Author: swfhealthsocial

As we release data showing a significant rise in travel-related infections like dengue and malaria, we speak to Colin Johnston, Senior Medical Entomologist at UKHSA, about his team’s work on invasive mosquito surveillance. Read on to find out how we are monitoring our borders for disease-carrying insects. Can you explain what you do? I am … Continue reading How we monitor invasive mosquitoes and stop them spreading in the UK

Avian influenza (bird flu) is an infectious disease that affects birds, caused by the influenza A virus. Birds are the hosts for a variety of influenza virus subtypes, particularly waterfowl and shore birds. All birds are susceptible to avian influenza and the virus can rapidly cause significant mortality in flocks but some species of bird show … Continue reading What is bird flu and how are we protecting people against it in the UK?

Unsure where to seek help? Here’s your guide to getting the right care when you need it. If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible. You may not need to call your GP practice or go to A&E. … Continue reading Find the right care this winter – where to go and when

Data for the current 2024/2025 season in England shows that norovirus laboratory reports are notably higher than the 5-season average. Norovirus cases typically increase through autumn and into winter, but this year cases have risen earlier than usual and are expected to continue to increase. This rise comes alongside a shift in circulating common norovirus genotypes. Data indicating … Continue reading Why is norovirus reporting in England so high at the moment?

New ‘how-to guide’ for future rapid vaccine development The process map will help researchers use lessons learned from COVID-19 to speed up new vaccine development and respond to epidemics and pandemics. Content originally from UK Research and Innovation

To read the latest newsletter which includes: Southend CDC Southend Emergency DepartmentNational Award for hospital wardBaby Charter Gold AccreditationNursing Cadets Please click here Content originally from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Winter can bring with it a strange mix of emotions. For some of us, winter is a time of joy, with crisp mornings and the excitement of the festive season. Yet for others, the shorter darker days mean we don’t go out as much and the holidays bring a sense of loneliness.  But there are things … Continue reading Look after your mental health this winter

Thanks to the new owners for producing monthly Focus Issues. Our challenge is to keep readers without online access suitably informed. Do we cover what’s happened in the last month, what’s happening now and/or guess what will happen before our next article? Please do tell us what you want from us! Do comment on anything … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

Content originally from NHS Mid and South Essex As part of our ongoing efforts to support your child's overall wellbeing, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of oral health. Good oral hygiene habits established in childhood can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here are five top tips … Continue reading Keep your child’s smile healthy: Tips for good oral care

Norovirus cases on the rise Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks, with total norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 41 to 42 of 2024 more than double the 5-season average for the same 2-week period. UKHSA is reminding the public there are some simple steps you can take to avoid spreading the infection: Stay … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group