Superdrug Pharmacy Superintendent Rachel Jones has warned that four illnesses often associated with the Victorian era are making a comeback in modern times. She cited several contributing factors, including cost-of-living challenges, and noted that one condition typically linked to bygone days remains widespread across the UK.
Measles: a contagious threat returning
Jones said: "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." The UK lost its measles elimination status at the beginning of this year, highlighting that the disease is not confined to history and continues to pose a significant public health threat.
She 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 remains key to prevention, with the MMR vaccine recommended for both adults and children. Two doses are advised for full protection, and Superdrug offers the service for £45 per dose at its high street clinics.
Yellow fever and scurvy: travel and dietary risks
Jones explained that yellow fever, though not found in the UK, remains a concern for international travellers to at-risk regions. Symptoms range from fever and headache to severe complications, and many countries require proof of vaccination for entry.
On scurvy, she said: "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. While it's considered rare in developed countries, it hasn't disappeared entirely." People with limited access to fresh produce or poor dietary habits can still be affected, and the cost-of-living crisis has made it a modern concern. Early symptoms include fatigue, weakness, swollen or bleeding gums, joint pain, easy bruising and slow wound healing. Prevention focuses on adequate vitamin C intake through diet, with supplements as an option.
Gout: a common Victorian-era condition
Jones noted that gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is often associated with Victorian Britain but remains common in the UK today. It typically causes sudden severe joint pain, most often in the big toe, but can also affect knees, wrists, elbows and fingers. Other symptoms include swelling, redness, tenderness and reduced range of motion.
Risk factors include genetics, obesity, dehydration and a diet high in purine-rich foods such as red meat and alcohol, which can raise uric acid levels and form crystals around joints. Modern tools, such as Superdrug Online Doctor's Gout Uric Acid Test, can help people monitor their uric acid levels at home and decide when to seek medical advice.
