BBC News

BBC News - Health

Bird flu vaccine trial against potential pandemic strain begins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:08 GMT

The jab targets the H5N1 flu strain which has caused devastating infections in bird populations worldwide, but has yet to spread between humans.

Vaccines a huge success, but public trust must be earned - key findings from Covid report

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:02:12 GMT

Immunisation saved hundreds of thousands of UK lives, but vaccine hesitancy remains an issue.

Why women are more affected by hot weather than men

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:39:05 GMT

Why are women’s bodies impacted by heat differently to men’s?

What does hot weather do to the body?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:18 GMT

Hot weather during the summer can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

Puberty blocker trial will help reduce harm, says Cass report author

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:30:41 GMT

Dr Hilary Cass says she is "absolutely convinced that more children will be harmed if we don't do the trial than if we do."

Consultants and specialist doctors take strike action over pay

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:26:34 GMT

Full emergency cover remained in place and patients were told to attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

What in the World

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Researchers are trying to improve how Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is diagnosed

Young women now have 'close to zero' risk of cervical cancer death after HPV jab

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:14:34 GMT

A new study finds that hundreds of lives have been saved since school-age girls were offered the HPV jab in 2008.

What to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:05:28 GMT

Know the signs and what to do if someone is unwell in hot weather.

Minimum age of 11 set for UK puberty blocker trial

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:18:49 GMT

Gender-questioning children will have to be at least 11 years old to take part in a clinical trial of puberty-blocking drugs.

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:27:32 GMT

Researchers launch a "Laughter Lab" to explore how laughing can improve wellbeing and health.

'I won't have another baby after breastfeeding trauma'

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:08:17 GMT

New mothers say they did not receive enough breastfeeding support when their babies were born.

Flesh-eating bug made my skin look like roadkill

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:39:04 GMT

Caroline Fonjock says she owes her life to the medics who quickly diagnosed and treated her.

Resident doctors cancel strike after new offer from government

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:11 GMT

The walkout had been due to start at 07:00 BST on Monday and last until Friday.

Major A&E changes announced amid strikes

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:50:16 GMT

Patients have been urged to only attend A&E if their condition is life-threatening or serious.

Why you might not be buying the right pain relief for period cramps

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:10:57 GMT

Many women are buying less effective pain medication for period cramps, supermarket data suggests.

'We travel 530 miles so our son can have a haircut'

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:13:43 GMT

How a very special hairdressing salon in Lowestoft is cutting it when it comes to neurodivergence.

Inside Health

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher finds out how a hot flush feels - and delves into a new treatment.

Inside Health

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher examines the outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent.

Jeremy Clarkson in remission from prostate cancer

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 01:48:33 GMT

The presenter shared his "aggressive" cancer diagnosis on an episode of Clarkson's Farm earlier this week.

Taboo subjects on the table at women's health event

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:23:30 GMT

Three nurses behind the event say they want women to feel they can have open and honest conversations.

How can we help our fathers live longer?

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:23:36 GMT

One in five men dies before the age of 65 but getting help sooner could save lives.

What is meningitis B and why is a vaccine only being offered to some teenagers?

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:40:50 GMT

Only select groups of teenagers and some young people will be eligible for the vaccine. Here's why.

Islanders' lifestyle views could help shape future

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:09:32 GMT

The results could help the government plan and deliver services in the future, officials say.

Swim club calls for more school water safety lessons

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:08:04 GMT

From the autumn a new Water Safety Forum is being introduced to primary and secondary schools.

Many fear the NHS will continue to fail mothers and babies unless there's a cultural shift

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:06:11 GMT

Families will continue to be failed unless the NHS makes meaningful changes, BBC's Michael Buchanan writes.

Inside Health

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James Gallagher is joined by experts to answer key questions on the meningitis outbreak.

'World-first' vaccine designed by artificial intelligence

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:29:06 GMT

Cambridge scientists say they have, for the first time, tested a vaccine designed by AI.

Inside Health

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

James visits Hackney, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

A&E to remain open as doctors' strike called off

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:15:17 GMT

Resident doctor strikes are now on pause while they consider a new pay offer form the government.

How to treat heat exhaustion

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:37:40 GMT

BBC Medical Editor Fergus Walsh speaks to St John's ambulance service about treating heat exhaustion.

How Aussies taught kids to stay safe in the sun

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:42:07 GMT

In 1981, Australia launched a fight against skin cancer with help from a yellow cartoon seagull and a catchy jingle.

Obesity cases rising fastest in young adults

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:11:14 GMT

Experts say the cost of living, pandemic and boom in unhealthy food are behind the rise in cases.

What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:20:11 GMT

The fourth report from the inquiry into the pandemic said the vaccine roll-out was an "extraordinary feat".

First drug to delay onset of type 1 diabetes made available on NHS

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:44:41 GMT

The immunotherpay can give children and adults three extra years before they need to use insulin.

Why women are more affected by hot weather than men

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:39:05 GMT

Why are women’s bodies impacted by heat differently to men’s?

What are UV levels and how can you protect yourself?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:43:26 GMT

Some UV exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much is damaging and can cause skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:03:05 GMT

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others.

Cancellations 'unavoidable' during hospital strike

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:03:33 GMT

The British Medical Association has announced more strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay.

Is watching England in the World Cup bad for your health?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:30:14 GMT

Watching football is an emotional rollercoaster - but is it good or bad for your health?

Is vaginal microbiome testing worth it?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:30:28 GMT

Testing the vagina microbiome is increasing in popularity with companies offering at-home tests

Rollout of Covid vaccines extraordinary feat - inquiry report

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:39:07 GMT

Covid vaccines saved hundreds of thousands of lives, but a small minority harmed need better support, says report.

Recovery of Ebola patients offers rare moments of joy at epicentre of outbreak

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:26:39 GMT

There are glimpses of happiness in the Democratic Republic of Congo's fight against the virus that has killed more than 170.

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:27:32 GMT

Researchers launch a "Laughter Lab" to explore how laughing can improve wellbeing and health.

'I forgot what it's like to be outside': Intensive care ward opens on rooftop

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:10 GMT

The outdoor ward, at King's College Hospital in London, will monitor how much it boosts the recovery of seriously ill patients.

Want to feel happier at work? Take a five-minute walk

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:50:12 GMT

Sitting for prolonged periods is associated with health complications – but you can counteract the risks of a sedentary life.

Excessive social media 'negatively impacts wellbeing'

Sat, 23 May 2026 06:27:17 GMT

The World Happiness Reports finds the more time spent on social media the greater loss of wellbeing.

How an ovary syndrome led to Bake Off star's fame

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:17:24 GMT

Now a successful TV presenter, Briony May Williams said she started stress-baking when she became ill.

Even young and fit urged to skip runs and too many beers in heatwave

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:24:26 GMT

Cardiac arrests have gone up during very hot weather, and it's not just among the elderly and frail, experts are warning.

Five tips to keep your kids cool in a heatwave

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:07:22 GMT

Temperatures are set to rise over the next few days, and children can be especially vulnerable - so read on for tips to protect them.