Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

RFK Jr. Orders Thimerosal Removed From All US Flu Shots

The Health and Human Services Department on Wednesday said it adopted a recommendation from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers to remove from all influenza shots a preservative that anti-vaccine activists have suggested is linked to autism.

The move hinged on the widely discredited belief that the mercury-containing compound, thimerosal, is harmful at the level at which it's included in vaccines.

Despite the lack of evidence of harm, most Americans who get flu vaccines already receive products without thimerosal.

The latest: Kennedy, in a statement, said the action fulfilled a promise to protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure.

"Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility," Kennedy said. "Today, we put safety first."

The Centers for Disease Control customarily acts on such recommendations. But because the CDC lacks a full-time political leader, Kennedy signed the recommendation.

HHS said that vaccine manufacturers confirmed that they have the capacity to replace multi-dose vials containing the preservative so that the federal Vaccines for Children program and adult vaccine supplies won't be interrupted.

Kennedy's handpicked vaccine advisors voted 5-1 last month to no longer recommend that that Americans get flu shots containing thimerosal, following a presentation from a retired nurse and former president of Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group with close ties to Kennedy.

The panel voted to recommend that children, pregnant women and adults only get single-dose seasonal flu vaccines that are thimerosal-free.

Kennedy has long promoted the belief that vaccines or other environmental factors have led to increased autism diagnoses in children.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States, even though there is no clear evidence of harm from the mercury-based preservative.

On July 23, the department announced that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has formally signed the recommendation, which was made last month by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Kennedy’s signature means that the recommendation is now federal health policy.

“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in the HHS announcement Wednesday. “Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first.”

Other recommendations from ACIP’s June meeting are currently under review, according to HHS.

Thimerosal was largely removed from most vaccines about 25 years ago. The US Food and Drug Administration asked manufacturers to remove it out of an abundance of caution, not because of evidence of harm, according to the CDC. All vaccines routinely recommended for young children are now available in doses that don’t have the preservative, which contains a form of mercury.

Flu vaccines drawn from multidose vials still contain thimerosal in order to prevent bacterial contamination. Only about 4% of flu vaccines given in the United States last year contained thimerosal as a preservative.

When ACIP voted in June to endorse thimerosal-free flu vaccines, it was among the panel’s first actions taken as a new committee that was appointed by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous panel, claiming that they had conflicts of interest.

In a series of three votes, the new ACIP panel voted 5-1, with one member abstaining, to recommend that only single-dose flu vaccines be given to children, adults and pregnant women in the United States. Single-dose shots are free of thimerosal.

Vaccines with thimerosal are still approved by the FDA, but ACIP recommendations are tremendously influential in how vaccines are used in the US, with implications for insurance coverage and state policies.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, will formally require vaccine makers to remove thimerosal from vaccines.

The ingredient has been the target of anti-vaccine campaigns and misinformation for decades. Arguments against the preservative culminated in June, when a key federal vaccine advisory panel, remade with Kennedy’s ideological allies, recommended against the preservative.

The recommendation goes into force upon Kennedy’s signature.

There is no evidence thimerosal has caused harm, despite decades of use. The ethylmercury-based preservative was used in only about 5% adult influenza vaccines in the US, helping prevent contamination in multi-dose vials.

“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in a statement announcing the decision.

a man in a sweat-soaked shirt and jeans stands with his son atop a mountain, RFK Jr strides into new controversy: hiking in sweltering Arizona … in jeans

“Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first,” said Kennedy.

Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-based preservative – different from the kind of mercury found in seafood, called methylmercury. Ethylmercury has a shorter half-life in the body. The amount of ethylmercury contained in a flu vaccine (25 micrograms) is about half of that contained in a 3oz serving of canned tuna fish (40 micrograms).

The preservative has been used in vaccines since before the second world war. It was controversially phased out of most childhood vaccines in 1999, physicians associations said as a precautionary measure, and was contained in only a very small number of adult vaccines.

Phasing out the preservative in the early 2000s was criticized by experts who argued scientific evidence did not support its removal, that it sent mixed messages and that it provided a talking point for anti-vaccine campaigners. Indeed, the preservative was targeted for years to come.

