Tanya Dutt

Breakthrough In Cancer Treatment: New Vaccine Shows Tumour Stabilization In Advanced Cases

Cancer vaccination (Credit: Canva)

A new vaccine designed to fight <span>cancer</span> cells is showing promising signs in early-stage clinical trials, offering fresh hope for people with advanced cancers. The groundbreaking treatment, developed by Moderna—the pharmaceutical company behind one of the leading COVID-19 vaccines—could represent a significant step forward in <span>cancer treatment</span>.

The vaccine, known as mRNA-4359, is designed to prime the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, much like how COVID-19 vaccines teach the body to identify and fight the virus. By using mRNA technology, it instructs the body’s immune system to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, triggering a targeted immune response to fight tumours.

In the initial phase-one clinical trial, 19 patients with advanced solid tumours, such as melanoma and <span>lung cancer</span>, were administered the mRNA-4359 vaccine. Of the 16 patients evaluated, eight showed no tumour growth or development of new tumours, a promising outcome considering their advanced conditions. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with no severe side effects reported, marking an encouraging milestone in cancer immunotherapy.

Chief investigator Dr. Debashis Sarker from King’s College London noted that the trial, while still in early stages, demonstrated the vaccine’s ability to safely stimulate the immune system. “This study evaluating an mRNA cancer immunotherapy is an important first step in hopefully developing a new treatment for patients with advanced cancers,” Dr. Sarker said. However, he stressed the need for further research due to the small sample size involved in the trial.

<h2>What Makes This Vaccine Different?</h2>

The <span>cancer vaccine</span> uses similar technology to that employed in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines. It works by mobilizing the immune system to recognize cancer-specific proteins, prompting a more precise attack on tumour cells. What makes this approach unique is its potential to target various cancers, particularly in patients whose cancers are resistant to conventional therapies.

Currently, the vaccine is being tested in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy drug commonly used in chemotherapy, in patients with melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. The aim is to assess whether the combined treatment can create a more favourable tumour environment for the immune system to attack cancer cells.

<h2>What Does This Mean for Cancer Patients?</h2>

While the results are promising, experts caution that the vaccine is still in the early stages of development. Dr. Sarker emphasized that it’s too soon to determine its overall effectiveness. However, the encouraging results offer a ray of hope for people with advanced-stage cancers, who often have limited treatment options.

This trial is just one of several exploring the use of mRNA vaccines to treat cancer. Another promising trial involves a personalized mRNA vaccine for melanoma, mRNA-4157, which uses DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence to create a tailored vaccine for each patient’s tumour. Additionally, BioNTech, the German company behind another COVID-19 vaccine, is testing a lung cancer vaccine (BNT116) in patients in the UK and beyond.

Given the rising number of cancer cases worldwide—over 48,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK each year, with 35,000 deaths—it’s clear that more effective treatment options are urgently needed. Could cancer vaccines like mRNA-4359 hold the key?

Moderna’s trial is now enrolling more patients across the UK, USA, Spain, and Australia, as researchers continue to study the vaccine’s effectiveness. As mRNA technology continues to advance, the potential for a cancer vaccine that could offer long-term protection and treatment for various types of cancer grows increasingly within reach.

Could cancer vaccines be the future of cancer treatment? What hurdles remain before these treatments can become widely available? While there are still many questions, the early results from these trials signal a shift in how we approach cancer therapy, offering a new frontier of hope for patients and their families.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cancer

cancer treatment

cancer breakthrough

Cancer vaccine

Lung cancer

Brain tumour treatment

Parkinson’s Disease May Have A New Environmental Trigger- Can It Be Avoided?

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?

Health News

This Is What Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli Eats In A Day

Signs You Are Experiencing Sensory Overload

Shoulder Exercises You Should Do For Defined Shoulders

Best Foods To Eat When You Are Fasting

​Ghee For Ayurveda: Why It Should Be A Part Of Your Diet​

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer You Should Know

Yoga Poses That Can Build Core Strength

Biotin-Rich Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

Unexpected Physical Signs Of Stress

Simple And Affective Guide To Stop A Panic Attack

Signs Of Heat Exhaustion In Children

10 Heart Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Lower Your Cholesterol With These Foods

Food Myths You Should Stop Believing

Work Stressing You Out? Tips To Handle Toxic Workspaces

Looking To Gain Weight? High-Calorie Healthy Foods To Try

​Pomegranates Are A Must For Summer, Here’s Why​

​How Does Being A Night Owl Change Your Brain​

​Can Nightlights Affect Your Child’s Sleep​

How To Decide Whether You Should Do Cardio Or Strength Training?

