If you are recovering from the flu and your fever is breaking, the chills are subsiding. But you may suddenly feel that your cough is worsening, breathing feels harder, and fatigue lingers. It could mean pneumonia! The flu and pneumonia share a complex relationship, where one can set the stage for the other. While influenza weakens the immune system, pneumonia takes advantage, causing a more severe respiratory infection. Understanding how the flu transitions into pneumonia is essential for prevention, especially for those at risk. So, how can you keep yourself safe? Let's find out the risks, warning signs, and ways to prevent and stay protected.

How Flu Can Turn into Pneumonia?

The flu, or influenza, is one of the common viral infections most people experience sometime in their lifetime. While most patients recover within a week or two, others develop serious complications such as pneumonia. The interplay between flu and pneumonia is quite concerning to those vulnerable groups of people such as children, elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immunity. It's essential to know how flu leads to pneumonia, recognize early signs, and take preventive measures in order to keep the respiratory health safe.

Influenza mainly infects the respiratory system, leading to an inflammatory reaction in the throat, nasal passages, and lungs. The body, in its course of operation, will most of the time end by killing the virus, hence recovering fully. However, in some cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia in two major ways:

Viral Pneumonia: The influenza virus itself can directly infect the lungs, causing pneumonia. This is known as viral pneumonia and is more common in individuals with weaker immune systems.

Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia: The flu can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to invade the lungs. This secondary bacterial pneumonia often leads to more severe symptoms and requires antibiotic treatment.

Recognising Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, filling them with fluid or pus. This makes it hard to breathe, accompanied by chest pain, fever, and a cough that may not go away. Common symptoms of pneumonia include the following:

• Dry or productive cough
• Fever and chills
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some cases
• Confusion, especially among older adults

Severe cases of pneumonia can be life-threatening, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Key Differences Between Flu And Pneumonia

Can You Have the Flu and Pneumonia at the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to get both the flu and pneumonia at the same time. This is when a person gets the influenza virus and later develops bacterial or viral pneumonia. Having multiple infections at the same time can greatly increase the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications. Seek prompt medical care if flu symptoms worsen or last longer than expected.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Developing Pneumonia After the Flu?

While most flu cases do not result in pneumonia, some risk factors increase the likelihood of complications:

Age: Young children and adults over 65 are more vulnerable.

Chronic Conditions: People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and heart disease are at increased risk.

Weakened Immune System: People on chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or on immunosuppressive drugs are at a higher risk.

Smoking: Smoking causes damage to the lungs, making them more prone to infections.

Hospitalization or Nursing Home Residency: The proximity of people to other sick people increases the chances of getting infections.

How to Prevent Flu from Turning into Pneumonia?

The best way to prevent flu-related pneumonia is to take proactive measures, including:

• Annual flu shots protect against severe forms of influenza infection. In addition, pneumococcal vaccination protects against pneumococcal bacterial pneumonia.
• Wash with soap and water frequently.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the absence of soap
• Do not get near a sick person.
• Take on a well-balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals.
• Be physically active; this will make the lungs better and also helps the body with immunity.
• Rest well to have the body gain back strength over diseases.
• Smoking damages the lungs and makes people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

If flu symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7-10 days, seek medical attention to rule out pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications.

How to Know When Flu Is Turning Into Pneumonia?

If flu symptoms persist or worsen after a week, it may be a sign of pneumonia. Warning signs include:

• Increasing difficulty in breathing
• Persistent chest pain
• Temperature does not reduce
• Worsening cough with thick expectoration
• Extreme weakness and asthenia

Many people believe that being diagnosed with cognitive degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's is just about forgetting things. However, it is not that simple. The Alzheimer's diagnosis comes with not just lost memories, but also changes in the way you think, the way you behave as well as losing the memories and important factors of your life.

One of the most devastating facts about these cognitive diseases is the difficulty in diagnosing them early. There has been a lot of research done on how to identify early signs and symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer's; however, their accuracy is still under scrutiny.

A recent research showed that a simple blood test can accurately spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Experts have found that these blood tests can reliably find dementia by looking at two specific proteins in the blood.

