By Clare MurphyHealth reporter, BBC News
It is peak season for chickenpox – the highly-contagious, blistering virus which for most children is unpleasant and for a very few lethal. A safe and effective vaccine is available – why don’t we use it
The varicella vaccine is available privately, but the UK’s immunisation body decided last year against [...]
VIEWPOINTProfessor Tony LeedsSpecialist in obesity management, Central Middlesex Hospital
A big increase in obesity threatens to cause health problems for millions of people across the world.
In this week’s Scrubbing Up, obesity expert Professor Tony Leeds warns that our weight problems could also put the lives of other people at risk.
" Britain is gripped by a much-publicised [...]
Doctors’ leaders have called for a halt in the development of a medical records database for patients in England.
The British Medical Association says the computer-based Summary Care Records are being set up at "break-neck speed", sometimes without patients’ knowledge.
Ministers have expressed surprise at fears of fast change after previous criticism that it was moving [...]
By Nick TriggleHealth reporter, BBC News
Hopes of reaching a cross-party deal on funding social care appear to be dead in the water.
The three main parties are due to take part in talks hosted by the merged Age Concern and Help the Aged charity.
But despite pleas from council chiefs for unity, fresh rows about policy [...]
There is no evidence acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine increase the chance of getting pregnant through IVF, fertility experts say in new guidance.
The methods are increasingly offered as a way of boosting the chances of a baby, but the British Fertility Society suggests couples may be wasting money.
They analysed 14 trials involving 2,670 people [...]