The Healthiest Cheese, According To A Dietitian

Posted on 22/03/2026 by Boris Clair

Dietitian comment provided by registered dietitian Melissa Jaeger, head of nutrition at MyFitnessPal.

In recent weeks, we’ve asked dietitians to share the healthiest type of egg, rank the best breads, and tell us once and for all whether wholemeal pasta is always better than plain.

And this week, we’re speaking to registered dietitian Melissa Jaeger about cheese.

Is it ever good for us? If so, what are the best kinds? And how do the pros make cheese healthier?

Is cheese good for us?

“Cheese can absolutely be part of a balanced diet and offers several nutritional benefits. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein and rich in calcium, which supports bone health,” Jaeger told us.

Calcium aside, its vitamin K content also helps to support your bones.

It contains vitamin B12, riboflavin, zinc, vitamin A, and phosphorus, too – “all nutrients that play vital roles in overall health”.

“There’s even an interesting benefit for dental health: eating cheese can increase pH levels in your mouth, leading to lower acid levels and less enamel breakdown, whilst calcium and phosphorus are boosted in saliva after consumption, helping to remineralise teeth,” the dietitian added.

But yes, there are some downsides.

“Cheese does contain 6 to 10g of fat per ounce, with more than half coming from saturated fat… guidelines recommend keeping saturated fat to around 7% of total calories (roughly 10-20g depending on your calorie needs),” Jaeger said.

“Elevated saturated fat intake can contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, so it’s worth being mindful of portion sizes.”

What are the healthiest types of cheese?

Jaeger said that different cheeses have different nutritional benefits, so it really depends on your goals.

“Swiss cheese stands out for having the lowest sodium content at around 55mg per ounce, making it a smart choice if you’re watching salt intake,” she said.

And if you’re trying to up your protein intake, sheep’s milk cheese contains “75% to 100% more protein than cow’s milk cheese and offers higher levels of phosphorus, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and calcium”.

Goat’s cheese also contains more protein on average than cow’s milk cheese (though less than sheep’s milk cheese), and is also higher in calcium, niacin, potassium, and iron.

Fresh goat’s cheese, or chèvre, “is a lighter option with only 4g of saturated fat per ounce”.

Lastly, if you have issues digesting lactose, you might benefit from trying harder cheeses.

“These are often well-tolerated because lactose is removed with the whey during cheese production, and what remains is broken down further during the ageing process,” said the dietitian.

Goats’ and sheep’s milk is also a little easier to digest, too.

How can I make cheese healthier?

If you do want to reduce your saturated fat intake, some naturally lower-fat versions include fresh goat’s cheese (chèvre), hard Parmesan, or feta, said the expert.

Of course, you can also opt for low-fat or reduced-fat varieties. “However, if you’re watching sodium intake, do check the nutrition label as these versions can be higher in salt compared to full-fat varieties,” she added.

But, Jaeger noted, “that doesn’t mean full-fat cheeses are off the table! You can absolutely work them into your diet whilst being mindful of saturated fat intake”.

She ended: “Try smaller amounts by sprinkling them over vegetables, soups, or salads rather than eating large portions on their own.

“Full-fat cheeses with more pungent, intense flavours are particularly brilliant for this approach, as you need less to achieve satisfying flavour.”

Most Teens Aren’t Vaccinated Against ‘MenB’ – Charity Calls For Change

Posted on 17/03/2026 by Boris Clair

This article features advice from Dr Tom Nutt, of Meningitis Now, Professor Adam Finn of the University of Bristol, and Professor Emma Wall, clinical professor of infectious diseases at Queen Mary University of London.

The meningitis outbreak among students in Kent has included cases of B meningococcal disease, sometimes known as MenB,

On Tuesday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was continuing to investigate the outbreak – with four laboratory cases confirmed and 11 under investigation. This includes two people who have died.

Group B meningococcal disease can cause serious illness, including severe inflammation of the brain membrane (meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicaemia), which can prove fatal.

Most teens and adults aren’t vaccinated against MenB

Meningitis most commonly occurs in babies, young children, teens and young adults.

There are three vaccines which protect against the main causes of meningitis.

The MenB vaccine is offered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year of age, as part of routine NHS vaccinations – this came into play in 2015 so anyone under 10 has some protection.

Babies are also given the pneumococcal vaccine at 16 weeks and one year.

