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ukhsa.bsky.social
UK Health Security Agency
@ukhsa.bsky.social
2.7K followers 1.2K following 250 posts
Official feed of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) providing regular news updates on the work of the organisation.
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ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.

For more detail, read the full report below. ๐Ÿ”Ž

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season
November 20, 2025 at 5:28 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can kill ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ

This #COAwarenessWeek, we're reminding everyone to get an alarm & check fuel-burning appliances.

Find out more: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/18/how-to-protect-your-home-and-family-from-the-invisible-danger-of-carbon-monoxide/
November 18, 2025 at 3:03 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Read our blog post on what antimicrobial resistance is and how you can help combat it. ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿ‘
ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/07/w...
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and how can you help combat it?
We introduce the new campaign to Keep Antibiotics Working, fronted by our mascot Andi Biotic, and look at why we all need to be more aware of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
ukhsa.blog.gov.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿ•ถ ANDI BIOTIC IS BACK!

Andi enters a new era โ€“ we are back with our campaign on antimicrobial resistance, ahead of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.

๐Ÿ’Š Donโ€™t take them for colds or flu
๐Ÿ’Š Donโ€™t save them for later
๐Ÿ’Š Take as directed
November 17, 2025 at 9:28 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Together with @metoffice, we have issued a Yellow Cold Health Alert for a number of English regions from 8am Monday until 8am Friday.

Find out where is affected on our Data Dashboard: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/cold
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: 'With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across Northern England and the Midlands into next week, it is important to check in on those most vulnerable to the cold. Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.'
November 14, 2025 at 6:03 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.

๐ŸŸข Flu shows mixed trends in our indicators, reflecting the impact of reduced mixing over the school half term.

If you want even more detail, read the full report below. ๐Ÿ”Ž
https://bit.ly/47shfmB
November 13, 2025 at 3:27 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Read our new #ESPAUR report , which reveals the scale of the challenge of antibiotic resistance (AMR).

The UK is working toward ambitious targets in the National Action Plan 2024 to 29.

www.gov.uk/government/p...
Graphic showing tablets and this text, 'Our latest ESPAUR report shows nearly 400 antibiotic-resistant infections occur every week in England.' Graphic shows E. coli in a petri dish and this text, 'E. coli is driving most resistant bloodstream infections, responsible for the majority of cases over the past 5 years.' Graphic shows a tablet bottle carrying this text, 'Health Inequalities Widening People in deprived areas are 50% more likely to get antibiotic-resistant infections. Resistant infections in deprived communities rose 7% in 2024 โ€“ the gap has widened from 29.4% in 2019.' Graphic shows a pharmacy label and the text, 'Prescribing Trends: Progress and Innovation Overall antibiotic use is 2% lower than 2019, with prescribing in general practice and dentistry below 2019 levels. Pharmacy First now accounts for 2% of antibiotic prescriptions.'
November 13, 2025 at 1:20 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• Norovirus data: activity has varied in recent weeks and remains within expected levels.

๐Ÿ”— Full report: https://bit.ly/49MbvFO
Graph showing norovirus lab reports in England by week
November 13, 2025 at 10:31 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ”— www.gov.uk/government/n...
New report highlights impact of climate change on mental health in the UK
The new report demonstrates the impact climate change is already having on the mental health of the UK population.
www.gov.uk
November 12, 2025 at 5:32 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
From heatwaves to floods, climate change is affecting not just our surroundings, but our wellbeing. Our latest report shares the impact climate change is already having on the mental health of the UK population. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿง 
Climate change and mental health Impacts from climate-related hazards are already causing harm to mental health in the UK, and these impacts are expected to get worse over time with climate change. Extreme weather such as floods and heatwaves can cause mental health conditions and increase the risk of mortally for people with existing mental health issues. Effects are not felt equally as farmers, rural communities and people with pre-existing health issues are especially at risk of poor mental health due to extreme weather. Children and young people are at higher risk due to concerns about a future living with climate change. We can help protect and restore good mental health through measures such as early warning systems and targeted mental health support for communities following extreme weather events.
November 12, 2025 at 5:32 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Flu activity has risen unusually early this season, driven by a new subclade.

On the bright side, our data shows that this year's vaccines offer good protection against the virus - to both children and adults.

Details here: https://bit.ly/47LEXZW
Our analysis shows that the flu vaccines provide good protection, even as a new subclade of flu is on the rise
November 11, 2025 at 3:08 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Apologies, but due to technical issues in Brazil we have had to postpone the recording of the first episode of The Climate Prescription. We'll be in touch with details of the rescheduled recording when we have more information.
ukhsa.bsky.social UK Health Security Agency @ukhsa.bsky.social ยท 17d
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The Climate Prescription podcast goes live Mon 10 Nov at 18:30 GMT. Learn what COP30 is and why it matters for your health. Join us online or at the UK COP30 Pavilion. ๐ŸŒ

๐ŸŽง Listen live or catch up later: https://www.youtube.com/@UKCOPPavilion
Image of off-shore wind farm. Text says: 'The Climate Prescription: What is COP? New podcast launches Monday 10 November 18:30 GMT'
November 10, 2025 at 6:38 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The Climate Prescription podcast goes live Mon 10 Nov at 18:30 GMT. Learn what COP30 is and why it matters for your health. Join us online or at the UK COP30 Pavilion. ๐ŸŒ

๐ŸŽง Listen live or catch up later: https://www.youtube.com/@UKCOPPavilion
Image of off-shore wind farm. Text says: 'The Climate Prescription: What is COP? New podcast launches Monday 10 November 18:30 GMT'
November 7, 2025 at 6:14 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 & RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.

