Latest news with #SurreyLive
Daily Record
17 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
UKHSA issues warning over deadly disease 'without symptoms'
The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to undergo a test for a potentially deadly disease - but you may not even know you have it The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on the public to get screened for a potentially fatal illness. The UKHSA works to prevent, prepare for and tackle infectious diseases and environmental threats to safeguard the nation's wellbeing. The agency has issued an alert regarding Hepatitis C, a virus typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with someone who is infected. Across Britain, it is predominantly passed on via shared needles amongst drug users. Beyond UK borders, substandard medical practices are generally the culprit. Worldwide, roughly 50 million individuals are living with chronic hepatitis C, while around 1 million fresh cases emerge annually. During 2022, hepatitis C was responsible for approximately 242,000 fatalities, chiefly due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Thankfully, figures have plummeted considerably across the UK in recent times. From 2015 to 2023, chronic hepatitis C cases amongst England's general population dropped dramatically by 56.7 per cent, reports Surrey Live. Enhanced treatment availability has also resulted in a minimal hepatitis C-related death rate of 0.41 per 100,000 people. Expanded testing programmes are believed to have contributed to this decline, prompting the UKHSA to encourage screening for those meeting specific criteria. The UKHSA stated: "Have you had a blood transfusion before 1996? Blood transfusions before 1992 and blood products before 1986 in the UK were not routinely tested for hepatitis C. "Have you ever shared a needle or other equipment for injecting drugs? Have you ever had medical, dental, or cosmetic treatment at home or abroad in unsterile conditions? Have you ever had condomless sex, or shared a razor or toothbrush with someone who might have hepatitis C? "Have you had a household contact, close family member, or sexual partner with hepatitis C? Were you born in a counter where hepatitis C is more common? This includes countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia? "If you've answered yes to any of these questions, there may be a chance you have come into contact with hepatitis C. Speak to your GP about getting tested." Hepatitis C - the facts The NHS explains that hepatitis C stems from the hepatitis C virus. It frequently presents with minimal or no obvious symptoms, or merely flu-like signs, meaning countless individuals remain oblivious to their infection. Certain people will successfully combat the infection and eliminate the virus from their system. However, in other instances, it remains dormant in the body for numerous years. This condition is termed chronic hepatitis C and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Chronic hepatitis C responds well to highly effective antiviral treatments, though no preventative vaccine currently exists. Without proper treatment, it can trigger severe symptoms and potentially fatal liver damage. The UKHSA is striving to meet the World Health Organisation's goal of eradicating hepatitis C by 20230. It's estimated that around 92,900 individuals in the UK are living with chronic hepatitis C infection, marking a significant 47 per cent reduction since 2015.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UKHSA urges Brits to 'get tested' for deadly disease with 'no noticeable symptoms'
The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to undergo a test for a potentially deadly disease The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is sounding the alarm for individuals to get tested for a potentially fatal illness. Tasked with safeguarding the nation against infectious diseases and environmental threats, the UKHSA plays a pivotal role in protecting public health across the UK. The agency has issued a stark warning regarding Hepatitis C, a virus typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with someone who is infected. In the UK, sharing needles for drug injection is the most common mode of transmission. Internationally, substandard healthcare practices are often the culprit. An estimated 50 million people globally are living with chronic hepatitis C, with about 1 million new cases each year. In 2022, hepatitis C was responsible for roughly 242,000 deaths, mainly due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C has seen a significant decline in the UK. From 2015 to 2023, the number of chronic hepatitis C cases in England plummeted by 56.7 per cent among the general population, reports Surrey Live. This decrease can be attributed to better access to treatment, resulting in a low hepatitis C virus-related death rate of 0.41 per 100,000 people. The fall in numbers is also believed to be due to increased testing, prompting the UKHSA to encourage testing under certain circumstances. The UKHSA stated: "Have you had a blood transfusion before 1996? Blood transfusions before 1992 and blood products before 1986 in the UK were not routinely tested for hepatitis C. "Have you ever shared a needle or other equipment for injecting drugs? Have you ever had medical, dental, or cosmetic treatment at home or abroad in unsterile conditions? Have you ever had