Enjoying Hobbies As An Adult Is More Important Than You Realize

Screentime Matters For Parents Too, Here's How It Causes Issues

Why Should We Discard Expired Prescription Drugs?

Perks Of Having Home Plants For Your Health

Signs You Are Dealing With Depleted Mother Syndrome

Protein-Rich Fruit Smoothies You Must Try

Ways You Can Reach Out To Someone In A Mental Health Crisis

These Things Are Causing You To Lose Sleep

10 Healthy Soups That Support Weight Loss

Easy Lunch Ideas For People With Type 2 Diabetes

9 Bodyweight Exercises To Boost Strength Anytime, Anywhere

Iron-Rich Foods Every Woman Should Include in Her Diet

Ayurvedic Foods To Cool Your Body Naturally

10 Ways Fluctuating Cortisol Levels Can Affect You Physically

Unexpected Factors That Affect Your Blood Sugar

Foods People With PCOS Should Avoid

Do Sleep Trackers Actually Work? Things You Should Know About

Avoiding These Proteins Is Causing Your Health To Deteriorate

Not Sure Whether It Is Fatigue Or Burnout? Answer These 10 Questions

Experiencing Drained Energy Mid-Day? 10 Ways To Fix It

A new vaccine designed to fight cancer cells is showing promising signs in early-stage clinical trials, offering fresh hope for people with advanced cancers. The groundbreaking treatment, developed by Moderna—the pharmaceutical company behind one of the leading COVID-19 vaccines—could represent a significant step forward in cancer treatment.The vaccine, known as mRNA-4359, is designed to prime the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, much like how COVID-19 vaccines teach the body to identify and fight the virus. By using mRNA technology, it instructs the body’s immune system to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, triggering a targeted immune response to fight tumours.How does the Vaccine work?In the initial phase-one clinical trial, 19 patients with advanced solid tumours, such as melanoma and lung cancer, were administered the mRNA-4359 vaccine. Of the 16 patients evaluated, eight showed no tumour growth or development of new tumours, a promising outcome considering their advanced conditions. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with no severe side effects reported, marking an encouraging milestone in cancer immunotherapy.Chief investigator Dr. Debashis Sarker from King’s College London noted that the trial, while still in early stages, demonstrated the vaccine’s ability to safely stimulate the immune system. “This study evaluating an mRNA cancer immunotherapy is an important first step in hopefully developing a new treatment for patients with advanced cancers,” Dr. Sarker said. However, he stressed the need for further research due to the small sample size involved in the trial.What Makes This Vaccine Different?The cancer vaccine uses similar technology to that employed in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines. It works by mobilizing the immune system to recognize cancer-specific proteins, prompting a more precise attack on tumour cells. What makes this approach unique is its potential to target various cancers, particularly in patients whose cancers are resistant to conventional therapies.Currently, the vaccine is being tested in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy drug commonly used in chemotherapy, in patients with melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. The aim is to assess whether the combined treatment can create a more favourable tumour environment for the immune system to attack cancer cells.What Does This Mean for Cancer Patients?While the results are promising, experts caution that the vaccine is still in the early stages of development. Dr. Sarker emphasized that it’s too soon to determine its overall effectiveness. However, the encouraging results offer a ray of hope for people with advanced-stage cancers, who often have limited treatment options.This trial is just one of several exploring the use of mRNA vaccines to treat cancer. Another promising trial involves a personalized mRNA vaccine for melanoma, mRNA-4157, which uses DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence to create a tailored vaccine for each patient’s tumour. Additionally, BioNTech, the German company behind another COVID-19 vaccine, is testing a lung cancer vaccine (BNT116) in patients in the UK and beyond.Given the rising number of cancer cases worldwide—over 48,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK each year, with 35,000 deaths—it’s clear that more effective treatment options are urgently needed. Could cancer vaccines like mRNA-4359 hold the key?Moderna’s trial is now enrolling more patients across the UK, USA, Spain, and Australia, as researchers continue to study the vaccine’s effectiveness. As mRNA technology continues to advance, the potential for a cancer vaccine that could offer long-term protection and treatment for various types of cancer grows increasingly within reach.Could cancer vaccines be the future of cancer treatment? What hurdles remain before these treatments can become widely available? While there are still many questions, the early results from these trials signal a shift in how we approach cancer therapy, offering a new frontier of hope for patients and their families.

