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BBC News - Health

What is chickenpox and how can I get my child vaccinated?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:51:59 GMT

The NHS in England and Wales will start offering the MMRV vaccine to young children from January 2026.

What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:58:09 GMT

Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.

The teenage caffeine pouch trend troubling US experts

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:06:06 GMT

Some social media influencers are pushing products to young gym-goers and students, health experts warn.

The Covid Inquiry Podcast: 'I wasn't the decision maker'

Sat, 31 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The Inquiry hears from the lead of the test and trace unit

Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:36 GMT

Increasing numbers of young people are using the drug, experts say. The health impacts can be catastrophic.

Why are pollen levels making hay fever so bad this year?

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:17:40 GMT

As pollen levels rise, what are the best ways to treat hay fever symptoms, and other useful advice.

Families failed by Covid jabs tell inquiry of pain

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:39:40 GMT

They said there was no support after the death and harm suffered by their loved ones.

Mone accuses Covid inquiry of 'cover-up'

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:10:36 GMT

She says husband Doug Barrowman and her are targets of a "politically motivated witch hunt".

How many of us will end up being diagnosed with ADHD?

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:36:40 GMT

Experts suggest that the number of people with ADHD is actually going to remain steady.

Michelle Mone-linked PPE firm evidence to be heard in private

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:16 GMT

Covid inquiry says hearings into the firm, led by Michelle Mone's husband, must be held in closed session.

Johnson wanted tighter Covid rules, inquiry hears

Thu, 22 May 2025 19:11:38 GMT

In his diaries, Lord Vallance wrote that ex-PM thought rules were not ruthless enough.

Bindi Irwin says she was made to feel 'ashamed' of endometriosis pain

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:59:35 GMT

Her story has reignited conversations about the condition that affects about one in ten women.

Michael Gove denies trying to circumvent Dyson ventilator checks

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:29:20 GMT

Former cabinet minister says it would be ludicrous to suggest he tried to shortcut safety checks in the pandemic.

The junior doctors' strikes may be over. But is trouble ahead?

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 00:43:02 GMT

The end of the pay dispute sounded too good to be true. And now some are wondering if it might be.

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:47:15 GMT

How dangerous is UV radiation and how can you protect yourself when levels are high?

Sitting up straight isn't the only secret to good posture - here are three more tips

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:07:22 GMT

Here are Dr Xand's three suggestions on how to look after your back without turning into a statue.

Covid care home policy was 'least worst decision' - Hancock

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:27:58 GMT

Former health secretary Matt Hancock denied claims the government's attempt to throw a protective ring around care homes in early 2020 was empty rhetoric.

Hot weather: How to sleep in the heat

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:50:21 GMT

Simple tips to help you get a good night's sleep during hot weather.

Emma is doing something she swore she never would - buying her kids vapes

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 23:21:07 GMT

One month on from the disposable vape ban, one mum says it has had little impact on her children's nicotine consumption.

Why we need to talk about periods, breasts and injuries in women's sport

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 23:55:30 GMT

Understanding the pressure elite sport puts on women�s bodies is pushing athletes to new levels of excellence.

'My first cervical screening was over before I knew it'

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 01:06:51 GMT

The BBC speaks to six people about their first cervical screening, and what they wish they'd known beforehand.

Vaccine roll-outs cut deaths by 60% - study

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:50:54 GMT

The study looked at vaccines deployed during outbreaks of five deadly diseases.

Support network helped us to breastfeed, say mums

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 05:12:26 GMT

Two mums who struggled to breastfed their babies say a peer support group helped them.

Children to be offered chickenpox vaccine on NHS

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:18:31 GMT

All young children in England and Wales will be offered a free chickenpox vaccine by the NHS from January 2026.

Ketamine helped me escape my negative thoughts - then it nearly killed me

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:08:50 GMT

Young people are taking dangerous amounts of ket because it's cheap, easily available and helps them "disconnect", experts say.

Why did resident doctors strike and what are they paid?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:49:33 GMT

Resident doctors in England went on strike over pay for five days at the end of July 2025.

Babies made using three people's DNA are born free of hereditary disease

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:00:21 GMT

The method was pioneered by UK scientists to overcome devastating, often fatal inherited diseases.

Assisted dying bill: What is in proposed law?

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:30:26 GMT

The proposed law would allow some terminally ill adults to end their own lives. But there are requirements.

Large UK-wide pandemic preparedness tests planned this year

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:36:01 GMT

The stress test will involve thousands of people to help the UK prepare for potential future threats.

Gym with wellbeing focus welcomes lottery boost

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:37:30 GMT

The Soma Space offers combined strength training and psychotherapy, and prospective clients can be referred.

Expectant mothers encouraged to use vital service

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:44:29 GMT

Women across the East of England are now able to self-refer to local maternity services online.

NHS needs better plan around weight loss jabs, warn experts

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:27:18 GMT

Experts call for an urgent review of obesity treatment services amid booming demand for weight loss jabs.

