COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Bird Flu, Measles, Tropical Imports and Other Virus UK and World News Update 5th September 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Bird Flu, Measles, Tropical Imports and Other Virus UK and World News Update 5th September 2025

From January every eligible child in the UK will receive a chickenpox (varicella) vaccination with their MMR jabs (MMRV). 

"Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition."

Mild chickenpox can still be awful and leave you with scarring. Severe chickenpox is rare, but does happen. It can cause infections, pneumonia, encephalitis or a range of problems with organs, including the brain, eyes and heart. Chickenpox during pregnancy can affect your baby. Any baby born with chickenpox will be very poorly. 

Chickenpox vaccination also helps protect against shingles - which is where dormant varicella virus hiding in your body (often for decades) reawakens and can make you very ill. 10 years ago my partner got meningitis from dormant varicella springing back into action and making it into his head.

I strongly agree with vaccinating against varicella. 

NHS England:

From 1 September, all severely immunosuppressed adults aged 18+ will be able to get the shingles vaccine from their GP.

"This includes people with conditions such as leukaemia or lymphoma or those who are undergoing chemotherapy, which put them at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they contract shingles."

This is another varicella vaccine, although it contains no complete or live virus (it's just a reminder for your immune system and safe for vulnerable people). You should get an invitation to book from your GP next month.

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 bird Flu, Measles, Tropical Imports and other virus UK and World News Update 22nd August 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Bird Flu, Measles, Tropical Imports and Other Virus UK and World News Update 22nd August 2025

In the UK the number of people in hospital with respiratory symptoms who test positive for COVID has risen by almost 1/3 in the last fortnight. 

Although that's not good, thankfully we began at low levels, so it is actually still considered relatively 'low' - although you'd hope not to see a rise during Summer and before the kids all go back to school. Latest variants and waning immunity may well be to blame. 

The steady COVID wave is continuing in the US. Hospital admissions were up another 15% last week (on top of 18% 2 weeks ago), with 98,600 new cases reported. Medics and emergency room staff are noting a visible rise and commenting on social media. 

An average 206 people in the US have died from COVID each week this year (227 were reported last week). 

On 15th August the UK's DEFRA raised England's risk level for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI bird flu) "in response to a change in the pattern of wild bird findings and an increase in cases in poultry and captive birds".

Risk level in any areas with 'sub-optimal biosecurity' is now MEDIUM (event occurs regularly).

Risk in wild birds remains HIGH.

From 26th August nationwide biosecurity measures are increased, including for game birds. E.g. footwear and vehicle tyres need to be disinfected. 

DEFRA's last report on 11th August confirms 9 additional infected commercial and backyard poultry flocks detected since 21st July (including 2 in Breckland, Norfolk), and 78 infected wild birds of 20 different species, across 36 separate British sites in 26 counties (England 48, Scotland 29, Wales 1). 

This outbreak began on 5th November 2024, and since then across the whole UK 79 farmed or backyard flocks have been confirmed infected with avian flu:

- 1 low pathogenic avian flu (Wales)

- 1 HPAI H5N5 (England)

- 77 HPAI H5N1 (England 68, Scotland 3, Wales 2, Northern Ireland 4)

In addition a total of 848 collected wild birds have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

COVID-19, H5N1 Avian Flu, Measles and other virus UK and World News Update 8th August 2025

COVID-19, H5N1 Avian Flu, Measles and other virus UK and World News Update 8th August 2025

The British Medical Association (BMA) and Department of Health are set to start detailed talks on pay issues and working conditions for Resident Doctors.

Wes Streeting has repeatedly said there is no more money, however making changes to working conditions could go a long way towards making folk a bit happier. 

UK Nurses unions are also threatening strike action, after members of the Royal College of Nursing voted overwhelmingly to reject a 3.6% pay offer. 

In the UK the latest COVID figures suggest we may have escaped the expected Summer COVID wave. Still steady up until 30th July, if anything cases are dropping, although as we've seen before, people don't seem to want to test positive during the holiday season. Hospitalisations remain steady at just over 100 a week. 

In the US their rising Summer COVID wave is continuing, with cases up 4 weeks in a row. Hospital admissions were up 5% last week and 13% this week. Levels are creeping upwards, but still no massive wave Asia as experienced when the latest variants arrived there. 

