Measles, mumps, and chickenpox can all cause encephalitis, an uncommon but serious swelling of the brain.
The MMRV vaccine protects you against all-3 of these viruses, as well as rubella. 🔴🧠
Getting vaccinated when you’re pregnant helps protect you and your baby from illnesses, including whooping cough & RSV.
Visit the NHS website to learn more.✨
🔗 http://nhs.uk/pregnancyvaccinations
Got a bad belly? 🤢🦠
Stomach bugs are one of the most common health complaints in the UK, with lots of possible causes. So whether it’s viral, bacterial, or even parasitic, our blog post is here to help.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/06/stomach-bugs-a-brief-guide-to-their-causes-and-treatment/
R to @UKHSA: ℹ️ This strain is not linked to the recent outbreak in Kent
📰🔗 Find out the latest information in our blog post:
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/17/meningitis-cases-in-dorset-what-you-need-to-know/
🆕 You might have seen news stories reporting 3 confirmed cases of meningitis (MenB) in Dorset.
💊 All have received treatment and are recovering well. Close contacts of the cases have already been offered antibiotics as a precaution.
🦠⌛ If you’ve had chickenpox, you can develop shingles as you get older. If you or someone you know is 65 or over, read our blog post to help stay protected against this painful condition.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/20/what-are-the-symptoms-of-shingles-and-what-is-the-connection-to-chickenpox/
Ticks live in long grass and woodland. Don’t forget to check for ticks after your walk.
Find out more in our blog post:
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/21/what-is-lyme-disease-and-why-do-we-need-to-be-tick-aware/
Getting vaccinated while you’re pregnant helps protect you and your baby from illnesses, including whooping cough & RSV. 💛👶
🔗 http://nhs.uk/PregnancyVaccinations
Although shigella may be unfamiliar to many, cases of this severe stomach bug are on the rise. 📈🧫
In our blog, we explain how the bacteria responsible for severe diarrhoea & stomach cramps is passed on, and what you can do to help prevent infections.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/26/what-is-shigella-how-do-you-catch-it-and-how-can-it-be-avoided
We're shining new light onto pollen research... with lasers! 🌸🔦
In this blog, we explore how our scientists are using innovative tools like lasers & AI to help understand pollen levels & enable you to manage the effects of hay fever more effectively.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/09/11/how-cutting-edge-ai-technology-could-hold-the-key-to-forecasting-the-pollen-count/
Scarlet fever is common in young children and is usually mild, but it’s important to get it treated so it doesn’t become something more serious. If you spot the symptoms, contact your GP practice.
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
For more information on measles and how to protect yourself and your little ones, read our blog post.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/05/what-are-the-symptoms-of-measles-and-how-can-i-best-protect-my-child/
Whooping cough can start like a cold. The 'whoop' is distinctive, although some babies and adults don't make the classic sound.
Play our video to hear it and learn the signs, symptoms, and treatment on our blog post. 🔊👂
https://bit.ly/4dpjs3h
Vaginal oestrogen may ease symptoms associated with the menopause, such as dryness, irritation and discomfort during sex while also cutting down frequent UTIs. 💧✨
🔗 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng112/informationforpublic
Getting vaccinated when you’re pregnant helps protect you and your baby from illnesses, including whooping cough & RSV. Visit the NHS website to learn more. 🌻✨
🔗 http://nhs.uk/PregnancyVaccinations
From 7am today and continuing into next week, some NHS services will be affected due to strike action.
Here’s what you need to know about accessing NHS care during this time ⬇️
Heading to a farm this Easter weekend? Our blog post has all the top tips to help you stay healthy on your visit and leave you with only happy memories of your new farmyard friends. 🐑🐣
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/02/how-to-stay-safe-from-infections-carried-by-animals-when-visiting-a-farm/
R to @UKHSA: 💉🔍 Get protected through your GP surgery, in care homes, or at some community pharmacies.
