@UKHSA

Official feed of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) providing regular news updates on the work of the organisation.

 United Kingdom
gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
Joined May 2009
  • Tweets30.8K
  • Following785
  • Followers463K
12.2KMedia
If you're experiencing frequent UTIs during or after menopause, vaginal oestrogen may help reduce them and ease other symptoms like dryness and irritation. 💧✨ #WorldMenopauseDay
UTIs again and again? Vaginal oestrogen might help prevent frequent UTIs. If you’re experiencing menopause or are post-menopausal, talk to a healthcare professional.

ALT UTIs again and again? Vaginal oestrogen might help prevent frequent UTIs. If you’re experiencing menopause or are post-menopausal, talk to a healthcare professional.

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You can go ahead with your flu vaccine if you have a bit of a sniffle, but should postpone if you have a high temperature.🤧 If your child has a heavily blocked or runny nose, their flu vaccine nasal spray can be postponed until their nasal symptoms have cleared up.
A gradient background from green to blue. The text reads, "Did you know? Flu vaccination can go ahead if you or your child has a minor illness such as a cold, but may be delayed for illnesses that include fever." A virus icon is displayed in the bottom right corner.

ALT A gradient background from green to blue. The text reads, "Did you know? Flu vaccination can go ahead if you or your child has a minor illness such as a cold, but may be delayed for illnesses that include fever." A virus icon is displayed in the bottom right corner.

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🆕📊 The latest #UKHSAVirusWatch shows that flu and COVID-19 positivity remain at similar levels compared to last week. 🟢 Flu positivity from lab surveillance remained stable at 6.0%, compared with 6.2% in the previous week
Positive tests (%) for flu Line chart showing flu positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Following a decline after the winter peak, positivity remained low through spring and summer before increasing in recent weeks. The latest trend shows flu positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: SGSS: England only; 7-day-rolling average

ALT Positive tests (%) for flu Line chart showing flu positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Following a decline after the winter peak, positivity remained low through spring and summer before increasing in recent weeks. The latest trend shows flu positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: SGSS: England only; 7-day-rolling average

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🟣 COVID-19 positivity from lab surveillance also remained stable at 8.8%, compared with 9% in the previous week 🔵 RSV positivity from lab surveillance increased to 1% compared with 0.4% in the previous week
Positive tests (%) for COVID-19 Line chart showing COVID-19 positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity declined from autumn 2025 and remained relatively low for much of 2026 before increasing during late summer and early autumn. The latest trend shows COVID-19 positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: USD: England only; 7-day-rolling average

ALT Positive tests (%) for COVID-19 Line chart showing COVID-19 positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity declined from autumn 2025 and remained relatively low for much of 2026 before increasing during late summer and early autumn. The latest trend shows COVID-19 positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: USD: England only; 7-day-rolling average

Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV Line chart showing RSV positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity peaked during late 2025 before declining and remaining low through much of 2026. The latest trend shows RSV positivity increasing in recent weeks. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

ALT Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV Line chart showing RSV positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity peaked during late 2025 before declining and remaining low through much of 2026. The latest trend shows RSV positivity increasing in recent weeks. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

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Those eligible are reminded to come forward for a free NHS flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination. Book now through your GP practice or online. 🔗 Find the full report here: gov.uk/government/statistics…

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 15 October 2026 (week 42)

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Feeling under the weather but not sure if it’s a cold, flu, or something else?🤧🌡️ Tell us how you’re feeling in our FluSurvey and help build a clearer picture of illnesses across the UK. 🔗 flusurvey.net
A person coughing, surrounded by red circles. Text on the image reads: "FluSurvey. Help us protect your community from flu and COVID-19 infections. Join FluSurvey.net today"

ALT A person coughing, surrounded by red circles. Text on the image reads: "FluSurvey. Help us protect your community from flu and COVID-19 infections. Join FluSurvey.net today"

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Whooping cough and croup can sound different from the usual winter coughs. Would you recognise them? The best way to help protect your child is to make sure they’re up to date with their vaccinations.
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Jo's story show's the importance of getting vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy. 👶 It reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection, such as bronchiolitis, by 80% in a baby's first months of life, significantly lowering the chance of hospital admission.
ITV Wales News
@ITVWalesOct 13
Jo Goldsmith's daughter Phoebe caught RSV, a virus that affects someone's respiratory system, when she was just days old. Now she's a thriving three-year-old but mum Jo told ITV News of the lasting terror that experience has left her with. She's joined calls for more people to take up the RSV jab, which is free for pregnant people, over-75s and now over-65s with immunosuppression or chronic respiratory disease.
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Bacteria like E.coli are a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness. Diarrhoea and vomiting can typically be managed at home. Make sure you rest, and drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Find out more on our blog post: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/06…
E.coli bacteria under a microscope. Image has been tinted yellow. Black text on the image says, "E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains exist harmlessly in the digestive system, others may cause infections, including gastrointestinal illness. The bacterium is present in poo and can survive in the environment."

ALT E.coli bacteria under a microscope. Image has been tinted yellow. Black text on the image says, "E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains exist harmlessly in the digestive system, others may cause infections, including gastrointestinal illness. The bacterium is present in poo and can survive in the environment."