COVID-19, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, and other virus UK and World News Update 25th July 2025

COVID-19, Long COVID, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, and other virus UK and World News Update 25th July 2025

I hope you've had a good month - thanks for coming back! I've had a very lovely time off - I survived going on a plane, which I haven't done in 26 years because I was terrified last time. It's never too late to face your fears, and I'm exceptionally glad I did. We went on holiday with 5 of our 'children', ticked off some bucket list items visiting Pompeii, Vesuvius and Herculaneum, and walking a crippling 80 miles over 11 days. Be brave, it pays off, even if you have sore knees. Back to it... 

Resident doctors (previously junior doctors) in England are striking for 5 days from today in fresh action over pay. They are demanding pay is restored to equivalent levels for 2008, and are asking for a 29% pay rise. They have been offered 5.4%. 

Adverts have been published in national papers showing a newly qualified doctor's assistant earns over £24 per hour, while a resident doctor is on £18.62 per hour with years of medical experience (and may even have use of their own doctor's assistant to support with paperwork, admin, screening, blood tests etc). 

The BMA has warned that patients will be at risk because NHS leaders have asked that planned treatment isn't postponed, despite up to 50,000 people joining the strike. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1, Measles, Vaccinations and Virus UK and World News Update 27th June 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1, Measles, Vaccinations and Virus UK and World News Update 27th June 2025

Last report I mentioned NB.1.8.1 Nimbus COVID variant. It's still under close scrutiny and expected to cause a COVID wave around the world due to its speed, and ability to bypass older immunity. In May, the US CDC's airport surveillance program began detecting cases in travellers from a range of countries. By the last week of May it accounted for almost half of the cases they detected. 

In the last 4 weeks, of those samples which have been sequenced and uploaded to GISAID, NB.1.8.1 has accounted for 81.8% of cases in Hong Kong, 76.9% in China, 75% in Japan, 56.5% in South Korea, 45.6% in New Zealand, 40.3% in Australia, and it's spread to Europe at the rapid speed we were promised. 41.7% in the Netherlands, 37.5% in Finland, 23.8% in Norway, 21.5% in Ireland, 20% in Portugal, 19.5% in Germany, 12.5% in the UK and 10% in France. Slightly slower domination in North America, but 21.1% of cases in Canada, and 9.9% in the USA. 

COVID-19, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, Mpox and other virus UK and World News Update 13th June 2025

COVID-19, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, Mpox and other virus UK and World News Update 13th June 2025

The UK NHS is critically short of blood and is asking for new donors to come forward urgently. If you are aged 17 to 65, generally fit and well, and weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg) you can usually donate. Find out more information and register if you are able at blood dot co dot uk. Save a life. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus, Measles, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 30th May 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus, Measles, HPAI H5N1 and other virus UK and World News Update 30th May 2025

Until it left the World Health Organisation, the US paid them $2.1b a year. 

"$2.1 billion is the equivalent of global military expenditure every 8 hours;

$2.1 billion is the price of one stealth bomber;

$2.1 billion is 1/4 of what the tobacco industry spends on advertising and promotion every single year.

It seems somebody switched the price tags on what is truly valuable in our world."

Dr Tedros, head of WHO

Norovirus cases in the UK are still incredibly high. Over the last 5 years 31st March to 27th April we've averaged 6,446 confirmed cases (which doesn't include anyone who isn't tested, which is Loooooooads), and this year that figure is 14,959. UK Gov remind us to pretty please STAY AT HOME for 48 hours AFTER you are last ill. Do not prepare food for others, do not go to school or work, do not pass go, do not risk spreading this to the very young, the very old or other vulnerable people who may become very seriously ill. 

"So far this year, nearly 2.9 million COVID cases have been reported in the U.S., causing 200,465 hospitalizations and 14,213 deaths."

BNO News

In the UK around 160 people a day are still currently being admitted to hospital with COVID, and it is officially responsible for around 70 UK deaths a week. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus, Measles, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 2nd May 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 2nd May 2025

Prescription charges in England are being frozen at £9.90 per item. This will come as some relief to the many millions of people who don't qualify for free prescriptions, but are feeling the cost of living just as badly. 3 month and annual prescriptions are also frozen (and worth it if you have more than 1 prescription a month or 11 a year), as well as wig and fabric support prescriptions.

Free prescriptions stay the same. People registered with a GP and using a pharmacy in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland get free prescriptions anyway. 

