Fiona Callingham

Health authorities report 95 confirmed yellow fever cases worldwide in 2026, with infections documented in nine countries across Africa and the Americas and suspected cases in five more. Travel Health Pro highlights significant increases compared to prior years, noting elevated risk in several South and Central American nations and ongoing circulation in 29 African countries. The World Health Organization outlines symptoms and warns of the severe and potentially fatal progression in a minority of cases. Travellers are advised to check country-specific guidance, consider yellow fever vaccination, review additional health precautions and ensure comprehensive travel insurance.

Dr Amir Khan has highlighted five symptoms that should prompt a visit to a GP: difficulty swallowing, mouth ulcers lasting three weeks or more, unexplained heavy night sweats, unexplained lumps, and unexplained bone pain, particularly in people over 50. He said these symptoms can have benign causes but may also indicate cancers or other serious conditions, so persistent or unexplained symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Dr Amir Khan has advised people to avoid storing or microwaving food in plastic containers because heat may increase the release of microplastics into food. He stressed that the health risks are possible rather than proven. Research has raised concerns about plastic additives such as BPA and phthalates, which may affect hormones and have been linked to various health problems, but scientists and regulators disagree about the level of risk. The European Commission introduced a gradual BPA ban in food-contact materials in 2024, while the UK is considering similar restrictions.

A limited number of 1983 British 2p coins were mistakenly struck with the outdated “new pence” inscription instead of “two pence.” Coin specialists say examples, particularly those in brilliant uncirculated condition, could be worth up to or more than £1,000, although the Royal Mint advises owners to seek a professional valuation.

Persistent, overwhelming fatigue that does not improve with adequate sleep or rest can be associated with cancer and affects around 65% of cancer patients, according to Cancer Research UK. Symptoms may include low energy, disrupted sleep, breathlessness, muscle pain, difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in usual activities. Fatigue can also result from conditions such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, Long Covid, mental health issues, lifestyle factors or medication. People experiencing unexplained tiredness that disrupts daily life are advised to consult their GP.

Deferring the UK State Pension increases payments by 5.8% for each full year, potentially adding about £694.72 annually before uprating. However, a person who defers for one year gives up nearly £12,000 in payments and may need to live to around age 82 as a basic-rate taxpayer, or 79 with taxable earnings above £50,270, to recover the lost income. Deferral may benefit people with other income who want to reduce their tax liability, but individuals should weigh longevity, current financial needs and survivor benefits before deciding.

Attendance Allowance recipients whose health or care needs have worsened may qualify for the higher rate, increasing their payment by £36.50 per week or £146 every four weeks. The benefit is tax-free and not means-tested, with current rates of £73.90 or £110.40 per week. Claimants should report changes such as increased care needs, hospital or care-home stays, terminal illness, or changes in personal details to the DWP; eligibility can arise from physical, sensory, learning or mental-health conditions.

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures forced dozens of schools across the UK to close or remain shut after the festive break. England has no legally defined minimum classroom temperature under current school-premises regulations, although workplace rules generally regard 16C as reasonable and the National Education Union recommends at least 18C in classrooms. Schools decide whether to open based on local risk assessments, while Wales has specified minimum temperatures for different areas. Further Met Office warnings for snow and ice were expected across much of the UK.

People receiving legacy benefits such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit are being moved to Universal Credit through managed migration, which is due to be completed by March 2026. Claimants must wait for a Universal Credit migration notice from the Department for Work and Pensions and submit their own claim by the stated deadline. Claiming on time may provide transitional protection, while extensions can generally be requested only before the original deadline. Claims made within a month after the deadline may still qualify for protection, but claims after the final deadline will not.

People receiving benefits or the State Pension are warned that they must report hospital admissions lasting one night or more, stays in care homes or rehabilitation centres, and hospital-related missed Jobcentre Plus appointments. Failure to notify the relevant benefits office could result in payments being reduced, suspended or stopped. Claimants or someone acting on their behalf may need to provide personal details, admission and discharge dates, hospital and ward information, transfers, recent admissions and discharge destinations.

Eligible working parents may receive up to £2,000 per child each year through the UK’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme, or up to £4,000 for a disabled child. The government adds £2 for every £8 paid into an online childcare account, subject to eligibility requirements including employment or qualifying benefits, minimum earnings thresholds and adjusted net income below £100,000. The support can cover approved providers such as childminders, nurseries, nannies and after-school clubs, and may be combined with the 30 hours of free childcare scheme.

People in England who cannot walk, need assistance or mobility aids, experience severe pain or breathlessness, face health and safety risks when walking, or have a life-limiting illness may qualify for a Blue Badge. Eligibility is decided by the applicant’s local council and is not automatic, with assessments potentially taking 12 weeks or longer. The article also outlines evidence and identity documents required to apply, plus automatic eligibility routes linked to DLA, PIP, severe sight impairment, war pensions and armed forces compensation.

The NHS advises people to seek an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if a high temperature lasts five days or more, does not respond to paracetamol, or if COVID-19 symptoms worsen or cause concern. Additional warning signs include rashes, weakness, loss of appetite and age-specific fevers in infants. COVID-19 remains at medium circulation levels in the UK, with people aged 85 and over most likely to require hospital admission. The article also outlines common symptoms, staying-at-home guidance and eligibility for the autumn and winter COVID-19 booster programme.

