One leading NHS physician has given a startling yet impactful piece of advise as winter draws near and the UK prepares for a possible quadrupledemic—the simultaneous spread of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and norovirus—cut out alcohol and caffeine to hasten your recuperation.

When it comes to recuperating from viral infections, these two everyday drinks might be more detrimental than you might imagine, according to National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner Dr. David Nichols. According to Nichols, the key to getting back on your feet more quickly may lie in removing both from your diet.

The Shocking Truth About Caffeine and Alcohol

According to Dr. Nichols, while we might reach for a glass of wine or coffee to "feel better" when we're sick, these drinks can actually *dehydrate* your body, which will take longer to recover from. "When you're fighting off an infection, your body's working overtime and expending more energy," he stated. "It’s crucial to stay hydrated, and both alcohol and caffeine can work against you."

Everyone fighting a bug should keep in mind that a well-hydrated body recovers more quickly, says Dr. Nichols. Therefore, keep in mind that the next time you're tempted by a cup of coffee or an evening drink, it can be hindering your efforts to combat whatever ailment you're dealing with.

Dehydration: A Hidden Enemy

Dehydration has real risks, not just hypothetical ones. Dehydration might become a serious issue this winter as the number of instances of flu, norovirus, and other diseases increases. "Dehydration is one of the most serious risks associated with norovirus," chemist Carolina Goncalves stated, highlighting the harmful effects of the virus, which can result in severe symptoms like decreased urine, dizziness, and confusion.

• If left untreated, this could eventually result in more severe health problems.
• Water is your best friend right now, so drink enough of it if you want to heal quickly.

Eat the Correct Foods to Fuel Your Body

However, it goes beyond simply avoiding alcohol and coffee. Additionally, Dr. Nichols stresses the significance of diet when unwell. Eating foods high in protein, such as lean meats, eggs, and beans, will help your body recover more quickly even though your appetite may decrease when you're ill.

According to Nichols, "protein is essential for healing," meaning that these foods provide your body with the energy it needs to repair and recuperate.

What’s At Stake This Winter?

The NHS is preparing for a challenging season as the UK faces the alarming possibility of a quadrupledemic this winter, with overlapping outbreaks of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and norovirus. The potential for a quadruple threat might push the healthcare system to its limit, according to Dr. Roger Henderson.

There is a significant chance of major difficulties for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, small children, and people with underlying medical disorders. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever to take preventive actions like being vaccinated in addition to eating healthily and drinking plenty of water.

Staying Aware

Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, drinking plenty of water, and eating a diet high in protein, could make all the difference in maintaining good health as we get ready for an unpredictable winter.

Therefore, think about heeding Dr. Nichols' advice the next time you sense that illness beginning to set in. It could be the secret to recovering more quickly and averting future issues.

With summer season on, tick season begins—ushering in a new wave of concern for emerging infectious diseases. Among them is the Powassan virus (POWV), a rare but deadly tick-borne illness that recently claimed the life of 62-year-old Kevin Boyce from Massachusetts, sending shockwaves through the medical community and his grieving family. His story is not just tragic—it's a critical warning for the public as tick-borne illnesses quietly surge across the country.

In April 2024, Kevin Boyce experienced what he initially believed to be flu-like symptoms—headaches, vomiting, and body fatigue. Within days, those symptoms escalated dramatically. He collapsed in his home and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with Powassan virus, a rare virus transmitted by tick bites. Despite aggressive treatment, Kevin succumbed to the virus after his brain experienced severe swelling—an extreme complication known as encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

His family describes the ordeal as watching “his brain blow up,” underlining the silent danger of a virus that many Americans have never heard of.

What Is Powassan Virus?

The Powassan virus is named after the town of Powassan, Ontario, where it was first identified in 1958. Though rare, it is part of a group of viruses known as flaviviruses—the same family that includes Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus.

The virus is transmitted by the Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick, which is also responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. However, unlike Lyme, which typically requires more than 24 hours of tick attachment to transmit, Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.

Symptoms of Powassan Virus carried in Ticks

Symptoms of Powassan virus typically appear between 7 to 30 days after a tick bite. These symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Difficulty speaking

In severe cases, the virus causes encephalitis (brain inflammation) or myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), which can lead to permanent neurological damage. According to Yale Medicine, about 10% of these severe cases are fatal, and approximately 50% of survivors suffer from long-term neurological complications.

