COVID-19

BANK holidays could lead to a surge in sexually transmitted infections, the NHS has warned ahead of this weekend. Demand for online STI services spike every year as thousands of revellers enjoy their time off — possibly a bit too much. Getty The NHS’s sexual health website saw a surge in demand after last summer’s bank holidays[/caption] Visits to the website spiked by 38 per cent as frisky but regretful Brits checked symptoms after the May, June and August long weekends last year. Dr John White, an NHS sexual health consultant, said: “Bank holidays give people a chance to have fun.  “For some people this might result in the need to get checked for STIs or access emergency contraception.” LastContinue Reading

COVID’S latest strain could be giving people pinkeye, making it even harder to tell apart from hay fever and other viruses. The ‘Arcturus’ variant has spawned an increase in itchy eyes, especially in children, experts say. Getty The ‘Arcturus’ Covid variant could be giving people pinkeye, making it even harder to tell apart from hay fever and other viruses[/caption] The strain — a subvariant of Omicron —  has been spotted in 29 countries around the world, according to the World Health Organization, including the UK and US. It is currently surging in India, where ministers have conducted drills to test hospitals’ preparedness for an influx of severe cases. The WHO said the variant is “one to watch” because it appearsContinue Reading

Despite warming temperatures, nasty bugs and viruses are still giving people the sniffles across Britain. Illnesses are making the rounds – some worse than others. Getty Despite warming temperatures, nasty bugs and viruses are still giving people the sniffles across Britain[/caption] A high temperature usually suggests the body is fighting off an infection. But in some cases, when the body gets too hot, it can be worth seeing a medical professional. What is a high temperature for an adult and child? A high temperature is considered to be anything 38C (100.4F) and is often known as a fever. Read more on kid's health GREAT VINE What are the symptoms of the ‘highly contagious’ tomato flu in children? MUM’S AGONY GRACEContinue Reading

PEOPLE who have been infected with Covid could be at an increased risk of a developing a silent killer, a study suggests. Canadian scientists said that those who have had Covid are more likely to develop new-onset type 2 diabetes. Getty People who catch Covid are up to 22 per cent more likely to develop diabetes[/caption] The condition is often referred to as a silent killer, as symptoms can often be disguised as common ailments such as going to the toilet more often or feeling tired. The new study found that people who caught the bug were up to 22 per cent more likely to develop diabetes within a year of the positive test.  The research adds to mounting evidence which suggests virus may be contributingContinue Reading

A WOMAN has told how she has to spend 90 per cent of her time in bed as she battles Long Covid nearly 18 months after she contracted the virus. Avril Dowling, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, said people like her with the condition feel “forgotten”. Avril Dowling with son Kieran O’SheaCollect supplied by journalist Avril says she spends 90 per cent of her time in bedCollect supplied by journalist She feels forgotten by the GovernmentCollect supplied by journalist Figures released this year show that over 230,500 people in Ireland have been suffering with conditions associated with Long Covid.  While a Trinity College study estimated that up to 11 per cent of people who contracted the virus are likely to experienceContinue Reading

A WOMAN has died after contracting a rare strain of bird flu in China.  The 56-year-old is the first person to die from the lethal H3N8 strain – but is the third reported case of the virus. Getty The 56-year-old is the first person to die from the lethal H3N8 strain[/caption] How bird flu could mutate to make it spread more effectively in humans A World Health Organization report revealed the woman developed symptoms in late February and died on March 16. She had “multiple underlying conditions” and is believed to have caught the virus at a wet market, where scientists tracing her exposure collected samples positive for H3N8.  Two young boys were infected with the same virus in unrelated casesContinue Reading

DESPITE living in agony for months, Glenn Horan could not even get on a NHS waiting list for a hip replacement op. But this week he was recovering at a private clinic in Lithuania, having arranged the surgery in just weeks. Louis Wood Glenn Horan could not get on an NHS waiting list for a hip replacement op but arranged a surgery in Lithuania in just weeks[/caption] Louis Wood Father-of-two Glenn, 51, from Ampthill, Beds, said: ‘The first time I really needed the NHS, it wasn’t there for me’[/caption] Father-of-two Glenn, 51, from Ampthill, Beds, said: “I have not been sleeping much for the past two months as it’s like someone sticking a knife in me. “I met a specialistContinue Reading

BABIES and toddlers with serious health conditions will be eligible for a Covid vaccine for the first time in the UK. Around 60,000 high-risk children aged between six months and four years old will be able to get two small doses of the jab from June. Getty – Contributor Medics say children with health conditions that raise their Covid risk could benefit from jabs[/caption] This is to cut the risk of them ending up in hospital or intensive care with the bug. Medics in the USA approved vaccination for the youngest children last year. Data show the Pfizer vaccine is around 73 per cent effective in this age group. Since the start of the pandemic, 51 under-fives have died withContinue Reading