New Blood Test for Alzheimer's

Scientists are excited about a new blood test that can really well find early signs of Alzheimer's disease. This test looks for two proteins, amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217. These proteins are linked to sticky clumps that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. The test is very good at finding people with memory problems, with a 95% success rate. This means it hardly ever missed a case. It also correctly said that people did not have dementia 82% of the time. This amazing new test has even been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

Why This Test Is Important

The number of people getting dementia is expected to go up a lot. Because of this, it's really important to find out if someone has it quickly and correctly. Scientists say this new blood test works just as well as the harder and more uncomfortable tests used now. It's also much easier and cheaper. Levels of the p-tau217 protein were much higher in people with Alzheimer's. Next, they will test it on even more people, including those who might have early Alzheimer's but don't show any memory problems yet.

Experts think this blood test will make finding Alzheimer's much faster, easier, and available to more people. While it mainly helps with Alzheimer's, the test was also used on people with other types of dementia. This suggests it could help figure out what's causing memory problems.

Pushing for Blood Tests in the NHS

There's a big project called the Blood Biomarker Challenge. It's supported by large charities and aims to bring blood tests for dementia diagnosis to the NHS by 2029. These tests are seen as super important for making diagnoses quicker. This will give more people faster access to the care, support, and treatments they really need. Investing in these new tests and the staff to use them is key, especially as new treatments for dementia are coming soon.

What's Next for Diagnosis

This new study adds to more and more proof that blood tests can find the diseases that cause dementia, even in people with early memory issues. But, we still need more research to see how well these blood tests work for everyone in everyday life. This is because people in studies might not always be exactly like all the people affected by dementia. Projects like the Blood Biomarker Challenge in the UK are working to gather this proof. This work will be a big step in making diagnosis easier and faster, helping us get closer to finding a cure.

As the world continues to struggle with surges of COVID-19 alongside seasonal flu outbreaks, our attention naturally turns to the known protocols—masking, sanitizing, and social distancing. But amidst this heightened focus on respiratory health, have you ever caught yourself rubbing your eyes in public and instantly panicked, “Wait, what if I just exposed myself to COVID?”, I sure have! While we’ve masked up, sanitized hands religiously, and avoided touching elevator buttons with bare fingers, most of us have ignored a crucial entry point for viruses—our eyes.

From foggy glasses to burning dryness behind masks and marathon screen-time fatigue, your eyes have silently endured the pandemic’s worst. But here's the thing: your eyes aren’t just tired—they might actually be vulnerable to viral infection.

Your eyes are not only a window to the world, but also a possible gateway for infections like COVID-19. According to Dr. Anurag Wahi, ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, “The eyes are mucous membranes, just like the nose and mouth. They are exposed, vulnerable, and often touched without thinking. That makes them a potential entry point for viruses.”

While the primary transmission route for COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets, scientific studies and clinical observations have confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the body through the eyes. This happens when droplets land directly on the ocular surface during a cough or sneeze—or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then rubs their eyes.

Dr. Wahi explains, “We’ve seen patients with conjunctivitis and mild eye irritation test positive for COVID-19. Though eye-related symptoms are rare, they’re a warning sign that the virus can travel through ocular routes.”

More transmissible variants of COVID-19 have increased the likelihood of infections spreading even via minimal exposure, making eye hygiene and awareness more crucial than ever.

Unexpected Effects Of Long-Term Mask Use on Eyes

One of the lesser-known side effects of long-term mask use—especially poorly fitted masks—is mask-associated dry eye (MADE). When a mask directs air upward across the eyes, it speeds up tear evaporation. This results in redness, burning, irritation, or blurry vision, which may feel like mere discomfort but can indicate compromised ocular health.

“The issue became particularly evident among healthcare professionals who wore masks for prolonged periods,” says Dr. Wahi. “The lack of moisture and increased air flow over the eye’s surface led to an increase in dry eye cases.”

The problem is compounded by excessive screen time—a consequence of remote work, virtual classes, and increased digital consumption. Extended screentime can significantly reduce blink rate, affecting tear production and worsening dryness.

Smart Ways to Protect Your Vision

Keeping your eyes safe doesn’t require complex tasks, just informed action. Here's how you can keep your eyes safe and healthy:

1. Keep Hands Off Your Eyes

It may sound basic, but avoiding unnecessary eye contact with your fingers is one of the most effective protective habits. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses or applying medication. “People underestimate how often they touch their eyes unconsciously,” warns Dr. Wahi.

2. Use Protective Eyewear

For healthcare workers, public-facing professionals, or those entering high-risk environments like hospitals, glasses or face shields offer an extra layer of protection against airborne droplets.