That criticism came to a head in June, after Kennedy fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee on immunization practices, a federal panel that was a critical link in the vaccine distribution pipeline.

Kennedy replaced the experts with eight hand-picked allies, including one directly from the anti-vaccine movement. Eventually, one appointee dropped out after a conflict of interest review.

The vaccine advisory panel voted in favor of removing thimerosal on a 5-1 vote (with one abstention) after a controversial presentation from Lyn Redwood, a former leader of World Mercury Project, the predecessor to Kennedy’s group Children’s Health Defense, itself a prolific anti-vaccine campaign group.

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The Health and Human Services Department on Wednesday said it adopted a recommendation from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers to remove from all influenza shots a preservative that anti-vaccine activists have suggested is linked to autism.The move hinged on the widely discredited belief that the mercury-containing compound, thimerosal, is harmful at the level at which it's included in vaccines.Despite the lack of evidence of harm, most Americans who get flu vaccines already receive products without thimerosal.The latest: Kennedy, in a statement, said the action fulfilled a promise to protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure."Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility," Kennedy said. "Today, we put safety first."The Centers for Disease Control customarily acts on such recommendations. But because the CDC lacks a full-time political leader, Kennedy signed the recommendation.HHS said that vaccine manufacturers confirmed that they have the capacity to replace multi-dose vials containing the preservative so that the federal Vaccines for Children program and adult vaccine supplies won't be interrupted.Kennedy's handpicked vaccine advisors voted 5-1 last month to no longer recommend that that Americans get flu shots containing thimerosal, following a presentation from a retired nurse and former president of Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group with close ties to Kennedy.The panel voted to recommend that children, pregnant women and adults only get single-dose seasonal flu vaccines that are thimerosal-free.Kennedy has long promoted the belief that vaccines or other environmental factors have led to increased autism diagnoses in children.The US Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a recommendation to remove thimerosal from all influenza vaccines distributed in the United States, even though there is no clear evidence of harm from the mercury-based preservative.On July 23, the department announced that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has formally signed the recommendation, which was made last month by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Kennedy’s signature means that the recommendation is now federal health policy.“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in the HHS announcement Wednesday. “Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first.”Other recommendations from ACIP’s June meeting are currently under review, according to HHS.Thimerosal was largely removed from most vaccines about 25 years ago. The US Food and Drug Administration asked manufacturers to remove it out of an abundance of caution, not because of evidence of harm, according to the CDC. All vaccines routinely recommended for young children are now available in doses that don’t have the preservative, which contains a form of mercury.Flu vaccines drawn from multidose vials still contain thimerosal in order to prevent bacterial contamination. Only about 4% of flu vaccines given in the United States last year contained thimerosal as a preservative.When ACIP voted in June to endorse thimerosal-free flu vaccines, it was among the panel’s first actions taken as a new committee that was appointed by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous panel, claiming that they had conflicts of interest.In a series of three votes, the new ACIP panel voted 5-1, with one member abstaining, to recommend that only single-dose flu vaccines be given to children, adults and pregnant women in the United States. Single-dose shots are free of thimerosal.Vaccines with thimerosal are still approved by the FDA, but ACIP recommendations are tremendously influential in how vaccines are used in the US, with implications for insurance coverage and state policies.Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, will formally require vaccine makers to remove thimerosal from vaccines.The ingredient has been the target of anti-vaccine campaigns and misinformation for decades. Arguments against the preservative culminated in June, when a key federal vaccine advisory panel, remade with Kennedy’s ideological allies, recommended against the preservative.The recommendation goes into force upon Kennedy’s signature.There is no evidence thimerosal has caused harm, despite decades of use. The ethylmercury-based preservative was used in only about 5% adult influenza vaccines in the US, helping prevent contamination in multi-dose vials.“After more than two decades of delay, this action fulfills a long-overdue promise to protect our most vulnerable populations from unnecessary mercury exposure,” Kennedy said in a statement announcing the decision.a man in a sweat-soaked shirt and jeans stands with his son atop a mountain, RFK Jr strides into new controversy: hiking in sweltering Arizona … in jeans“Injecting any amount of mercury into children when safe, mercury-free alternatives exist defies common sense and public health responsibility. Today, we put safety first,” said Kennedy.Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-based preservative – different from the kind of mercury found in seafood, called methylmercury. Ethylmercury has a shorter half-life in the body. The amount of ethylmercury contained in a flu vaccine (25 micrograms) is about half of that contained in a 3oz serving of canned tuna fish (40 micrograms).The preservative has been used in vaccines since before the second world war. It was controversially phased out of most childhood vaccines in 1999, physicians associations said as a precautionary measure, and was contained in only a very small number of adult vaccines.Phasing out the preservative in the early 2000s was criticized by experts who argued scientific evidence did not support its removal, that it sent mixed messages and that it provided a talking point for anti-vaccine campaigners. Indeed, the preservative was targeted for years to come.That criticism came to a head in June, after Kennedy fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee on immunization practices, a federal panel that was a critical link in the vaccine distribution pipeline.Kennedy replaced the experts with eight hand-picked allies, including one directly from the anti-vaccine movement. Eventually, one appointee dropped out after a conflict of interest review.The vaccine advisory panel voted in favor of removing thimerosal on a 5-1 vote (with one abstention) after a controversial presentation from Lyn Redwood, a former leader of World Mercury Project, the predecessor to Kennedy’s group Children’s Health Defense, itself a prolific anti-vaccine campaign group.

