A recent report from Santé publique France highlights a significant rise in suspected COVID-related visits to emergency departments across the country during the week of September 15–21, 2025 (week 37). Compared with the previous week (September 8–14, week 36), hospital visits linked to COVID increased by 43% among children under 15, with 156 additional visits, and by 29% among adults, with 224 more visits.

Cases among adults had already started climbing the week before. This surge comes as a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, nicknamed “Frankenstein,” becomes increasingly common in France. Here is everything you need to know about this variant, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself.

What Is the Frankenstein Variant?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this rise is associated with the emergence of a new variant called XFG. It is nicknamed “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant, meaning it contains genetic material from two different COVID-19 subtypes, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO has classified XFG as a variant under monitoring since June 25, 2025, and it is spreading in several countries worldwide. Current evidence suggests that the public health risk remains low, and approved COVID vaccines are expected to continue preventing severe disease and symptomatic infection. Countries in Southeast Asia have also reported increases in both new cases and hospitalisations in areas where XFG has been widely detected.

Although XFG appears to spread more easily than other variants, experts say it does not seem to cause more severe illness. “The vast majority of infections are mild and resolve within a few days with rest,” said Dr. Gérald Kierzek. Infectious disease specialist Anne-Claude Crémieux added that, so far, there are no signs the variant is more dangerous than previous strains.

Symptoms of the Frankenstein Variant

The symptoms of XFG are similar to those seen with previous COVID-19 variants and are generally mild, resembling a common cold. These may include:

• Sore throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Mild fever
• Loss of appetite

Why Is The Variant Called Frankenstein?

The nickname “Frankenstein” reflects the variant’s hybrid nature, as it combines genetic material from multiple COVID-19 subtypes.

Frankenstein Covid Variant: Preventing Infection and Managing Symptoms

There is no treatment specific to XFG, so care follows the same principles used for other COVID variants.

• Vaccination: Current COVID vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation, even if protection against infection may be slightly reduced.
• Symptom relief: Rest, hydration, fever reducers, and cough medicines can help manage mild symptoms.
• Protective measures: Wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding crowded places remain important.

Research on the Frankenstein variant is ongoing. Since the disease can affect individuals differently, taking personal precautions and consulting a doctor when symptoms appear remain essential.

The oral cholera vaccine Shanchol, made in Hyderabad and first developed by Shantha Biotechnics, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification after its production was recently revived under new management. The clearance allows global procurement agencies such as UNICEF, Gavi, and PAHO to source the vaccine for countries where cholera continues to have a serious public health threat, according to GCBC Vaccines. With the approval in place, here’s a closer look at the vaccine, how it works, and why it matters.

Shanchol: What Is the Vaccine?

Dr. K.I. Varaprasad Reddy, founder of Shantha Biotechnics, said, “Shanchol was designed to be an affordable and accessible answer for countries that struggle with repeated cholera outbreaks. The WHO’s prequalification continues that mission.”

Shanchol is an oral, inactivated, bivalent cholera vaccine that protects against Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for the disease. The name itself is a brand term rather than an abbreviation.

How Does The Shanchol Vaccine Work?

Type of vaccine: Shanchol is a killed whole-cell vaccine, which means it contains dead cholera bacteria. These are used to train the immune system without causing infection. Being bivalent, it offers protection against the two major cholera strains, O1 and O139.

• Administration: The vaccine is taken by mouth and usually given in two doses for full protection.
• Mechanism: Once ingested, the vaccine activates the immune system in the gut, prompting it to produce antibodies that stop Vibrio cholerae from attaching to the intestinal lining. This prevents the infection from taking hold and causing illness.

Shanchol Vaccine: Why It Matters?

• WHO prequalification: The WHO’s approval confirms that Shanchol meets global standards for safety and effectiveness, making it eligible for international procurement.
• Part of global stockpile: It plays a key role in the world’s oral cholera vaccine stockpile, which supports emergency response efforts in regions hit by cholera outbreaks.
• Current use: Shanchol is widely used in mass immunization drives across cholera-prone and outbreak-affected regions.

Production Revival

Originally created by Shantha Biotechnics, the vaccine later came under Sanofi’s ownership, which eventually halted its production. Manufacturing has now resumed under GCBC Vaccines, part of the Gland Family Office. With WHO prequalification restored, Shanchol will once again be distributed globally to support vaccination programs.

The Role of Oral Cholera Vaccines

Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) such as Shanchol and Dukoral are tools in preventing the spread of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. Taken orally, they help trigger an immune response in the intestine that limits bacterial infection. These vaccines are especially valuable in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Vishy Chebrol, Executive Director of GCBC Vaccines, said the company’s priority is to ensure that vaccines reach the countries that need them most, affordably and consistently. “We are also working to bring more affordable and innovative vaccines to global markets, continuing Shantha’s legacy of improving access to life-saving immunization,” he added.

