PublicHealthMatters 
Swimming is a great form of exercise we can all enjoy, and there are hundreds of beautiful wild swimming sites across the UK to explore. This blog post has essential tips and advice if you’re thinking of dipping your feet in the cool water of Britain’s beaches, lakes and rivers. Read our tips on reducing … Read more
As we move into autumn, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the autumn, previously known as the ‘Autumn Booster’. Current vaccines provide good protection against severe disease … Read more
The sun is shining and most of us will be happy to see the arrival of warmer and drier weather after the wet and cool summer we have had so far. 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 … Read more
Tiger mosquito sitting on the table of an outdoor café (image generated by AI) 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 small … Read more
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. RSV can also be severe in older … Read more
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and airways. The whooping cough vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK, and from 2012 pregnant women have been able to get vaccinated against whooping cough which helps to protect babies in … Read more
Dr Shreya Singhal is a junior doctor working in West London, as well as being a keen backpacker. She has worked in Infectious Diseases and General Practice and shares her top tips for people looking to travel this summer. With lots of people preparing for their holidays, I’ve written this blog post as a handy guide … Read more
Doug Jenkinson was a Midlands GP for 37 years, during which time he made a special study of whooping cough and documented over 700 cases. The thing about whooping cough is that anyone can diagnose it once they have heard the typical cough. The ‘whooping’ noise happens right at the end of a choking cough … Read more
Cryptosporidium parvum protozoa positive (red sphere shape) in human poo 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 spread and contaminate water … Read more
Credit: Catherine Hughes Cases of whooping cough have been rising across England, increasing from 556 cases in January, 918 in February to 1,319 cases confirmed in March – bringing the total number of cases in 2024 to 2,793. Sadly, between January – March 2024, there have been five infant deaths. The whooping cough vaccine provides … Read more