Covid inquiry told of trust do-not-resuscitate rule

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:54:11 GMT

Patients' families were �horrified but not surprised� when told the blanket policy had been in place.

Inside Health

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Shingles vaccine to reduce dementia risk? Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea & tech trousers

Seven-week wait for some red flag cancer patients 'frustrating'

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:03:16 GMT

The target set by the Department of Health for patients red flagged for breast cancer to be assessed is 14 days.

Union and government to restart talks on ending doctor dispute

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:03:52 GMT

BMA says there is window of opportunity in coming weeks to reach a settlement after 12 strikes.

'Slimming jabs have changed the way we do things'

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 07:32:24 GMT

Angie Smith said she has asked brides if they are using slimming jabs after a trend emerged this year.

NHS hours from PPE running out in Covid - Hancock

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:58:34 GMT

Former health secretary tells inquiry some healthcare settings did run out - "and it was awful".

Hospital pays out after bacteria-linked deaths

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:19:32 GMT

Nine families receive compensation after the outbreak linked to a Cambridge-based hospital.

Warning issued over branded kids' magnesium gummies

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:25:06 GMT

An undeclared drug that can cause drowsiness and headaches has been found in Nutrition Ignition supplements.

Cash to isolate 'would have cut Covid deaths'

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:05:43 GMT

Baroness Dido Harding tells Covid inquiry Rishi Sunak blocked higher support payments.

A walk-in fishermen's clinic saved Tom from sepsis - and could transform the NHS

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 23:01:41 GMT

Tom Parker was treated in one of 70 harbour health clinics after breaking his fibula fishing at sea.

What should you look for when choosing sunscreen?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:48:03 GMT

What to look for when choosing sunscreen and how to apply it to get the maximum protection.

How close were hospitals to collapse in Covid?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:06:04 GMT

The Covid inquiry restarts its live hearings this week, after senior staff in the NHS revealed just how close some hospitals were to collapse

Covid inquiry hears of 'generational slaughter'

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:55:44 GMT

Relatives of care home residents tell the Covid inquiry they will never get over how their loved ones died.

Will Serena Williams's weight-loss admission help shed stigma of anti-obesity drugs?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:34:35 GMT

Could her comments instil a new sense of confidence in those using the drugs and quieten the critics?

Is the most expensive lip balm always the best?

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:38:36 GMT

Do you need to spend more to get the best for your chapped lips?

Alzheimer's has isolated us, says Fiona Phillips' husband

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 13:22:48 GMT

Martin Frizell has spoken of the social isolation faced by the couple since the former GMTV presenter was diagnosed.

Drinks that make you chill - do they really do what it says on the tin?

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 23:37:41 GMT

The wellness drinks industry is booming � but the big benefits they promise might be too good to be true.

South Africans fear spike in HIV infections as US aid cuts bite

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:06:57 GMT

South Africa has been at the forefront of the successful battle to halt the spread of HIV/Aids - until now.

Inside Health

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Cystic fibrosis care, AI in cancer screening & science of run clubs.

Doctors' union agrees to resume talks with Streeting

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:03:16 GMT

But the health secretary says he will not negotiate on pay, adding that the union has lost goodwill with their five-day walkout.

Patients struggle to get weight loss drug ahead of price rise

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:25:39 GMT

The drug's US manufacturer has asked UK distributors to stop taking orders from pharmacies until next month's price increase.

'Our sister died of cancer because of our mum's conspiracy theories'

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:05 GMT

Paloma Shemirani�s brothers say she refused chemotherapy because of their mother�s beliefs.

How to stay safe at festivals this summer

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 06:34:59 GMT

The UKHSA and Somerset Council have put together a list on how to stay safe at festivals this summer.

Stop telling me to lower my cortisol - it's making me stressed!

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:30:41 GMT

Can social media hacks really help bring down your cortisol levels?

Covid inquiry told top NHS doctor was terrified

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:34:34 GMT

Sir Stephen Powis says points-based tool was drawn up should need to prioritise patients have arisen.

NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:37:43 GMT

Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.

'The worst decision you could ever have to make'

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:32:06 GMT

Sarah Spooner suffered such severe hyperemesis gravidarum, or extreme pregnancy sickness, that she felt she had no choice but to have an abortion.

Why are measles cases rising in the UK?

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:24:54 GMT

What are the symptoms of measles and how dangerous is the disease?

Why we might never know the truth about ultra-processed foods

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 23:33:23 GMT

Experts can�t agree how exactly they affect us and it�s not clear that science will give us an answer.

Wellbeing walking maps to encourage green travel

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:24:10 GMT

The illustrated walking maps guide people along four car-free routes in and around Tewkesbury.

Covid inquiry to look at impact on care services

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:10:05 GMT

The Covid inquiry will examine the impact of the pandemic on care services, starting on Monday.

I lost �15,000 after going to an IVF middleman

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:49:56 GMT

Companies that act as "middlemen" between patients and doctors are not regulated by the fertility watchdog.