rfk jr. orders thimerosal removed from all us flu shots

Ishita Roy

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<strong><span rel="noindex">Teddi Mellencamp</span> <span rel="noindex">Cancer</span> Update: </strong>Reality TV star and podcast host Teddi Mellencamp has revealed she is pausing her immunotherapy treatment as part of her ongoing battle with stage 4 cancer. 

In an update during the July 24 episode of her podcast Two T’s in a Pod, Mellencamp shared that her body has been struggling to cope with the effects of the aggressive treatment, despite promising results in shrinking tumors.

The 44-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member detailed that she had not been feeling well for nearly a month and had grown increasingly fatigued and disoriented. “It was kind of shocking to me, and I think mentally it did a lot to me,” she said. “I started asking myself, ‘Why do I feel like I can barely open my eyes or keep my words straight?’”

After undergoing emergency scans and consulting her doctors, Mellencamp was told that the sickness she was feeling wasn’t from the cancer itself, but from the very treatment designed to help her.

Immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, has shown signs of success in Mellencamp’s case. Doctors confirmed that the tumors in her lungs and brain were shrinking. “They did a bunch of scans and everything’s looking good, everything’s shrinking,” she said on the podcast.

However, the toll on her body has forced a critical decision, take a break to recover strength.

“So we’re going to take a little break on the immunotherapy to get my body back feeling stronger,” she revealed, adding that she is now on steroids and other medications to stabilize her condition. “I’m doing everything I can to get back to feeling like I can do this.”

She added, “I’ve never once felt this way until recently. And it’s heartbreaking.”

<h4>A Long Battle with <span rel="noindex">Skin Cancer</span></h4>

Teddi Mellencamp’s cancer journey began in October 2022 when she was first diagnosed with skin cancer. Over the next year, she underwent multiple biopsies and surgeries, eventually revealing in early 2024 that the cancer had progressed to stage 4 and spread to her brain and lungs.

In February, she underwent emergency surgery to remove several brain tumors. But by April, new tumors had appeared. Despite these setbacks, Mellencamp kept her spirits high. She has also been regularly updating her fans with health progress, including the encouraging news just two months ago that her tumors were visibly shrinking.

“And then today I had the scan where they checked my lungs, and they are shrinking, and one of them has shrunk so much you can barely even see it,” she had shared at the time.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—the most aggressive form, which can spread to other organs if not detected early.

While treatable in early stages, late-stage skin cancer that metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body) becomes significantly harder to control. Treatments often include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer therapies like immunotherapy. Mellencamp’s cancer appears to be an advanced form, as it is in Stage IV and has spread to other parts of her body, requiring constant monitoring and multidisciplinary care.

Despite filing for divorce in November 2024, Edwin Arroyave, her husband has remained by Mellencamp’s side throughout her cancer treatment. “He’s had to step in and help me because I, some days, can’t do it,” she admitted during the podcast. “Nothing’s changed in that other than that [we’re] on hold because of what’s happening to me medically.”