With WHO’s renewed approval, Shanchol, a bivalent, killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccine effective against Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139, will continue to be supplied worldwide to meet growing demand and support national immunization programmes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved new rules for the updated COVID-19 vaccines. Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill accepted the new recommendations for the shots, detailing how people must speak to healthcare professionals about the risks and safety before they get a shot. This decision is the final step needed to start the new rules. It affects who can get the vaccine and if insurance will cover it without extra costs.

These updates put into effect the recent advice from the CDC's main vaccine advisory group (ACIP), which was approved last week by Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill. The new schedules will be posted on the CDC website by October 7, 2025.

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What Are The New Recommendations For COVID Vaccine?

The most significant change is the new step called "shared decision-making." In previous years, anyone could simply walk into a pharmacy or clinic and get a shot for free. Now, the new rules say people must first talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider about the risks and benefits before getting the vaccine. According to the press release, O'Neill said this means "Informed consent is back," suggesting that previous rules stopped doctors from having these talks. This rule was put in place after an unusual, unexplained two-week wait before the CDC accepted the recommendations.

You and your healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) must talk about your specific risks and benefits before you decide to get the vaccine. Previously CDC had given a broad recommendation for most people to get a booster shot. However with these guidelines, they will be implored to have a more in-depth conversation about the same.

What Led To The Change In COVID Vaccine Guidelines?

The CDC explained that after a push called Operation Warp Speed (OWS) gave initial shots to nearly 85% of adults, only 23% of adults got the most recent seasonal booster.

Many people were worried about the risks versus the benefits of the boosters, especially since most people already have some immunity from the virus. Experts emphasized that for people under 65, the vaccine's benefits are highest for those at high risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for healthy individuals with no risk factors. Importantly, this new rule does not stop insurance coverage. All major government and private insurance plans will still cover the vaccine.

Have There Been Changes In Chickenpox Shots?

The CDC's schedule for children now recommends that toddlers (up to age three) get their protection against chickenpox as a standalone shot, instead of using the combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella/chickenpox).

Evidence showed that healthy toddlers aged 12–23 months who got the combined MMRV vaccine had a doubled risk of fever-related seizures (febrile seizures) about a week after the shot.

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However, the CDC explained that the seizure risk is minor and temporary, but it is not higher if the chickenpox shot is given separately from the MMR shot.

Getting the shots separately provides the same protection against chickenpox. This change is being made to reduce the small chance of this side effect during routine childhood vaccination.

Single Shot Vaccines VS Separate Shots

Following the new guidelines, Acting CDC Director O'Neill also suggested on social media that makers of the combined MMR vaccine should break it up into three separate shots for measles, mumps, and rubella. However, experts have quickly challenged this idea explaining that the combination shot has been used for decades to ensure people get all the necessary protection in one simple shot. Manufacturers also confirmed there is no scientific evidence showing a benefit to using three separate shots.

On October 5, 2025, leading reproductive health organisations released new guidelines aimed at transforming how postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the International Confederation of Midwives, released the new guidelines introducing objective criteria to help identify primary postpartum hemorrhage earlier.

WHO Releases New Guidelines For Postpartum Hemorrhage

According to the researchers, even blood loss below the traditional threshold, when accompanied by abnormal vital signs, can indicate a high risk of life-threatening complications. Traditionally, PPH was defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more. The new guidelines suggest that losses of 300 mL or less, when paired with warning signs, should trigger immediate intervention. Early recognition, they note, could save countless lives.

PPH, or excessive bleeding after childbirth, remains a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. In 2023, roughly 45,000 out of 260,000 maternal deaths were linked to PPH. While strategies to prevent and manage PPH exist, their application has often been inconsistent. These updated guidelines aim to provide clear, evidence-based guidance that can inform national and local health policies, clinical protocols, and programmatic strategies.

New Guidelines For Postpartum Hemorrhage

The document consolidates 51 recommendations covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and health system measures. It also emphasises rapid intervention using the E-MOTIVE bundle, which includes:

• Uterine massage
• Oxytocic drugs to stimulate contractions
• Tranexamic acid to control bleeding
• Intravenous fluids
• Examination of the vagina and genital tract
• Escalation of care if bleeding continues

In rare cases where bleeding persists, the guidelines advise measures such as surgery or blood transfusion to stabilize women until further treatment can be provided.

Alongside the guidelines, WHO and partners, including the United Nations Population Fund have developed training and implementation resources. These tools are designed for frontline health workers, offering practical guidance, simulation-based emergency response training, and materials to help implement best practices at national and sub-national levels.

Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general for health promotion and disease prevention, highlighted the purpose of the new guidance: “These guidelines are designed to maximise impact where maternal deaths are highest and resources are limited, helping more women survive childbirth and safely return home to their families.”

The world is currently off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks a global maternal mortality ratio below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. By improving understanding of PPH causes and advancing timely interventions, health systems can save lives and address deep inequalities in maternal health.

From this year onward, October 5 will be observed as World PPH Day, sending a strong message: no woman should die from preventable postpartum hemorrhage. Concerted global efforts to prevent and treat PPH can play a pivotal role in reducing maternal deaths and improving health equity worldwide.