๐ŸŸข Flu has continued to increase - especially in children and young adults - in what has been an unusually early start to the influenza season.

Read the full report below. ๐Ÿ”Ž

https://bit.ly/47shfmB
Graph showing positive tests for flu, COVID-19 and RSV Graph showing positive tests by age for flu VirusWatch infographic Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Flu continues to increase among younger people despite the school half-term break. We expect the holidays gave flu a โ€˜firebreakโ€™ and dampened the spread, but we do now expect to see further increases as people return to school and work. With this upward trend continuing, itโ€™s more important than ever that those eligible for a free flu vaccine come forward.
November 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• Norovirus data: Activity has varied in recent weeks but remains within expected levels.

๐Ÿ”— Full report: https://bit.ly/3LLFfbL
Graph showing norovirus lab reports in England by week
November 6, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Reposted by UK Health Security Agency
lshtmcepr.bsky.social
This #OneHealthDay we're highlighting how #UKPHRST & MRC/UVRI Uganda at LSHTM researchers are using a #OneHealth approach to help Ugandan livestock owners, healthcare workers & vets be better prepared for future Rift Valley Fever outbreaks.

See what they learnt ๐Ÿ‘‰ bit.ly/OneHealthDay2025
Community workshop in Uganda with women standing in front of classroom presenting, with audience sitting on plastic chairs listening in foreground. On wall are photos and a stuck up piece of flipchart paper with handwritten notes from discussions.
November 3, 2025 at 2:08 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Meningitis and septicaemia are rare but serious. Protect children with the MenB vaccine and ensure teens get MenACWY at school when offered.

Know the key symptoms and keep a close watch on those who suddenly get sick.

Read the full news story: https://bit.ly/3X606ZQ
October 31, 2025 at 10:47 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• #UKHSAVirusWatch: The latest flu, COVID-19 and RSV data from our weekly winter surveillance report.

Flu has increased, particularly in children, and is now above baseline levels. This is an unusually early start to the influenza season

Find the full report here: https://bit.ly/3Lh27zJ
October 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• Norovirus data: activity has started to increase in recent weeks though it remains within expected levels.

๐Ÿ”— Full report: https://bit.ly/4oqXzFy
Graph showing norovirus lab reports in England by week
October 30, 2025 at 9:59 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
Read the full story here: www.gov.uk/government/n...
October 29, 2025 at 10:13 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
New data shows opt-out blood-borne virus testing in emergency departments is highly effective.

The programme identified many undiagnosed infections, including hepatitis C & HIV but particularly hepatitis B. Almost 70% of people with a new diagnosis hadn't been tested before.
Opt-out testing for blood-borne viruses has helped us find people who were previously undiagnosed
October 29, 2025 at 10:13 AM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ๐Ÿ”Ž Symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions lasting 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should call NHS 111 for advice:
๐Ÿ”— nhs.uk/conditions/mpox/
October 27, 2025 at 4:11 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ’‰ The UK has a routine mpox vaccination programme in place for eligible groups:
๐Ÿ”ด men who have sex with men
๐Ÿ”ด have multiple sexual partners
๐Ÿ”ด have group sex
๐Ÿ”ด visit sex-on-premises venues
Check if you are eligible or to book an appointment, visit:
๐Ÿ”—nhs.uk/vaccinations/mpox-vaccine
October 27, 2025 at 4:11 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
๐Ÿ†• We are reminding eligible groups to come forward for mpox vaccination, as UKHSA becomes aware of small numbers of locally-acquired cases of clade Ib mpox in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal.
๐Ÿ“ฐ๐Ÿ”— https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-detects-first-case-of-clade-ib-mpox
Dr Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA: The ways in which we are seeing mpox continue to spread globally is a reminder to come forward for the vaccine, if you are eligible. Although mpox infection is mild for many, it can be severe. Getting vaccinated is a proven effective way to protect yourself against severe disease, so please make sure to get the jab if you are eligible. It is important to remain alert to the risks from this unpleasant illness. Anyone who thinks they may have mpox should contact NHS 111 for advice on what to do.
October 27, 2025 at 4:10 PM
ukhsa.bsky.social
The annual FluSurvey is now open! ๐Ÿ“
Dr Matthew Quinn shares how you can help our scientists track seasonal viruses & strengthen national surveillance. Find more info in our blog post. ๐Ÿคง๐Ÿ’ฌ
๐Ÿ”— https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/22/join-the-fight-against-flu-by-taking-part-in-our-citizen-science-project/
October 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM