How we protect the UK from vector-borne diseases like dengue and West Nile virus
As West Nile virus is detected in mosquitoes collected in the UK for the first time, we take a look at how UKHSA is protecting the UK from vector-borne diseases
How Heat-Health Alerts contribute to keeping the vulnerable safe this summer
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.
Is hay fever season starting earlier in the UK, with the pollen count rising?
Hay fever is already common during the spring and summer months, but our changing climate could see some symptoms starting earlier in the year for allergy sufferers across the UK. Recent studies suggest that some types of pollen and other …
How does climate change threaten our health? From flooding to wildfires
The Health Effects of Climate Change report summarises the latest science on health threats from climate change in the UK. Since the last report in 2012, both the evidence and the risks have greatly escalated. Read 11 key takeaways in our latest post.
How to improve air quality in your home while making it more energy efficient
Climate change is a growing threat, and our homes contribute significantly to the problem through energy use and emissions. However, as we make our homes more energy-efficient, we need to ensure they remain healthy environments. On average in the UK, …
How Weather-Health Alerts differ from the National Severe Weather Warning Service
During both the summer and winter seasons, UKHSA and the Met Office monitor weather forecasts to help health and social care professionals, responders, the voluntary sector and the public cope with adverse weather. Where episodes of particularly hot or cold …
Four ways our changing climate could damage your health
Climate change has been a looming threat to our health for years and governments, doctors and scientists have each tried to predict what the future may hold. Here in the UK the health threats posed by climate change are not …
Our Health in a Changing Climate: The future is bright if the future is sustainable
Health organisations and health professionals are notoriously focussed on the here and now. That's highly understandable when historically we have most often been called on to meet urgent and important demands. However, despite the world changing more rapidly than ever …