The MenACWY vaccine protects teenagers against four types of bacteria linked to meningitis and is usually given in school during Year 9 (when kids are aged 13-14).

But the latter vaccine doesn’t protect teens from MenB, experts have warned.

Most teenagers and adults aren’t protected against it unless they’ve paid privately for a vaccine on the high street.

Charity calls for MenB to be added to routine vaccinations for teens

Meningitis Now’s chief executive Dr Tom Nutt noted there are “gaps” in the NHS immunisation schedule, particularly around MenB.

“We are campaigning for the MenB vaccination to be made more widely available to those at risk, especially teenagers and young adults,” he told HuffPost UK.

He noted that vaccines “are the only way to prevent meningitis” – that said, he caveated that “vaccines do not protect against all causes of meningitis and no vaccine is 100% effective”.

Prof Adam Finn, Professor Emeritus of Paediatrics at University of Bristol, added that protection from the vaccine “lasts for some years, but not forever”.

The MenB vaccines also do not “reduce carriage and transmissions of the bacterium,” he noted, meaning you could have the vaccine and still carry or transmit the bacteria to others.

Ultimately, it’s important that people make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and to get immediate medical help if they suspect themselves or a loved one could have it.

Signs of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis can come on very quickly and be easily mistaken for flu or a bad cold, or even the after-effects of a night out, Dr Nutt previously told us.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
sudden onset of high fever
severe and worsening headache
stiff neck
vomiting and diarrhoea
joint and muscle pain
dislike of bright lights
very cold hands and feet
seizures
confusion/delirium
extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Anyone with these symptoms is urged to seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency.

“Despite what has happened in Kent, we would like to reiterate that meningitis is a relatively rare disease,” said Dr Nutt.

“In the long-run, the good news is that the NHS vaccination programme has been very successful in bringing down the number of cases of meningitis in the UK.”

The charity’s “No Plan B for MenB” campaign calls for three changes to offer greater protection to the public.

These include: a MenB vaccination given to all those at most risk of disease; a MenB booster programme to protect adolescents by 2030; and availability of the MenB vaccination on the high street at a fair price.

What happens now?

Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation in Kent.

UKHSA confirmed a small targeted vaccination programme will begin among students resident at Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent.

Professor Emma Wall, clinical professor of infectious diseases at Queen Mary University of London, explained that UKHSA might do this to “reduce the risk of a further outbreak, or shut down transmission (so-called ring vaccination)”.

The vaccination programme may be expanded further as UKHSA continues to asses ongoing risk.

As some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5-7 March prior to becoming unwell, UKHSA is urging anyone who visited the club during this time to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure.

HuffPost UK has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) about whether there are plans to add Men B to the routine teen vaccine.

The ‘7/10’ Rule: Giving 100% In Interval Training Might Hold You Back

Posted on 16/03/2026 by Boris Clair

If you’re a runner, it can feel tempting to go above your limits to improve your pace, duration, VO2 max, and other metrics.

But lots of research suggests that going easy is beneficial. Elite athletes only spend about 20% of their time intensively training, for instance – they’re mostly “zone 2” running.

You might think the exception to that is the speedy part of interval training, which sees runners switch between jogs and sprints.

But even in those, researchers think we should only be giving it a seven out of 10 effort.

Why might “7/10 effort” help runners?

Researchers wanted to see how running at different intensities affected people’s VO2 max, or their ability to use oxygen efficiently, and their heart rates.

They asked participants to run three times. Each run was three minutes each, with two minutes’ rest in between.

Runners were asked to run at three different levels of perceived intensity: 6/10, 7/10, and 8/10 effort. That was measured by how hard the participants felt they were pushing themselves in their run (they were told to keep the level of difficulty the same throughout).

The longer you spend close to your maximum VO2 and heart rate during exercise, the more your aerobic capacity will increase.

The scientists noticed that people who ran with 6/10 effort in interval training spent less time at 90% of their VO2 max and heart rate levels.

But for those giving it a 7/10 or 8/10, the results were about the same; they spent roughly as long in the 0% or higher zone. And training at 7/10 provided less “ventilatory stress,” or difficulty breathing, than doing so at 8/10.

In other words, 6/10 seemed not to benefit interval runners as much as running at a 7/10 or 8/10. Both of those had the same potential to improve participants’ fitness, but the harder workout was more stressful with no added benefits.

Does the 7/10 rule always help runners?

