National Health Service

Recognizing Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Can Save Lives

Learn about the key symptoms of ovarian cancer and why early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Bloating, feeling full quickly, and abdominal pain are just a few red flags to watch out for. Stay informed and seek medical attention promptly to improve survival rates.

NHS to Offer Virtual Reality Therapy for Agoraphobia

People with agoraphobia are set to be offered virtual reality (VR) therapy on the NHS to help them overcome their fear of leaving the house. Lifelike 3D images appear in front of the user, giving them the feeling of really being there. Research has shown that exposure to these scenarios in a safe environment helps reduce anxiety, and NHS watchdogs have approved the landmark treatment for wider use by doctors.

NHS to Open Booking Service for Spring Covid Booster Jab

The NHS in England is opening a booking service for the spring Covid booster jab for individuals aged 75 or older and those with weakened immune systems. Bookings can be made through the NHS website, app, or by calling 119. The spring vaccine will utilize Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines, which have been updated to provide protection against more recent Covid variants. Private availability of the Covid jab is anticipated from 2024, making it crucial for eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their immunity against the ongoing threat of Covid-19.

Campaigners Call for ‘On-the-Spot’ Cancer Tests on High Street to Save Lives

Cancer campaigners are advocating for ‘on-the-spot’ cancer tests to be made available on the high street in a bid to catch tumors earlier and save lives. The call comes as charity bosses stress the urgency of rolling out tests more widely, citing it as the ‘UK’s best hope of saving lives.’ The push for wider availability of cancer tests in communities underscores the critical need to enhance early detection and treatment, ultimately striving to save more lives from the clutches of upper gastro-intestinal cancers.

New 24-Hour Wearable Drug Pump Revolutionizes Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

The NHS is set to offer a 24-hour wearable drug pump as a breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease treatment, providing round-the-clock medication and eliminating the need for multiple daily tablets. This innovative technology administers an infusion known as foslevodopa-foscarbidopa through a cannula under the skin, converting the drug into dopamine to aid in motor function and movement control. With the potential to transform the lives of patients who are no longer responsive to oral medication, the introduction of this technology has been described as ‘great news’ by NHS England’s medical director for specialised services. The therapy is expected to offer a new treatment option for nearly a thousand patients and significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease in the UK.

RSV Passive Immunization 69% Effective in Protecting Infants

The Eurosurveillance Rapid Communication published a study on January 25, 2024, that concluded Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab) was about 69% effective at preventing pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in infants. This study provides early real-world evidence of nirsevimab immunization protecting infants from severe RSV disease in Luxembourg, with a significant decrease in RSV cases among infants under six months old.

New Drug Set to Double Chance of Kicking the Habit for UK Smokers

A new drug that can double your chance of kicking the habit is set to be available to the more than six million Brits in just a matter of days. Cytisine pills, which have been shown to dampen nicotine cravings,…