When COVID-19 shut the world down in 2020, it also raised a worldwide alarm—pandemics of the future are not a question of if, but when. Now, British public health officials unveiled a chilling array of possible viral dangers that would cause the next global health crisis, ominously dubbed "Disease X." Four families of viruses have the highest pandemic risk, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). These diseases are not yet common household names, but the danger they pose is very real—and possibly more catastrophic than the new coronavirus.

"Disease X" was a term that the World Health Organization (WHO) used to represent a hypothetical, yet undetermined pathogen that might cause an impending epidemic. It was used to recognize the increasing danger of unknown illnesses that may initiate global outbreaks in an era with rapidly growing population densities, climate change, and spillovers from animals to humans.

According to a recent study, the UKHSA examined 24 families of viruses and identified four most likely to instigate the forthcoming pandemic: Paramyxoviridae, Picornaviridae, Coronaviridae, and Orthomyxoviridae. These infections, with the nature they hold and the experience they have generated, can produce widespread diseases as well as death if they aren't kept at bay.

Four High-Risk Viral Families Identified

1. Paramyxoviridae: Measles-like Viruses and Nipah

This family includes the measles virus and the Nipah virus, both capable of causing severe complications. Measles, while vaccine-preventable, is resurging globally due to declining immunization rates. It’s not just a childhood illness; measles can lead to encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia, and even permanent disabilities like blindness or hearing loss.

A 2019 Harvard Medical School study revealed that measles can destroy up to 75% of the immune system's memory, leaving people more susceptible to other illnesses. Worse still, if a new measles-like virus were to arise, specialists worry it would be both highly infectious and fatal—particularly among children.

"Nipah virus," on the other hand, is recognized for Southeast Asian outbreaks. Spread from animals, particularly bats, it leads to fever, respiratory distress, and inflammation of the brain with a mortality rate of 40% to 75%.

2. Picornaviridae: Polio-like Disease in Disguise

The enteroviruses within this family are known to cause such diseases as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)—a paralytic illness similar to polio. AFM usually affects children with sudden muscle weakness and, in extreme cases, permanent paralysis. Although infrequent, its unwieldy outbreaks have put the world's neurologists on notice.

3. Coronaviridae: The Return of a Familiar Foe

This group contains COVID-19 and MERS, the latter still producing sporadic outbreaks with high mortality, chiefly in the Middle East. As the world knows COVID-19 well, as yet undiscovered and new coronaviruses might still appear that are more dangerous or more resilient to current vaccines.

4. Orthomyxoviridae: Influenza's Deadlier Cousins

From avian influenza to seasonal flu, this family has repeatedly demonstrated its pandemic potential. Human bird flu outbreaks have already happened, and scientists caution that even a minor genetic shift may result in more effective human-to-human transmission.

Could the Next Pandemic Be Worse Than COVID-19?

Professor Mark Woolhouse, one of the UK's top infectious disease experts at the University of Edinburgh, warns that a new measles-like virus would be a threat "far worse than COVID-19." While SARS-CoV-2 spared children for the most part from severe illness, a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family could be very infectious, very deadly, and strike younger populations. Lockdowns, Woolhouse says, may not even work to prevent it.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and other global health organizations are racing toward a revolutionary objective: developing vaccines in 100 days after a new disease is discovered. That's a stark contrast with the COVID-19 vaccine timeline—Pfizer's took 337 days, and previously, the fastest vaccine ever made (for mumps) took four years.

CEPI plans to construct a library of "prototype vaccines" for 25 known virus families. These would be blueprints, enabling scientists to switch quickly and initiate human trials in record time if Disease X arises.

Nevertheless, the experts contend that even 100 days may prove to be late. A study published recently in The Lancet indicates that had the COVID-19 vaccine been made available within three months of the virus having been sequenced, millions of lives would have been saved.

Are Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers the Overlooked Threat?

Another category of viruses—viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs)—also hang over the horizon. Viruses such as Dengue, Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and Yellow Fever cause massive bleeding, organ failure, and death. While some are geographically localized and rare, others such as Dengue are already global threats in the making.

The clinical manifestations of VHFs vary from fever and malaise to intravascular hemorrhage and organ dysfunction. Most VHFs are zoonotic, spilling over from bats, rodents, and primates. Although there are vaccines available for some (e.g., Yellow Fever), several lack efficient treatments or have poor vaccine coverage.

UKHSA's Dr. Isabel Oliver stresses that "infectious diseases don't respect borders." With a world of rapid travel, shifting climates, and vaccine skepticism, the recipe for a global health catastrophe is already in place.

The UK's "Priority Pathogens" approach is all part of a broader strategy to not only identify threats, but to prepare for them with cutting-edge surveillance, quick vaccine platforms, and international collaboration.

