In the aftermath of a global pandemic, with the memory of oxygen shortages still fresh and the threat of new infectious diseases looming large, the world's healthcare systems are stretched thinner than ever. We're battling overlapping health crises- resurging malaria and dengue cases, the global spread of West Nile virus, new strains of flu, antibiotic-resistant infections, and a growing mental health epidemic. Public health is in constant firefighting mode but there is one quiet casualty of this mad world that seldom hits the headlines—our blood supply.

Blood—so simple, so essential—lies at the very center of modern medicine. Whether it's stabilizing a trauma victim, sustaining a cancer patient through chemotherapy, or enabling women to survive complicated delivery, the presence of safe, screened, and timely blood transfusions is not negotiable. And yet, today, that lifeline is being quietly and methodically disrupted.

As global warming picks up, it is progressively eating away at all levels of the blood supply chain—donor health to storage conditions to transportation logistics. Intense heatwaves deter donors, electricity failures weaken storage refrigeration, and flooding or forest fires slow blood unit delivery. Insects that transmit blood-borne illnesses such as dengue and West Nile virus are spreading to new areas as a result of altered weather patterns, complicating and accelerating blood screening. In short, what was once a relatively predictable system is now under attack from unpredictable climatic events.

This isn't a remote threat—it's occurring today. A recent study in The Lancet Planetary Health cautions that climate change may compromise the safety, adequacy, and availability of blood supplies around the world. Investigators have demanded proactive measures: additional mobile and versatile blood collection units, enhanced disease monitoring, and global cooperation to maintain resilience against environmental shocks.

Behind all the science and statistics stands a human narrative: a father in need of blood following a car accident, a child with sickle cell disease, a pregnant woman. Their lives are not only dependent upon donors, but upon a system powerful enough to withstand the floods—literally.

As the planet's climate crisis gains speed, its effect is no longer limited to melting glaciers or sea level rise—it now runs in our veins, literally. The integrity of the global blood supply is becoming a vital, under-covered casualty of global warming. With millions depending on secure blood transfusions for surgeries, trauma, cancer treatment, and the control of chronic disease, interruptions to the blood supply chain can be disastrous for public health systems globally.

From shifting donor supply to jeopardizing storage and transportation logistics, climate change is quietly mounting pressure on every step along the blood supply chain and with the planet warming up, so does the imperative for health systems to do the same.

Blood is the foundation of emergency care and chronic patient management. Over 25 million units of blood are transfused every year in Europe alone, treating victims of accidents, premature babies, and patients with diseases such as sickle cell disease and cancer but providing a steady, clean supply of blood involves a precarious balance of infrastructure, logistics, and volunteer donors.

This equilibrium is increasingly disrupted by climate-related disturbances—severe heat, floods, storms, and disease outbreaks—that affect everything from donor engagement to safe blood transportation and storage.

How Climate Events Disrupt the Blood Supply?

Severe weather events like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, directly impairing the capacity to obtain, test, store, and distribute blood products. Such events can physically destroy facilities, restrict staff and donor mobility, or lead to spontaneous spikes in demand because of injury.

Natural disasters not only disrupt transportation and storage but also reduce the pool of available donors, said Red Cross Lifeblood and University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Australian Australia's Dr. Elvina Viennet. "These events upset the storage, safety, and transport of blood, which has a limited lifespan," she said.

The effect is not hypothetical; when hurricane Harvey struck in the US, for example, hundreds of blood drives were canceled, creating regional shortages. In these emergencies, there is frequently a simultaneous and urgent rise in demand for blood and fall in supply—a health system's worst nightmare.

Increased rainfall and global warming have pushed the geographical limits of vector-borne illnesses such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus—some of which are transmissible through blood. Ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes are promoted by warmer climates, which makes transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) a matter of concern.

"Climate change could affect some blood-borne infectious diseases that can exclude individuals from donating," Viennet said. This complicates and costs more to screen blood, overloading already stressed health systems.

Europe has already seen an increase in dengue cases previously unusual in the region illustrating the speed at which new threats are arising because of changes in the environment.

Donor Health and Availability in a Changing Climate

Aside from infectious diseases, climate change can also have a direct impact on donor health. Heat, air pollution, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress can decrease the number of eligible donors. Even minor physiological changes—such as changes in haemoglobin levels due to heat—can disqualify donors.

There is also a mental health angle to consider where climate anxiety, post-disaster trauma, and stress from displacement can reduce donor participation. The study pointed to increased anxiety and depression among both donors and healthcare workers in the aftermath of extreme weather events.

As climate change worsens chronic conditions—specifically cardiovascular and respiratory disease—it also raises demand for blood transfusions. Complications of pregnancy, sickle cell crises, and surgeries can become more common, adding demand-side pressure to blood banks.

This combined risk of dwindling supply and escalating demand is not abstract; it's already materializing. Left unchecked, health systems could soon experience catastrophic care gaps.

Ways to Protect Blood Supplies in a Warming World

To combat this impending crisis, scientists and policymakers recommend a multi-faceted strategy:

• Mobile and flexible blood donation facilities that can function during and after severe weather conditions.
• Global cooperation to exchange blood supplies across borders during scarcity.
• Research investment to learn how climate factors affect donor health and blood stability.
• Implementation of cell salvage methods (autotransfusion) in operating rooms to minimize dependence on external blood supply.