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Two doses of the MenB vaccine are essential for protection. If you're eligible, you can book your 1st or 2nd dose online or over the phone. Find out how to book here: nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccinat…
Asset from UKHSA and NHS about the MenB vaccination. Text says: "How to get your MenB Vaccine. Two doses are essential for protection ✓✓. If you are...Born 1 Sept 2007 to 31 Aug 2008 OR Starting university or eligible residential further education this autumn AND born on or after 21 July 2001. What to do. Book online or visit a participating pharmacy. Find out more at nhs.uk/book-menb"

ALT Asset from UKHSA and NHS about the MenB vaccination. Text says: "How to get your MenB Vaccine. Two doses are essential for protection ✓✓. If you are...Born 1 Sept 2007 to 31 Aug 2008 OR Starting university or eligible residential further education this autumn AND born on or after 21 July 2001. What to do. Book online or visit a participating pharmacy. Find out more at nhs.uk/book-menb"

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🆕📊 The first #UKHSAVirusWatch graphs of the season are here, showing both flu & COVID-19 increasing, with possible signs of an early flu season. 🟢 Flu positivity rose to 6.5%, up from 5.0% the previous week
Flu positive tests (%) Data: 06 October 2025 to 04 October 2026 Green line chart showing flu test positivity peaking during winter 2025/26, remaining low through spring and summer, then rising again ahead of winter 2026. Source: SGSS, England only, 7-day rolling average.

ALT Flu positive tests (%) Data: 06 October 2025 to 04 October 2026 Green line chart showing flu test positivity peaking during winter 2025/26, remaining low through spring and summer, then rising again ahead of winter 2026. Source: SGSS, England only, 7-day rolling average.

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more replies
Those eligible are reminded to come forward for a free NHS flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination. Book now through your GP or online.
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🔗 Find the full report here: gov.uk/government/statistics…

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 8 October 2026 (week 41)

gov.uk
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👀 Want to know the signs and symptoms of Salmonella and other stomach bugs? Find out how to spot them and help prevent infection in our blog post: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/06…
Salmonella may be present in eggs, chicken, pork and dairy products, as well as fruit and vegetables that have come into contact with livestock, manure or untreated water. Symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever typically develop in the 12 to 72 hours following infection. The illness usually persists for 4 to 7 days.

ALT Salmonella may be present in eggs, chicken, pork and dairy products, as well as fruit and vegetables that have come into contact with livestock, manure or untreated water. Symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever typically develop in the 12 to 72 hours following infection. The illness usually persists for 4 to 7 days.

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Whether you're popping in for painkillers or dropping in for deodorant, don’t forget to return any leftover antibiotics on your next trip to the pharmacy. Using antibiotics when they aren't needed can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. #KeepAntibioticsWorking
Andi Biotic holds a sign saying, "Using leftover antibiotics is a health risk. Always return them to a pharmacy." The UK Health Security Agency logo is visible in the corner. The background shows a pharmacy interior.

ALT Andi Biotic holds a sign saying, "Using leftover antibiotics is a health risk. Always return them to a pharmacy." The UK Health Security Agency logo is visible in the corner. The background shows a pharmacy interior.

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Your MenB vaccine: don't leave it on read. 📱 ⏰ Meningitis can become serious in hours ✅ Getting vaccinated takes minutes 🔗 Find out more, including who is eligible: bit.ly/4wJsKjp
DONT LEAVE IT ON READ Meningitis can become serious in hours Getting vaccinated takes minutes Book your MenB vaccine today

ALT DONT LEAVE IT ON READ Meningitis can become serious in hours Getting vaccinated takes minutes Book your MenB vaccine today

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Thinking about taking leftover antibiotics? Kick that box back to the pharmacy. Using antibiotics the right way helps keep them working for you and for future generations. 👟💊 #KeepAntibioticsWorking
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UK Health Security Agency retweeted
NHS England
@NHSEnglandOct 2
People experiencing homelessness can now get free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations as part of a new NHS programme. Vaccines will be offered through outreach teams, hostels, pop-up clinics and mobile vans. ➡️ england.nhs.uk/2026/10/nhs-p…
Close-up of a man with gray hair and beard drinking from a disposable cup, highlighting a new NHS vaccine offer for homeless people.

ALT Close-up of a man with gray hair and beard drinking from a disposable cup, highlighting a new NHS vaccine offer for homeless people.

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👀 Want to know the signs and symptoms of shigella and other stomach bugs? Find out how to spot them and help prevent infection in our blog post: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/.../stomac…
Shigella can cause severe diarrhoea (which is sometimes bloody), fever and stomach cramps. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated poo, either directly from person to person, or indirectly through contaminated food, water or surfaces. Travellers to regions with inadequate sanitation face particular risk, although it is present in the UK. Globally, most cases of shigellosis are in children younger than 5 years of age, but all ages can be affected. There is also a risk of Shigella transmission through sexual contact, which is more likely among men who have sex with men.

ALT Shigella can cause severe diarrhoea (which is sometimes bloody), fever and stomach cramps. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated poo, either directly from person to person, or indirectly through contaminated food, water or surfaces. Travellers to regions with inadequate sanitation face particular risk, although it is present in the UK. Globally, most cases of shigellosis are in children younger than 5 years of age, but all ages can be affected. There is also a risk of Shigella transmission through sexual contact, which is more likely among men who have sex with men.

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