What Kind Of Ticks Carry The Powassan Virus?

The Powassan virus is primarily carried by two types of ticks in the United States:

Ixodes scapularis – commonly known as the black-legged tick or deer tick, found predominantly in the Northeast and upper Midwest.

Ixodes cookei – also known as the groundhog tick, which is more often found in wooded or rural areas, especially near wildlife like woodchucks and skunks.

Of these, the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) poses the greater public health risk, as it also transmits Lyme disease, and it's more likely to bite humans. Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick attaches—much faster than other tick-borne infections like Lyme.

Because of their size (as small as a poppy seed in the nymph stage) and tendency to attach in hard-to-notice areas, these ticks often go undetected, making early prevention and tick checks critical after spending time outdoors.

Is Prevention Is the Only Protection?

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Powassan virus is the absence of any vaccine or antiviral treatment. Unlike Lyme disease, which can be treated with antibiotics, Powassan has no direct medical countermeasures. The only approach is preventative care—which makes awareness critical.

To avoid tick bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend the following:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, preferably light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
• Tuck pants into socks or use tape to seal clothing gaps
• Use insect repellents containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridin
• Stick to the center of hiking trails to avoid brushing against tick-laden bushes
• Check for ticks on your body, clothes, pets, and gear immediately after being outdoors
• Shower and wash clothes in hot water soon after returning inside

If a tick is found, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as possible

Recent findings from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) reveal a startling truth: while Powassan virus remains rare in reported cases, it may be significantly underdiagnosed.

A study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, led by microbiologist Stephen Rich, highlights that many people bitten by Powassan-positive ticks don’t develop symptoms or seek healthcare. In their passive surveillance study, none of the 38 people bitten by infected ticks reported subsequent illness, suggesting that mild or asymptomatic cases are flying under the radar.

The same research revealed that black-legged ticks bite over 1.36 million people annually in the U.S., based on data from the TickReport testing service in Massachusetts. While Lyme disease has a known high transmission rate, the estimated exposure to Powassan virus ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 people annually, many of whom may never realize they were infected.

Why Powassan Cases Are Rising?

Despite being rare historically, Powassan virus is on the rise in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. In 2024 alone, 54 cases were reported nationwide, with 12 cases in Massachusetts. Over the last decade, human cases have increased fourfold, signaling that the threat is becoming more prevalent.

According to the CDC, since 2004, the U.S. has recorded 311 hospitalizations and 44 deaths due to Powassan virus, a number that experts warn may be just the tip of the iceberg.

The rise in infections may be fueled by:

• Climate change, which extends the tick season and habitat
• Growing deer populations, which host these ticks
• Human encroachment into wooded areas, increasing tick exposure

Co-Infections and Complexity

Even more concerning, ticks that test positive for Powassan virus are often co-infected with other dangerous pathogens, including:

• Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
• Babesia microti (Babesiosis)
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Anaplasmosis)
• Borrelia miyamotoi

This means a single tick bite could expose a person to multiple serious illnesses, compounding the risk and complicating diagnosis.

On April 21, Hailey Bieber shared a selfie of herself lounging on a couch, and opened up about a recurring health challenge that she has been facing. She wrote on the post "Currently have 3 ovarian cysts", as she uploaded it on her Instagram story.

In her photo, she rolled up her black tank top to show her stomach, which seemed to be bloated. In the photo, she further wrote: "If you deal with ovarian cysts I'm right there with ya!"

She also clarified that she does not have endometriosis or PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), however, she has had cysts for a few times, and it has been recurring. She said that she had been dealing with it since 2022, and had a cyst "the size of an apple".

She also clarified for any pregnancy rumor, and said that she was "bloated", and the stomach was "not a baby". She wrote: "It is painful and achey and makes me feel nauseous and bloated and crampy and emotional."

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

As per National Health Service, UK, an ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. They are very common and do not usually cause any symptoms. Most ovarian cysts occur naturally and go away in a few months without the need of any treatment.

The ovaries are 2 almond-shaped organs, which are essential part of the female reproductive system. There is one on each side of the womb or the uterus and have two main functions:

To release an egg approximately every 28 days as part of the menstrual cycle

To release the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which also play a key role in reproduction

Ovarian cysts could affect both ovaries at the same tie or one at a time.

