Hello everyone – and belated happy New Year!

I'm back after some chilly downtime in Canada (subzero temperatures included!) and ready to dive into the news.

The festive season feels like a distant memory, but the NHS is already facing one of its toughest periods, and winter crisis headlines are piling up.

Flu season is causing particular concern this year – this study looks at whether vitamin D supplements really make a difference.

In Westminster, Wes Streeting has jumped into the debate over banning social media for under-16s, calling for "action" – though he's yet to say what that should look like.

Many of you will remember the tragic case of Molly Russell, who took her own life after viewing harmful online content. Her father has since spoken out – and here's why he thinks a ban might not be the answer.

And on the global stage, a colleague's powerful piece sheds light on women's services in Syria, now struggling after devastating cuts to US aid.

Top health headlines

Ozempic regret: the side effects that people aren't posting

By Aimee Donnellan

The 'staggering' time over-65s have to wait for beds while in A&E

By Storm Newton

Four things you can do to reduce inflammation according to the experts

By Harry Bullmore

New study reveals most common cancer in the UK

By Jane Kirby

Norovirus hospital admissions soar 57% as critical incidents declared

By Rebecca Thomas

This year, the US faces the risk of losing its measles-elimination status after a year of prolonged outbreaks. My colleague across the pond has the story and explains why it matters.

Last November, Canada lost its own elimination status following large, multi-region outbreaks that began in 2024. In 2025, the country reported more than 5,000 cases.

The Regional (Europe) Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC), which sets elimination status, held its latest meeting on European countries last year, and the UK is expecting a report "shortly."

So how is the UK faring on measles?

The news has been full of vaccination warnings, which have intensified since the tragic death of a child in Liverpool. It has not yet been confirmed whether the child died of measles or with measles, but the case has sharpened public concern.

Why the US measles review matters as experts warn of wider risk

The problem has been years in the making, as fewer kids get routine vaccines due to parental waivers, health care access issues and rampant disinformation

Vaccination rates in the UK have been declining since 2018, while cases have been rising sharply. In September, the UK Health Security Agency reported that measles cases jumped from 481 in 2023 to 3,681 in 2024.

Coverage of the first vaccine dose has also fallen, dropping to 92 per cent from 95 per cent in 2017.

While losing its measles-elimination status is largely administrative, it would serve as a serious warning for the UK.

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