Brain image doctor banned for assault and racism

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:51:04 GMT

Dr Sayed Talibi is told his conduct was "fundamentally incompatible" with being a doctor.

Is the system letting down people who were harmed by Covid vaccines?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:48:59 GMT

People affected by rare blood clots say they feel they have been airbrushed out of the pandemic.

How will weight-loss drugs change our relationship with food?

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 03:10:13 GMT

The rise of these treatments has major implications for how we think about obesity, says James Gallagher.

We were not treated as parents, Covid inquiry told

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:11:38 GMT

Mum of premature twins says rigid restrictions on birthing wards during Covid were traumatic.

Inside Health

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

We try to figure out why drug deaths are at an all-time high - and what can be done.

When is it too hot to walk your dog?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:50:59 GMT

How to make sure your pets are cool and comfortable during periods of hot weather.

How to get the most out of a dehumidifier

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:29:40 GMT

Professors Cath Noakes and Richard Fitton explain how dehumidifiers combat mould and why it's crucial to put them in the right place to be effective.

How is your hospital doing as NHS battles to bring down waiting times?

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:08:44 GMT

Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital

Artists help pupils and centre users create murals

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 06:32:22 GMT

The murals are created at a special education school and wellbeing and cancer support centre.

What does hot weather do to the body?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:54:47 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

How a 'seated salsa' can help your lower back

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:30:51 GMT

It's hard to tone your lower back muscles, but this handy exercise can help.

The Conversation

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Two women leading the way in Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning

Students feel 'let down' by mental health support - but should it really be up to universities?

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:24:02 GMT

The number of students reporting mental health concerns is rising. But to what extent should the onus be on universities?

NHS to lose out on new drugs, pharma firm warns

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:00:29 GMT

The claims from pharmaceutical giant Novartis comes amid a row over drug pricing deals.

Price of Mounjaro to be discounted in UK pharmacies

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:02:46 GMT

The rebate allays fears of a 170% price rise but patients are warned the cost of the drug will still jump.

Pine nuts and goat's milk should get allergy labels, say experts

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:58:27 GMT

Warnings for some 'emerging' food allergens should be added to food packaging, researchers suggest.

Periods have 'massive impact' on female athletes

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:52:09 GMT

Olympic gold medalist Sophie Capewell talks about how periods impact female cyclists and athletes.

Lucy Letby's new expert supporters claim no babies were deliberately harmed. Who should we believe?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:39:20 GMT

Barrister Mark McDonald claims to have the backing of a panel of world class experts who say there is no evidence any babies were deliberately harmed

The English neighbourhood that claims to hold the secret to fixing the NHS

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:04:10 GMT

With public satisfaction in the NHS just 21%, one area has a plan to shake up its services that could reduce GP waiting lists, as well as unblock hospital beds - but can it really work nationwide?

How do heat health alerts work?

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:01:41 GMT

The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.

Hancock criticises 'wholly naive' Covid inquiry

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:14:53 GMT

The former health secretary was giving evidence about medical equipment deals during the pandemic.

Art charity 'buzzing' about opening of new �75m campus

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:34:42 GMT

Art Shape works with the NHS to deliver creative courses as prescriptions.

Why are disposable vapes being banned and how harmful is vaping?

Fri, 30 May 2025 09:37:32 GMT

It will be illegal to sell or supply disposable vapes from 1 June 2025.

Could RFK Jr's move to pull mRNA vaccine funding be a huge miscalculation?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:18:05 GMT

The US is withdrawing $500m for vaccines for diseases like flu and Covid. Health correspondent James Gallagher asks if it's the right call.

Is RFK Jr's divisive plan to Make America Healthy Again fearmongering - or revolutionary?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:04:11 GMT

The most powerful public health official in the US is reviled by some medics - but even some of his critics accept that he is bringing drive to healthcare areas that have long been neglected

Labour's plan for benefits throws up a bigger dilemma

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:06:29 GMT

The debate has sparked a wider dilemma about the broader purpose of welfare

Sleep, exercise, hydrate - do we really need to stick to recommended daily doses?

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:08:06 GMT

As a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, we take a look at some other health benchmarks we�re often told to strive for.

Covid inquiry told Treasury blocked NHS bed request

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:06:48 GMT

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard says the decision, in July 2020, was very disappointing.

Inside Health

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

We investigate the safety of melatonin as a sleep aid, and should you eat your placenta?

The doctor strike has ended - what comes next?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:02:02 GMT

With doctors returning to work after five-day walkout, is there an opportunity for talks to re-start?

AI stethoscope could detect major heart conditions in seconds

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 16:50:15 GMT

The new technology could be a "game-changer" resulting in patients being treated sooner, experts say.

The Inquiry

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:30:00 GMT

Is Indonesia�s free schools programme costing too much?

First place in British Isles set to approve right to die

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:02:21 GMT

Laws in the Isle of Man to let terminally ill adults end their own lives are in the last stages of debate.