Illnesses and conditions

Medical conditions

For detailed information about a whole range of conditions, including lists of symptoms to watch out for and details about how they can be treated, speak to your local GP or visit NHS Direct.

Cancer

For details about cancer care services at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, contact:

Cancer Information and Support
New Cross Hospital
Wolverhampton
WV10 OQP

Website: www.cancercarewolverhampton.nhs.uk

Infectious diseases

For a comprehensive list of infectious diseases and topics, refer to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) web site.

Cases of food poisonings are classified as infectious diseases and the Food and Environmental Safety Service investigate confirmed cases of food poisonings. Further information on food poisoning can be obtained by contacting the Food and Environmental Safety Service.

For further information on infectious diseases other than food poisoning, you can contact the local Health Protection Unit for Wolverhampton:

Black Country Health Protection Unit
Russell House
1 The Inhedge
Dudley
DY1 1RR

Phone: 01384 366181
e-mail: blackcountryHPU@hpa.org.uk

Controlling infectious diseases

Infectious diseases such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Dysentery and E.coli can be spread very easily if certain basic hygiene principles are not followed.

Handwashing - most of the above illnesses are commonly accompanied by diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can easily contaminate hands and the environment, e.g. toilet handles, toilet bowls and taps. After using the toilet, or when going to prepare foods, hands should therefore be thoroughly washed with soap (ideally liquid soap), using hot running water. Special soaps with antibacterial agents added are available. Dry hands thoroughly, using clean towels or ideally disposable paper towels. If you are using cloth towels, they should be replaced daily and a separate towel given to the infected person for their sole use.
Cleaning of the environment - toilet seats, flush handles, wash hand basin taps and toilet door handles should be cleaned daily, or more frequently depending on how often they are used. Toilet seats should be wiped after use with household detergent solution and then a sanitising solution.
Disposal of soiled material - if bed linen or clothing becomes soiled by faeces, all linen should be washed in a domestic washing machine with 'hot cycle'. Should the amount of soiling make this impractical, then as much faeces as possible should be washed away in running water into the toilet bowl.
Cleaning away vomit or accidental spills of faeces - if vomiting occurs, the immediate surfaces and items affected should be cleaned with detergent and water and sanitised. It is advisable that anyone cleaning-up after such an event should wear disposable rubber gloves and hands washed and dried thoroughly after their removal.

HIV and AIDS

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body's defence system preventing it from fighting illnesses and infections.

HIV is not passed on by shaking hands, kissing, touching or hugging, sharing cups, cutlery, crockery or towels. HIV is not spread by sneezing or coughing or from tears or sweat. A person does not get infected with HIV from daily contact.

How can HIV be passed on?

HIV can be passed on in the following ways:

unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, oral or anal without using a condom
sharing contaminated needles, syringes and 'works'
from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
from contaminated blood or blood products.

A diagnosis of HIV affects you, your family, partner and friends. For help and support contact the Terrence Higgins Trust:

Write/visit:
Terrence Higgins Trust (Wolverhampton)
242-244 Bond House
Bond Street
Wolverhampton
WV2 4AS

e-mail: info.wolverhampton@tht.org.uk
Website: www.tht.org.uk
Phone: 01902 711818

You can also get information from the National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123 (for other languages dial 0800 717 2227) or by logging on to:

Holiday vaccinations

Vaccinations are required when travelling to certain countries; the number and type of immunisations vary from country to country.

The Department of Health booklet 'Health advice for travellers' provides information about vaccinations you may need for different countries. Your GP should also be able to give you advice and administer vaccinations or refer you to someone who can - contact your doctor at least six to eight weeks prior to travelling to discuss your requirements.

Contact us

For more information contact us by either using our online form or by:

e-mail: socialservices@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Phone: 01902 551199
Minicom: 01902 555554
Fax: 01902 551195