Latest news with #UKHSA
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Scotsman
How to avoid catching Covid or the flu when flying this summer
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Covid doesn't take a summer holiday 🤧 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of Covid are on the rise across the UK, according to the latest data. Despite it being summer, illnesses such as Covid and the flu are still around. The last thing you want is to find yourself falling ill when you go on holiday. We've shared four top tips on how to avoid getting sick on the plane. With so many of us preparing to jet off on our summer holidays, the last thing you'd want is to come down with something. Despite the warmer weather, illnesses such as the flu and Covid are still circulating, with the latest data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) finding that Covid cases have increased by 8.3% up to the week of July 16. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The NHS has advised that if you test positive for Covid you should avoid people for five days. Some people may confuse their symptoms for hay fever, or not test, meaning that if they get on airplane, there is a risk they could pass it onto fellow passengers. Here is everything you need to know about how to avoid catching Covid or the flu on a plane this summer. The last thing anyone wants on holiday is to be feeling under the weather. | Pexels, ClickerHappy How to avoid catching Covid or the flu on a plane Going on your summer holiday is something you wait all year for, with many us opting to fly abroad. However, despite the warmer weather, cases of Covid are still on the rise and the last thing you'd want is to find yourself feeling under the weather. Here are four ways to avoid getting ill while flying: Hand washing Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Washing your hands is the single most effective thing you can to protect yourself from becoming unwell. It's important to wash your hands often throughout your journey and after going to the bathroom with warm, soapy water. You can also use anti-bacterial hand gels, but be mindful that they are not effective against norovirus. Wipe down surfaces As well as making sure your hands are clean, another good option to ensure your seat area on the plane is sterilised, is to wipe down any surfaces you may come into contact with anti-bacterial hand wipes. Things such as your armrest, tray table and window blind - they'll also come in handy for the airplane bathroom. Choose your seat wisely A study in 2018, found that sitting in a window seat gave you a lower chance of catching an infection, as these seats are the furthest from the aisle. The study, carried out by scientists at Emory University found that window seats are the most sterile, with a 0-1% chance of infection, compared to aisle and middle seats at 4 to 5%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is because window seat passengers are less likely to get up and are also around fewer people. Use the overhead fans Using the overhead fans can help to filter the air around you. Planes use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which capture airborne viruses. As an additional precaution, especially if there's someone beside you coughing, you could also opt to wear a face mask. 🧪 Boots COVID-19 Test Kits While free testing is no longer widely available, Boots continues to offer a range of COVID-19 lateral flow kits for home use, with results in under 30 minutes. They're available individually or in multipacks, with options for general use, travel, or workplace settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Can you fly if you're sick? It's not recommended to fly if you are unwell or not fit to. Not only could this potentially cause a medical emergency if you take ill during the flight or if you have the flu or Covid then you risk potentially infecting your fellow passengers. There is also a risk of pressure-related injuries if you travel with the common cold or a respiratory virus. Finnair's Medical Director Kimmo Ketola explained: 'Common cold during air travel is associated with the risk of pressure-related injuries in the middle ear and nasal sinuses. 'At its mildest, ear pressure injury can cause a feeling of ear blockage or mild pain, whereas at its most severe, it can lead to intense pain, dizziness, and even inner ear damage. Pressure injuries in the nasal sinuses can cause severe pain in the forehead, eye area, and cheeks, as well as various mucosal injuries.' Are you planning on travelling abroad with your weight loss medications? We've written this helpful piece on how to travel with weight loss drugs and the legal rules to follow.
