travel checklist to keep you and your family healthy on holiday
Planning a holiday abroad? This guide provides essential information to help you travel safely and minimise health risks. Whether you're planning a beach break, visiting family overseas, or embarking on a backpacking adventure, it’s worth thinking ahead so that you …
What you need to know about UV (ultraviolet) radiation
Ultraviolet, or UV, radiation, comes to earth from the sun. The ozone layer protects those of us on the ground from most of it, but some does reach the surface. Here’s a quick briefing on UV. How to protect yourself When …
Who’s eligible for the 2025 COVID-19 vaccine, or ‘Autumn Booster’?
This blog post was reviewed and updated in September 2025. When autumn comes, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, …
How to avoid rabies and what to do if you’re exposed while travelling
Rabies is a rare but deadly viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK but the infection poses a risk to travellers visiting regions where the disease remains prevalent.