For now, Mellencamp is focusing on recovery and regaining enough strength to resume treatment. “I can do all the things,” she said hopefully. “Just not today—but maybe soon.”

Teddi Mellencamp

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cancer

Teddi Mellencamp Cancer Update: Reality TV star and podcast host Teddi Mellencamp has revealed she is pausing her immunotherapy treatment as part of her ongoing battle with stage 4 cancer. In an update during the July 24 episode of her podcast Two T’s in a Pod, Mellencamp shared that her body has been struggling to cope with the effects of the aggressive treatment, despite promising results in shrinking tumors.The 44-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member detailed that she had not been feeling well for nearly a month and had grown increasingly fatigued and disoriented. “It was kind of shocking to me, and I think mentally it did a lot to me,” she said. “I started asking myself, ‘Why do I feel like I can barely open my eyes or keep my words straight?’”After undergoing emergency scans and consulting her doctors, Mellencamp was told that the sickness she was feeling wasn’t from the cancer itself, but from the very treatment designed to help her.          View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave (@teddimellencamp)]]>Immunotherapy on Hold for NowImmunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, has shown signs of success in Mellencamp’s case. Doctors confirmed that the tumors in her lungs and brain were shrinking. “They did a bunch of scans and everything’s looking good, everything’s shrinking,” she said on the podcast.However, the toll on her body has forced a critical decision, take a break to recover strength.“So we’re going to take a little break on the immunotherapy to get my body back feeling stronger,” she revealed, adding that she is now on steroids and other medications to stabilize her condition. “I’m doing everything I can to get back to feeling like I can do this.”She added, “I’ve never once felt this way until recently. And it’s heartbreaking.”A Long Battle with Skin CancerTeddi Mellencamp’s cancer journey began in October 2022 when she was first diagnosed with skin cancer. Over the next year, she underwent multiple biopsies and surgeries, eventually revealing in early 2024 that the cancer had progressed to stage 4 and spread to her brain and lungs.In February, she underwent emergency surgery to remove several brain tumors. But by April, new tumors had appeared. Despite these setbacks, Mellencamp kept her spirits high. She has also been regularly updating her fans with health progress, including the encouraging news just two months ago that her tumors were visibly shrinking.“And then today I had the scan where they checked my lungs, and they are shrinking, and one of them has shrunk so much you can barely even see it,” she had shared at the time.What Is Skin Cancer?Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—the most aggressive form, which can spread to other organs if not detected early.While treatable in early stages, late-stage skin cancer that metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body) becomes significantly harder to control. Treatments often include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer therapies like immunotherapy. Mellencamp’s cancer appears to be an advanced form, as it is in Stage IV and has spread to other parts of her body, requiring constant monitoring and multidisciplinary care.Despite filing for divorce in November 2024, Edwin Arroyave, her husband has remained by Mellencamp’s side throughout her cancer treatment. “He’s had to step in and help me because I, some days, can’t do it,” she admitted during the podcast. “Nothing’s changed in that other than that [we’re] on hold because of what’s happening to me medically.”For now, Mellencamp is focusing on recovery and regaining enough strength to resume treatment. “I can do all the things,” she said hopefully. “Just not today—but maybe soon.”

teddi mellencamp health update: immunotherapy for skin cancer on hold, tumors in lungs and brain also shrink

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<span>World IVF Day</span>, also known as World Embryologist Day, is observed every year on July 25 to mark the groundbreaking advancements in infertility treatment and assisted reproductive technology (ART). 

It celebrates the efforts of scientists, embryologists, and clinicians who have helped transform the dreams of parenthood into reality for millions of couples worldwide. On this day, medical communities globally, particularly those specializing in fertility, organize seminars, workshops, and symposiums to share knowledge, explore the latest innovations, and raise awareness about infertility.

<h4>World <span rel="noindex">IVF Day</span>, History And Origin</h4>

In vitro fertilization (<span>IVF</span>) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once fertilized, the embryo is transferred into the uterus to establish a successful pregnancy. IVF has brought hope to countless families struggling with infertility—especially those for whom traditional conception is not possible.

The origin of World IVF Day dates back to July 25, 1978, when Louise Brown, the world’s first "test-tube baby," was born in England. 