3. Tackle Dryness With Eye Drops

If you’re experiencing irritation or blurry vision, lubricating eye drops can help. Choose preservative-free artificial tears to restore moisture. Also, ensure your mask is properly fitted. A snug fit over the nose—with a pinched wire—minimizes upward airflow.

4. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

To reduce digital eye strain, follow this golden rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eye muscles time to reset and recover, helping you blink naturally and maintain tear function.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Symptoms like persistent redness, irritation, light sensitivity, or blurred vision shouldn’t be brushed off as screen fatigue. These signs may indicate dry eye syndrome, allergies, or even early signs of ocular infection.

Dr. Wahi cautions, “If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if they worsen, it’s important to see a specialist—especially if you’ve had a recent illness, fever, or exposure to COVID-19-positive individuals.”

Timely intervention can prevent complications and also ensure the symptoms are not related to systemic infections or autoimmune flare-ups triggered by the virus.

Don’t Overlook the Eyes in Your Hygiene Routine

We’ve come to associate pandemic hygiene with sanitizers, soap, and masks, but our eyes remain one of the most neglected entry points. This has to change.

“Eye care should be integrated into your daily COVID protection habits,” says Dr. Wahi. “Especially with newer variants and rising cases, it’s essential to treat the eyes not just as visual organs—but as parts of the body that need shielding, too.”

From children attending online classes to older adults stepping out for essentials, eye protection must become mainstream, not optional.

The pandemic has taught us that no part of our body operates in isolation. The eyes are connected not just to our nervous system, but to our immune defense as well. Neglecting them can leave us vulnerable in ways we didn’t expect.

And it’s not just about preventing COVID-19. Dry eyes, eye strain, and poor visual hygiene can lead to chronic problems if ignored. Preventive measures now can safeguard your long-term vision health.

Dr. Anurag Wahi, Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon and Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, Delhi in India

Bathroom habits can reveal a lot about our health. While you may think of your bathroom routines as normal, even small and seemingly unimportant signs could lead to devastating diagnosis. When it comes to periods and menstruation related illnesses, many women are often dismissed regarding their concerns. The notion that pain and discomfort surrounding menstruation is normal and should be tolerated, has stopped many women from getting proper diagnoses.

Diseases like endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Disorder/Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD) etc., affect many women worldwide, however the signs and symptoms of these diseases are often ignored or overlooked.

If you've noticed changes in your bowel habits, such as going to the toilet more or less often than usual, it might be time to see your doctor. The Endometriosis Foundation warns that this could be linked to an incurable condition affecting the bowel called Bowel Endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis, often shortened to "Endo," happens when tissue similar to the lining inside the womb starts growing outside of it. These growths, called lesions, can spread to many parts of the body. When these lesions affect your bowel or digestive system, it's called Bowel Endometriosis. The lesions can either stay on the surface of your bowel or grow deeper, causing a lot of discomfort and problems. This type of Endometriosis is most commonly found in the lower part of the intestine, where it can make it hard to empty your bowel.

Affecting many women globally, endometriosis is a chronic condition, with 190 million people experiencing it. It can cause extreme pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination etc. The World Health Organization explains that the causes of endometriosis is still unknown and has no cure. The only relief people get is from managing the symptoms with medication and in some cases surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Endometriosis

Pain when you have a bowel movement is the most common sign that you might have bowel Endometriosis. In more serious cases, you might even see blood in your poop.

It's important to remember that the signs of bowel Endometriosis can be different for everyone. Some people might only have one or two symptoms, while others might experience many of them all at once.

The symptoms listed below are often linked to bowel Endometriosis, but this isn't a complete list. There might be other signs too:

• Pain when you have a bowel movement
• Pain in your pelvic area
• Changes in how often you go to the toilet, like constipation (hard to go) or diarrhea (loose stools)
• A dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping in your lower belly and/or back
• Swelling in your belly
• Pain during or after eating certain foods
• Pain during sex
• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement more often or very urgently
• Feeling like you can't completely empty your bowel
• Seeing blood in your poop

When to See a Doctor

If you're having unusual pain that makes it hard to do daily things like go to school or work, or if you notice changes in your periods or bowel habits, think about whether it could be Endometriosis or another problem. It's really important to talk to a doctor right away. When you do, make sure to mention Endometriosis and ask if you need to see a specialist. And remember, you always have the option to get a second opinion if you want.