Despite practically the entire world using 'CDC' as an acronym for Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the UK Department of Health and Social Care have decided to use it for Community Diagnostic Centres. Well, that isn't confusing... tsk. However... 

"Community Diagnostic Centres and crack teams of NHS doctors are making a difference across the country.

- More tests, checks and scans

- More care closer to home

- Waiting lists slashed in areas with high economic inactivity"

Good stuff. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, Measles and other virus UK and World News Update 4th April 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu, Measles and other virus UK and World News Update 4th April 2025

The UK has announced Spring COVID boosters, with a focus on "protecting those who are most likely to become seriously ill", the same as last Spring, but unlike previously you have to COME FORWARD and book your appointment, rather than waiting for an invitation. Do this online at nhs dot uk /bookcovid or by calling 119.

Those eligible include:

- people aged 75 or over by 17th June

- residents of care homes for older adults (not staff or carers)

- people meeting immunosuppression criteria (check online for a list)

The UK Department of Health and Social Care has agreed an extra £167m funding (over 2 years) with Community Pharmacy England.

On top £193 million of debt for community pharmacy owners will be written off. 

In return community pharmacies in England will:

- all offer the ‘morning-after pill’ free of charge

- offer patients prescribed antidepressants "convenient support at pharmacies".

- cut red tape, with more of the pharmacy team able to deliver services such as medicines advice, Pharmacy First services, and blood pressure checks.

- have financial incentives boosted for pharmacists to identify patients with undiagnosed high blood pressure, to take pressure off GPs.

- have funding for medicine supply boosted, so patients have better access to the medicines prescribed for them. This includes writing off the historic debt linked to dispensing activity during the pandemic and increasing fees linked to dispensing prescriptions.

COVID-19 Coronavirus, Measles, HPAI H5N1 and other virus UK and World News Update 21st March 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 21st March 2025

5 years ago most of the world was going into lockdown. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of January 5, 2025, a total of 7,083,246 confirmed COVID-19 deaths had been recorded worldwide - and that does not include any of those who died without testing or who were recorded as dying from other causes. 

On Sunday 9th March the UK held a Day of Reflection to remember the people lost since the pandemic began, and to give thanks to those who who have worked to help others and shown kindness above and beyond the norm. 

A huge thank you from me too - we couldn't have kept going without all of you who risked your own health for us. 

"COVID causes permanent brain damage and immune system dysfunction. It’s why everyone’s sick."

Dr Sean Mullen, Research Director at Exercise Tech Lab, Illinois. 

Saturday 15th March was Long COVID Awareness Day. Our essential workers, those people who kept us going through lockdown, the frontline medical staff, bus drivers, cleaners, shop workers and everyone else who had to face the public back when we had Alpha, Beta and Delta strains and no vaccinations, were more likely to lose their lives to COVID, and today they are more likely to suffer severely from Long COVID. 

There is no doubt for anyone now that Long COVID exists. It's real, it can be viewed on X-rays, in blood tests, scans and autopsies. COVID can affect all organs of the body, including the brain, heart and lungs, and it affects your blood. It affects your immune system. There is also no doubt that the more people who catch COVID, the more are left with Long COVID, and the more times you catch COVID, the higher your chance of having Long COVID. 

Never give up on relief of your symptoms. Our bodies are miraculous things and a lot of the damage can take a long time to heal. Each week scientists and researchers piece together more of the jigsaw, and they learn more about what COVID does and how it does it. The more they learn, the more potential therapies and cures they can try, and they are making improvements in people's lives. Keep hope. 

COVID-19, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 7th March 2025

COVID-19, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 7th March 2025

Just in case you haven't had enough of Norovirus this year, the UK Health Security Agency are warning us that there are 2 common strains, and the one which was most popular a couple of months ago is waning, but the second one is having a bit of a party. Sadly catching one doesn't mean you won't catch the other, so there are fun times ahead for some of you... 

As an aside, UKHSA reckon for every lab confirmed case, there are another 288 riding it out quietly at home. 

Latest UK Norovirus figures still aren't pretty, but they do finally show a decrease in cases. Overall still very high levels, and more than double the 5 year average for the same 2 week period. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 21st February 2025

COVID-19 Coronavirus, HPAI H5N1 Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 21st February 2025

Between July and November 2024 the UK NHS managed to deliver almost 2.2 million more appointments than July to November 2023. These included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy and diagnostic tests.