This revolutionary birth was made possible through the combined efforts of Dr. Robert Edwards, Dr. Patrick Steptoe, and nurse Jean Purdy, who carried out the pioneering IVF work at Dr. Kershaw’s Cottage Hospital. After years of failures, including 102 unsuccessful embryo transfers, their success reshaped reproductive medicine forever.

Dr. Steptoe’s expertise in laparoscopy and Dr. Edwards’ research in embryology laid the foundation for this monumental achievement.

<h4><span rel="noindex">World IVF Day 2025</span>: This Year’s Theme</h4>

The theme for World <span>IVF Day 2025</span> is “Science of Life: Ethics, Innovation, and Hope.”

This theme pays tribute to the role of embryologists, the often unsung heroes behind the scenes, and the ethical frameworks that guide IVF practices. 

It stresses the importance of responsible innovation in reproductive technology while reinforcing the core reason behind these efforts: to offer hope to those longing to become parents. With rapid progress in areas like genetic testing, embryo freezing, and preimplantation diagnostics, the conversation around ethics and accessibility is more relevant than ever.

<h4>Why The World IVF Day Matters: The Day's Significance</h4>

Louise Brown’s birth wasn’t just a medical marvel; it symbolized the start of a new era. Choosing July 25th as World IVF Day commemorates that moment of breakthrough and honors the relentless perseverance of scientists and doctors who refused to give up. Today, this date is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of how science can bridge the gap between despair and possibility for families worldwide.

<h4>The Growing Need: Infertility by the Numbers</h4>

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, affects one in six people globally, according to WHO estimates. 

For every 100 couples trying to conceive naturally, about 84 will succeed within a year, 92 by two years, and only 93 by three years. 

If conception doesn’t occur within three years, the chances of natural pregnancy drop to just 25%.

Meanwhile, fertility rates are dropping globally. In 1950, women had an average of 4.7 children; by 2017, that number halved to 2.4, and it's expected to reach 1.7 by 2100, according to The Lancet. In 23 countries, including Spain and Japan, the population is projected to halve due to declining fertility. In such circumstances, IVF and related technologies aren’t just a personal lifeline—they are becoming a societal necessity.

Doctors often stress that lifestyle changes can reduce infertility risks:

<ul><li>Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.</li><li>Don’t delay conception unnecessarily.</li><li>Engage in moderate exercise.</li><li>Maintain a healthy body weight.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Refrain from smoking, alcohol, and illegal drug use.</li><li>Wear loose, breathable undergarments.</li><li>Maintain a balanced weight.</li><li>Avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources (like saunas and hot tubs).</li></ul>