breakthrough in cancer treatment: new vaccine boosts tumour stabilization in advanced cases

Health and Me

Health & Wellness

Gardening Helps Slow Down Cognitive Decline

gardening helps slow down cognitive decline

70% Of People Experience Hallucinations Before Falling Asleep, But Is It Normal?

70% of people experience hallucinations before falling asleep, but is it normal?

covid 2025: unique symptoms of new variant and how long infection now last

should you turn off your wifi router before sleep?

When we consider health risks, we tend to look inward—diet, lifestyle, genetics but what if the biggest threats come from what’s around us? Environmental causes have increasingly been in the primary concern of health studies, with connections being found between pollution in the air and respiratory disease, industrial toxins and cancer, and now perhaps even our most idyllic, verdant neighborhoods. According to a new research, just being close to a golf course may be linked with a much greater risk of acquiring <span>Parkinson's disease</span>.

Yes, golf courses—those enormous, manicured landscapes we commonly think of as tranquility and recreational—might be more poisonous than they seem. The report, which appeared online in JAMA Network Open, sends significant concern about the long-term effects of environmental pesticide exposure on these greens, particularly for those who live nearby. Although far from definitive, the results add fuel to a growing controversy: Might our seemingly picture-perfect environments be quietly undermining brain function?

A research team headed by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute investigated whether proximity to golf courses in one's neighborhood could potentially be associated with Parkinson's disease—a chronic neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. Based on a population-based case-control study comprising 419 patients with diagnosed Parkinson's and 5,113 healthy controls across different regions in the US, the researchers found something disturbing- Living in one mile of a golf course was linked with a 126% higher risk of Parkinson's disease compared to those residing more than six miles away.

Additionally, residents of areas where water services encompassed golf course areas had almost double the risk of Parkinson's versus those residing in golf-free areas. These correlations persisted even after controlling for neighborhood and demographic variables.

<h2>What Is It About Living Close to Golf Course That's a Red Flag for Your Health?</h2>

The research doesn't say golf courses cause Parkinson's directly—but it does propose a compelling hypothesis. The suspected perpetrators are pesticides, which are applied freely to keep golf courses looking nice. The chemicals, frequently airborne or leached into water, might end up being inhaled or ingested by nearby residents.

This hypothesis is not new. Past research has indicated a greater prevalence of Parkinson's in farmers, field workers, and residents of industrial areas. Some lab research has demonstrated that some pesticides and air pollutants are harmful to dopaminergic neurons, the very same cells that in Parkinson's disease.

The new evidence supports the hypothesis that long-term, low-dose exposure to neurotoxic chemicals—particularly by air and water—may play a causative role in causing the illness. But experts caution against overinterpretation.

Not everyone in the scientific community is convinced. Parkinson’s UK, a leading non-profit that supports neurological research, has expressed skepticism about the study's conclusions. Katherine Fletcher, a lead researcher with the organization, notes that while many studies have examined links between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s, the evidence remains inconclusive.

"Effects have been inconsistent, but in general point toward pesticide exposure possibly elevating risk," Fletcher replies. "The evidence, though, is not as strong to conclude that exposure to pesticides is directly causing Parkinson's."

David Dexter, another Parkinson's UK expert, questions methodology. The study didn't check for true contamination of air or water around the golf courses. Nor did it take into account other possible sources of pollution, such as traffic emissions, that might have an effect on neurological health.

<h2>Why it is Important to Rethink Where We Live?</h2>

What's most unnerving is the way seemingly wholesome, affluent neighborhoods might harbor hidden health threats. Environmental exposure and disease clusters aren't new. But in contrast to industrial complexes, golf courses are frequently situated in upscale areas, promoted as serene and picturesque.