There is a caveat in that during that period in 2023 there were 12 days of strikes by doctors-in-training (junior doctors) - but in 2024 no strikes and more patients seen is undoubtedly a doubly good thing. 

The waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the current government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year. 

The overall waiting list for planned treatment in England fell slightly in December to 7.46 million - but only 59% started treatment within 18 weeks, with the Govt target by end of parliament 92%. Some way to go yet. 

Keep going Wes. Keep fixing the NHS. 

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England with a less than heartwarming quote last week:

“We need to think much more radically, particularly about capital…I think we now must consider private capital investment in the NHS…if we don’t fix our buildings, if we don’t fix our technology we’re not going to..really drive that long term improvement."

You don't really seem to want to save the NHS Amanda. Surely pumping cash into wining and dining private capital, then repaying interest or renting for the next bazillion years is not the best way to save the NHS?

COVID-19 Coronavirus, H5N1 Avian Flu, Disease X and other virus UK and World News Update 20th December 2024

COVID-19 Coronavirus, H5N1 Avian Flu, Disease X and other virus UK and World News Update 20th December 2024

"We are currently seeing more norovirus cases than in any season since we started our current reporting system."

UK Health Security Agency (HSA)

Norovirus is a tummy bug that can be nasty. Always wash hands before touching food, don't cook for others if you are ill, wash soiled bedding and clothes at 60º and as always, stay home if you are ill. 

UK HSA VirusWatch:

Flu activity has increased and is now at medium levels.  

COVID19 activity decreased across all indicators and remains at baseline levels. 

RSV activity decreased across most indicators and we are seeing less cases.

11,511 deaths were registered in England and Wales, week ending 6 Dec 2024 (Week 49):

· 8.0% lower than the expected number (998 fewer deaths)

· 14.5% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,671 deaths)

· 1.0% involved COVID19 (118 deaths)

UK public are being asked to only go to A&E at hospital if you really need to. If in doubt or you've got plenty of time to think about it, call 111 and get further advice. They will triage over the phone and send you for the correct help. If someone is seriously ill or injured, deteriorating rapidly, shows signs of stroke or heart attack, or a life is in danger, call 999 as an emergency. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus including HPAI H5N1 and Disease X UK and World News Update 13th December 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 13th December 2024

World COVID Statistics: 776,947,553 officially reported cases and 7,076,993 losses of life.

The world is still officially losing around 500 people to COVID each week, despite only 102 countries still reporting regular figures to the World Health Organisation. 

“We cannot talk about COVID in the past tense.

It’s still with us, it still causes acute disease and Long COVID, and it still kills.

The world might want to forget about COVID-19, but we cannot afford to.”

Dr Tedros, Head of WHO, at Wednesday's media briefing. 

This time 5 years ago, the first severely ill patients in Wuhan, China, were about to be hospitalised. 

Symptom onset for patient A was 1st December 2019, with 3 more patients by 10th December, and first hospitalisations around 17th. 

"On that first confirmed case, none of his family members developed fever or any respiratory symptoms. He had not been to the Huanan seafood market and also no epidemiological link could be found between the first patient and later cases.

Chinese media later reported that there were earlier suspected infectections, going back to 17 November. Authorities did not publicly accept there was human-to-human transmission of the virus until 21 January."

Jim Reed, BBC Health Reporter. 

5 years people... We all having been living a pandemic for 5 years. 

 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 29th November 2024

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 29th November 2024

"I have no idea how to work within a system that accelerates catastrophic risk because people are pi**ed about the COVID pandemic. I have no idea how to convince people who think public health is a form of tyranny that millions of people could die in a flu pandemic."

Professor Angie Rasmussen, virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan.

English virus watch summary from the UK Health Security Agency (HSA):

- Influenza activity increased and has reached low activity levels

- COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels

- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity increased is at medium levels

RSV is particularly affecting babies and infants 0-4 years (moderate levels), and children 5-14 (high). The UK also has a pretty big issue with Norovirus right now (sickness tummy bug). 

Stay at home if you are ill... 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 15th November 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 15th November 2024

10,644 deaths were registered in England and Wales, week ending 1 November 2024 (Week 44):

· 13.3% lower than the expected number (1,634 fewer deaths)

· 13.8% involved influenza or pneumonia (1,469 deaths)

· 2.5% involved COVID19 (262 deaths)

Office for National Statistics

The UK HSA have started publishing weekly virus watch reports for England. We currently have lots of RSV, especially in children under 5. COVID and flu are pretty stable. 

