The world is always changing, and so is the COVID-19 virus. As new versions of the virus appear, scientists are working hard to find new ways for people to stay protected. During the peak COVID years, we had vaccinations that helped us stay immune, however as new strains pop up, it is important that we stay protected and ensure our health.

A recent study has a surprising finding, a simple, over-the-counter nasal spray called azelastine might help keep you from getting sick with COVID-19. This spray has been used safely for many years to treat allergies and is sold under brand names like Astepro Allergy and other generic versions.

How Effective Is The COVID-19 Nasal Spray?

A study from the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that the azelastine nasal spray can significantly lower your risk of catching COVID-19. The study involved 450 people, and they were split into two groups. One group used the azelastine spray three times a day for 56 days, while the other group used a spray that did nothing. The results were very encouraging:

• Only 2.2% of the people who used the real nasal spray tested positive for COVID-19.
• In the group that used the fake spray, 6.7% of people got sick.

This big difference shows that the spray could offer real protection. Doctors believe that the spray’s ingredients have special properties that make it harder for the virus to grow in your nose and throat. It also helps reduce swelling, which can make it more difficult for the virus to take hold and spread.

Experts warn that this spray is not a perfect solution or a replacement for vaccines. However, because it's so safe and easy to find, it could be a useful tool for people in risky situations, like on an airplane or at a crowded event. The study’s researchers now want to do more research to see if the spray can also protect against other viruses, such as the flu and RSV.

Current Symptoms of COVID-19 2025

A key symptom that has been widely reported with this variant is an unusually severe sore throat, often described as feeling like "razor blades." Sore throats are a common symptom of COVID-19, but with the NB.1.8.1 variant, the pain can be particularly intense. Experts believe this is because the virus, which is a part of the Omicron family, is very effective at attacking and damaging cells in the throat. This can lead to a significant inflammatory response, resulting in a sharp, "razor blade" type of discomfort.

If you're experiencing a severe sore throat or other common COVID-19 symptoms, it's important to get tested. The symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are similar to other illnesses like the flu or common cold, so testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Runny or blocked nose
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and headache
• Muscle aches and body pain
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea

For at-home relief, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. If your symptoms worsen or you have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women all over the world. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in American women and a leading cause of cancer death in less developed countries. In India alone, cancer cases are projected to reach over 1.5 million by 2025.

Since this disease is so widespread, it's essential to be well-informed. Dr. Lauren Ramsey, a breast cancer surgeon, shared four important facts that she believes every woman should know. These tips, originally posted on her Instagram, provide crucial information for understanding breast cancer risk and detection.

Family History Is Not the Only Risk Factor

Only a small number of breast cancer cases—about 5-10%—are actually caused by genes you inherit, such as the BRCA mutation. This means that most breast cancers are not passed down through families.

Therefore, even if no one in your family has ever had breast cancer, it's still extremely important for you to get regular screenings, like mammograms. Relying only on family history can give you a false sense of security, so remember that breast cancer can affect anyone, and consistent check-ups are your best defense.

Look Beyond a Lump

Many people think that the only sign of breast cancer is a lump. However, this isn't true. It's really important to pay attention to other changes in your breasts, because they can also be a sign of cancer.

Be on the lookout for things like changes in your skin, such as redness or dimpling (like an orange peel). Other signs can include swelling, a new pain that doesn't go away, or any unusual discharge from your nipple. Knowing what your breasts normally look and feel like is key to spotting these more subtle changes early.

Breast Density Affects Detection

Breast density refers to how much fibrous and glandular tissue a person has compared to fatty tissue. Many people, especially younger women, have naturally dense breasts. While this is completely normal and not a health problem on its own, it can make it harder for doctors to see breast cancer on a standard mammogram.

That's because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on a mammogram, making it difficult to tell them apart. If you have dense breasts, your doctor might recommend extra tests, like an ultrasound or an MRI, to get a clearer picture. You can ask your doctor about your breast density after your mammogram.

Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference

The healthy habits you often hear about—like eating well and exercising—are not just a suggestion; they can actually lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Making simple changes can have a big impact. Try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink and reduce your intake of processed foods, which are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

At the same time, try to be more physically active every day. Even a short daily walk can help. These positive choices are a great way to take control of your health and reduce your risk. This information is shared with care, so everyone can be empowered with knowledge about their health.

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced a new outbreak of the Ebola virus in Kasai Province. As of September 4, 2025, there have been 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers. The outbreak is affecting the Bulape and Mweka health zones.

The alarm was first raised when people in the area started showing a mix of worrying symptoms, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. These symptoms are tell-tale signs of a serious illness. To find out what was causing it, officials took samples and sent them to a lab in Kinshasa, the country's capital. The lab results came back on September 3rd, confirming the cause was the Ebola Zaire virus.

What Is Ebola Virus?

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Ebola is a very serious and often deadly illness in people. It's caused by several different viruses, with the most common being the Ebola virus, which has led to large outbreaks. The chance of a person dying from Ebola is about 50%, but this number has varied widely in the past, from 25% to 90%.