This paradox makes the new study more intriguing—and more contentious. Although it doesn't have answers, it raises an immediate question: Are we reconsidering the safety of our environment?

<h2>Can This Risk of Parkinson's Be Avoided?</h2>

For now, there’s no need to panic or sell your home next to the 18th hole. The findings call for further investigation, not alarm. Krzyzanowski and her team argue that public health policies aimed at reducing pesticide use on golf courses could be a step in the right direction. This could include:

<ul><li>Switching to eco-friendly turf management practices</li><li>Enforcing stricter groundwater monitoring regulations</li><li>Increasing transparency around chemical use in residential areas</li></ul>

Finally, until more conclusive studies, prevention is paramount. If you're near a golf course—or anywhere with intensive pesticide application—it may be a good idea to take note of local water quality summaries and air quality indices.

This research is not the last word on Parkinson's and golf courses—but it begins an essential dialogue. As we swim through the rising tide of diseases caused by the environment, it's more and more apparent that health is not solely the result of genes and behaviors. It's also strongly connected to place.

parkinson's disease

golf courses pesticide risk

environmental triggers parkinson's

pesticide exposure brain health

neurological disorders causes

parkinson’s research 2025

living near golf courses health risk

When we consider health risks, we tend to look inward—diet, lifestyle, genetics but what if the biggest threats come from what’s around us? Environmental causes have increasingly been in the primary concern of health studies, with connections being found between pollution in the air and respiratory disease, industrial toxins and cancer, and now perhaps even our most idyllic, verdant neighborhoods. According to a new research, just being close to a golf course may be linked with a much greater risk of acquiring Parkinson's disease.Yes, golf courses—those enormous, manicured landscapes we commonly think of as tranquility and recreational—might be more poisonous than they seem. The report, which appeared online in JAMA Network Open, sends significant concern about the long-term effects of environmental pesticide exposure on these greens, particularly for those who live nearby. Although far from definitive, the results add fuel to a growing controversy: Might our seemingly picture-perfect environments be quietly undermining brain function?A research team headed by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute investigated whether proximity to golf courses in one's neighborhood could potentially be associated with Parkinson's disease—a chronic neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. Based on a population-based case-control study comprising 419 patients with diagnosed Parkinson's and 5,113 healthy controls across different regions in the US, the researchers found something disturbing- Living in one mile of a golf course was linked with a 126% higher risk of Parkinson's disease compared to those residing more than six miles away.Additionally, residents of areas where water services encompassed golf course areas had almost double the risk of Parkinson's versus those residing in golf-free areas. These correlations persisted even after controlling for neighborhood and demographic variables.What Is It About Living Close to Golf Course That's a Red Flag for Your Health?The research doesn't say golf courses cause Parkinson's directly—but it does propose a compelling hypothesis. The suspected perpetrators are pesticides, which are applied freely to keep golf courses looking nice. The chemicals, frequently airborne or leached into water, might end up being inhaled or ingested by nearby residents.This hypothesis is not new. Past research has indicated a greater prevalence of Parkinson's in farmers, field workers, and residents of industrial areas. Some lab research has demonstrated that some pesticides and air pollutants are harmful to dopaminergic neurons, the very same cells that in Parkinson's disease.The new evidence supports the hypothesis that long-term, low-dose exposure to neurotoxic chemicals—particularly by air and water—may play a causative role in causing the illness. But experts caution against overinterpretation.Not everyone in the scientific community is convinced. Parkinson’s UK, a leading non-profit that supports neurological research, has expressed skepticism about the study's conclusions. Katherine Fletcher, a lead researcher with the organization, notes that while many studies have examined links between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s, the evidence remains inconclusive."Effects have been inconsistent, but in general point toward pesticide exposure possibly elevating risk," Fletcher replies. "The evidence, though, is not as strong to conclude that exposure to pesticides is directly causing Parkinson's."David Dexter, another Parkinson's UK expert, questions methodology. The study didn't check for true contamination of air or water around the golf courses. Nor did it take into account other possible sources of pollution, such as traffic emissions, that might have an effect on neurological health.Why it is Important to Rethink Where We Live?What's most unnerving is the way seemingly wholesome, affluent neighborhoods might harbor hidden health threats. Environmental exposure and disease clusters aren't new. But in contrast to industrial complexes, golf courses are frequently situated in upscale areas, promoted as serene and picturesque.This paradox makes the new study more intriguing—and more contentious. Although it doesn't have answers, it raises an immediate question: Are we reconsidering the safety of our environment?Can This Risk of Parkinson's Be Avoided?For now, there’s no need to panic or sell your home next to the 18th hole. The findings call for further investigation, not alarm. Krzyzanowski and her team argue that public health policies aimed at reducing pesticide use on golf courses could be a step in the right direction. This could include:Switching to eco-friendly turf management practicesEnforcing stricter groundwater monitoring regulationsIncreasing transparency around chemical use in residential areasFinally, until more conclusive studies, prevention is paramount. If you're near a golf course—or anywhere with intensive pesticide application—it may be a good idea to take note of local water quality summaries and air quality indices.This research is not the last word on Parkinson's and golf courses—but it begins an essential dialogue. As we swim through the rising tide of diseases caused by the environment, it's more and more apparent that health is not solely the result of genes and behaviors. It's also strongly connected to place.