Scotsman
11 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
How to avoid catching Covid or the flu when flying this summer
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Covid doesn't take a summer holiday 🤧 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of Covid are on the rise across the UK, according to latest data. Despite it being summer, illnesses such as Covid and the flu are still around. The last thing you want is to find yourself falling ill when you go on holiday. We've shared four top tips on how to avoid getting sick on the plane. With so many of us preparing to jet off on our summer holidays, the last thing you'd want is to come down with something. Despite the warmer weather, illnesses such as the flu and Covid and still circulating, with the latest data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) finding that Covid cases have increased by 8.3% up to the week of July 16. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whilst, it is advised by the NHS that if you test positive for Covid you should avoid people for five days, some people may confuse their symptoms for hay fever, or not test, meaning that if they get on airplane there is a risk they could pass it onto fellow passengers. Here is everything you need to know about how to avoid catching Covid or the flu on a plane this summer. The last thing anyone wants on holiday is to be feeling under the weather. | Pexels, ClickerHappy How to avoid catching Covid or the flu on a plane Going on your summer holiday is something you wait all year for, with many us opting to fly abroad. However, despite the warmer weather, cases of Covid are still on the rise and the last thing you'd want is to find yourself feeling under the weather. Here are four ways to avoid getting ill while flying: Hand washing Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Washing your hands is the single most effective thing you can to protect yourself from becoming unwell. It's important to wash your hands often throughout your journey and after going to the bathroom with warm, soapy water. You can also use anti-bacterial hand gels, but be mindful that they are not effective against norovirus. Wipe down surfaces As well as making sure your hands are clean, another good option to ensure your seat area on the plane is sterilised, is to wipe down any surfaces you may come into contact with anti-bacterial hand wipes. Things such as your arm rest, tray table, window blind - they'll also come in handy for the airplane bathroom. Choose your seat wisely A study in 2018, found that sitting in a window seat gave you a lower chance of catching an infection, as these seats are the furthest from the aisle. The study, carried out by scientists at Emory University found that window seats are the most sterile, with a 0-1% chance of infection, compared to aisle and middle seats at 4 to 5%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is because window seat passengers are less likely to get up and are also around fewer people. Use the overhead fans Using the overhead fans can help to filter the air around you, planes use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which capture airborne viruses. As an additional precaution, especially if there's someone beside you coughing, you could also opt to wear a face mask. 🧪 Boots COVID-19 Test Kits While free testing is no longer widely available, Boots continues to offer a range of COVID-19 lateral flow kits for home use, with results in under 30 minutes. They're available individually or in multipacks, with options for general use, travel, or workplace settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Can you fly if you're sick? It's not recommended to fly if you are unwell or not fit to. Not only could this potentially cause a medical emergency if you take ill during the flight or if you have the flu or Covid then you risk potentially infecting your fellow passengers. There is also a risk of pressure-related injuries if you travel with the common cold or a respiratory virus. Finnair's Medical Director Kimmo Ketola explained: 'Common cold during air travel is associated with the risk of pressure-related injuries in the middle ear and nasal sinuses. 'At its mildest, ear pressure injury can cause a feeling of ear blockage or mild pain, whereas at its most severe, it can lead to intense pain, dizziness, and even inner ear damage. Pressure injuries in the nasal sinuses can cause severe pain in the forehead, eye area, and cheeks, as well as various mucosal injuries.'
Scotsman
12 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is botulism? The symptoms you need to look out for after warning issued
It can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism detected in the North East of England. The botulism cases happened after patients underwent cosmetic procedures involving the suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. People who have had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin are being warned by the UKHSA to look out for the symptoms of botulism, after a series of cases have been reported. Detected in the North East, they relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and East Midlands. The poisoning occured after suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products in cosmetic procedures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism between June 4 and July 14. As yet there are no known links between the newly diagnosed cases and those in the North East. Investigations behind the infections are being carried out, with evidence suggesting they have been caused by the use of an unlicensed product. Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director secondary care at NHS England, said: 'When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments. 'If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A number of cases of botulism have occurred after people had cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. |What is botulism? Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition that is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The NHS explain that these toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis. What are the symptoms of botulism? Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, explained it can take up to four weeks for the symptoms of botulism to develop. Dr Godbole said: 'If you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.' How do you know if someone is qualified to carry out injections? Botulinum toxin injections are prescription-only medications that can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a nurse. The person who prescribes the treatment must make sure that the person giving you the injections is trained and safe to do so. Questions you can ask include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad who the prescriber is who'll be giving the actual treatment what training and experience they have what the insurance arrangements are The NHS have outlined more information on what steps you can take when finding a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure. You can also check if those who are offering the cosmetic procedures are on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). You can find out more about cosmetic procedures, what to consider and how to choose a provider at
