Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Unlike the stomach flu, which causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, influenza leads to fever, chills, body aches, and respiratory symptoms such as coughing and congestion. While most people recover within a week, complications can arise, particularly in vulnerable groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes this sudden increase to reduced exposure to the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to lower immunity among the population. Data from the CDC revealed that by the end of November, only 40% of adults in the United States had been vaccinated, thus exposing most of them to dangerous infections and complications. The flu season this year has been especially virulent for several reasons: people's immunity levels have not reached their peaks, circulation of viruses has been more frequent and the percentage of vaccination rates is relatively low.

How the Flu Spreads?

The flu is transmitted through tiny droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land directly on another person's mouth or nose, leading to infection. Additionally, the virus can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, remote controls and keyboards for several hours. When a healthy individual touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their face, they risk contracting the virus. Given its ease of transmission, the flu can spread rapidly in crowded environments such as schools, offices, and public transportation.

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Symptoms of flu persist for different times in different persons, depending upon their health and whether they had been vaccinated or not. However, the typical duration is within one to four days of contact and five to seven days later. Some will have a slightly milder reaction and illness when vaccinated. While others will get better sooner; others may remain ill for weeks. After disappearance of symptoms, there may also be fatigue which lasts for another few days.

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing severe flu-related complications, including pneumonia. These high-risk groups include:

• Infants and young children
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease or HIV)
• Those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

For these populations, the flu can escalate into life-threatening conditions making early intervention and prevention crucial.

How Long Is the Flu Contagious?

One of the most concerning aspects of influenza is its contagious period. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness. However, the contagious period begins a day before symptoms appear and can extend up to seven days or more, depending on the severity of the illness.

An infected person can pass the flu a day before they even begin to feel symptoms.

The highest risk of transmitting the virus occurs between days two and four when symptoms are at their worst.

Even after symptoms have subsided, people may still be able to spread the flu for up to a week.

For instance, for those who have weakened immune systems or severe forms of the flu this contagious period can be significantly longer explaining why caution is needed when there is contact with other people.

Flu Prevention

Because flu is contagious, its prevention is one way of handling a reduction in infections. From simple to effective measures, the risk of infection can greatly be reduced:

1. Vaccination

The annual flu shot is the most effective way to protect against influenza. While it doesn’t guarantee complete immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and severity of symptoms.

2. Stay Home When Sick

If you develop flu symptoms, staying home is the best way to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid close contact with household members, especially those at high risk for complications.

3. Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes.

4. Disinfect Surfaces

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects, including phones, countertops and doorknobs, to minimize the risk of contamination.

5. Wear Masks in Public Spaces

Wearing a mask, especially in crowded indoor environments can help reduce the spread of flu viruses, particularly during peak flu season.

When to See a Doctor

While most people recover from the flu without medical intervention, there are instances when professional care is necessary. Individuals at high risk for complications should consult a doctor at the first signs of illness. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu may be prescribed to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms.

Seek emergency medical care if you or a loved one experiences:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness, confusion or difficulty waking up
• Bluish lips or face
• Severe muscle weakness
• Symptoms that worsen after initial improvement
• High fever (above 104°F)

In recent years, weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have become extremely popular worldwide, promising quick and dramatic weight loss. Nevertheless, even though these medications bring much-needed hope to many who have issues with obesity and diabetes, the journey is normally not without difficult side effects. A 27-year-old British woman named Bethany Diana has spoken openly about her life-changing though tough journey when she lost 84 pounds in nine months on Mounjaro, highlighting the usually unspoken negative aspects of this weight loss medication.

Bethany's tale is inspiring. She lost six stone (84 pounds) and transformed from a size 18 to an eight, a change of body that has obviously increased her self-esteem and general well-being. On her TikTok handle (@bethanydianax), where she has gained over 75,000 likes, she gives her journey publicly, hoping to motivate people. Bethany says she is "such a better version" of herself after losing six stone (84 pounds).

