Latest news with #NHSuk
Western Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Measles symptoms you should know and when to call 999
The infection can be prevented by having the MMR vaccine, but if you do get measles, it's worth knowing the symptoms to look out for, when you need to call for medical help and how to avoid spreading it further. The NHS website explains: 'Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.' What are the measles symptoms you should know about? Cold-like symptoms can include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough or red, sore and watery eyes. Measles cases are rising in England. You can still ask your GP practice for the MMR vaccine if your child has missed either of these 2 doses. For more info ➡️ — NHS (@NHSuk) January 19, 2024 You might start to notice small white spots in the mouth, including inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. It's not unusual for these spots to last for a few days. Once you've had the cold-like symptoms for a few days, you will probably start to develop a rash, which usually starts on the face and behind the ears. It then spreads to the rest of the body, the NHS explains. The rash isn't usually itchy, and sometimes the measles rash can be raised and join other parts to make blotchy patches. On white skin, the rash often looks red or brown, but it can sometimes be harder to see on black or brown skin. The NHS adds: 'It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.' When should you ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 999? The NHS outlines when you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111, including if: you think you or your child may have measles your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual you or your child are weeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies) you or your child feels very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong The health service added: 'Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone. 'You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.' Heat rash is common during hot weather. It is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days. Here are some tips to help you check if you have heat rash – and advice on how to treat it. More info ➡️ — NHS (@NHSuk) June 21, 2025 You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child has measles and: have a seizure (fit) severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage) are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it a stiff neck or find light uncomfortable or painful How is measles spread? Measles will spread when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes or breathes. The NHS said: 'You're infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash.' Recommended reading: If you have measles, it's advised that you wash your hands often using soap and warm water, use tissues to cough and sneeze into and throw them away in the bin when finished with them. It's important that you avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes and bedding. You can find out more about measles via the NHS website, linked above.
South Wales Argus
03-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Measles symptoms you should know and when to call 999
The infection can be prevented by having the MMR vaccine, but if you do get measles, it's worth knowing the symptoms to look out for, when you need to call for medical help and how to avoid spreading it further. The NHS website explains: 'Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.' What are the measles symptoms you should know about? Cold-like symptoms can include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough or red, sore and watery eyes. Measles cases are rising in England. You can still ask your GP practice for the MMR vaccine if your child has missed either of these 2 doses. For more info ➡️ — NHS (@NHSuk) January 19, 2024 You might start to notice small white spots in the mouth, including inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. It's not unusual for these spots to last for a few days. Once you've had the cold-like symptoms for a few days, you will probably start to develop a rash, which usually starts on the face and behind the ears. It then spreads to the rest of the body, the NHS explains. The rash isn't usually itchy, and sometimes the measles rash can be raised and join other parts to make blotchy patches. On white skin, the rash often looks red or brown, but it can sometimes be harder to see on black or brown skin. The NHS adds: 'It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.' When should you ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 999? The NHS outlines when you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111, including if: you think you or your child may have measles your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual you or your child are weeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies) you or your child feels very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong The health service added: 'Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone. 'You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.' Heat rash is common during hot weather. It is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days. Here are some tips to help you check if you have heat rash – and advice on how to treat it. More info ➡️ — NHS (@NHSuk) June 21, 2025 You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child has measles and: have a seizure (fit) severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage) are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it a stiff neck or find light uncomfortable or painful How is measles spread? Measles will spread when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes or breathes. The NHS said: 'You're infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash.' Recommended reading: If you have measles, it's advised that you wash your hands often using soap and warm water, use tissues to cough and sneeze into and throw them away in the bin when finished with them. It's important that you avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes and bedding. You can find out more about measles via the NHS website, linked above.
The Herald Scotland
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Measles symptoms you should know and when to call 999
The NHS website explains: 'Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.' What are the measles symptoms you should know about? Cold-like symptoms can include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough or red, sore and watery eyes. Measles cases are rising in England. You can still ask your GP practice for the MMR vaccine if your child has missed either of these 2 doses. For more info ➡️ — NHS (@NHSuk) January 19, 2024 You might start to notice small white spots in the mouth, including inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. It's not unusual for these spots to last for a few days. Once you've had the cold-like symptoms for a few days, you will probably start to develop a rash, which usually starts on the face and behind the ears. It then spreads to the rest of the body, the NHS explains. The rash isn't usually itchy, and sometimes the measles rash can be raised and join other parts to make blotchy patches. On white skin, the rash often looks red or brown, but it can sometimes be harder to see on black or brown skin. The NHS adds: 'It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.' When should you ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 999? The NHS outlines when you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111, including if: you think you or your child may have measles your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual you or your child are weeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies) you or your child feels very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong The health service added: 'Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone. 'You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.' Heat rash is common during hot weather. It is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days. Here are some tips to help you check if you have heat rash – and advice on how to treat it. More info ➡️ — NHS (@NHSuk) June 21, 2025 You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child has measles and: have a seizure (fit) severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage) are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it a stiff neck or find light uncomfortable or painful How is measles spread? Measles will spread when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes or breathes. The NHS said: 'You're infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash.' Recommended reading: If you have measles, it's advised that you wash your hands often using soap and warm water, use tissues to cough and sneeze into and throw them away in the bin when finished with them. It's important that you avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes and bedding. You can find out more about measles via the NHS website, linked above.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS urges 1.3 million to get RSV jab and warns it's 'not just a winter illness'
Health officials have warned that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is 'not just a winter illness'. In England, more than one million older people will be invited to get vaccines to help protect them against the virus. While RSV infections are common and not usually serious, adults over the age of 75, babies under six months and people with a weakened immune system can become severely ill. The virus can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, an infection that causes swelling of the small airways in the lungs. Pregnant women are eligible for a free RSV vaccine to protect their babies from serious lung infections. You can get your vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Talk to your GP or maternity service to schedule yours. Read more: — NHS (@NHSuk) February 7, 2025 NHS England said, in the coming days, about 1.3 million older people will be contacted to come forward for their vaccine. Those aged between 75 and 79, or people who turned 80 after September 1, will be urged to book an appointment with their GP. Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: 'RSV is not just a winter illness. 'We see cases increase in winter but it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated – which is why are now working hard to reach anyone who hasn't yet been jabbed and urging them to book an appointment.' The vaccine for RSV was first rolled out in September 2024 with almost 1.5 million people getting jabs, including more than 1.3 million people aged between 75 and 80. Recommended reading: Sir Keir Starmer becomes first PM to take HIV test and encourages others to How much have you cost the NHS? Interactive tool reveals your health bill DWP confirms new State Pension weekly and monthly payment rates Pregnant women are also eligible for the jab from 28 weeks onwards and, according to NHS England, almost 150,000 pregnant women have had the jab since September. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist, UK Health Security Agency, said: 'RSV can be severe in older people, causing serious lung infections like pneumonia and flare-ups of existing conditions. 'If you're eligible, there is good evidence it will help give you protection – speak with your GP practice about getting the jab.'