During the UK Autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced significant extra money for the NHS - £25.7 BILLION over the next 2 years.

It includes:

- funding to reduce waiting times by supporting the NHS to deliver an extra 40,000 elective appointments a week. This is part of the "plan to make sure patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from their referral to getting treatment". (Which would be utterly amazing if it ever happens.)

- £1.5 billion to fund new surgical hubs which will help build capacity for over 30,000 additional procedures, and more than 1.25 million additional diagnostic tests (which use CT or MRI scanners) 

- £70 million to invest in new radiotherapy machines to improve cancer treatment 

- Over £2 billion for NHS technology and digital improvements to increase productivity and save staff time 

- Over £600 million increase in local government spending to support social care  

- £26 million to open new mental health crisis centres  

"Looking beyond this Budget, the government will publish a 10-year health plan for the NHS in spring 2025. This will set out the long-term vision for fixing the NHS."

Well that all sounds incredibly promising... as long as they can get, and keep, the staff to deliver it. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 2nd August 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 2nd August 2024

The UK's JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) have announced who will get COVID boosters this Autumn. They haven't expanded the list to include all children, nor do they include people who live or work with vulnerable people, but they have expanded the age range for older people. Folk in the following categories will be sent an invitation to book later in the year:

- Adults aged 65 or over

- Residents in a care home for older adults

- Individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (huge list, available online). 

The UK currently has high levels of COVID, and we aren't alone. Earlier Greece was warning tourists about a surge which has seen masks return to some hospitals, and travel advisories from neighbouring countries.

The FLIRT variants are being blamed. They actually appear to hospitalise slightly less people, but they can creep around some of our immunity, so more people are catching them, with a knock on effect that hospitals are still seeing more COVID patients. 

Latest hospital figures for England show a peak in COVID admissions almost as high as last Winter or Autumn's peaks, and Scotland's wastewater monitoring shows the highest levels since early 2022.

Prof Christina Pagel of indieSAGE reminds us one negative test doesn't mean you don’t have COVID, test again over consecutive days to confirm:

"Basically, there is a LOT of Covid around and not a lot of other respiratory viruses.

If you have cold or flu symptoms, it's probably Covid."

COVID-19 Coronavirus, Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 19th July 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus, Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 19th July 2024

"More from COVID inquiry on UK preparedness - strategy “outdated and lacked adaptability” , “fatal strategic flaws”, “lack of adequate leadership” by ministers, advisers and officials, Planning and policy  “failed their citizens” , system was “unduly complex and labyrinthine”"

Hugh Pym,  BBC News Health Editor, with the release of the first report from the UK COVID Inquiry. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 5th July 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus and other virus UK and World News Update 5th July 2024

“The NHS saved my life. Now I’m determined to save our NHS. That work starts today.”

Gawd bless him. High hopes Wes, high hopes. Don't let us down. 

Hands up who stayed up all night watching the election results? Thank heavens there isn't a huge amount of news to share, because I am not my most productive self today. I'm not even sure if I'm actually still awake, but I'll do my best. Overall I think a very positive night for the UK, and a clear message that we aren't best pleased with politicians or parties who serve themselves rather than the people who put them there.

The UK election results saw the end of several key players in the UK COVID response, including the Conservative Party itself. The new Health Secretary has been appointed, and it is Wes Streeting. He was applauded as he arrived at the Department of Health. Hope returns. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus, Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 21st June 2024

 COVID-19 Coronavirus, Avian Flu and other virus UK and World News Update 21st June 2024

"We've not made as much progress on cutting waiting lists as I would have liked."

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sky News

Errrm, no. 

The NHS waiting lists for planned treatment in England alone rose in April to 7.57 million. In March it was 7.54 million. This relates to 6.33m patients (it was 6.29m in March). 

With the longest waits it's a mixed story. The number of people waiting over a year is down to 302,500, but of those, more people have waited over 65 weeks - more than 50,000 of you. (I waited 21 months for my last operation, so you have my honest sympathy.) 

I don't think this story is entirely negative, let us not lose hope. The NHS and it's workers managed to reduce waiting lists for 7 months straight, and in latest figures yeah it's up, but it's a relatively small 0.4%. Fingers crossed we can get back into the groove again, and fix some more of those people who have had their life on pause for over 15 months...