parkinson’s disease may have a new environmental trigger- can it be avoided?

Mumbai Reports a 40% Rise In Flu Cases, BMC Releases Precautionary Steps

mumbai reports a 40% rise in flu cases, bmc releases precautionary steps

No Chikungunya Vaccine For US Adults 60 And Above, Declares CDC

no chikungunya vaccine for us adults 60 and above, declares cdc

Can Vaccines Cause Chikungunya? CDC New Advisory For Travellers Says Yes

us cdc advises elderly to avoid chikungunya vaccines following deaths

Nutrition

Listeria Outbreak In US Linked To Ready-To-Eat Food Products

listeria outbreak in us linked to ready-to-eat food products

In 2020, COVID-19 redefined global health infrastructure, travel norms and daily habits. Today, even though most of the world is back to business as usual, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggered a global pandemic still remains silently persistent. With new data emerging in 2025, it's obvious that even if the severity of the virus had reduced for most, its mutation keeps impacting populations in new and complex ways.

So, what is COVID in 2025 like? From nuanced changes in patterns of symptoms to news on vaccine immunity and AI-driven virus forecasting, here's a closer look at the latest direction of COVID and its continued influence.

While hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths have significantly slowed from pandemic highs, the virus is hardly gone. In Australia alone, there were 58,000 cases of COVID so far in 2025, though experts say the real numbers are much greater, given decreasing testing and underreporting.

Sentinel surveillance statistics by FluCan, a network of 14 hospitals, reported 781 hospitalizations due to COVID complication in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Another 289 deaths due to respiratory infections caused by COVID happened in the first two months of the year. These statistics point out that, although COVID seems less formidable now, it is still a critical healthcare issue for some sections of the population.

<h2>Who Is Still at Risk of Severe COVID?</h2>

Currently, the vast majority of individuals who develop COVID have a mild, self-limiting illness. Nonetheless, the following groups are still at risk:

<ul><li>Older adults, especially those over the age of 70</li><li>Immunocompromised persons, including cancer patients</li><li>Individuals with chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease</li><li>Socially disadvantaged populations, including those experiencing homelessness</li></ul>

Social disparities persist to influence health outcomes. In the UK, residents of the most deprived neighborhoods are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with infectious diseases as those in better-off neighborhoods.

The typical COVID symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath — remain among the most frequently reported. Yet, newer strains have brought back some distinct symptom trends:

Early in the pandemic, anosmia, or the acute loss of taste or smell, was one of COVID's defining symptoms. The symptom was less frequent with Omicron, but a recent report from a French study indicates a return of anosmia in infections involving the JN.1 variant.

Anosmia is now more variant-specific, so it is a key symptom to monitor for new variants.

One of the key distinguishing factors between COVID and other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or the flu is the lingering of symptoms, a condition now commonly known as Long COVID.

Scientists at the University of Texas matched patient data between COVID, influenza, and pneumonia. The analysis concluded that symptoms of COVID lasted longer and differed in intensity and nature. Brain fog, breathlessness, and fatigue were the most likely of the symptoms to linger months post-infection. Of interest, these post-viral symptoms appeared more frequently among the unvaccinated. 