India's recent achievement of developing its first indigenous dengue vaccine marks progress, particularly in middle-income countries. But the question remains: will we be prepared when the true "Disease X" arrives?

The answer is not in panic, but in readiness driven by science, global collaboration, and a sense of urgency based on the lessons of our recent past.

When 49-year-old Angela Cook from Banbury started feeling sharp, throbbing pain in her gums, menopause was the last thing on her mind. A psychologist by profession, Angela found herself suddenly unable to get through her daily meals without discomfort. Her dentist suggested age could be the cause, but the real answer came unexpectedly through a radio segment. As she listened to someone discuss how menopause affects oral health, it clicked. Her gum pain wasn’t random; it was hormonal.

This little-known link between menopause and dental health is quietly catching many women off guard. The pain was unbearable, especially around her molars.

While Angela had been grappling with hot flushes and mood swings since her mid-forties, she hadn’t connected the dots. But hormonal shifts, particularly a dip in oestrogen, can wreak havoc far beyond what’s discussed in mainstream menopause conversations. Oestrogen plays a critical role in maintaining gum tissue and bone density; when levels fall, gums may become inflamed, bleed easily, and turn hypersensitive.

“....It wasn't until she accidentally caught a radio conversation about menopause affecting gum health that she had an epiphany – she was experiencing it," Express UK reported.

The Mouth Isn’t Exempt from Menopause

Despite menopause affecting half the population, oral health is rarely part of the public discourse. According to the NHS, fluctuating hormone levels can alter blood supply to gum tissue, making them more susceptible to disease. Dry mouth, burning sensations, and altered taste are also common complaints. Yet few women or even dentists routinely connect the dots.

Gums can respond just like skin to hormonal fluctuations, becoming more reactive and prone to inflammation. And unlike wrinkles or weight gain, gum issues are easier to dismiss or misattribute to poor dental hygiene.

Angela’s experience is far from isolated. A 2024 survey by CanesMeno found that more than half of menopausal women felt unprepared for what was to come, while nearly 48 per cent believed the general public needed better education about menopause. Perhaps more tellingly, a fifth of women still consider the topic taboo, and many avoid discussing their symptoms entirely.

Chewing on Solutions

In Angela’s case, what worked wasn’t a fancy dental treatment or prescription meds. It was something she stumbled upon online: gum massage.

She started gently rubbing underneath each tooth after flossing, once a day. She saw a difference immediately. She still gets the odd ache, but nowhere near what it was. It’s manageable.

Gum massage increases blood flow to the tissues and may help reduce inflammation, especially when combined with good oral hygiene. While it may not be a silver bullet for everyone, it’s a simple, low-cost strategy that made a tangible difference for Angela.

That said, if gum pain or bleeding becomes persistent, it’s crucial to consult a dentist to rule out periodontal disease, which can worsen with menopause but may require more intensive treatment.

Why the Silence?

Why are so many women in the dark about this? Partly because menopause education remains patchy and inconsistent. The CanesMeno survey highlighted that 35 per cent of women wished they’d learnt about it during their school or college years. There’s also the issue of fragmented healthcare. A GP might address hormonal concerns, while a dentist looks at your mouth; rarely do the two cross over.

Angela's story is a compelling reminder that menopause doesn't just mess with moods and body temperature; it can mess with your mouth too.

Time to Widen the Menopause Conversation

There’s a growing push for more holistic menopause care, one that includes gum health, joint pain, insomnia, and mental health, not just the headline symptoms. From workplaces to schools to healthcare settings, education needs to go beyond clichés and start equipping women with the full picture.

In an age where menopause is finally starting to get its due airtime, perhaps it’s time we listen to what women’s gums have been trying to say all along.

When we think of human papillomavirus (HPV), the first association that comes to mind is cervical cancer. That link is well established. But what most people don’t realise is that HPV has now quietly become the leading cause of a completely different and rapidly rising cancer—oropharyngeal cancer—particularly in men. These cancers, which fall under the broader umbrella of head and neck cancers, often strike parts like the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

On World Head and Neck Cancer Day, experts are ringing the alarm bells: it’s time we start talking about HPV in men with the same urgency that we do for women.

More Men, More Risk

According to a 2023 study published in The Lancet Oncology, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are now five times more common in men than women. “This isn’t just a medical statistic; it’s a warning signal,” says Dr. Akash Tiwari, Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Oncology. “We’re seeing a sharp increase in these cases, particularly in high-income countries, and the common link is persistent high-risk HPV infection.”

What’s making men so vulnerable? For starters, transmission. Oral HPV is most commonly passed during intimate skin-to-skin contact, especially through oral sex. Although most HPV infections clear up on their own, some high-risk strains like HPV-16 can hang around silently in the tissues of the throat and, over time, turn cancerous.