The NHS advises adults who test positive for COVID-19 to stay home and avoid contact with others for five days, while people under 18 should do so for three days. People are also advised to avoid vulnerable individuals for 10 days. The guidance comes as the XFG variant, known as Stratus, and NB.1.8.1, known as Nimbus, circulate widely in the UK. Reported symptoms include hoarseness, sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue and breathing difficulties, with rest, hydration and symptom-relief measures recommended.

A coin-collecting expert identifies five rare British coins that may be worth far more than their face value: a 1949 brass thruppence, 1924 and 1925 florins, an 1869 penny, and a 1905 half crown. Reported valuations range from around £40 to as much as £10,000, depending on rarity and condition. The article also recommends checking change, specialist dealers, auctions, fairs, antique shops and online communities, while researching low-mintage coins and remaining patient.

The UK Health Security Agency has urged people to ensure they and their children are vaccinated against measles, which has an estimated R number of 15 and spreads more easily than COVID-19, influenza and the common cold. Measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures, particularly in infants and people with weakened immune systems. England recorded 2,911 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024, the highest annual total since 2012, while 742 cases had been recorded in 2025 by the latest update, with clusters concentrated in London and North West England. Health officials recommend arranging missed MMR vaccinations through a GP practice.

HMRC has warned people to share their National Insurance number only when necessary, such as when starting a new job, because criminals could use it for identity theft, fraudulent benefit claims or loans. The number can be accessed through the HMRC app, payslips, P60s and other tax documents. GOV.UK lists legitimate organizations that may require it, including employers, HMRC, benefit authorities, councils, pension providers and student loan administrators.

William Moore developed progressive numbness and loss of movement on his right side but was sent home from A&E around five times and initially told he had muscle soreness. After referral from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to Addenbrooke's, scans revealed demyelinating brain lesions and he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nearly a year after his symptoms began. He now receives medication, MRI monitoring, counselling and specialist consultations, while continuing activities such as climbing Snowdon and Ben Nevis. William says the experience affected his mental health and highlighted gaps in support for people with invisible disabilities, and he hopes to increase understanding of MS.

Grandparents and other eligible relatives who care for children under 12 may claim Specified Adult Childcare credits if the child’s parent receives Child Benefit but does not need the associated National Insurance credit. Each credit can increase the full New State Pension by about £303 a year, and claims may be backdated to 6 April 2011. Remote care during the Covid-19 pandemic may also qualify for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 tax years, subject to eligibility and the parent’s approval.

People receiving Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance who have a disability, long-term illness or health condition may qualify for additional support through Personal Independence Payment in England and Wales or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland. A single claimant over 25 receiving the highest rates of both daily living and mobility support could receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, potentially bringing total monthly support to about £1,149.94 when combined with Universal Credit. Eligibility depends on how a condition affects daily living or mobility, rather than on the diagnosis alone, and applicants generally must have experienced difficulties for three months with an expectation that they will continue for at least nine months.

Lloyds Bank is offering eligible new customers £185 for switching to a qualifying Club Lloyds or Lloyds Premier current account by July 28, 2025. Applicants must use the Current Account Switching Service, transfer at least three active direct debits and close their old account, while customers who received a switching incentive from Lloyds, Bank of Scotland or Halifax since April 2020 are excluded. The article also outlines account fees, fee-waiver conditions, overseas debit-card benefits and annual lifestyle rewards.

High pollen levels are making hay fever symptoms harder to distinguish from COVID-19, particularly as the Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) variant spreads in the UK. A high temperature, chills, pronounced illness, complete loss of taste or smell, digestive symptoms and a persistent cough are more suggestive of COVID-19 than hay fever, while itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny or blocked nose are more typical of hay fever. NHS guidance advises people with a fever or who feel too unwell to carry out normal activities to stay home until they recover or their temperature subsides.

People aged 80 or over who receive less than £105.70 a week in Basic State Pension, or none at all, may qualify for the Over-80 Pension, provided they meet residence requirements. The payment does not depend on National Insurance contributions and can be claimed through the Pension Service. Low-income pensioners may also qualify for Pension Credit, guaranteeing minimum weekly incomes of £227.10 for single people and £346.60 for couples in 2025/26.

The NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, an Omicron offshoot, has increased substantially in sequencing data and has been detected in the UK and several other countries. The World Health Organization classifies it as a variant under monitoring, while current evidence does not indicate that it causes more severe illness, although it may spread more easily or partially evade existing immunity. Alongside familiar COVID-19 symptoms, reports associate the variant with gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation and nausea. NHS guidance advises people with symptoms or a positive test to stay home, limit contact with others and avoid vulnerable people for the recommended periods.

Parents in the UK can face fines of up to £2,500, court action, community or parenting orders, and potentially up to three months in prison for persistent unauthorised school absence, including term-time holidays. Initial fines have risen from £60 to £80, doubling to £160 if unpaid within 21 days, while each parent is limited to two fines over three years. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has made reducing absenteeism a government priority, although enforcement rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.