<h2>How Long Does COVID Last in 2025?</h2>

For the majority of healthy patients with mild to moderate illness, COVID symptoms disappear in 7 to 10 days. Individuals can, however, be infectious from 48 hours prior to symptom onset until around 10 days after infection.

Notably, symptom duration and recovery vary depending on various factors:

Infection severity: Severe infections may have weeks- or months-long symptoms

Vaccination status: Those who are vaccinated tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer ongoing symptoms

Past history of infection: Future infections are shorter and less symptomatic

A UK study of 5,000 healthcare workers found that fatigue fell progressively with each reinfection — 17.3% after the first, 12.8% after the second, and only 10.8% after the third.

<h2>Why Testing Still Matters Even in 2025?</h2>

COVID testing continues to be an important tool, particularly in symptomatic people, those with recent contact, or who are high-risk groups. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are easily accessible, yet a negative RAT is not necessarily conclusive of non-infection — especially in the early phase.

Confirmatory PCR testing is still the gold standard for reliable detection and is advised in individuals who are looking for early medical intervention, particularly in the immunocompromised.

While isolation is no longer required in most areas, public health recommendations include staying home when sick and wearing a well-fitting mask when out in public.

<h2>Is Vaccination Still The Most Effective Shield?</h2>

COVID vaccines remain effective against severe illness and symptomatic infection. Recent European data (awaiting peer review) indicate that vaccines were 66% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID this winter.

Adults 75 and older: Boosters every 6 months

High-risk adults (18+): Eligible for a booster every 6 months

A wide-ranging overview of more than 4,300 studies determined that fully vaccinated individuals were 27% less likely to develop long COVID than unvaccinated individuals.

As SARS-CoV-2 evolves through mutations, keeping vaccines effective is a moving target. Come forward EVE-Vax, a sophisticated AI system that computer-generates viral proteins that may be able to bypass immune defenses.

Unlike other approaches that respond to current variants, EVE-Vax anticipates ahead of time how the virus could change. By modeling possible future mutations, this technology could transform the way vaccines and treatments are designed — not only for COVID but for other fast-changing viruses such as influenza and HIV.

Though the immediate global crisis is over, COVID-19 in 2025 is an evolving public health concern. While the majority of cases are mild, the virus still presents severe threats to at-risk populations, and long-term complications are increasingly understood.

Public health measures now need to walk a tightrope between caution and flexibility — incorporating technological innovation such as AI modeling and continuing global vaccination programs to pre-empt future surges. The virus has evolved, our response must also evolve.