Probably not. Different runs, and even walks, have their own benefits for runners; this test was only done on interval runs, which involve shorter sprints.

The runners only spent nine minutes in total at this higher level of effort, too. Training your aerobic capacity is helpful for more efficient running, but running slowly and long can train your endurance.

But for short bursts of interval training, the study suggests that forcing yourself too far beyond your limit might not necessarily be better. And as anyone who’s struggled with exhausting sprints will know, any mercy is welcome.

5 Science-Backed Ways To Speed Up Your Running Pace

Posted on 14/03/2026 by Boris Clair

I was a relatively normal person before I started running, but now, I accost my friends with topics like my VO2 max and “Jeffing”.

I can’t help it. Every runner I know wants to run a little faster and a little longer than their current PB.

So, we thought we’d share some science-backed ways to boost your pace:

1) Try tempo runs, like Fartlek sessions

The Swedish “speed play” method is a kind of interval training. It involves running at a slower pace for a set period, then sprinting for another preset interval.

There are no set rules as to what those intervals are.

“Fartlek and other types of tempo runs are a great way of getting your body used to small and frequent changes in pace, whether that be during hilly terrain or because you’re struggling during a particular section of the race,” Nuffield Health’s personal training lead, Nuffield Health, previously said.

One paper found that six sessions of sprint interval training improved the pace of seasoned athletes.

This doesn’t strictly have to be Fartlek training; it can be something like “Jeffing”, or the “run-walk-run” method, too.

2) Follow the 80/20 rule

According to Angela Ruskin University, “elite runners spend around 80% of their time training at what’s termed zone 2 running – a running pace which raises your heart rate, but is still slow enough that you can hold a conversation”.

Only about 20% of the time is spent at race pace, they added.

Zone 2 training happens below the lactate threshold, which means your muscles don’t get as tired after long distances.

That means you can build up a better aerobic base, which can really help you run faster for longer.

3) Try a “pyramid” running plan and get your miles in

One paper, which looked at 119,452 marathon runners in the 16 weeks preceding their races, found that “The fastest runners in this dataset featured large training volumes”.

In other words, the more kilometres under your belt, the faster you’ll probably run.

And among the fastest runners, a “pyramidal” running programme was more common.

That is another form of interval training which sees you ramp up from shorter, faster intervals to longer, slower parts, and then returning to smaller, speedier runs again at the end.

4) Don’t neglect strength training

A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that “strength training with high loads, plyometric training, and a combination of strength training methods may improve running economy in middle- and long-distance runners”.

And the better your running economy, the faster and longer you’ll be able to go.

But in this research, high-load strength training – working with heavy weights – might be especially helpful for those with a high VO2 max and faster running speeds.

5) Try plyometrics

Plyometrics, or exercises which lengthen, then rapidly shorten, your muscles, have been linked to improved explosive power.

One paper found that three plyometric sessions a week can reduce the “cost of running” (or energy used running) in athletes by about 6%. And another found that it increases stride length, too; both of which can improve your pace.

Six Early Bowel Cancer Signs Two Doctors Say You Should Always See A GP About

Posted on 06/03/2026 by Boris Clair

Medical advice provided by Dr Asiya Maula, private GP at The Health Suite, and Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.

Recently, new data found that 40% of bowel cancer cases occur among under-65s.

We recently asked two doctors, Dr Asiya Maula and Dr Donald Grant, to share their tips for reducing your risk of developing bowel cancer as much as possible.

And we also asked them to share the symptoms they’d never ignore – after all, an awful lot of UK adults can’t name a single sign of the condition.

Here are their answers:

1) Dr Maula

“Symptoms I would never ignore include persistent changes in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain, or persistent fatigue,” she said.

Bowel changes can include diarrhoea, constipation, or softer stools.

And despite recent data showing an increasing number of under-65s with bowel cancer, she added, “Younger people often dismiss these symptoms because they don’t perceive themselves to be at risk.”

Lastly, the doctor explained, “Rectal bleeding should never automatically be attributed to haemorrhoids without proper assessment. It is always safer to investigate early”.

2) Dr Grant

Dr Grant also said age shouldn’t be a factor; some symptoms should always be taken seriously.

“Regardless of age, there are plenty of indicators people should be aware of, which can lead to early intervention and a greater chance of recovery,” he said.

“Symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue and abdominal pain should never be ignored.”