What Are The Symptoms?

The common symptoms of an ovarian cyst are:

• pelvic pain – this can range from a dull, heavy sensation to a sudden, severe and sharp pain
• pain during sex
• difficulty emptying your bowels
• a frequent need to urinate
• heavy periods, irregular periods or lighter periods than normal
• bloating and a swollen tummy
• feeling very full after only eating a little
• difficulty getting pregnant – although fertility is usually unaffected by ovarian cysts

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are two main types of ovarian cysts:

Functional cysts: These develop during the menstrual cycle. They’re the most common type, usually harmless, and tend to go away on their own.

Pathological cysts: These form due to abnormal cell growth and are much less common.

Sometimes, ovarian cysts can be linked to underlying conditions like endometriosis.

Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign). However, a small number can be cancerous (malignant), especially in women who have gone through menopause.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

If your doctor suspects a cyst, they may refer you for a vaginal ultrasound scan. If a cyst is found, it might be monitored with another scan after a few weeks, or you may be referred to a gynaecologist.

If there's a chance the cyst could be cancerous, your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check for certain chemical markers. Keep in mind, high levels of these markers can also result from non-cancerous issues like:

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic infections
• Fibroids
• Your period

Treating Ovarian Cysts

Treatment depends on:

• The cyst’s size and appearance
• Whether you have symptoms
• Whether you’ve gone through menopause

Often, the cyst goes away in a few months. A follow-up scan may be done to confirm this.

If you're postmenopausal, regular scans and blood tests might be done over a year to monitor the cyst, as the risk of cancer is slightly higher.

Surgery may be needed if the cyst is large, causes symptoms, or might be cancerous.

Ovarian Cysts and Fertility

Most ovarian cysts don’t affect your ability to get pregnant. But in some cases, they can make conception harder.

If surgery is needed, doctors try to preserve your fertility. This could mean:

• Removing only the cyst
• Removing one ovary and leaving the other
• In rare cases, both ovaries may need to be removed, which would stop egg production

It’s important to discuss fertility concerns with your surgeon before any operation.

Stress is your body’s natural response to challenges or demands. It’s a physical and mental reaction triggered by anything from daily responsibilities—like work, school, or family—to major life changes, such as illness, loss of a loved one, or a traumatic event. In small doses, stress can be beneficial. It helps you stay alert and focused and can even improve performance in some situations. This is because your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your heart rate, speed up your breathing, and prepare your muscles to respond quickly.

But when the stress response continues for too long or happens too often, it can become harmful. Chronic stress—when your body stays in a prolonged state of alert—can lead to long-term health problems.

How Stress Affects the Body

Central Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Your brain’s hypothalamus triggers the “fight or flight” response, telling your adrenal glands to release stress hormones. These hormones prepare your body to deal with threats. Ideally, once the threat is gone, hormone levels drop, and your body returns to normal. But if stress persists, this system stays activated. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Chronic stress can also push people toward unhealthy habits like overeating, skipping meals, smoking, or using alcohol or drugs.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems

Stress causes your breathing to speed up in order to quickly move oxygen throughout your body. If you have a breathing condition like asthma, this can worsen symptoms. Your heart also pumps faster, and your blood pressure rises. Over time, this extra workload increases your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.

Digestive System

Under stress, your liver produces extra glucose for energy. But if your body can’t regulate this surge, it can raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Stress may also lead to stomach discomfort, nausea, acid reflux, or bowel issues such as diarrhea or constipation. While stress doesn’t directly cause ulcers, it can aggravate them.

Muscular System

Muscles tense up during stress to protect you from injury. Normally, they relax when the stress passes. But with ongoing stress, they stay tight. This can lead to headaches, back pain, and general body aches. Chronic muscle tension can also make you less likely to stay active, which can contribute to more discomfort and reliance on painkillers.

Sexual and Reproductive Systems

Stress can reduce sex drive in both men and women. In men, long-term stress can lower testosterone, affect sperm production, and cause erectile dysfunction. In women, it may lead to irregular, painful, or heavier periods and intensify menopause symptoms.

Immune System

Initially, stress boosts your immune system. But over time, it weakens your body’s defenses, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. It can also slow down your recovery from illness or injury.