Brandon Buckingham, a YouTuber known for his documentary and man-on-the-street style videos is facing serious health emergency and had spent months in hospital visits. He is now in Intensive Care Unit, an update he shared on November 21. "My heart is failing, my lungs are failing, my liver and kidneys are failing. Things are not looking good my friends. I love you guys, " he said.

Earlier he had shared that he was out of hospital and his condition seemed stabilized, however, soon things got worse. He posted on X: "doctor believes I have tuberculosis, septic pneumonia, and/or liver failure. pray for me guys."

He had earlier shared that he was not in a good headspace every since his grandmother died. “I have more people waiting for me in heaven than here on earth. I think God has a plan for me that I don’t understand. I love you grandma, say hi to Kyle for me. I wish I could die with you.”

Why Does Someone Have A Multiple Organ Failure?

Brandon mentioned that his heart, liver, and lungs were failing. A person can have multiple organ failure because these organs have a complex, bidirectional relationship. This means when the failure of one happen, it can cause or contribute to failure of another organ. For instance, severe liver disease could lead to a heart and lung complication like hepatopulmonary syndrome.

How Does Organ Affect The Other?

If someone has severe liver disease, it could cause severe fluid buildup in the abdomen and chest cavity, which can compress the diaphragm and lead the shortness of breath. Liver disease can also cause changes in blood vessels of the lungs, which could lead to conditions like portopulmonary hypertension and hepatopulmonary syndrome, which can affect the heart and lung function. In advance cases, the liver can cause a condition called cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, which is heart muscle dysfunction.

Brandon's Diagnosis

While there is yet no clear diagnosis, as the post only mentions that the doctor "believes" that he has tuberculosis and pneumonia. However, the question is, can this really happen together?

The answer is yes. A person can have both TB and pneumonia at the same time, as they are both respiratory infections and can occur concurrently. This co-infection can make diagnosis difficult because the symptoms of pneumonia might be more prominent, potentially obscuring the signs of TB. It is also possible for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which causes TB to cause a type of pneumonia itself.

In fact, both TB and pneumonia can cause liver failure, though it is rare. Liver damage from TB can occur due to the infection itself (hepatic tuberculosis) or as a side effect of the strong medications used to treat it. Pneumonia can cause liver failure, but it's typically a severe, overwhelming infection that puts a great strain on the body's organs.

However, what Brandon has been diagnosed with is still not clear. Fellow YouTubers like Aztoy and Bowblax have also voiced their support for Brandon, but since the November 21 update of being in the ICU, Brandon is yet to share more information on his health.

The first known human infected with the H5N5 strain of bird flu has died, Washington state health officials confirmed on Friday.

The patient was an older adult with underlying health conditions and had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds, according to the Washington State Department of Health. No additional personal details were released out of respect for the family’s privacy.

A Rare Strain Never Before Seen in Humans

While the U.S. has recorded around 70 human bird flu cases over the past 18 months, all linked to the H5N1 strain, this is the first time H5N5 has been detected in a person. The strain has appeared in animals before but has never crossed over to humans until now.

Health officials emphasized that the risk to the public remains low. No close contacts have tested positive, and there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Bird Flu Continues to Spread in Animals

Avian influenza has circulated in birds for decades, but its spread into mammals across the U.S. has accelerated. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that a bird flu strain affecting millions of birds had also been found in several mammals.

Since then, at least 70 people in the U.S. have tested positive for bird flu, mostly after exposure to infected cattle, poultry farms, or culling operations. The majority of cases have been mild, with symptoms like fever and red eyes, though some have been more severe. In January, the U.S. reported its first bird flu–related death in an older patient with underlying conditions.

Public Health Risk Remains Low

The CDC and other health agencies stress that there is no sign of the virus spreading between people. For now, the risk to the general public remains low, though surveillance continues as the virus evolves.

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu spreads from bird droppings and saliva. This happens especially when they feed on birdfeed and water.

Authorities have expanded compulsory poultry housing measures—previously limited to the North, Midlands and East—to all of England starting Thursday, in an effort to curb disease transmission. A nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone also remains in force, mandating stringent biosecurity and hygiene protocols.

Health and Me had earlier reported that the UK had ordered 5 million vaccines against bird flu, also dubbed as "one mutation from being the next COVID". The comparison of bird flu with COVID, comes from the mutation that has recently been seen in the avian flu, which has affected animals and humans alike. Similar to how the corona virus previously also mutated, and continues to do so.

What are the symptoms one must look out for?

• Pink eye
• fever
• fatigue
• cough
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• study or runny nose
• shortness of breath

Birds flu in humans

The first case of the recent bird flu outbreak in the US came in September, from a Missouri resident. However, the person did not have any exposure to infected animals. This is what is also raising the concern for mutation and the possibility of other forms of spreading. This was also a rare case as the infection did not happen due to exposure. Previously, all such cases in the US involved contact with farm animals or contaminated environment.

Can bird flu come from other animals?

Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The first human bird flu case in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.

While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.

While 14 cases are in the US, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.