Mounjaro's weight loss effects are documented. The drug, initially created to control type 2 diabetes, functions by imitating hormones that control hunger and blood sugar. Patients will usually feel fuller for a longer time, which, understandably, results in eating less and, as a consequence, weight loss. The NHS does caution, however, that Mounjaro is only to be prescribed to diabetes and certain specific medical needs patients, and that off-label usage to aid weight loss is cautioned against.

The Unpleasant Side Effects No One Talks About

Even in success, Bethany did not hold back from sharing the less glitzy details of her weight loss process. In a viral TikTok video that received over 100,000 views, she enumerated the side effects she had:

• Diarrhea, a typical gastrointestinal issue.
• Bad breath, one of the lesser-known but unpleasant symptoms.
• Hair loss, which she suffered but did not elaborate on at length.
• "Sulphur burps" – rotten egg-smelling burps caused by hydrogen sulfide gas within the gut.
• Constipation, nausea, heartburn, wind, and acid reflux.

Bethany's honesty provides a vital insight into the drug's effect other than weight loss figures, acknowledging that the journey to change can be painful and even traumatic.

One of the very noticeable grievances Bethany recounted was that "Mounjaro stole my booty." This expression summarizes a grievance often expressed by users of weight reduction pills — sagging or loss of volume in the buttocks and other places caused by rapid fat loss.

Quick weight loss can cause flabby skin and body reshaping that others will not find attractive or easy to accept. Though Bethany recognizes the transformation, she weighs it against her overall experience and confirms that her side effects were "temporary" but the weight loss was "for life."

Bethany's honesty resonated on social media. Several viewers posted their own side effects, corroborating her experience and generating a community conversation about the drug's impact:

One viewer wrote, "It's the sulphur burps and nausea I find hardest, especially when barely eating." Another confessed, "I had bad breath too, didn't know it was due to the injection." Others described milder effects such as constipation.

Though Bethany's tale comes to a positive end despite the side effects, note must be taken of the safety issues that accompany weight loss and diabetes shots such as Mounjaro and Ozempic. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has noted more than 80 fatalities attributed to these drugs since they began more extensive use, with 22 deaths that directly involve tirzepatide.

A notably sad example is that of Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old Lanarkshire nurse, who passed away from multiple organ failure and pancreatitis after receiving only two low-dose injections of tirzepatide. Her death was the first to be recorded with this drug as a contributory factor on a death certificate, leading to increased vigilance.

The NHS has since released clear messages cautioning patients never to take anti-obesity drugs without a prescription and under medical guidance, highlighting the risks of unmonitored usage.

Bethany's tale summarizes the promise and the dangers of weight loss injections such as Mounjaro. The medication provides a powerful tool for shedding pounds, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity-related complications. But it also comes with a range of side effects — from transient gastrointestinal upset to more serious health threats.

Individuals who contemplate such medications should speak to healthcare providers, carefully consider pros and cons, and be on guard for side effects. Weight loss is a personal, multifaceted experience, and an approach that benefits one may not appeal to another.

The rapid rise of Mounjaro and other drugs signals a shift in how obesity and diabetes are managed with pharmacology paired with lifestyle modification. Further studies are required to learn more about long-term consequences, achieve optimal dosing, and create safer protocols.

Showering is a regular and important part of our routine. While some people may not be in the habit of daily showers, it is a cherished part of routine, for which people like taking our dedicated time. Not only do you get time to decompress, but you are also ensuring you do not carry harmful germs or dirt from outside, and cause health issues for yourself or others at home.

Showers are a fundamental part of our daily hygiene routine. For many, it's a cherished ritual, a moment of peace, or a boost to start the day. Because of this, people have very strong preferences when it comes to their shower habits. Some people like cold and short showers, while others prefer hot and long showers. However, is taking hot showers safe for your health?

Many enjoy taking hot showers, often finding them relaxing. The temperature of the water is a big part of this personal preference. Some people swear by taking cold showers, believing they offer benefits like boosting energy and improving circulation. On the other hand, a large number of people prefer steamy hot showers, finding the warmth soothing and relaxing for tired muscles.

However, Dr Maddahali has pointed out something concerning here. Dr Max Maddahali, MD, has shared how long and hot showers may not be the best idea for your health on TikTok.