Why Men Struggle to Fight It Off

“Biologically, men are more likely to contract oral HPV and less likely to clear the infection,” explains Dr. Aarzoo Saliya, Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Onco Surgeon. “It may come down to immune differences, sexual behaviour patterns, or even lack of awareness.”

Unlike many infections that cause noticeable symptoms, oral HPV is sneaky. It often produces no signs, which means people can be completely unaware they’re carrying it or, worse, passing it on. And when symptoms do show up, they’re usually vague, making early diagnosis tough.

Symptoms You Should Watch For

HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer doesn’t always scream for attention. But if you’ve had any of these signs persistently, it might be time to get checked:

• A constant sore throat that just won’t quit
• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Changes in your voice
• Unexplained ear pain

“These aren’t symptoms people usually rush to a doctor for,” says Dr. Tiwari. “But in the context of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, they’re red flags.” Unlike traditional tobacco- or alcohol-related oral cancers, HPV-related cases often don’t present with obvious visible lesions, which adds to the challenge.

Prevention Starts Early

The good news is that we can prevent it. The same HPV vaccine that’s widely recommended for cervical cancer prevention in girls works just as well to prevent the strains of HPV that cause oropharyngeal cancer.

“The most effective way to reduce risk is through timely vaccination,” says Dr. Saliya. “Ideally, the vaccine should be given before someone becomes sexually active; that’s why it’s recommended at ages 11 or 12 but can still be taken up to age 26 if missed earlier.”

Yet, in many places, the uptake of the HPV vaccine among boys remains painfully low, mostly because the risk in men hasn’t received the same attention.

Changing the Conversation Around HPV

There’s also a major need to shift public perception. “HPV isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’, and it certainly isn’t just about cervical cancer,” Dr. Tiwari stresses. “It’s a sexually transmitted virus that can affect everyone, and the consequences for men are becoming increasingly clear.”

That means raising awareness around safe sexual practices, routine screenings for those at risk, and greater openness about male HPV-related health risks. Men, particularly young adults, need to be part of the vaccination narrative.

Know the Risks, Take Action

On a day that spotlights head and neck cancers globally, the message is simple but urgent: HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in men is real, rising, and largely preventable. Ignoring it isn’t just unwise; it’s dangerous. Whether you’re a parent considering the HPV vaccine for your son, a man experiencing persistent symptoms, or someone simply unaware of how far-reaching HPV’s impact can be, now’s the time to pay attention. Early action, education and vaccination can quite literally save lives.

Weight loss drugs have become wildly popular in the recent years. However, even though they are popularly known as weight loss drugs they are actually used for a separate purpose, weight loss is just a side effect of the medication.

Medications like Ozempic and Zepbound, which are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss, are showing exciting new potential. They might also be helpful for a wider range of health conditions, from sleep apnea to chronic kidney disease.

Diabetes and Weight Loss Medicines

A recent study published in the JAMA Network Open suggests that these kinds of medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, could offer important protection beyond their usual uses. For people who have both obesity and type 2 diabetes, these drugs might lower their risk of death and reduce the chances of developing two serious brain problems: dementia and a common type of stroke.

The findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs could do more than just control blood sugar, help with weight loss, and support heart health; they might also directly protect the brain and its blood vessels.

What the Research Discovered

Scientists had already hinted that GLP-1 drugs might help protect against dementia and stroke. However, there hadn't been many big studies specifically looking at how these drugs affect brain health, especially in people with a high risk, like those who have both type 2 diabetes and obesity.

To help answer these questions, researchers looked at seven years of health information from over 60,000 people. All of these individuals had both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Some of them were taking older diabetes medications, while others were prescribed GLP-1 drugs, like those found in popular medications.

After carefully checking the connections between the medicines and various brain conditions, the scientists found some significant things. People taking a GLP-1 drug had:

• A 37% lower chance of developing dementia.
• A 19% lower chance of having an ischemic stroke, which is the most common kind of stroke, caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain.
• A 30% lower chance of dying from any cause.

The protection against dementia seemed even stronger for women over 60 and for those with a specific body mass index (BMI) range. An expert noted that people in this group have a particularly good chance to improve their brain health. It's important to know that these GLP-1 drugs did not seem to lower the risk of Parkinson's disease or another type of stroke called hemorrhagic stroke, which happens when there's bleeding in the brain.

Important Things to Consider

This study adds to the growing evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists are very helpful tools, not just for losing weight and managing diabetes, but possibly for brain health and thinking abilities too.

However, it's really important to understand that this kind of study only shows a link, not that the drug directly causes the protection. It's possible that other things, like people's daily habits, could have played a role in the results, not just the medication itself.

Also, the researchers didn't collect detailed information like blood markers, genetic data, or brain scans. Having this kind of information could give much deeper insights into what's actually happening inside the body. The main researcher emphasized that these findings should be looked at carefully and need to be confirmed by more strict studies before doctors start making official recommendations based on them.