Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by mosquito bites, known for causing fever and severe joint pain. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a total of 73 travel-associated cases of chikungunya were reported in England in the first six months of 2025—more than double the 27 cases in
Managing diabetes and excess weight often goes hand in hand. In the UK, more than 5.8 million people are living with diabetes — and nearly 1.3 million are thought to be undiagnosed. Many of these cases involve type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity and metabolic imbalance. This
Earache is a common complaint in the UK, but not every earache signals an infection. In fact, acute ear infections account for over half a million primary care visits annually in England. While many cases resolve on their own, persistent or severe ear pain can point to more serious conditions.
Each year, more than 900 dengue cases are reported in returning travellers to the UK alone — the highest number since surveillance began in 2009. This rising trend highlights how globally mobile we are, and how mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya are now a greater concern than ever. Though
Shingles is more common than many people realise. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), around 790 to 880 cases occur each year per 100,000 people aged 70 to 79 in England and Wales. While most people recover fully, the pain from a shingles rash can persist in some,
The HPV vaccine has dramatically changed how we prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. In England alone, around 76.7% of Year 10 girls had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine in the 2023-2024 academic year. Yet many adults still wonder if it’s too late to benefit.
If you’ve ever felt a sudden ache or blocked sensation in your ear, earwax build-up could be the reason. It’s a common issue — an estimated 2.3 million people in the UK need professional earwax removal each year, according to RNID. When earwax doesn’t clear on its own, it can
Meningitis is a serious infection affecting the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. In the UK, there were 396 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in 2022-23 — including 33 deaths — underscoring that this condition remains a critical public health concern. What makes meningitis especially dangerous is
A sore throat is one of the most common complaints in primary care settings. According to research from the UK Health Security Agency, only about one in ten people with a sore throat seek medical consultation—but among those who do, over half receive an antibiotic prescription even though many sore
The chickenpox vaccine, also called the varicella vaccine or chickenpox jab, has become a key tool in preventing varicella infection. Over 90% of people over the age of 15 in England and Wales are already immune to chickenpox (seropositive for varicella-zoster immunoglobulin G). Yet despite widespread natural immunity, serious cases
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