Clinical news

6% of population in England has had Covid-19

People living in London most likely to have been infected, along with those working in care homes and health care.

Pharmacies could close temporarily to prioritise flu jabs

Community pharmacies in England could be allowed to close temporarily to allow them to cope with high demand for flu vaccination this winter.

NICE: Many chronic pain meds do more harm than good

Several commonly used treatments for chronic primary pain have little or no evidence that they work and shouldn’t be prescribed, NICE says in new draft guidance.

Rapid tests combining Covid and flu detection rolled out

The Government is to begin rolling out the use of two new rapid coronavirus tests in hospitals, care homes and labs from next week.

More working years lost to alcohol than cancer

More working years were lost to alcohol consumption than cancer in England in 2018, according to data from Public Health England.

Health workers still have greater Covid risk 'despite adequate PPE'

Health workers are still at an increased risk of being infected with coronavirus even when wearing correct PPE, researchers have found.

Major flu jab scheme expansion to include over-50s

The government has added new groups of people to the upcoming national flu vaccination programme. 

Gear up pharmacists for vaccinations, says think tank

News of progress with Covid vaccine is no time for complacency, according to the International Longevity Centre.

Covid vaccine could be given alongside flu jab

The Government is exploring the possibility of giving patients a Covid-19 vaccine at the same time as they receive their flu jab.

UK signs deal for 90 million potential Covid-19 vaccine doses

The UK Government has signed off on a deal giving it early access to 90 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine if and when one becomes available.

Over a million quit smoking during Covid-19

Over a million people in the UK have quit smoking since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Rise in alcohol hospital admission linked to cuts

Researchers have found increases in alcohol-related hospital admissions is linked to spending cuts. 

Benefits of steroids in inhalers outweighs risk say researchers

The advantages of using inhalers and nebulisers containing steroids outweigh the risks, claim researchers. 

 

Study to look at long term impacts of Covid-19

The study's findings will support the development of strategies for clinical and rehabilitation care

Most vulnerable children no longer need to shield

Independent evidence from RCPCH shows the risk of serious illness for children and young people is low.

Community pharmacy video consultations piloted in Wales

Community pharmacies in Wales are to join GPs in being allowed to offer their patients remote video consultations.