Health News
2/19/2026

Confused by the new COVID vaccine guidelines? Here's what you need to know.



Making sense of the showdown at the CDC



Trump promotes unproven theory about Tylenol and autism. What does the science say?



Chagas disease, a deadly infection caused by ‘kissing bugs,’ may have taken root in the U.S., researchers say



Poll: Only 15% of Americans agree with the unproven claim that Tylenol causes autism



What you should know if there's no sexual attraction for your partner, according to a therapist


Why would a person pick a potential life partner without feeling the spark of sexual attraction? And can these relationships survive and thrive? Can sexual attraction be cultivated later? Therapist Ian Kerner shares what he's learned in his practice.

If you think you can't focus for long, you're right


Your attention span has shrunk by nearly two minutes in the past 20 years, driven in part by technology's hold over your work and home life, experts say. Here's how to stay focused so you can get things done.

How to cool down without AC


No air conditioning? Here are 14 methods for cooling your body and buffering your house from the outside heat.

The benefits of 'body doubling' when you have ADHD, according to experts


'Body doubling' is a strategy people with ADHD can use to accomplish more than they would alone. Here's how to do it.

The planet is getting hotter fast. This is what happens to your body in extreme heat


Human-caused climate change has already made heat waves around the world more frequent and intense.

What a medication abortion is like, according to a doctor


An expert in medication abortion describes how mifepristone and misoprostol work and what to expect after using these medications known as the "abortion pill."

The best coupons at CVS Pharmacy



Your guide to finding the right Theragun massage gun for you



8 activewear brands you should add to your workout wardrobe


The increasing popularity of stylish, trendy athletic wear has made über-comfortable clothing something that's not just for the gym. It's infiltrated all corners of culture, from high fashion runways to the offices of Silicon Valley executives — and really, it's appropriate for any occasion when you just want to be comfortable.

How long you can use vintage Tupperware


Since Tupperware, the iconic kitchen brand that's been a household name for decades, signaled recently that it might be going out of business, you might be wondering how long your stash of its food storage containers is safe to use — especially if it's vintage.

Why we have nightmares and how to stop them


We leave behind our fears of monsters under the bed as we say goodbye to our childhoods, but one can follow us into adulthood and loom over our heads.

This bat fossil could fill in a piece of the evolutionary puzzle


Two 52 million-year-old bat skeletons discovered in an ancient lake bed in Wyoming are the oldest bat fossils ever found — and they reveal a new species.

Fuzzy first photo of a black hole gets a sharp makeover


The first photo ever taken of a black hole looks a little sharper now.

Paper airplane breaks a world distance record


It's a bird... It's a plane... It's a paper airplane!

US gets D+ grade for rising preterm birth rates, new report finds


The rate of premature birth in the United States is climbing, according to the infant and maternal health nonprofit March of Dimes.

Desperate for heart surgery for their baby, a family feels the effects of pediatric hospital shortages


Even before their daughter was born in June, Aaron and Helen Chavez knew she would need heart surgery. Doctors expected her to have an operation around 6 months of age.

Experimental therapy gantenerumab fails to slow or improve Alzheimer's memory loss in clinical trials


An experimental treatment, gantenerumab, failed to help people at high risk of memory loss from Alzheimer's or those who were in the early phases of the disease, the manufacturer said Monday.

RSV hospitalization rate for seniors is 10 times higher than usual for this point in the season


The respiratory virus season has started early in kids this year and flooded children's hospitals in many parts of the country -- especially with respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV.

Covid-19 boosters could keep thousands of kids out of hospitals, but uptake remains low


Higher Covid-19 vaccination rates among US children could prevent thousands of pediatric hospitalizations and millions of missed school days, according to an analysis published Tuesday by the Commonwealth Fund and the Yale School of Public Health.

Dad starts wargaming club for men's mental health


Joe founded Dad's War Room to support men struggling with mental health through tabletop gaming.

What are 'forever chemicals' and are they bad for us?


PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can be found in some of the food and products we use - and even in our bodies. But what exactly are they?

Intrusive thoughts? John has a room for that


John tells Elis and Dave about his mind's "resentment room".

Radio 1’s Life Hacks: Mental Health Special


Greg James and a panel of guests sensitively discuss male mental health and suicide.

'The kindness of people got me to the finish line'


Farmer Sam Stables walks from Herefordshire to London to raise awareness of mental health.

Inside Health


Is NHS dentistry on 'life support'?

Inside Health


How is EBV triggering autoimmune disease?