Daily Record
15 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
UKHSA issues warning over deadly disease 'without symptoms'
The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to undergo a test for a potentially deadly disease - but you may not even know you have it The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on the public to get screened for a potentially fatal illness. The UKHSA works to prevent, prepare for and tackle infectious diseases and environmental threats to safeguard the nation's wellbeing. The agency has issued an alert regarding Hepatitis C, a virus typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with someone who is infected. Across Britain, it is predominantly passed on via shared needles amongst drug users. Beyond UK borders, substandard medical practices are generally the culprit. Worldwide, roughly 50 million individuals are living with chronic hepatitis C, while around 1 million fresh cases emerge annually. During 2022, hepatitis C was responsible for approximately 242,000 fatalities, chiefly due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Thankfully, figures have plummeted considerably across the UK in recent times. From 2015 to 2023, chronic hepatitis C cases amongst England's general population dropped dramatically by 56.7 per cent, reports Surrey Live. Enhanced treatment availability has also resulted in a minimal hepatitis C-related death rate of 0.41 per 100,000 people. Expanded testing programmes are believed to have contributed to this decline, prompting the UKHSA to encourage screening for those meeting specific criteria. The UKHSA stated: "Have you had a blood transfusion before 1996? Blood transfusions before 1992 and blood products before 1986 in the UK were not routinely tested for hepatitis C. "Have you ever shared a needle or other equipment for injecting drugs? Have you ever had medical, dental, or cosmetic treatment at home or abroad in unsterile conditions? Have you ever had condomless sex, or shared a razor or toothbrush with someone who might have hepatitis C? "Have you had a household contact, close family member, or sexual partner with hepatitis C? Were you born in a counter where hepatitis C is more common? This includes countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia? "If you've answered yes to any of these questions, there may be a chance you have come into contact with hepatitis C. Speak to your GP about getting tested." Hepatitis C - the facts The NHS explains that hepatitis C stems from the hepatitis C virus. It frequently presents with minimal or no obvious symptoms, or merely flu-like signs, meaning countless individuals remain oblivious to their infection. Certain people will successfully combat the infection and eliminate the virus from their system. However, in other instances, it remains dormant in the body for numerous years. This condition is termed chronic hepatitis C and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Chronic hepatitis C responds well to highly effective antiviral treatments, though no preventative vaccine currently exists. Without proper treatment, it can trigger severe symptoms and potentially fatal liver damage. The UKHSA is striving to meet the World Health Organisation's goal of eradicating hepatitis C by 20230. It's estimated that around 92,900 individuals in the UK are living with chronic hepatitis C infection, marking a significant 47 per cent reduction since 2015.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UKHSA urges Brits to 'get tested' for deadly disease with 'no noticeable symptoms'
The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to undergo a test for a potentially deadly disease The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is sounding the alarm for individuals to get tested for a potentially fatal illness. Tasked with safeguarding the nation against infectious diseases and environmental threats, the UKHSA plays a pivotal role in protecting public health across the UK. The agency has issued a stark warning regarding Hepatitis C, a virus typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with someone who is infected. In the UK, sharing needles for drug injection is the most common mode of transmission. Internationally, substandard healthcare practices are often the culprit. An estimated 50 million people globally are living with chronic hepatitis C, with about 1 million new cases each year. In 2022, hepatitis C was responsible for roughly 242,000 deaths, mainly due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C has seen a significant decline in the UK. From 2015 to 2023, the number of chronic hepatitis C cases in England plummeted by 56.7 per cent among the general population, reports Surrey Live. This decrease can be attributed to better access to treatment, resulting in a low hepatitis C virus-related death rate of 0.41 per 100,000 people. The fall in numbers is also believed to be due to increased testing, prompting the UKHSA to encourage testing under certain circumstances. The UKHSA stated: "Have you had a blood transfusion before 1996? Blood transfusions before 1992 and blood products before 1986 in the UK were not routinely tested for hepatitis C. "Have you ever shared a needle or other equipment for injecting drugs? Have you ever had medical, dental, or cosmetic treatment at home or abroad in unsterile conditions? Have you ever had condomless sex, or shared a razor or toothbrush with someone who might have hepatitis C? "Have you had a household contact, close family member, or sexual partner with hepatitis C? Were you born in a counter where hepatitis C is more common? This includes countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia? "If you've answered yes to any of these questions, there may be a chance you have come into contact with hepatitis C. Speak to your GP about getting tested." Hepatitis C - the facts The hepatitis C virus triggers this condition, according to the NHS. It frequently produces no obvious symptoms, or just flu-like signs, meaning countless individuals remain oblivious to their infection. Certain people will successfully combat the infection and eliminate the virus from their system. In alternative scenarios, it will remain within the body for numerous years. This is referred to as chronic hepatitis C and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Chronic hepatitis C can be addressed using highly effective antiviral medications, though no vaccine is presently available. Without treatment, it may trigger severe symptoms and potentially fatal liver damage. The UKHSA is striving to meet the World Health Organisation's goal of eradicating hepatitis C by 20230. It's estimated that around 92,900 individuals in the UK are living with chronic hepatitis C infection, marking a 47 per cent reduction since 2015.