Having one or even a couple of these symptoms doesn’t mean you definitely have bowel cancer.

But, “While these symptoms are often caused by less serious conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice if they persist, as they can also be common signs of bowel cancer.” the doctor ended.

I Swapped A 10k Step Goal For A ‘3-3-30’ Method Lunch Walk – It’s Much More Efficient

Posted on 26/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Though the 10,000 steps a day “rule” is actually a marketing gimmick, there is some merit to getting a few thousand paces under your belt (or should that be soles?) daily.

Some research suggests that 7,000 steps a day can help to lower heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, and falls risk, and can even reduce your likelihood of all-cause mortality by 47%.

But since I gave up my sleep tracker, I’ve grown a little weary of step-counting devices too. So, I tried a 3-3-30 walk on my lunch break instead (experts say a midday stroll can help to boost our mood and health in winter and early spring).

That’s because some research says the half-hour activity could improve your blood pressure, aerobic capacity, and strength even more than “regular” walking,

What is 3-3-30 walking?

It’s a type of interval training, a bit like the “Jeffing” or “run walk run” method is for runners.

It involves walking briskly for three minutes, then more slowly for another three minutes, on repeat for half an hour.

A study into the technique concluded that “High-intensity interval walking may protect against age-associated increases in blood pressure and decreases in thigh muscle strength and peak aerobic capacity”.

These results were stronger for the interval walking group than the steady-pace walkers.

Speaking to HuffPost UK previously, doctor and consultant practitioner, Dr Hussain Ahmad, said: “If you’re aiming to maintain general health, brisk walking for at least 150 minutes a week (about 30 minutes a day, five days a week) can help reduce the risk of heart disease, improve mood, and support weight management”.

Brisker walking is associated with a 20% lower risk of early death compared to 4% for slower walkers.

Just to add the vitamin D-boosting cherry on top, doing the surprisingly efficient workout when the sun is at its highest – from 11am to 3pm – can boost your mood, sleep, and energy in the cooler months.

Some goslings and a swan that made my lunchtime walk even more worthwhile

So, how did it go?

I don’t know if it was because I tried 3-3-30 walking on the same day this year’s endless barrage of storms gave way to sunshine, but I couldn’t believe how much it boosted my mood.

It’s also way more practical than my noble, but unrealistic, step count goals, which sometimes required either an earlier wakeup than I can usually manage or a dark, depressing post-work stroll.

A plus: because I wasn’t checking my step count during the walk, I was able to concentrate more on the nature around me (including some impossibly cute fluffy gislings, pictured above).

That meant the walk was more sustainable, more enjoyable, and (probably) more efficient. No wonder I’ve been trying to get friends and family on board.

If You Sleep In The ‘Flamingo Position,’ We Have News For You

Posted on 23/02/2026 by Boris Clair

When you wake up in the middle of the night, do you find that you’re sleeping on your stomach or your side? Or do you consistently wind up on your back with the sole of one foot tucked against the calf of your other leg?

If so, you sleep like a flamingo. And if you’re on TikTok or Instagram, you might come across an influencer claiming this sleep position signals you’re stressed out or carry pain in your hips.

While this sleep position isn’t inherently dangerous – and, in fact, may be most comfortable for your body – it may suggest you need some extra support in certain cases, said Laura Nolan, a psychotherapist who specialises in somatic therapy. Here’s what to know.

Why do people end up in the “flamingo position”?

Nolan said she most commonly sees people sleeping this way when they have hypermobility, a condition in which joints stretch beyond their typical range of motion. Many people with joint hypermobility syndrome experience loose joints, joint instability and chronic pain.

“Hypermobility is linked to neurodivergence and many of the neurodivergent adults I work with report sleeping in more unconventional ways, including in the flamingo posture as well as with clenched fists or T. rex hands,” she said.

Sleeping in the flamingo position may be a habit acquired through experience and repetition. Or perhaps you wind up in this position because of chronic pain or a physical injury, Nolan added.

It’s also possible that consistently sleeping in this position – which could be unstable for some – could further strain your joints or even result in muscle stiffness, she explained. “Our bodies are complex,” she noted.

The flamingo position doesn’t immediately mean you are hurting your joints

The flamingo position isn’t an automatic red flag. Nolan said it’s entirely possible that this position is simply a cosy way for you to sleep. “It can be normal and healthy to sleep in the flamingo position,” she explained.