Inside Health


James is joined by an expert panel to discuss NHS plans.

The doctor strike has ended - what comes next?


With doctors returning to work after five-day walkout, is there an opportunity for talks to re-start?

Inside Health


James Gallagher is joined by a panel to explore the side effects of weight loss drugs.

Why are resident doctors striking and how much are they paid?


Resident doctors in England are striking between 17 and 22 December, the 14th walkout since 2023.

Union and government to restart talks on ending doctor dispute


BMA says there is window of opportunity in coming weeks to reach a settlement after 12 strikes.

Doctors' union agrees to resume talks with Streeting


But the health secretary says he will not negotiate on pay, adding that the union has lost goodwill with their five-day walkout.

Hancock ignored call to test all NHS staff, Covid inquiry hears


Two Nobel prize-winning scientists worried about "asymptomatic transmission" between staff and patients.

Large UK-wide pandemic preparedness tests planned this year


The stress test will involve thousands of people to help the UK prepare for potential future threats.

Families failed by Covid jabs tell inquiry of pain


They said there was no support after the death and harm suffered by their loved ones.

One day of planning went into Covid school closures, inquiry hears


This part of the inquiry is looking at the impact the pandemic had on children and young people.

Covid inquiry hears of 'generational slaughter'


Relatives of care home residents tell the Covid inquiry they will never get over how their loved ones died.

'Since having Covid my life has completely changed'


A teenager has told the Covid-19 inquiry she often feels "left out" after missing so much school.

Boris Johnson left Inquiry in a hurry - he'll be pleased not to come back


School closures seemed the only option but lockdowns probably went "too far" , former PM tells Covid Inquiry.

What is the UK Covid inquiry and how does it work?


The inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic has heard from politicians, civil servants, experts and bereaved families.

Gove apologises after Covid report alleges 'toxic' culture


The ex-senior minister apologises for mistakes in the pandemic, but defends some of the previous government's actions.

Delayed action before 2020 Christmas lockdown 'inexcusable'


Baroness Hallet says ministers failed to take "decisive action" against an "entirely foreseeable" variant.

UK did 'too little, too late', leading to thousands more Covid deaths - inquiry


Report on government decision-making says delays cost 23,000 lives in the first wave in England.

What's in the Covid inquiry report... in 68 seconds


The report looks at whether lockdowns were timely and reasonable, and what impact rule-breaking at the heart of government had on public confidence.

The private notes and secret documents that tell the inside story of the UK's Covid response


The Covid inquiry is set to publish its second set of findings looking in detail at the huge political decisions that had to be made in 2020.

'Toxic' No 10 culture harmed Covid response, inquiry finds


Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings and Matt Hanock are all criticised for contributing to poor Covid decision-making.

Covid inquiry hears impact on firms and staff


Business owners describe breaking into tears as they were forced to lay off staff, while workers feared for their jobs

Lockdown could have been avoided - key findings from Covid inquiry


The long-awaited report is published into how well or badly the government handled the Covid pandemic.

The Covid Inquiry Podcast


Baroness Hallett makes her second report into the UK's pandemic response. With Jim Reed.

Government racks up £100m bill responding to Covid inquiry


BBC analysis shows cost to taxpayer is 50% higher than thought, with inquiry's own costs at £192m.

Doctor who sold stolen PPE on eBay is struck off register


Dr Attiya Sheikh and her husband Omer Sheikh made almost £8,000 from selling personal protective equipment during the covid pandemic.

Much of £11bn Covid scheme fraud 'beyond recovery', report says


The response to the pandemic led to "enormous outlays of public money which exposed it to the risk of fraud and error", a report says.

What does 'quiet resilience' look like?


Kimberley Wilson talks to psychologist and therapist Dr Sula Windgassen on how to build "quiet" or "flexible" resilience.

'I was diagnosed with OCD at 10'. Here's how to spot the signs


Most of us will have intrusive thoughts at some point. Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney explains when you should seek help.

Trial launched to 'help spot health risks early'


A pilot scheme is rolled out in the north of the Isle of Man by the public health directorate.

Couple to re-start trek around Britain's coastline


After having to halt their first attempt due to an injury, the couple are ready to set off again.

I was full of shame at being sacked after having endometriosis surgery


Sanju Pal wins an employment appeal tribunal that could affect how employers can treat staff with endometriosis.

'I needed a coil to ease the bleeding but I just sat on a waiting list'


Elaine Gracey was in a lot of pain but says she was expected to just put up with her menopausal symptoms.