condomless sex, or shared a razor or toothbrush with someone who might have hepatitis C? "Have you had a household contact, close family member, or sexual partner with hepatitis C? Were you born in a counter where hepatitis C is more common? This includes countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia? "If you've answered yes to any of these questions, there may be a chance you have come into contact with hepatitis C. Speak to your GP about getting tested." Hepatitis C - the facts The hepatitis C virus triggers this condition, according to the NHS. It frequently produces no obvious symptoms, or just flu-like signs, meaning countless individuals remain oblivious to their infection. Certain people will successfully combat the infection and eliminate the virus from their system. In alternative scenarios, it will remain within the body for numerous years. This is referred to as chronic hepatitis C and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Chronic hepatitis C can be addressed using highly effective antiviral medications, though no vaccine is presently available. Without treatment, it may trigger severe symptoms and potentially fatal liver damage. The UKHSA is striving to meet the World Health Organisation's goal of eradicating hepatitis C by 20230. It's estimated that around 92,900 individuals in the UK are living with chronic hepatitis C infection, marking a 47 per cent reduction since 2015.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Cardiologist shares 5 symptoms you should never ignore and when to call 999
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and take about 17.9 million lives each year. Here are the symptoms you should never ignore Heart and circulatory diseases claim roughly 17.9 million lives worldwide each year, making them the globe's biggest killer. Shockingly, more than half of Britons are expected to develop a heart or circulation problem during their lifetime. This makes recognising the warning signs absolutely crucial - and knowing exactly when to seek expert help. According to Dr Allison R. Zielinski, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, chest pain should be your first red flag for booking a doctor's appointment. Chest discomfort represents one of the "hallmark signs of a heart problem", with pressure that intensifies during physical activity potentially signalling that your heart isn't receiving adequate blood flow, reports Surrey Live. Dr Zielinski also recommends consulting a specialist if you suffer from breathlessness, heart palpitations or dizzy spells, as they can establish whether an underlying cardiac condition is to blame. Certain warning signs demand immediate emergency attention, particularly pain that radiates to your arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. British Heart Foundation specialists warn this could signal a heart attack is occurring and 999 should be dialled without delay. Suddenly experiencing nausea, sweating or feeling faint might seem like food poisoning or anxiety - but these could also indicate cardiac arrest. The BHF states: "If you experience a new and sudden feeling of sickness, sweatiness or light-headedness it is important you call 999 straight away." You should also watch out for any puffiness in your feet, ankles, or lower legs, as this can signal heart failure. This happens when your heart cannot circulate blood effectively throughout the body, causing fluid to build up. Another instance when you must dial 999 immediately is if you notice any signs of a stroke. The Stroke Association advises remembering the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) as "every minute is vital" when seeking urgent medical assistance. Face weakness forms the initial element of the acronym and requires checking whether the individual can smile or if their mouth or eyes have drooped. Next is arm weakness - can they lift both arms and maintain them raised? Their speech might also be impacted and may sound garbled. Should someone you know display any single one of these warning signs, you must ring 999 straight away. The Stroke Association states: "Acting FAST will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery. Even if it doesn't seem like much, any one of these signs of stroke is an emergency, so always call 999 immediately." An intense headache or vision difficulties - including fuzzy eyesight or losing sight in one or both eyes - may also indicate a stroke.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
High cholesterol warning sign you can feel in your hands
High cholesterol is a common condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated, including an increased risk of heart disease. One of the symptoms may impact your knees High cholesterol is a silent threat to heart health, often showing no symptoms and leading to serious conditions like heart disease or stroke if left unchecked. Certain individuals are more susceptible to high cholesterol, including men, those over 50, and people of South Asian or sub-Saharan African descent. Lifestyle factors such as consuming fatty foods, being overweight, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also contribute to high cholesterol levels. Familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic condition where the liver fails to properly process cholesterol, resulting in elevated blood cholesterol levels, can also be a cause. Those with familial