Liking hot showers is not essentially a bad thing, however, while a scorching hot shower might feel amazing in the moment, doctors warn that water that's too hot can actually be bad for your health.

Downside of Hot Showers

According to Dr Max, very hot water can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin moist, leading to dryness. It can also make the blood vessels under your skin expand, causing redness and irritation. Beyond skin issues, too hot water can damage your hair. There's also a risk that if you take long, hot showers, your blood pressure might drop, making you feel dizzy or even faint. Some people have shared experiences of passing out due to very hot showers.

Impact on Your Health

Taking showers that are too hot can also weaken your immune system. This means your body might be less able to fight off illnesses. Additionally, hot water can make your body temperature rise too much, potentially leading to dizziness or even heat stroke. Similarly, very cold showers can also make your body temperature drop too much, causing dizziness and slowing your breathing. It's important to pay attention to how you feel while showering.

The Ideal Shower Temperature

Experts suggest that the best shower temperature for your skin is lukewarm or cooler, ideally between 37°C and 38°C (about 98.6°F to 100.4°F). This helps protect your skin's natural oils. If you have sensitive skin, not just the temperature but also the shower spray settings can affect your experience. For colored hair, hot water can make the color fade faster.

The key is to use a moderate temperature as much as possible to keep your skin, hair, and overall health in good shape.

‘Everyone deserves to pass on in peace’ is a belief held by many people, regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs. Many people who have terminal illnesses and know their time is short often plan ahead, their loved ones also make sure their time left is spent with utmost care and the most comfortable they can be. The NHS UK explains that you can receive end-of-life care at your home, in hospitals, hospices, or a care home. Different healthcare professionals and social care workers are involved in this care.

There are some changes that happen when you are in the last hours of life, many of which may not seem too apparent. The NHS explains that these changes happen when someone is in the terminal phase of dying, due to whichever condition or illness they have. Things like feeling drowsy or not wishing to drink anything may seem vague and unimportant, but these could signify that the person is ready to move on. These can last hours or even days.

When someone is nearing the end of their life, a peculiar symptom can appear, according to a doctor. Dr. Paulien Moyaert, a medical expert from Belgium who shares medical information on her YouTube channel, recently talked about a specific breathing sound that patients may make as they approach death.

Understanding the "Death Rattle"

A medical expert, who shares health information online, recently talked about a special breathing sound that dying patients might make. This sound is sometimes called a "death rattle." According to the expert, a person usually lives for about 23 hours after this sound begins. With each breath, the person might make a moaning, snoring, or rattling sound.

This happens because as someone becomes less aware and deeply asleep, they lose the ability to swallow and clear spit (secretions) from their mouth. When air moves over this pooled spit, it creates the noisy breathing. Some people describe it as the lungs trying to breathe through a layer of saliva.

Is It Painful for the Patient?

It's important to know that this sound is not painful or upsetting for the patient. At this point, they are usually unresponsive and in a deep sleep.

While the sound can be distressing and "sound terrible" for family and loved ones to hear, it doesn't bother the dying person. Because of this, medical staff often give medicines to dry up the airways and make the "death rattle" softer. This is done more for the comfort of the family than for the patient themselves.

What Can Help?

Repositioning the patient can sometimes help. Turning them to their side with their head slightly raised might make a difference. The NHS also explains that breathing can become "more noisy" because of a "build-up of mucus." Our bodies naturally make mucus in our breathing system. When we're healthy, coughing helps get rid of it. But when someone is dying and not moving around much, the mucus can build up and cause that rattling sound when they breathe.

Other Signs Near the End of Life

The NHS describes other changes that can happen during the "terminal phase" or last stages of life. These include becoming sleepy, not wanting to eat or drink, changes in breathing, confusion, seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations), and having cold hands and feet.

According to the charity Marie Curie, most people who have this noisy breathing in their final days usually die within a few days. However, everyone is different, so some might live longer, and others might die more quickly. If loved ones are worried or upset about this symptom, they should talk to their doctor, nurse, or care home staff. The NHS also provides various resources and advice for carers and families during this time.