covid 2025

covid symptoms 2025

long covid 2025

new covid variants

covid infection duration

anosmia covid comeback

covid hospitalization rates

covid vaccine update

In 2020, COVID-19 redefined global health infrastructure, travel norms and daily habits. Today, even though most of the world is back to business as usual, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggered a global pandemic still remains silently persistent. With new data emerging in 2025, it's obvious that even if the severity of the virus had reduced for most, its mutation keeps impacting populations in new and complex ways.So, what is COVID in 2025 like? From nuanced changes in patterns of symptoms to news on vaccine immunity and AI-driven virus forecasting, here's a closer look at the latest direction of COVID and its continued influence.While hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths have significantly slowed from pandemic highs, the virus is hardly gone. In Australia alone, there were 58,000 cases of COVID so far in 2025, though experts say the real numbers are much greater, given decreasing testing and underreporting.Sentinel surveillance statistics by FluCan, a network of 14 hospitals, reported 781 hospitalizations due to COVID complication in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Another 289 deaths due to respiratory infections caused by COVID happened in the first two months of the year. These statistics point out that, although COVID seems less formidable now, it is still a critical healthcare issue for some sections of the population.Who Is Still at Risk of Severe COVID?Currently, the vast majority of individuals who develop COVID have a mild, self-limiting illness. Nonetheless, the following groups are still at risk:Older adults, especially those over the age of 70Immunocompromised persons, including cancer patientsIndividuals with chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseaseSocially disadvantaged populations, including those experiencing homelessnessSocial disparities persist to influence health outcomes. In the UK, residents of the most deprived neighborhoods are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with infectious diseases as those in better-off neighborhoods.Unique Symptoms of New COVIDThe typical COVID symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath — remain among the most frequently reported. Yet, newer strains have brought back some distinct symptom trends:Early in the pandemic, anosmia, or the acute loss of taste or smell, was one of COVID's defining symptoms. The symptom was less frequent with Omicron, but a recent report from a French study indicates a return of anosmia in infections involving the JN.1 variant.Anosmia is now more variant-specific, so it is a key symptom to monitor for new variants.One of the key distinguishing factors between COVID and other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia or the flu is the lingering of symptoms, a condition now commonly known as Long COVID.Scientists at the University of Texas matched patient data between COVID, influenza, and pneumonia. The analysis concluded that symptoms of COVID lasted longer and differed in intensity and nature. Brain fog, breathlessness, and fatigue were the most likely of the symptoms to linger months post-infection. Of interest, these post-viral symptoms appeared more frequently among the unvaccinated. How Long Does COVID Last in 2025?For the majority of healthy patients with mild to moderate illness, COVID symptoms disappear in 7 to 10 days. Individuals can, however, be infectious from 48 hours prior to symptom onset until around 10 days after infection.Notably, symptom duration and recovery vary depending on various factors:Infection severity: Severe infections may have weeks- or months-long symptomsVaccination status: Those who are vaccinated tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer ongoing symptomsPast history of infection: Future infections are shorter and less symptomaticA UK study of 5,000 healthcare workers found that fatigue fell progressively with each reinfection — 17.3% after the first, 12.8% after the second, and only 10.8% after the third.Why Testing Still Matters Even in 2025?COVID testing continues to be an important tool, particularly in symptomatic people, those with recent contact, or who are high-risk groups. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are easily accessible, yet a negative RAT is not necessarily conclusive of non-infection — especially in the early phase.Confirmatory PCR testing is still the gold standard for reliable detection and is advised in individuals who are looking for early medical intervention, particularly in the immunocompromised.While isolation is no longer required in most areas, public health recommendations include staying home when sick and wearing a well-fitting mask when out in public.Is Vaccination Still The Most Effective Shield?COVID vaccines remain effective against severe illness and symptomatic infection. Recent European data (awaiting peer review) indicate that vaccines were 66% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID this winter.2025 vaccination recommendations are:Adults 65–74: Boosters every 12 monthsAdults 75 and older: Boosters every 6 monthsHigh-risk adults (18+): Eligible for a booster every 6 monthsA wide-ranging overview of more than 4,300 studies determined that fully vaccinated individuals were 27% less likely to develop long COVID than unvaccinated individuals.AI in COVID TestingAs SARS-CoV-2 evolves through mutations, keeping vaccines effective is a moving target. Come forward EVE-Vax, a sophisticated AI system that computer-generates viral proteins that may be able to bypass immune defenses.Unlike other approaches that respond to current variants, EVE-Vax anticipates ahead of time how the virus could change. By modeling possible future mutations, this technology could transform the way vaccines and treatments are designed — not only for COVID but for other fast-changing viruses such as influenza and HIV.Is COVID in 2025 Different?Though the immediate global crisis is over, COVID-19 in 2025 is an evolving public health concern. While the majority of cases are mild, the virus still presents severe threats to at-risk populations, and long-term complications are increasingly understood.Public health measures now need to walk a tightrope between caution and flexibility — incorporating technological innovation such as AI modeling and continuing global vaccination programs to pre-empt future surges. The virus has evolved, our response must also evolve.

Riya Baibhawi

US CDC Advises Elderly To Avoid Chikungunya Vaccines Following Deaths

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory urging American travellers over the age of 60 years to avoid the <span>Chikungunya vaccine</span>, Valneva's '<span>Ixchiq</span>'. Health authorities had earlier asked the elderly to take these shots in the wake of <span>Chikungunya</span> outbreaks in the islands of the Indian Ocean. However, last week, they stated 17 serious adverse events, including two deaths, which were reported in recipients of the vaccine IXCHIQ over the age of 60 worldwide, and asked the elderly to refrain from using the vaccines. 