hypercholesterolaemia may notice certain symptoms, one of which affects the knees. Tendon xanthomata, swellings composed of cholesterol, can form on your knees, knuckles, or Achilles tendon. Other signs include small, yellow cholesterol deposits near the inner corner of your eye, known as xanthelasmas, or a pale, white ring around your iris, referred to as corneal arcus, reports Surrey Live. It's crucial to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, either at your GP surgery or some pharmacies. The NHS recommends requesting a test from your GP if you're over 40, overweight, or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart problems and haven't had a test before. To keep your cholesterol levels in check, the British Heart Foundation suggests being more active. They explain that physical activity helps shift bad cholesterol to your liver, where it can be expelled from your body. But don't worry, you won't need to start training for a marathon. Simple activities like taking the stairs, practising yoga or Pilates, or going for a brisk walk can make a significant difference. According to the BHF, one of the "best things" you can do for your cholesterol and overall health is to quit smoking. They assure that within days your health will start to improve, "and within a year, your risk of heart disease will be halved". Your diet also plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. You should aim to reduce your intake of foods such as meat pies, sausages, butter, cream, hard cheese, cakes, biscuits, and anything containing coconut oil or palm oil. The NHS recommends incorporating more oily fish, olive oil, brown bread, wholegrain bread, whole-wheat pasta, nuts and seeds, and fruits and vegetables into your diet. It's also vital to moderate your alcohol consumption, according to the NHS. They advise not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week and avoiding binge drinking. If you're struggling to cut down, your GP can provide helpful advice.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Common fruit 'cuts dangerous cholesterol and makes your heart stronger'
We all know the importance of eatung enough fruit each day - and there are certain fruits that can also help improve heart health and reduce cholesterol levels If you are worried about your heart health, there are certain foods that can help make it stronger, as well as lowering cholesterol levels. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but too much of it increases the risk of heart disease which is why consuming enough fruit is important as they can work to lower too much cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels pose a risk for heart disease or stroke since it can accumulate in the arteries, potentially disrupting blood flow. Fruit is packed with nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and antioxidants which all work together to support a healthy cardiovascular system and it's the soluble fibre that that helps reduce cholesterol levels. Here are some of the best fruits to help your heart... Vitamin C rich fruits such as oranges, apples, grapefruits and lemons contain a soluble fibre called pectin. There have been studies to show that pectin works to decrease the levels of "bad" cholesterol in the body, and the combination of flavonoids in oranges and grapefruits helps both arterial flexibility, and inflammation reduction. Avocados are also a great fruit to reduce cholesterol - containing a huge amount of monounsaturated fats, also known as 'healthy' fats. These healthy fats mean avocados are a great food source for improving heart health and eating them daily can significantly improve levels especially for those who are overweight. Another cholesterol busting fruit are bananas due to the soluble fibre, as well as plant sterols. Plant sterols might help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is able to enter the body and are substances that are similar to cholesterol but are made in plants. Bananas are full of fibre which helps to aid and suppirt the digestive system and weight management too. Despite it not being a fruit, oats are also a great food source for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. They are packed with a special kind of soluble fibre known as beta glucans, which have been highlighted as essential for cardiac wellbeing by Inside Tracker. This soluble fibre transforms into a gel-like substance within the gut when consumed, aiding in the prevention of cholesterol absorption into the body. Barley also functions similarly, yet oats and oatmeal are remarkably simple to incorporate into your daily meals, from the summer through to the winter months. From overnight oats (soaked in cold milk) with added fruit, to porridge during chillier months, you'll be able to incorporate this soluble fibre into most everyday diets - and even some healthier flapjack recipes will count, reports Surrey Live. Oats can be sourced from supermarkets or health food stores with ease, available as whole, medium rolled or in oatmeal form - each offering different textures for various recipes, though all are beneficial for your wellbeing. Oats are rich in fibre, and consuming adequate amounts of fibre offers numerous health advantages, according to studies. Besides potentially reducing your risk of heart disease, getting sufficient fibre is also associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
