Latest news with #NHSInform


Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK health agency issues update to anyone with summer holiday booked
The government agency has created an informative video with essential tips for travellers With summer now here, countless Brits are flying abroad for some much-needed holiday time. But before jetting off, it's crucial to stay up to date with the latest health and safety advice. Dr Anjali Pai from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has taken the lead in this effort, creating an informative video with essential tips for travellers. As you eagerly await your summer trip abroad, Dr Pai emphasised that well-being remains important and should not be overlooked. "My name is Anjali Pai, and I am one of the consultants in health protection and one of the border health leads of the UK Health Security Agency," she said in a post shared to X. "Before we go on holiday, there are some things we can all do to reduce the risk of us becoming unwell. "First of all, you can check the Travel Health Pro website, which has got really good information on travelling and things to do before we travel. There are also government advisory websites on travel to other countries, if there are any health risks to be concerned with." Bearing this in mind, Dr Pai also outlined the importance of vaccinations in dodging illnesses both at home and abroad. Some countries mandate proof of vaccinations, such as yellow fever certificates, for entry. Dr Pai contiinued: "Things like hepatitis A and typhoid can be easily prevented by a vaccine." Another key recommendation from Dr Pai is to maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. "A simple thing is hand hygiene," Dr Pai said. "So, just washing your hands for 30 seconds with warm water and soap before you eat, after you go to the toilet, is a really simple measure that can prevent the spread of many infections. "Good respiratory hygiene, and by this, it's just about coughing and sneezing into a tissue, disposing of it sensibly and washing your hands afterwards. "There are also other things, such as preventing yourself from getting mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito sprays and mosquito nets. "And finally, safe sexual health is something we should all be practising when we are abroad by using condoms." Seek medical attention if you feel unwell after returning to the UK, regardless of prior visits or residence. Further guidance from NHS Inform states: "You should seek medical help even if it's up to one month after you've been travelling. "Always make sure you tell the health professional that you've recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Country singer taking a break after 'very difficult' time
Country music singer Lisa McHugh has been diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) after a "very difficult couple of weeks in hospital". Posting on social media on Tuesday, the 36 year old said that after "multiple CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, blood tests, lumbar punctures and every kind of test you could imagine" she was diagnosed with the condition. FND is a condition that affects the way the brain and nervous system work. The County Fermanagh-based mum of two said she is taking time off to "concentrate on recovering fully". She said that she was also diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia earlier in the year. Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It is often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums, according to the NHS. "The specific cause for FND is unknown but one of the main triggers is stress, trauma and anxiety," McHugh said. "And while there is no cure, it is treatable providing you adapt your life as much as possible to manage it. "I guess the stress and trauma of this last year and everything we've went through has finally caught up with me and my body and it's now decided to make me physically stop, process and heal from everything properly." Earlier this year, McHugh told BBC News NI her baby daughter spent 10 "horrendous" days in hospital after contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Speaking of her own recovery, McHugh said: "I've a good bit to go on the healing front, going from walking into hospital with a very bad headache and severe facial pain, to losing function in both legs and then trying to walk again using a zimmer frame." She said that she needs to "drastically adapt things" to "reduce the severity of the symptoms in any future flare ups". McHugh also thanked the staff at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) for the "care and first class treatment" she received. "With all of that said, I'm going to sign off and take time out from everything for a while to concentrate on recovering fully," she said. "In the meantime, I'd really appreciate all of your prayers and I'll soak up this time with my beautiful family and be grateful for every day. "Sending you all lots of love, I'll be back soon." What is functional neurological disorder (FND)? Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a condition that affects the way the brain and nervous system work. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms, sensory issues and cognitive problems. Treatment can vary. Some people may experience short-lived symptoms, while other can have them for many years. Most treatment options come in the form of rehabilitation therapy, according to NHS Inform. This can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological therapy. More on this story Singer 'helpless' after baby girl contracted RSV virus Solve the daily Crossword


Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots urged to get vaccinated as measles cases rise amid global outbreak
Health chiefs are urging Scots to get fully vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise, with 27 confirmed infections already recorded in Scotland this year. Scots are being urged to take up vaccinations for measles as confirmed cases continue to rise across the country. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has said that 27 cases of measles have been laboratory-confirmed in Scotland so far in 2025, amid a worrying increase in outbreaks across the UK and globally. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) . It can affect people of all ages who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated. It comes after a child died from the disease this weekend at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where there has been an outbreak in the area. The MMR vaccine—protecting against measles, mumps and rubella—remains the best defence, with health chiefs stressing the importance of having two doses to be fully protected. The first dose of MMR is normally given to children aged 12 to 13 months, with a second dose offered at 3 years and 4 months. However, those who missed either jab at the recommended time can still get vaccinated at any age. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, warned that a steady drop in uptake over the past decade could fuel further outbreaks. He said: "Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people. We've seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low. 'That's why we're encouraging anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Healthcare workers are also being reminded that they should have had both doses of the MMR vaccine, and are advised to contact their employer or occupational health team if unsure of their status.


STV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Measles cases rising in Scotland amid global outbreak
Public health experts in Scotland say cases of measles are on the rise amid a global outbreak. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. As of July 9, there have been 27 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025. Measles can be very serious, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. It comes amid a global rise in cases, including in England, where outbreaks continue. In recent days, a child died at a hospital in Liverpool having contracted measles. Cases of Measles are on the rise across the world, so we encourage everyone to make sure you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, tells us more 🔽 — Public Health Scotland (@P_H_S_Official) July 14, 2025 Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles, say experts. The first dose is offered to children between 12 and 13 months, and the second dose is offered at three years and four months. If missed at these times, it can be given at any age. Uptake of MMR has declined across the UK in recent years, and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak with their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at PHS, said: 'Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people. 'We've seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade, which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low. 'That's why we're encouraging anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Glasgow residents warned as 'serious disease on the rise'
Glasgow residents have been warned that a 'serious' disease is 'on the rise'. Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership revealed cases of measles are increasing. In a post on X, the partnership urged Glaswegians to check they've had two doses of the MMR vaccine before travelling outside Scotland this summer. According to NHS Inform, cases of measles are continuing to rise in the UK and Europe, and Public Health Scotland is working with health boards across the country to monitor the number of cases. READ MORE: ScotRail warning ahead of 'highly anticipated' Glasgow concert READ MORE: Woman appears in court charged with murder after man's death in Glasgow Measles is one of the most infectious diseases. The NHS claim it can lead to 'serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people'. The disease is spread when an infected person breathes; however, it can be prevented by getting vaccinated. Cases of measles are on the rise. It's important to check you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine before travelling outside Scotland this summer. For more information on how to check you're fully protected, visit — Glasgow City HSCP (@GCHSCP) July 3, 2025 A spokesperson for Glasgow City Health & Social Care Partnership said: "Cases of measles are on the rise. "It's important to check you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine before travelling outside Scotland this summer." A spokesperson for NHS Inform added: "NHS Scotland offers 2 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to children at around 12 to 13 months, and 3 years 4 months. If it's missed at these times, it can be given at any age. "The MMR vaccine is over 95% effective in protecting people against measles."