The NHS has issued an urgent reminder about symptoms that many might shrug off as “normal,” urging anyone noticing them to get medical advice promptly. In a post on X, the health service highlighted the importance of checking in with a doctor if something feels off.

NHS warned: "Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are common and can be caused by many things. It’s important to be seen by a GP if anything doesn’t feel normal. If your symptoms are due to cancer, catching it early may make treatment easier."

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. These cells can form a tumor. Most cases start in the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes; this type is often referred to as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, according to the National Cancer Institute.

NHS experts also explained that pancreatic cancer can develop anywhere in this crucial organ, which sits in the upper abdomen and helps with digestion while producing important hormones like insulin. The severity of pancreatic cancer depends on its location, size, whether it has spread, and the person’s overall health.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect, and many people show no symptoms at first. Some signs may include:

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), often accompanied by itchy skin, dark urine, and pale stools
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Feeling constantly tired or low on energy
• Fever, or feeling hot and shivery

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back, sometimes worse when eating or lying down and eased by leaning forward
• Indigestion, bloating, or discomfort

Common Signs Don’t Always Mean Cancer

It’s worth noting that these symptoms are fairly common and may be caused by other health issues. That’s why early medical assessment is so important.

The NHS emphasized: "Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have pancreatic cancer, but it’s crucial to see a GP. If cancer is the cause, early detection could make treatment more effective."

Types Of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic tumors are generally classified into two main types, as per Cleveland Clinic:

• Exocrine tumors: These make up more than 90% of all pancreatic tumors. The most common form is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the pancreas and other organs.
• Neuroendocrine tumors: Representing less than 10% of pancreatic tumors, these are also called islet cell carcinomas and develop from hormone-producing cells in the pancreas.

Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:

• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Family history of genetic changes that raise cancer risk, such as BRCA2 mutations, Lynch syndrome, or FAMMM syndrome
• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Obesity
Older age; most patients are over 65

A daily pill could soon serve as an alternative to Wegovy and Ozempic injections, after a recent trial revealed it helped people with obesity and type 2 diabetes lose significant weight and improve blood sugar control. This new once-a-day tablet, which could be cheaper than injectable treatments, helped participants shed up to 10 per cent of their body weight, according to the study.

Researchers note that orforglipron may make these medications more accessible to people who currently cannot afford costly injections. Orforglipron is a GLP-1 agonist, a type of drug that lowers blood sugar, slows digestion, and can reduce appetite. At present, GLP-1 medications are injected by around 2.5 million people in the UK and can cost up to £206 per dose.

What Is Orforglipron?

Orforglipron (LY3502970) is a small-molecule, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) designed for oral use. Unlike popular GLP-1RAs such as semaglutide, orforglipron does not require injections or fasting to achieve absorption and can be taken without restrictions on water or food, according to Phase 1 pharmacokinetic studies. “Its weight loss and diabetes benefits may not match tirzepatide, but the convenience of a pill could appeal to those who prefer not to inject,” explained Alex Miras, professor of endocrinology at Ulster University, to the Independent.

Is Orforglipron Safe To Take?

Orforglipron is being studied for safety and effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes through ongoing clinical trials by Lilly. Early results are promising, and further data is expected in the first quarter of 2026. It has not yet been approved for use, as per the official page Eli Lilly and Company.

Orforglipron Price

Eli Lilly has not yet revealed the final price of Orforglipron, as it is still undergoing clinical trials and has not been approved for public use. Analysts anticipate that its cost could be comparable to existing drugs like Zepbound, likely ranging from $400 to $1,000 per month, depending on insurance coverage and market factors.

Lancet Study On Orforglipron

In the United States, patients are expected to start taking the pill in early 2026, with a global rollout to follow. A study done by Lancet included 1,444 participants with obesity across 10 countries, given varying doses of the pill or a placebo for comparison. All participants received guidance on healthy eating and exercise and were monitored over 16 months.

Participants taking the highest dose, 36mg, lost an average of 9.6 per cent of their body weight. Those on 12mg lost 7 per cent, and those on the lowest dose, 6mg, lost 5.1 per cent. Placebo participants lost 2.5 per cent.

The pill not only promoted weight loss but also helped reduce blood sugar levels. The most common side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, as per The Indepedent.

Researchers highlighted that the pill could be cheaper, does not require cold storage, and can be taken without specific instructions around food or fasting, making it more accessible to a broader population.

“Having additional safe and effective weight loss options is a significant step forward,” said Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at Glasgow University, to the Independent.

“A new oral weight-loss tablet that can be taken alongside other medications without fasting could provide a convenient solution for people with mild to moderate obesity who want to prevent further weight gain,” he added.

“Given its safety profile and predicted lower cost, orforglipron could allow many more individuals, with or without diabetes, to access treatment for obesity worldwide,” said senior study author Dr. Deborah Horn, medical director of the Centre for Obesity Medicine at UTHealth Houston.

“My hope is that orforglipron will become the ‘metformin’ of obesity—a low-cost, widely accessible, low-risk, and effective medication for obesity and related conditions.”