Information:

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain which require hospitalisation and on rare occasions can lead to long term disability or death.

Spending 15 minutes or more in direct contact with someone infected with measles is enough to catch the infection. People whose immunity is compromised, pregnant women and unvaccinated children are at increased risk of severe disease.

 Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

• — high fever
• — sore, red, watery eyes
• — coughing
• — aching and feeling generally unwell
• — a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms that could be measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E.

This is because measles spreads very quickly and easily and so it is important to try and prevent the illness spreading further.

People who have symptoms should also especially try to stay away from areas where you could come into contact with vulnerable people such as schools, nurseries or care homes.

Remember Measles can be serious and in some cases fatal.

The more people that are vaccinated, the harder it is to catch it.

If you are not fully vaccinated, we strongly recommend you book your immunisation at the earliest opportunity by calling us on 01274 224888.

Find more information on the NHS website

For more information on the MMR vaccine visit the NHS website

Information:

Every day in the UK, 2 women lose their lives to cervical cancer and 9 more receive a life-changing diagnosis.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is an opportunity to raise awareness on the risks of cervical cancer, and help women and people with cervixes learn about how to reduce these risks and prevent the illness.

It’s vital that you are:

Attending cervical screening when invited; knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer and seeking medical advice if experiencing and encouraging others to do so; knowing where to find support and further information.

Find out more about cervical cancer on the NHS website Cervical cancer – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

See Cervical Cancer Prevention Week | Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk) for more information on how to get involved in the 2024 campaign

We are again reminding patients to please get your cervical smears booked in if you are overdue!

If you’re unsure when you last had one, or if you’re of the right age please ring on, 01274 224888, and speak with a member of the Bowling Highfield Reception Team who will be able to see if you are due a smear test.

#cervical cancerscreening#cervicalcancerscreening