"CDC and FDA recently investigated five hospitalisations for cardiac or neurologic events following vaccination with IXCHIQ among older people. We are also aware of additional reports of serious adverse events among people aged 62 to 89 years following the use of IXCHIQ in other countries. CDC and FDA advise the live-attenuated vaccine should not be used among people 60 years and older until these additional reports are further investigated," the CDC mentioned on their website.

<h2>Chikungunya Surge In Indian Ocean Islands</h2>

France's Departments of La Reunion and Mayotte have reported chikungunya outbreaks. La Reunion has reported over 47,000 cases and 12 associated deaths as of May 4 this year. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the cases are expected to rise in the region. In the wake of the same, health authorities have asked travellers and pregnant women to avoid or reconsider travelling to those regions. 

<h2>What Is Chikungunya?</h2>Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus. Symptoms of the disease include fever and joint pain. The risk of a person spreading the virus is highest during the first week of illness. The European Union's health regulator is currently reviewing Valneva's chikungunya vaccine after reports of serious adverse events, including two deaths globally. The European Medicines Agency's safety committee has temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine-Ixchiq, in adults aged 65 years and above.

<h2>Chikungunya Vaccine Under Investigation</h2>Ixchiq is the first preventive vaccine against the chikungunya virus authorised in Europe and the US. While the adverse effects of this jab is still not fully revealed, the deaths of two adults aged 62 and 89 years have raised alarm. However, the exact link between the vaccine and the death is being determined by the health officials. At present, the French government has suspended the use of the vaccine pending investigation after adverse events were reported as well. Meanwhile, the US advisors have recommended the second chikungunya vaccine, Bavarian Nordic's Vimkunya, to those above 12 years of age. 

chikungunya

ixchiq

Chikungunya Vaccine

CDC on Chikungunya vaccines

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory urging American travellers over the age of 60 years to avoid the Chikungunya vaccine, Valneva's 'Ixchiq'. Health authorities had earlier asked the elderly to take these shots in the wake of Chikungunya outbreaks in the islands of the Indian Ocean. However, last week, they stated 17 serious adverse events, including two deaths, which were reported in recipients of the vaccine IXCHIQ over the age of 60 worldwide, and asked the elderly to refrain from using the vaccines. "CDC and FDA recently investigated five hospitalisations for cardiac or neurologic events following vaccination with IXCHIQ among older people. We are also aware of additional reports of serious adverse events among people aged 62 to 89 years following the use of IXCHIQ in other countries. CDC and FDA advise the live-attenuated vaccine should not be used among people 60 years and older until these additional reports are further investigated," the CDC mentioned on their website.Chikungunya Surge In Indian Ocean IslandsFrance's Departments of La Reunion and Mayotte have reported chikungunya outbreaks. La Reunion has reported over 47,000 cases and 12 associated deaths as of May 4 this year. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the cases are expected to rise in the region. In the wake of the same, health authorities have asked travellers and pregnant women to avoid or reconsider travelling to those regions. What Is Chikungunya?Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus. Symptoms of the disease include fever and joint pain. The risk of a person spreading the virus is highest during the first week of illness. The European Union's health regulator is currently reviewing Valneva's chikungunya vaccine after reports of serious adverse events, including two deaths globally. The European Medicines Agency's safety committee has temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine-Ixchiq, in adults aged 65 years and above.Chikungunya Vaccine Under InvestigationIxchiq is the first preventive vaccine against the chikungunya virus authorised in Europe and the US. While the adverse effects of this jab is still not fully revealed, the deaths of two adults aged 62 and 89 years have raised alarm. However, the exact link between the vaccine and the death is being determined by the health officials. At present, the French government has suspended the use of the vaccine pending investigation after adverse events were reported as well. Meanwhile, the US advisors have recommended the second chikungunya vaccine, Bavarian Nordic's Vimkunya, to those above 12 years of age. 

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Breakthrough In Cancer Treatment: New Vaccine Shows Tumour Stabilization In Advanced Cases

Quick Stories

Parkinson’s Disease May Have A New Environmental Trigger- Can It Be Avoided?

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

Can Vaccines Cause Chikungunya? CDC New Advisory For Travellers Says Yes

Health Conditions A-Z

Parkinson’s Disease May Have A New Environmental Trigger- Can It Be Avoided?

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?