The UK lost its measles-free status (Image: VIJ via Getty Images)
As the release of Wuthering Heights immerses viewers in the harsh realities of 19th-century life, health experts are sounding the alarm that some diseases once synonymous with that era are « re-emerging » in contemporary Britain. This underscores the significance of awareness, prevention and access to healthcare.
Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, Niamh McMillan, has spotlighted four conditions that many might assume belong to history, but are making an unwelcome return.
Victorian-era illnesses on the rise
Measles
« Measles is often thought of as a disease of the past, but it remains highly contagious and can spread very quickly where vaccination rates are lower, » Niamh clarified. However, given the UK recently lost its measles elimination status, measles is evidently not a relic of the past and continues to pose a serious public health threat today.
Measles is ‘re-established’ in the UK (Image: Alamy/PA)
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Niamh added: « Early symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, runny nose and sore eyes can easily be mistaken for other viral illnesses, so it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or there is any uncertainty.
« Vaccination has been one of the most effective public health measures in history and remains key to preventing measles. The best way to protect yourself and others is through the MMR vaccine, which provides long-term immunity and is suitable for both adults and children.
« Two doses are recommended for full protection. Superdrug’s nationwide high street clinics offer the MMR vaccination service for £45 per dose, and appointments are available to book online. »
Niamh explained: « Yellow fever is often associated with historical outbreaks, but it is still present in parts of the world today, » and « While it isn’t found in the UK, international travel means it remains an important health consideration for those visiting at-risk regions. »
Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent Niamh McMillan (Image: Superdrug)
She continued: « Symptoms can range from fever, headache and muscle pain to more serious complications in severe cases, which is why seeking travel health advice ahead of travelling is so important. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against yellow fever, and many countries require proof of vaccination for entry. »
Scurvy
Niamh noted: « Scurvy is a disease caused by a vitamin C deficiency and is most famously associated with British sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries who didn’t have access to fresh food during long voyages, » adding « While it’s considered rare in developed countries, it hasn’t disappeared entirely. People with limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables or poor dietary habits can still be affected, and with the current cost-of-living crisis, it has become a modern-day concern for many.
« Early symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for other conditions. Common signs include fatigue and weakness, swollen or bleeding gums, joint pain, easy bruising and slow wound healing.
« The best way to prevent scurvy is by ensuring adequate vitamin C intake through diet, but supplements can be a useful option for those who struggle to meet their needs through food alone. Superdrug’s Own Brand Vitamin C supplements offer a convenient and affordable way to help support daily vitamin C intake. »
« Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is often associated with Victorian Britain, but it remains a common condition in the UK today, » Niamh explained. « It typically presents as sudden and severe joint pain, most commonly affecting the big toe, but it can also impact the knees, wrists, elbows and fingers. Other symptoms include swelling, redness, tenderness and a reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
« Several factors can increase the risk of developing gout, including genetics, obesity, dehydration and consuming a diet high in purine-rich foods such as red meat and alcohol. These can raise uric acid levels in the body, which may then form crystals around the joints and cause the pain associated with gout. Modern tools, such as Superdrug Online Doctor’s Gout Uric Acid Test, can help people better understand their uric acid levels from the comfort of their own home and decide when to seek medical advice. »
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