To ensure safety, a team of experts from WHO, and the DRC's own rapid response unit has been sent to the area. Their main job is to quickly find sick people and get them care, stop the virus from spreading in hospitals, and teach local communities how to protect themselves.

The WHO is also sending a massive delivery of two tons of medical supplies, including protective gear for health workers and a special mobile lab. This is a big help, especially because the area is hard to get to, with few roads and limited air travel.

What is The First Symptoms of Ebola

The symptoms of Ebola usually start to appear 8 to 10 days after a person has been in contact with the virus, but it can take anywhere from 2 to 21 days. At first, the symptoms are similar to common illnesses and are often called "dry" symptoms:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Aches and pains in muscles and joints
• Feeling very weak and tired
• Sore throat

Later Symptoms

As the illness gets worse, usually after four or five days, the symptoms change and become more severe. These are known as "wet" symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained bleeding
• Stomach-related problems like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

How Do You Treat and Control Ebola Virus?

While there's no guaranteed cure, getting early and strong medical care—like staying hydrated and treating symptoms—can greatly increase a person's chances of survival. Right now, approved vaccines and treatments are only available for the most common type of Ebola (Ebola virus), but scientists are working on others. To stop an outbreak from spreading, health officials use a mix of strategies:

• Taking care of the sick in a way that provides a lot of support.
• Preventing infection in hospitals and communities.
• Finding and tracking everyone who might have been in contact with an infected person.
• Quickly testing samples in labs.
• Ensuring safe burials for those who have died.
• Using vaccines when available.
• Educating the public on how to stay safe.

How Is The Ebola Outbreak In Kasai Being Dealt With?

The DRC is well-prepared to fight this outbreak. The country has a supply of treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine. This vaccine is very effective against this specific type of Ebola. The doses, which were ready and waiting in Kinshasa, are now being sent to Kasai.

They will be used to protect people who were in contact with infected individuals and to vaccinate the doctors and nurses on the front lines. The country has a lot of experience fighting Ebola—this is its 16th outbreak since the virus was first found in 1976. That experience will be a huge advantage in bringing this new outbreak to an end.

The time we spend in the washroom is meant to be a private time, where we do things like hygiene and self-care. Some people even like spending more time in their bathrooms as it gives them privacy, leaving them to do whatever they want like scroll on their phones while finishing their business on the toilet. However, this harmless habit could be the reason you develop this painful condition.

We've all heard about the health problems that come with using smartphones, but here's a surprising one: a new study suggests that scrolling on your phone while on the toilet can lead to hemorrhoids.

Why Smartphones Are the Problem

It's tempting to use your phone to pass the time in the bathroom. The problem is, phones are designed to keep you scrolling forever—unlike an old magazine that you'd put down after a few minutes. That long, unsupported sitting time puts stress on your body.

A study published in the Plos One found that people who use their phones in the bathroom are almost 50% more likely to have hemorrhoids. It’s also just plain unsanitary. When you flush the toilet, tiny germs fly into the air and land on everything, including your phone.

Researchers surveyed 125 adults about their toilet habits and then checked for hemorrhoids during a routine medical exam. Here's what they discovered:

A common habit

66% of the people surveyed admitted to using their phones on the toilet, most often to read the news or scroll through social media.

More time spent

Those who used their phones spent much more time on the toilet. Over a third of them stayed for more than five minutes per visit, compared to only a small percentage of people who didn't use a phone.

Higher risk

The study found that people who used their smartphones on the toilet had a 46% increased risk of developing hemorrhoids. This was true even when researchers considered other factors like age, diet, and physical activity.

Hemorrhoids aren't usually dangerous, but they can be itchy, painful, and even bleed, leading many people to see a doctor. Over time, all that straining can also weaken the muscles in your pelvic floor, which could cause issues like constipation or even loss of bladder control.

How Does Scrolling On Phone Cause Hemorrhoids?

When you sit on an open toilet, your pelvic floor has no support. This puts extra pressure on the veins in your rectum, causing them to swell and become inflamed. The longer you sit there, the worse the problem gets. The symptoms you experience depend on the type of hemorrhoid you have.

External hemorrhoids can cause itching, pain (especially when sitting), and a tender lump near your anus. These symptoms often go away on their own within a few days

Internal hemorrhoids might cause bright red blood in your stool or on the toilet paper. They usually aren't painful unless they fall out of the anal opening, which can cause pain and discomfort.

• You can often treat mild hemorrhoids with simple changes at home.
• Add more fiber to your diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid straining and don't sit on the toilet for a long time.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers or special creams and ointments to help with pain and itching.
• Taking a few warm baths a day can also help relieve discomfort.

How Can You Lower The Risk of Hemorrhoids?

To avoid these problems, experts recommend a simple rule: don't sit on the toilet for more than 5 minutes. A study showed that a lot of people who use their phones in the bathroom spend much longer than that. If you absolutely must bring your phone with you, set a timer to make sure you don't get stuck in a scrolling rabbit hole. If nothing happens in five minutes, just get up and try again later.