Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide. According to the NHS, smoking is responsible for around 78,000 deaths each year in the UK alone. Despite these alarming statistics, many people continue to smoke, often underestimating the benefits of quitting. The truth is that quitting smoking is one of the best…
Food allergies are a growing concern in the UK, affecting millions of people of all ages. According to the NHS, a food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to certain foods. Unlike food intolerances, which are less severe and more common, food allergies can be life-threatening and require immediate attention. Here, we…
Following the rise in cases over the last few months, yesterday the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency. This decision comes in the wake of a significant increase in mpox cases across various continents, prompting health authorities worldwide to ramp up surveillance, preventive measures, and public awareness campaigns. But what exactly…
Staying healthy as a family involves more than just the physical aspect of wellbeing; it encompasses mental and emotional health as well. According to the NHS, being healthy means maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and looking after mental wellbeing. However, achieving this can be challenging for many families due to barriers such as…
As you may have seen in the news in recent months, the UK has been experiencing a worrying rise in cases of E. coli infection. As of mid-2024, there have been over 600 reported cases, which is a significant increase in comparison to previous years. Here, we look at what E. Coli is, how people…
Registered medical practitioners in England and Wales have a statutory duty to notify local authorities to report suspected cases of certain infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, measles, and whooping cough. Scarlet fever is also on the list collected by the UKHSA, with 12,176 cases of scarlet fever notified between 1st January and 24th March this year…
Sepsis, often referred to as blood poisoning, is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its tissues and organs. According to NHS guidelines, it is crucial to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis early and seek immediate medical attention. In this blog, we cover how sepsis develops, its…
Did you know that in 2024, more than 1 in 7 UK adults say their mental health is currently either bad, or the worst it’s ever been? According to a poll conducted by Forth with Life, in the UK this year, the term ‘how to reduce stress’ is searched on Google once every 10 minutes,…
Obesity is a significant public health challenge in the UK, affecting millions of adults and children. According to NHS statistics, as of 2020, 28% of adults in England are classified as obese, and an additional 36.2% are overweight. For children, the figures are equally alarming: about 10% of reception-aged children (4-5 years) and 20% of…
We understand that as a patient, navigating the healthcare system can sometimes be challenging, especially when you’re unwell and unable to secure a GP appointment. At Primary Care 24, we prioritise patient care and do our utmost to ensure patients are able to book an appointment to see their GP as soon as possible. With…
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterised by severe coughing fits, followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound during the subsequent intake of breath. This disease, although preventable by vaccination, has been resurging in the UK, with the latest data from the UK Health…
Cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test, is a crucial aspect of women’s health that cannot be overlooked. It plays a significant role in preventing cervical cancer, a condition that can be both life-threatening and preventable through early detection. Here, we explore why attending your smear test is essential, what the process entails, who…