Jade Wu, a board-certified sleep psychologist, similarly said we naturally sleep in positions that are most comfortable to us. “Often being in this position simply shows that someone feels most comfortable doing it,” she added.

In fact, if you’re on your side with a leg up – a variation of side sleeping – the flamingo position may lower your risk of sleep apnoea and other breathing problems, Wu noted.

As a somatic psychotherapist, Nolan is more curious about what feels good about sleeping in this position rather than assuming you have “stuck stress” in the body or that something is wrong.

How to find a comfortable (and safe) sleeping position

Nolan encourages people to have a relaxed, easeful approach to sleeping. “Having too much scrutiny over how you sleep, including by thinking you are sleeping wrong or engaging in sleep perfectionism, will likely worsen sleep quality for those with existing issues,” she said.

Unless an orthopaedic health care provider or another physician has advised you to stop sleeping like a flamingo to avoid putting pressure on certain joints, there’s no need to stop, according to Wu.

Rather than forcing or training yourself to sleep in certain positions, get creative about how you can support your body while you snooze, Nolan advised.

For example, if you tend to sleep like a flamingo, consider adding a pillow underneath your knees. If you’re more of a T. rex sleeper, consider holding something in your hands, like a stuffed animal or pillow. “Be creative,” Nolan said.

If you feel stressed at bedtime, carve out some time to unwind – by practicing yoga, mindfulness or deep breathing – after dinner. Another technique Nolan recommends is progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing then relaxing various muscle groups. As you move between body parts, notice how each one feels.

“Remind yourself that stress is not all bad and we have many easy and quick ways of completing the stress response,” Nolan said.

Six Things You Should Know Before Travelling Abroad For Surgery

Posted on 21/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Around 523,000 people from the UK travelled abroad for surgery in 2024, with the most popular destinations for ‘medical tourism’ being Turkey, Poland and Romania, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

People might travel abroad for treatments such as dental and cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, weight loss surgery, fertility treatment, organ transplants and stem cell therapy, according to experts at TravelHealthPro.

“Transgender travellers may seek hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery abroad,” they added.

The growth in medical tourism appears to stem from a mixture of factors, including higher disposable incomes, increased readiness to travel for health care, low-cost air travel and the expansion of internet marketing, TravelHealthPro said.

NHS waiting lists have also been growing in recent years, though NHS England noted it delivered more elective activity in 2025 than any other year in its history, “helping cut the waiting list to its lowest level since February 2023”.

If you’re one of the many people tempted to go abroad for surgery or treatment, Qian Huang, international claims manager at William Russell, has shared some key considerations below.

What you need to know before travelling abroad for surgery

“The idea of having surgery abroad can be nerve-wracking, particularly when it comes to questions of safety,” Huang said.

“Many people considering surgery abroad decide not to go because of concerns about safety, the quality of the medical care, or not understanding the foreign healthcare system.

“However, in reality, many international hospitals and clinics follow standards of care that match or exceed those found in the UK, US, or Europe. The key is knowing what to look for.”

How to find an accredited hospital abroad

Medical accreditations are a key indicator of a hospital’s commitment to international standards.

One of the most widely recognised is the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, often considered the global gold standard, which evaluates hospitals on areas such as infection prevention, medication safety, staff training, patient communication, and emergency readiness.

To find an accredited hospital abroad, patients can check official accreditation bodies’ websites, verify information on hospital websites, contact the facility directly, or consult medical tourism networks and national health authorities.

What to check before booking surgery

To steer clear of issues, Huang shared six factors to be aware of before booking surgery abroad.

1. Lack of accreditation or vague claims

“Be wary of hospitals that mention ‘world-class standards’ without naming an actual accrediting body,” he said. “Reputable facilities will proudly display credentials from recognised organisations like JCI, ACHSI, or Temos.”

2. ‘Too good to be true’ pricing

Competitive pricing is probably one of the top reasons people consider surgery abroad, but Huang warned ultra-low prices should raise alarm bells.

Check the qualifications of the surgeon, what’s included in the cost, and whether the aftercare and follow-up appointments are covered, he added.

3. Poor communication or pressure tactics

If you’re struggling to get clear answers from the hospital or feel rushed into making a decision, consider taking a step back. Trustworthy providers are transparent, patient, and more than happy to talk you through the details.

4. No clear aftercare plan

Recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. A good hospital will give you a personalised aftercare plan, including advice on travel, medication, and any physical restrictions, before you agree to surgery.

