Latest news with #ChrisStreather
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Parents urged to get children vaccinated after measles death in Liverpool
Health officials have urged people to come forward for the measles vaccine if they are not up-to-date with their shots after a child at Alder Hey children's hospital in Liverpool died from the disease. The city has experienced a surge in cases among young people, with the hospital warning parents last week that the spike in infections was due to falling rates of uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to The Sunday Times, the child was ill with measles and other health problems and was receiving treatment at the Alder Hey. A statement from the Alder Hey Children's NHS trust said: 'To respect patient confidentiality, we can't comment on individual cases.' Uptake of the vaccine has fallen across the country in the past decade with rates across England now at 84%. In Liverpool, only 73% of children aged five have received the necessary two shots, while in parts of London uptake is below 65%. To ensure herd immunity, where enough people are protected to prevent the virus spreading, vaccination rates must hit 95%. 'The NHS MMR vaccine gives lifelong protection against becoming seriously unwell, so with cases of measles on the rise, it is not worth the risk of going without this vital protection,' said Chris Streather, the medical director for the NHS in London. 'Measles, mumps and rubella are preventable, but catching them is easy when people are unvaccinated, so I urge people to come forward and get the MMR vaccine sooner, rather than later,' he added. Herd immunity is particularly important to reduce the risk of vulnerable people being exposed to the virus. Children with suppressed immune systems, for example, can still fall seriously ill with measles even if they have had the vaccine. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said measles was one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads easily among people who are unvaccinated. 'Speaking as a doctor and a mother, I strongly encourage all parents to ensure their children have the best possible protection but also to think about protecting other more vulnerable children,' she said. 'Please act now to ensure your children are fully protected. You can check their immunisation red book or speak with the GP surgery.' Childhood vaccination programmes have been extremely effective at preventing infections and serious illness among children over the past 50 years, but falling rates of uptake have led to a rise in cases and deaths. 'It's heartbreaking because it's entirely preventable,' said Helen Bedford, a professor of children's health at University College London. 'No child needs to even catch the disease let alone be seriously affected or die.' Vaccine hesitancy is often blamed for declines in immunisation rates, but much of the problem is driven by a lack of information on the importance of vaccines, knowing which shots are due when, and difficulties in getting appointments. Last week, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said there was a 'critical need' to shift the focus from vaccine hesitancy to addressing the barriers and access issues that families face. 'A lot of this is simple. We know that reminding parents is very effective because people have busy lives and these things can often be forgotten,' Bedford said. 'It's about people not knowing what's due and when, or how to go about getting it, and every day we see stories about how difficult it is to make GP appointments. We need a multi-pronged approach and to think more creatively about how services are set up and how and where they're offered. 'Overall, the vaccine programme is so successful that people don't have experience of the disease any more,' Bedford added. 'Last year was the highest number of confirmed cases we've seen since the 1990s. Most people, most young parents, have never experienced a really sick child and it can be difficult to advise parents about a disease that they've got no conception of.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Limit your alcohol intake over 30C bank holiday, says NHS
The NHS has told sunseekers to 'limit their alcohol intake' over the bank holiday weekend. The Met Office has already said temperatures could hit the 30C mark. NHS England on Wednesday told Londoners to 'keep out of the sun' to avoid becoming unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Chris Streather, NHS England London's medical director, said those spending time outside should 'drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen and limit alcohol intake'. He added: 'We're forecast some very hot weather over the next few days and would like people to not only enjoy the sun but also be safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services. 'We advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.' Those taking part in a physical activity were advised to do so when it is cooler, such as the mornings and evenings. Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, according to the Met Office. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said: 'We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell. 'If we reach 30C on Thursday it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.' He said there was 'unlikely' to be a heatwave – defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the 'heatwave threshold', which varies across the country. 'Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South though,' he added. The alcohol warnings follow fire chiefs urging the public not to light barbecues over Easter amid a risk of wildfires. Surrey's Fire and Rescue Service said barbecues should be left at home and exchanged for picnics following a period of warm, dry weather across the country last month. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) also urged caution around open water swimming after last month saw a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents compared with the same period last year. Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'Whether you're walking by the river, spending time by canals or taking part in water-based activities, it's important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London's waterways. 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. 'It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water's edge – it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. 'And think twice before jumping into open water.' Meanwhile, the RAC warned breakdowns are expected to 'soar' because of the warmer weather. RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'Breakdowns are expected to soar over the next few days, as temperatures in many parts do the same. We're urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun. 'Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there's a serious risk of engine overheating.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Limit your alcohol intake over 30C bank holiday, says NHS
The NHS has told sunseekers to 'limit their alcohol intake' over the bank holiday weekend. The Met Office has already said temperatures could hit the 30C mark. NHS England on Wednesday told Londoners to 'keep out of the sun' to avoid becoming unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Chris Streather, NHS England London's medical director, said those spending time outside should 'drink plenty of fluids, apply sunscreen and limit alcohol intake'. He added: 'We're forecast some very hot weather over the next few days and would like people to not only enjoy the sun but also be safe by taking precautions to keep well and avoid putting pressure on services. 'We advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.' Those taking part in a physical activity were advised to do so when it is cooler, such as the mornings and evenings. Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, according to the Met Office. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone said: 'We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell. 'If we reach 30C on Thursday it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860.' He said there was 'unlikely' to be a heatwave – defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding the 'heatwave threshold', which varies across the country. 'Admittedly, it could be close for a few places in the South though,' he added. The alcohol warnings follow fire chiefs urging the public not to light barbecues over Easter amid a risk of wildfires. Surrey's Fire and Rescue Service said barbecues should be left at home and exchanged for picnics following a period of warm, dry weather across the country last month. Stay safe around water The London Fire Brigade (LFB) also urged caution around open water swimming after last month saw a 32 per cent increase in water-related incidents compared with the same period last year. Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'Whether you're walking by the river, spending time by canals or taking part in water-based activities, it's important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London's waterways. 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. 'It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water's edge – it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. 'And think twice before jumping into open water.' Meanwhile, the RAC warned breakdowns are expected to 'soar' because of the warmer weather. RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'Breakdowns are expected to soar over the next few days, as temperatures in many parts do the same. We're urging everyone travelling to ensure they have plenty of water for themselves and any passengers in case they get stuck in traffic or break down, as well as having sunscreen, hats or an umbrella with them to protect themselves from the sun. 'Drivers must avoid driving if the low coolant light appears on the dashboard as there's a serious risk of engine overheating.'