Mum with cervical cancer begged for scan after years of being 'fobbed off'


Jessica finally received a diagnosis after "begging" for an MRI scan revealing she needed urgent treatment.

Mental health chat encouraged at coffee mornings


Three coffee mornings are being held in Wolverhampton as part of a national mental health event.

NHS needs better plan around weight loss jabs, warn experts


Experts call for an urgent review of obesity treatment services amid booming demand for weight loss jabs.

Women calling for greater support with menopause


Women who experienced challenges during the menopause set up businesses to help others.

Is the system letting down people who were harmed by Covid vaccines?


People affected by rare blood clots say they feel they have been airbrushed out of the pandemic.

How will weight-loss drugs change our relationship with food?


The rise of these treatments has major implications for how we think about obesity, says James Gallagher.

Assisted dying bill: What is in proposed law?


The proposed law would allow some terminally ill adults to end their own lives. But there are requirements.

'My first cervical screening was over before I knew it'


The BBC speaks to six people about their first cervical screening, and what they wish they'd known beforehand.

First place in British Isles set to approve right to die


Laws in the Isle of Man to let terminally ill adults end their own lives are in the last stages of debate.

Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people


Increasing numbers of young people are using the drug, experts say. The health impacts can be catastrophic.

The English neighbourhood that claims to hold the secret to fixing the NHS


With public satisfaction in the NHS just 21%, one area has a plan to shake up its services that could reduce GP waiting lists, as well as unblock hospital beds - but can it really work nationwide?

How does the disposable vape ban work, and how harmful is vaping?


The disposable vape ban is designed to reduce environmental damage and protect children's health.

Labour's plan for benefits throws up a bigger dilemma


The debate has sparked a wider dilemma about the broader purpose of welfare

Is the most expensive lip balm always the best?


Do you need to spend more to get the best for your chapped lips?

Ketamine helped me escape my negative thoughts - then it nearly killed me


Young people are taking dangerous amounts of ket because it's cheap, easily available and helps them "disconnect", experts say.

The teenage caffeine pouch trend troubling US experts


Some social media influencers are pushing products to young gym-goers and students, health experts warn.

Sleep, exercise, hydrate - do we really need to stick to recommended daily doses?


As a study casts doubt on the daily steps maxim, we take a look at some other health benchmarks we’re often told to strive for.

Could weight-loss jabs be behind rising gallbladder removals?


Last year, there was a 15% annual increase in the operations and surgeons want more research.

What is chickenpox and who can get an NHS vaccine?


The standard NHS childhood vaccination programme will include chickenpox from 2 January 2026.

'I have a sweating problem': What Alan Carr's Traitors admission tells us about how social taboos changed


Let's talk about sweat... From contestants on The Celebrity Traitors and scores of celebrities openly discussing it, to the trend of professionals using saunas for business meetings

'Getting financial help through my GP has improved my health'


How linked are financial worries and health? GPs in London are trialling a financial support scheme.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?


One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

What is Mpox and why are cases rising in Europe?


UK health officials are encouraging gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to be vaccinated.

Magnesium: Can this 'miracle mineral' really help us sleep?


The global market in this supplement is worth almost £3bn - a figure set to nearly double over the next decade.

I wanted ChatGPT to help me. So why did it advise me how to kill myself?


ChatGPT wrote a woman a suicide note and another AI chatbot role-played sexual acts with children, BBC finds.

Illegal teeth-whitening industry exposed by BBC


A BBC investigation finds kits on sale containing more than 500 times the legal limit of bleach.

You can now book online to see your GP. But is it any easier to get an appointment?


A month since GPs in England started offering online appointment bookings, patients recount their experiences.

ADHD services shutting door to new NHS patients as demand soars, BBC finds


A BBC investigation finds that a host of areas in England are closing waiting lists and others are rationing care.

DNA pioneer James Watson dies at 97


Watson co-discover the double-helix structure of DNA, but his reputation was later damaged by his comments on race and sex.

Ever feel the need to switch off? Your vagus nerve might hold the key


You might not have heard of it, but can training your vagus nerve give you a moment or two of peace?

'A predator in your home': Mothers say chatbots encouraged their sons to kill themselves


In her first UK interview Megan Garcia speaks to Laura Kuenssberg about the death of her teenage son.

How do cold weather health alerts work?


The weather alert service warns the public when high or low temperatures could damage their health.

NHS tracker - are hospital waiting times improving near you?


Use our interactive tracker to see if treatment waits are getting better at your local hospital.