5. Inconsistent or missing reviews

Take the time to search for independent reviews and testimonials before considering which hospital to have the surgery at. A complete lack of online feedback, or reviews that sound overly scripted, can be a red flag.

6. Limited information about the surgical team

When researching your hospital, you should be able to find the names, qualifications, and experience of the surgeons who’ll be treating you. If this information is unavailable or unclear, you need to proceed with caution.

Our Obsession With Longevity Could Actually Be Making Us Unwell

Posted on 20/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Right now, longevity is all the rage and as we are gradually getting older as a population, we’re hoping to extend our lifetimes even further. It makes perfect sense, right?

Plus, most longevity advice can often be summarised into: eat healthy foods, exercise often and keep a healthy sleep schedule to reduce stress. All of this is great advice and we should be trying to implement it into our lives as much as possible!

However, there is a stage where a preoccupation with longevity is just a little too far and could be impacting your mental health and even the quality of your life as you lock into the quest for a longer life.

It’s called ‘longevity fixation syndrome’

While this isn’t an official diagnosis, experts at Paracelsus Recovery, a mental health clinic based in Zurich have found that an obsessive and unhealthy fixation on longevity is increasingly presenting as anxiety and stress, and even eating disorders with their patients.

Speaking to The Mirror, Jan Gerber, the founder and CEO of Paracelsus Recovery said: “We are seeing a growing number of people whose lives are being dominated by the fear of ageing and decline, so much so that we have identified it as a new condition, Longevity Fixation Syndrome,

“What starts as self‑care becomes obsessive self‑surveillance. The stress generated by this mindset can be so intense that it actively shortens lifespan rather than extending it.”

Gerber adds that “there is no longevity without good mental health.”

Additionally, Jason Wood, a former sufferer of this syndrome said to The Guardian that he believes that longevity obsession is closely aligned to orthorexia: a condition characterised by excessive interest in, concern about, or obsession with healthy food.

Wood says: “I believe many of the underlying factors and desired outcomes which fuel orthorexia are the same for longevity fixation syndrome. But with the latter, there are more variables you feel like you need to control, so even more anxiety.”

If any of this feels familiar to you, speak to your GP or leading eating disorder charity BEAT for support.

UK’s Health Agency Warns Children Hospitalised Amid London Measles Outbreak

Posted on 19/02/2026 by Boris Clair

Measles cases continue to rise in London, largely driven by an outbreak of the illness among children in Enfield.

There have been 50 confirmed cases of measles in the borough up to 16 February, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, experts have said it’s likely the actual number of cases will be higher.

The outbreak is mostly affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, in both schools and nurseries.

According to a GP surgery in Enfield, one in five children with measles have been hospitalised as a result of this latest outbreak, and all of those hospitalised have not been fully immunised.

For a number of years, the borough has struggled with low uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine – which children can have two doses of in early childhood as part of NHS immunisations – due to online misinformation, health equalities and general vaccine hesitancy, the Guardian reported.

On 19 Feb, Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, confirmed the outbreak has led to some children ending up in hospital.

The possible long-term health complications from catching measles can include: hearing loss, blindness, pneumonia (infected inflammation of the lungs), encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain) and brain damage. In some cases, it can prove fatal.

“Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to serious long term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine [the MMR vaccine also now includes protection against varicella, or chickenpox],” Dr Saliba said.

“All parents want what is best for their child – if they have missed any of their doses or you’re unsure, get in touch with your GP surgery. It’s never too late to catch up.

“The MMRV vaccine will give them the vital protection they need against this highly contagious disease, and also help protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due a weakened immune system.”

Symptoms of measles

Measles typically starts off like a cold with a high temperature, runny nose, sneezing, cough and red, sore, watery eyes.

Some people might also experience Koplik spots, which show up as white spots inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek and lips – this can help distinguish it from a common cold.

The distinctive body rash can show up a number of days later. This is the “most typical symptom of measles, which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body”, Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent Niamh McMillan previously told HuffPost UK.

“It usually appears three to five days after first signs of symptoms and lasts for several days. The rash can be flat or slightly raised and join together into larger patches.”

According to the NHS, the rash can look brown or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

If you suspect your child has measles, the NHS advises to call for an urgent GP appointment or to speak to NHS 111. It’s important to call your GP surgery before you go in as measles is very contagious.

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