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How Heat-Health Alerts contribute to keeping the vulnerable safe this summer

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Health in a changing climate
Two deckchairs by a lake in a park

This week’s higher temperatures have triggered a yellow Heat-Health Alert, issued for England by the Met Office and UKHSA. While some may question the necessity of such warnings, it's crucial to understand the significant health implications that accompany changes in temperature. In this blog we look at the importance of taking action to protect the most vulnerable in periods of hot weather, even when yellow alerts are issued.

How you can help us resist the tiger mosquito’s conquest of Europe

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Zoonoses

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and the climate changes, the UK faces challenges that we might associate with more exotic destinations. One such challenge is the potential introduction of invasive mosquito species, particularly the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). This …

What is RSV and is there a vaccine?

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: immunisations

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is common over the winter period, typically November to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK annually, and for 20 to 30 infant deaths. In this post, we look at the symptoms, risk factors and who is eligible for the vaccine.

What is cryptosporidium, and how can you avoid it in the water or on the farm?

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Health Protection
Cryptosporidium parvum protozoa positive (red sphere shape) in human stool smear

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause an unpleasant – and sometimes dangerous – illness called cryptosporidiosis. This nasty bug lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out in their poo. It can then …