How does cold weather affect health? Our new report explores the hidden impact
When we talk about winter deaths, we may think of hypothermia or people dying directly from low temperatures. The reality is more complex - and often invisible.
Blog Editor
Stomach bugs: A brief guide to their causes and treatment
Gastrointestinal illness - the kind of illness that makes us feel sick, vomit or have diarrhoea - affects people of all ages and is one of the most common health complaints in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most common health issues that people experience when travelling abroad.
What is Burkholderia stabilis, and why should I check my first aid kit?
Burkholderia are a type of bacteria found naturally in the environment, including in soil and water. Burkholderia stabilis is one species within this group. While many people never encounter problems with this type of bacteria, it can cause serious infections in certain …
Nipah virus: what is it, where is it found and how does it spread?
Nipah virus (NiV) is a serious infectious disease that periodically causes outbreaks in parts of Asia. While the risk to most people remains very low, understanding this virus is important if you are planning to travel to one of the areas where it circulates. No cases have ever been found in the UK.
What is measles and why is it so important we're up to date with our vaccines to protect against it?
Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in vaccine uptake can lead to a rise in cases. There has been a resurgence of measles in England and around the world in recent years. In 2024 there were 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England, the highest number of cases recorded annually in decades.
A parent’s guide to croup: what are the symptoms and when to seek medical advice
Croup is a common childhood condition that affects the windpipe, the airways to the lungs, and the voice box. It mainly affects babies and young children, typically those aged between 6 months and 3 years, though most cases occur in 1-year-olds. Boys tend to be affected more than girls, and croup is most common during …
What are the symptoms of shingles and what is the connection to chickenpox?
Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is an infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella). Once someone has recovered from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and then can reactivate later in life and present as shingles because of decreased immunity – either …
What is the difference between Weather-Health Alerts and Severe Weather Warnings?
UKHSA's Weather-Health Alerts (WHAs) are separate from the Met Office's National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) - and understanding the difference matters.
What are the symptoms of adenovirus and how does it spread?
Adenovirus might not be a household name like flu or the common cold, but it's one of the most common causes of viral infections. Most people will have had at least one adenovirus infection before they turn 10, and because …
Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule from January 2026
The NHS childhood vaccination schedule has recently been updated to help give children even better protection against diseases. Changes include protecting children against some diseases earlier and adding vaccines that protect against more diseases.