Does music help you drift off? Is your phone light destroying your slumber? Read our useful tips for the best night's sleep, backed by science.

insomnia

10 science-based sleep tips that really work

Which hay fever home remedies are worth trying? From hay fever wipes and sprays to essential oils and air purifiers, we review what the science says. 


hay-fever

Natural remedies for hay fever: what works and doesn’t

If you’re struggling to sleep night after night, there are proven ways to sort insomnia, whether you’re having a short bout of sleep problems or you have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia: the causes and how to improve it

Symptoms and treatments for vaginismus – when your vagina tightens and makes it hard to have penetrative sex.

womens-sexual-problems

Vaginismus: why it happens and how you can deal with it

How much deep sleep do you need? And how can you get more of it? Get the lowdown on sleep stages, sleep cycles and how to get them working well for your health.

better-sleep

Deep sleep: how to make the most of your sleep cycle

Women are struggling when it comes to sleep. If you're one of them understand the causes and how to deal with them and change your sleep, life and relationships for the better.

How men and women sleep differently

Blocked nose, sneezing and a cough – all symptoms of hay fever, but also signs you might have a cold or coronavirus. Check out the key symptoms of each, so you can easily tell what’s getting you down.


Is it hay fever, COVID-19 or a cold? Spot the telltale signs

Learn all about sleep, including stages of sleep, sleep hygiene and other tips and treatments to help you get a good night’s rest.


How to sleep well: your complete guide

A goitre is a swelling of the thyroid gland in your neck. Learn the symptoms, why it happens and what you can do about it.

thyroid-disease

Goitre: symptoms, causes and how to deal with it

Learn about the tests you can have if your doctor thinks you have a thyroid problem, including blood tests, uptake scans and ultrasound.


Thyroid function tests and scans: all you need to know

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungi. They can be passed on in many ways, including through the air, water, food or the bite of another animal. Examples include tuberculosis, malaria and chickenpox. 


Mother blowing nose of her sick son during winter walk

viral-infections

People Holding Clear Glass Bottle

bacterial-infections

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can cause an infection if they enter the body. Bacterial infections can affect all parts of the body, including the heart, brain, skin and teeth. They're usually treated with antibiotics.

Young woman feeling symptoms of an illness

fever

A fever is when your body temperature rises to 38C or higher. This is also known as having a high temperature and it can be caused by many things, including an infection. If you have a fever you should rest and stay hydrated.

Boxing gloves and a red ribbon, symbolizing the fight against aids or hiv

hiv-aids

Sexual health involves being aware of the risks involved in sexual activity and doing what you can to reduce those risks, such as using condoms to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraceptives to prevent unplanned pregnancies. 

conditions

Two condoms on a blue-yellow background- Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-udC7xRAWvb4-unsplash

sexual-health

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for you to fight infections. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a group of potentially life-threatening infections seen in the later stages of HIV infection.


Close- up of open wound with blood on skin of hand stock photo

blood-poisoning

Blood poisoning is a serious infection that occurs when there is bacteria in the blood. It's also known as sepsis and septicaemia. Blood poisoning can be fatal if not treated quickly. 

Cream tube stock photo

antifungal-medication

Antifungal medicines are used to treat fungal infections that often affect the skin and nails. These infections can cause a rash or nail changes, but most can be treated with tablets, creams, gels or sprays.

Doctor with X-ray

bone-infection

A bone infection (osteomyelitis) can occur when an infection in the blood or tissue reaches the bone. A bone infection can also occur if the bone is exposed to germs, such as through injury. Bone infections can be treated using antibiotics or, in some cases, surgery.


Photomicrograph of a tissue smear specimen showing the presence of Yersinia pestis bacteria, the pathogen responsible for causing plague. Photo credit: CDC

bubonic-plague

Mother taking care of little girl with chicken pox

chickenpox-shingles

Chickenpox and shingles are infections caused by the varicella zoster virus. Chickenpox usually affects children aged 10 or younger. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the virus many years after having chickenpox. Both conditions can cause an itchy rash and blisters. 


Female face with herpes on the lips

herpes

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is the virus that causes herpes. Two types exist: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). 

Castor bean tick 

lyme-disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by being bitten by an infected tick. If you have Lyme disease, you may develop a red circle-shaped rash around the site of the tick bite up to a few weeks after being bitten. Lyme disease can cause a wide variety of symptoms, which can change depending on the stage of the infection.


Mosquito sitting on human skin

malaria

Malaria is an infectious disease that's passed to humans by infected mosquito. Symptoms, such as muscle aches and being sick, tend to develop days or weeks after you've been bitten by a mosquito. Malaria is a serious infection that needs urgent treatment.  


Parasitic hookworm Ancylosoma (credit - Dr_Microbe)

parasite-infection

Parasites are organisms that survive by living off another organism, known as a 'host'. Parasite infections are more common in tropical parts of the world, and include malaria and gut infections, like giardiasis.


Viruses in human lungs, 3D illustration, conceptual image for flu, MERS-CoV and SARS

Viruses in human lungs, 3D illustration, conceptual image for flu, MERS-CoV and SARS (credit - Dr_Microbe)

sars-mers

Young Female Doctor listening with stethoscope on patient's back 

tuberculosis

Mould in petri dish

fungal-infections

Fungal infections are caused by fungi found in the environment, such as in the air, soil and on the skin. There are many types – including yeasts, mushrooms and moulds – but only a few can make you sick. Fungal infections can affect the skin, lungs and bloodstream, causing conditions like asthma, pneumonia and meningitis.

Infectious diseases