How I proved hair loss and dizziness aren't just symptoms of 'being a mum'


Iron deficiency is a relatively common problem, especially in women. Here's how to spot the symptoms.

Prostate cancer screening: What you need to know


Everything you need to know about the decision on who should be screened for prostate cancer.

Sugar tax extended to milk-based drinks: What you need to know


Milkshakes and lattes to be included in UK sugar tax scheme for the first time.

Why are fewer people donating their organs?


The number waiting for an organ is at a record high as loved ones increasingly block donations.

Sunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people


Hundreds of TikTok, Instagram and Facebook ads made misleading claims about health benefits, BBC finds.

How to check whether you have bowel cancer


What are the main symptoms and causes of bowel cancer, and how can you reduce your risk of getting it?

Period blood test could offer less invasive alternative to cervical screening


Looking for signs of the cancer in a more convenient way could help women access the test and prevent the disease occurring, researchers say.

Court upholds return of surgeon who harassed staff


James Gilbert, who was based in Oxford, was previously suspended for sexual harassment.

Olive oil and bone broth: Do viral gut health foods actually work?


Many trending foods contain a "small seed of truth" but are often oversold as miracle products.

More baby formula products recalled over toxin fears


Danone has recalled 15 more batches of Aptamil and Cow&Gate first infant milk because a toxin called cereulide may be present.

Health warning over Cape Verde travel after stomach bug deaths


Four Britons have died after contracting gut infections on the archapeligo since last year.

Dad who nearly lost tongue to cancer urges men's virus awareness


A father-of-two reveals how a tumour in his tongue was caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Using AI for medical advice 'dangerous', study finds


Oxford researchers find that using AI to make medical decisions presents a risk to patients.

I inhaled traffic fumes to find out where air pollution goes in my body


BBC health correspondent James Gallagher gets his blood analysed to understand how air pollution is killing us.

Statin pills much safer than advertised, major review finds


The results, in The Lancet journal, come from trials involving more than 120,000 people comparing statins with a dummy drug or placebo.

'Families have lost trust over maternity inquiry'


MPs are calling on the prime minister to intervene over the probe into Leeds maternity services.

Teen had to tell deaf mum her dad might die


NHS staff in Birmingham used Alan Graham's grandchildren to pass on information, an ombudsman finds.

Medical neglect contributed to mother's death, inquest finds


A doctor failed to see test results that should have alerted them to Sue Howells's blood clot, an inquest hears.

'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' - drug side effects tearing families apart


Side effects of a common Parkinson’s medications had devastating consequences on one family, BBC hears.

'His loss is massive': Inquests show spread of deadly synthetic drugs


A BBC investigation shows how nitazene deaths have risen and the illegal drug market is changing.

'I racked up £145k of debt' - pharmacists struggling to stay afloat as costs soar


With costs escalating, pharmacies are making a loss on essential items such as aspirin.

Viral face depuffing tricks - skin experts reveal if they work


We look at three viral hacks to unpick fact from fiction - the effects are often at best, temporary, say experts.

Can a pulse of electricity to the brain make us less selfish?


Scientists have discovered how to make people less selfish - slightly and temporarily - by stimulating two areas of the brain.

Death of the sex drive - and the great debate over whether testosterone can help get it back


Can boosting testosterone improve libido, or is much of the attention solely hype, profit, and placebo?

Woman's leg amputated after botched knee op


The patient was the victim of a "life-changing error" when a drill slipped during surgery.

Scotland's supplies of prescription co-codamol limited until June


Some health boards have told people using the painkiller to begin reducing their tablets by one a week.

Stop dithering on Brazilian butt lift crackdown, say MPs


A committee of MPs warns tighter restrictions on high-risk cosmetic procedures are needed immediately.

Illegal skin lightening cream being sold in UK butchers, watchdog warns


A trade body has warned illegal skin bleaching products are being sold in an increasingly wide range of places.

NHS joint ops disrupted amid bone cement supply problems


Around 1,000 operations a week rely on the product as patients are warned delays are inevitable.

Firm assessing Covid vaccine harm replaced after costs spiral to £48m


The figure paid to Crawford & Company Adjusters is eight times the original estimate for the work.

Children injured by NHS can claim damages for lifetime lost earnings, court rules


The decision from the Supreme Court, on the case of a child who sustained a brain injury at birth in 2015, could have significant cost implications for the NHS.

Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment


The household cat could hold the key to understanding certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer.

Single vaccine could protect against all coughs, colds and flus, researchers say


A Stanford University team have tested their nasal spray vaccine in animals but still need to do human clinical trials.

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