World IVF Day 2025

World IVF Day

IVF DAy 2025

IVF Day

World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is observed every year on July 25 to mark the groundbreaking advancements in infertility treatment and assisted reproductive technology (ART). It celebrates the efforts of scientists, embryologists, and clinicians who have helped transform the dreams of parenthood into reality for millions of couples worldwide. On this day, medical communities globally, particularly those specializing in fertility, organize seminars, workshops, and symposiums to share knowledge, explore the latest innovations, and raise awareness about infertility.World IVF Day, History And OriginIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once fertilized, the embryo is transferred into the uterus to establish a successful pregnancy. IVF has brought hope to countless families struggling with infertility—especially those for whom traditional conception is not possible.The origin of World IVF Day dates back to July 25, 1978, when Louise Brown, the world’s first "test-tube baby," was born in England. This revolutionary birth was made possible through the combined efforts of Dr. Robert Edwards, Dr. Patrick Steptoe, and nurse Jean Purdy, who carried out the pioneering IVF work at Dr. Kershaw’s Cottage Hospital. After years of failures, including 102 unsuccessful embryo transfers, their success reshaped reproductive medicine forever.Dr. Steptoe’s expertise in laparoscopy and Dr. Edwards’ research in embryology laid the foundation for this monumental achievement.World IVF Day 2025: This Year’s ThemeThe theme for World IVF Day 2025 is “Science of Life: Ethics, Innovation, and Hope.”This theme pays tribute to the role of embryologists, the often unsung heroes behind the scenes, and the ethical frameworks that guide IVF practices. It stresses the importance of responsible innovation in reproductive technology while reinforcing the core reason behind these efforts: to offer hope to those longing to become parents. With rapid progress in areas like genetic testing, embryo freezing, and preimplantation diagnostics, the conversation around ethics and accessibility is more relevant than ever.Why The World IVF Day Matters: The Day's SignificanceLouise Brown’s birth wasn’t just a medical marvel; it symbolized the start of a new era. Choosing July 25th as World IVF Day commemorates that moment of breakthrough and honors the relentless perseverance of scientists and doctors who refused to give up. Today, this date is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of how science can bridge the gap between despair and possibility for families worldwide.The Growing Need: Infertility by the NumbersInfertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, affects one in six people globally, according to WHO estimates. For every 100 couples trying to conceive naturally, about 84 will succeed within a year, 92 by two years, and only 93 by three years. If conception doesn’t occur within three years, the chances of natural pregnancy drop to just 25%.Meanwhile, fertility rates are dropping globally. In 1950, women had an average of 4.7 children; by 2017, that number halved to 2.4, and it's expected to reach 1.7 by 2100, according to The Lancet. In 23 countries, including Spain and Japan, the population is projected to halve due to declining fertility. In such circumstances, IVF and related technologies aren’t just a personal lifeline—they are becoming a societal necessity.Doctors often stress that lifestyle changes can reduce infertility risks:For Women:Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.Don’t delay conception unnecessarily.Engage in moderate exercise.Maintain a healthy body weight.For Men:Refrain from smoking, alcohol, and illegal drug use.Wear loose, breathable undergarments.Maintain a balanced weight.Avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources (like saunas and hot tubs).

world ivf day 2025: history, theme, and significance

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One Dead After Eating Contaminated Ready Meal: What You Need to Know About Listeriosis

Credits: Canva

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<span>Ready meals</span> could save us a lot of time, but at what cost? Your life. They taste great and are available at every major supermarket. But what happens when convenience turns into catastrophe? This very question is now haunting shoppers across Ireland and the UK after a <span>listeriosis</span> outbreak claimed a life and triggered widespread recalls of chilled ready meals.

The outbreak has been traced back to <span>Ballymaguire Foods</span>, a supplier whose products were sold at major chains like <span>Aldi</span> and <span>Tesco</span>. One adult has already died after falling ill from a contaminated dish, and more cases are under investigation. This isn’t just a random scare; it’s a sharp reminder that foodborne infections can hit fast and hit hard.

Caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, listeriosis might sound like just another food-related illness. But for <span>vulnerable groups</span>, it’s anything but trivial. Those most at risk include older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants. In fact, earlier this year, listeria-contaminated chocolate desserts linked to NHS hospitals were associated with three deaths. And now, it’s happened again, this time via ready meals.

Signs usually show up a few days after eating contaminated food and often mimic a common flu: high fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For most people, these pass within a few days. But when they don’t, or if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to potentially fatal complications like meningitis.

While the recent victims of the outbreak were aged between 68 and 89, age isn’t the only factor that increases vulnerability. Babies can be affected too, often showing signs like irritability or poor feeding. Pregnant women may notice abdominal pain or reduced foetal movement. And anyone with a weakened immune system, from chemotherapy patients to people living with diabetes, is at risk of severe illness. So while most of us might brush off a bit of food poisoning, listeriosis is in a league of its own.

After the tragic death in Ireland, supermarkets scrambled to recall dozens of ready-to-eat products. Ballymaguire Foods' dishes, commonly stocked in fridges across Tesco and Aldi, were swiftly pulled from shelves. Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued urgent notices recalling a broad range of chilled desserts like mousses, yoghurts and cream rolls, many of which had been supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.

Why the panic? Because once listeria is detected in a production batch, it signals a potential contamination risk across all connected products. And in places like hospitals or care homes, even a small mistake can be deadly.

How to Avoid Listeriosis And Keep Your Fridge From Becoming a Biohazard

Most listeriosis cases are preventable. The bacteria thrives in cold environments, especially on ready-to-eat chilled foods that aren’t reheated before consumption. But with a few smart hygiene and storage habits, you can dramatically cut down your risk.