R to @UKHSA: 🔗📰 Read the full news story from NHS England:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/04/millions-of-older-people-to-get-vaccine-against-serious-lung-infection/
🆕 All adults aged 75+ including over 80s and people living in a care home for older adults, are now eligible for the RSV vaccine, following the expansion of the programme to around 3 million more people.
Getting vaccinated when you’re pregnant helps protect you and your baby from illnesses, including whooping cough & RSV. Visit the NHS website to learn more.
✨🔗 http://nhs.uk/pregnancyvaccinations
Planning a trip into the wilderness? Don’t forget the essentials…
Good walking shoes? ✅
Plenty of water? ✅
Knowing which creepy-crawly to be aware of? That’s a tick too… 🕷️
Find out more in our blog post:
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/21/what-is-lyme-disease-and-why-do-we-need-to-be-tick-aware/
#Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications. 🦠
It’s easily preventable with the #MMRV vaccine. Check that you and your loved ones are up to date and catch up on any missed doses. ❤️
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/17/what-is-the-mmrv-vaccine-and-is-my-child-eligible/
Vaccines protect your child from measles, meningitis and other serious illnesses. 🧒
Check if your child has missed vaccinations: look in their red book or speak to your GP practice.
🔗 http://nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
A blotchy, sometimes raised, rash is one of the signs of measles. It’s not usually itchy, and it can look different on different skin tones. 🧒🏼🔴🧒🏾
If you think you or your child has measles, contact your GP practice urgently or call NHS 111. 📞
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Cases are rising, so it’s important to know the symptoms & how to protect yourself. Our latest blog post explains how Shigella spreads and who's at risk ✈️🧼
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/26/what-is-shigella-how-do-you-catch-it-and-how-can-it-be-avoided/
R to @UKHSA: ✈️ Traveling abroad? Simple steps such as using a DEET based insect repellent, covering-up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can greatly reduce the risk. (2/2)
🧳 For the latest advice on your destination, visit http://TravelHealthPro.org
🦟📰 Our latest data shows that in returning travellers, chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness that can cause severe joint and muscle pain, rose 43% in 2025 compared to 2024. (1/2)
🔗 Find the full news story here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/travellers-reminded-to-protect-themselves-against-mosquito-bites
We're continuing to investigate the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
For practical information about MenB, including details on signs and symptoms, and who is eligible for antibiotics and vaccination, read our blog post:
ℹ️🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
R to @UKHSA: 📰🔗 Read the full news story:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
🆕 Latest on the meningitis outbreak in Kent: We’ve worked with academic experts to produce a new technical briefing. Early evidence and preliminary analyses provide strong reassurance that existing vaccinations and antibiotic treatments remain effective against this MenB strain.
R to @UKHSA: Find the latest information in our news story:
📰🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
R to @UKHSA: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18…
We continue to investigate the meningitis outbreak in Kent. No new cases have been confirmed since yesterday’s update. For more practical information about MenB, including details on signs and symptoms, and who is eligible for antibiotics and vaccination, read our blog post. ⬇️🔗
It's been one week since the first meningitis B case was confirmed in Kent.
Thank you to everyone involved in dealing with the outbreak.
Anyone with symptoms should call NHS 111 or in an emergency, phone 999.
Read: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
Our latest blog post explains who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and why vaccination is being offered alongside preventative antibiotics in response to the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/20/who-is-eligible-for-the-menb-vaccine-and-do-i-need-it-myself/
R to @UKHSA: ⌛ It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose to give you a good level of protection.
📉 It has significantly reduced MenB disease since its introduction in 2015.
🌡️ Most side effects are mild, like sore arm and a slight fever.
R to @UKHSA: Find out more in our blog post. 🔽🔗
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/
Our Consultant Epidemiologist, Dr Vanessa Saliba, shares why we're rolling out the MenB vaccine when teenagers receive a vaccine that protects them against meningitis.
R to @UKHSA: Here are some more facts on the MenB vaccine:
🛡️The MenB vaccine teaches your immune system how to fight the MenB bacteria.
📅 You will need 2 doses of the vaccine for protection. The 2nd dose can be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but can be given later.