<ul><li>Keep your fridge at 5 degrees Celsius or below. Anything higher, and you’re basically inviting bacteria to the party.</li><li>Don’t let ready meals loiter. Eat them within four hours of removing them from the fridge.</li><li>Check those use-by dates. Not ‘best before’; we’re talking the real deadline. Don’t mess around with expired food.</li><li>Separate raw and ready-to-eat items. Think of it as a hygiene social distancing rule.</li><li>Cook properly. Even if the packaging says ‘microwave for 3 minutes’, make sure the food is steaming hot all the way through.</li><li>Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and scrub well, especially after handling raw food.</li><li>Use food quickly after opening. If the label says ‘consume within two days’, take it seriously.</li></ul>This outbreak is a tragic wake-up call that even mass-produced, supermarket-approved food can go wrong. One careless moment in the supply chain or one overlooked fridge setting at home can be enough to put health at risk.

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Ready meals could save us a lot of time, but at what cost? Your life. They taste great and are available at every major supermarket. But what happens when convenience turns into catastrophe? This very question is now haunting shoppers across Ireland and the UK after a listeriosis outbreak claimed a life and triggered widespread recalls of chilled ready meals.The outbreak has been traced back to Ballymaguire Foods, a supplier whose products were sold at major chains like Aldi and Tesco. One adult has already died after falling ill from a contaminated dish, and more cases are under investigation. This isn’t just a random scare; it’s a sharp reminder that foodborne infections can hit fast and hit hard.What is Listeriosis?Caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, listeriosis might sound like just another food-related illness. But for vulnerable groups, it’s anything but trivial. Those most at risk include older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants. In fact, earlier this year, listeria-contaminated chocolate desserts linked to NHS hospitals were associated with three deaths. And now, it’s happened again, this time via ready meals.Symptoms of ListeriosisSigns usually show up a few days after eating contaminated food and often mimic a common flu: high fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. For most people, these pass within a few days. But when they don’t, or if you’re pregnant or immunocompromised, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to potentially fatal complications like meningitis.Not Just ‘Old People’s Illness’While the recent victims of the outbreak were aged between 68 and 89, age isn’t the only factor that increases vulnerability. Babies can be affected too, often showing signs like irritability or poor feeding. Pregnant women may notice abdominal pain or reduced foetal movement. And anyone with a weakened immune system, from chemotherapy patients to people living with diabetes, is at risk of severe illness. So while most of us might brush off a bit of food poisoning, listeriosis is in a league of its own.Supermarkets in Panic ModeAfter the tragic death in Ireland, supermarkets scrambled to recall dozens of ready-to-eat products. Ballymaguire Foods' dishes, commonly stocked in fridges across Tesco and Aldi, were swiftly pulled from shelves. Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued urgent notices recalling a broad range of chilled desserts like mousses, yoghurts and cream rolls, many of which had been supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.Why the panic? Because once listeria is detected in a production batch, it signals a potential contamination risk across all connected products. And in places like hospitals or care homes, even a small mistake can be deadly.How to Avoid Listeriosis And Keep Your Fridge From Becoming a BiohazardMost listeriosis cases are preventable. The bacteria thrives in cold environments, especially on ready-to-eat chilled foods that aren’t reheated before consumption. But with a few smart hygiene and storage habits, you can dramatically cut down your risk.Here’s what experts recommend:Keep your fridge at 5 degrees Celsius or below. Anything higher, and you’re basically inviting bacteria to the party.Don’t let ready meals loiter. Eat them within four hours of removing them from the fridge.Check those use-by dates. Not ‘best before’; we’re talking the real deadline. Don’t mess around with expired food.Separate raw and ready-to-eat items. Think of it as a hygiene social distancing rule.Cook properly. Even if the packaging says ‘microwave for 3 minutes’, make sure the food is steaming hot all the way through.Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and scrub well, especially after handling raw food.Use food quickly after opening. If the label says ‘consume within two days’, take it seriously.This outbreak is a tragic wake-up call that even mass-produced, supermarket-approved food can go wrong. One careless moment in the supply chain or one overlooked fridge setting at home can be enough to put health at risk.

one dead after eating contaminated ready meal: what you need to know about listeriosis

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