Increased diversity donor recruitment, particularly from migrant communities, to more closely match rare blood groups and meet altered demographics.

As UniSC's Dr. Helen Faddy pointed out, "With sea levels rising and migration rates growing, it's critical to have a greater number of blood donors from diverse ethnicities."

The blood supply is not only a technical problem—it's a human one. While climate change continues to test the world's health systems, protecting our blood supply has to be an absolute priority. The danger is multiple- biological, logistical, psychological, and infrastructural like the climate crisis itself, it requires global action, scientific innovation, and urgent, sustained effort.

While December arrives with celebrations, food and social gatherings, it is also the time when seasonal illnesses quietly begin to surface. Colds, lingering coughs and flu tend to spread more easily in colder weather, often catching people off guard just as the new year begins. For those hoping to avoid starting January feeling unwell, there are simple steps that can be taken ahead of time.

A pharmacist has urged people to prepare early by stocking up on essential remedies, saying that being organised can help manage symptoms quickly and reduce unnecessary visits to the doctor. According to him, early action makes winter illnesses far easier to handle.

Why Pharmacists Say Preparation Matters Before January

Pharmacists say the key to getting through winter comfortably is preparation before cold and flu season reaches its peak. Keeping a well-stocked medicine cupboard means symptoms can be treated as soon as they appear, without the stress of searching for supplies while already feeling ill.

“Preparation really is half the battle,” said pharmacist Frederick Apenteng from Roseway Labs. “Once you’re unwell, the last thing you want is to be running around looking for paracetamol or trying to buy a thermometer. That’s often when people feel worse than they need to.”

Medicines To Get Ready For Winter Flu

Frederick stresses that starting with the basics is essential. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen help manage fever, aches and general discomfort. Throat lozenges or sprays can ease soreness, while keeping two types of cough medicine at home is helpful. One should be an expectorant for chesty coughs, and the other a suppressant for dry, irritating coughs.

The Basics Every Household Should Have

Blocked noses are another common winter complaint, and decongestants can provide quick relief. However, Frederick warns they should not be used for more than five days. For longer-term congestion, saline nasal sprays are a safer option.

Other useful items include rehydration sachets, tissues, hand sanitiser, and honey and lemon for comfort. A digital thermometer allows you to keep track of fever, while vapour rubs or a humidifier can help ease breathing when congestion strikes.

Why Nutrition and Rest Matter for Immunity

Beyond medicines, Frederick highlights the role of nutrition in keeping the immune system strong. “People often feel run down because they’re missing key nutrients,” he explained. “Iron, B vitamins and vitamin C all play important roles in supporting immune defences.”

Eating foods rich in these nutrients, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits and whole grains, can make a noticeable difference. “The biggest immunity boosters are actually sleep, proper nutrition and staying hydrated,” he added.

A Little Planning Now Can Prevent Bigger Problems Later

Preparing in advance can ease both physical discomfort and mental stress. “Having your winter kit ready means you can act quickly at the first sneeze,” Frederick said. “That can stop symptoms from getting worse and helps keep you out of the GP waiting room.”

In short, early rest, basic treatment and preparation can help people move through winter with fewer disruptions.

Be Cautious With Cold and Flu Medicines

While home remedies can be helpful, it is important not to overuse certain products. In some cases, taking too many cold and flu medicines can cause serious problems, including accidental overdose, liver or kidney damage, and rebound congestion.

Always follow dosage instructions carefully and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure. Frederick also cautions against prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays. Using them for more than a few days can trigger a rebound effect, where nasal passages become more blocked than before. This condition is known as rhinitis medicamentosa.

Staying informed, prepared and cautious can make all the difference during the winter months.

If you managed to stay healthy this festive season, chances are you still know at least a couple of people who did not. In the days before Christmas and in the weeks that followed, a so-called “mystery virus” has been moving rapidly across the UK.

Many people have reported coughing, sneezing, blocked or runny noses, and in some cases stomach-related problems too. So what exactly is behind this wave of illness? Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, has explained which virus is currently spreading widely across the country and what steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your family. He also sheds light on its incubation period.

What Is Adenovirus?

Adenoviruses refer to a large family of viruses that can trigger infections ranging from mild to more serious, affecting different parts of the body. Most often, adenovirus targets the respiratory tract. The symptoms can closely resemble those of a cold or flu. In the majority of cases, adenovirus infections are mild and can be managed with basic care focused on easing symptoms.

Adenovirus Incubation Period

The incubation period for adenovirus usually falls between 2 and 14 days. For many people, signs such as fever, a sore throat, or coughing tend to appear around five or six days after coming into contact with the virus, although this can differ from person to person. Adenovirus spreads easily through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, by touching contaminated surfaces, or through fecal-oral transmission. It is highly contagious, particularly in crowded settings, and people may continue to shed the virus even after they start feeling better, according to the National Institute of Health.

One reason the virus appears to be everywhere right now is winter behaviour. Colder weather keeps people indoors for longer periods, increasing close contact with others who may already be unwell.

Ian explained, “With COVID-19 restrictions no longer in place and fewer people being exposed to common viruses over the last few years, overall immunity in the community may be lower. That makes people more vulnerable now.

“Adenovirus itself is not new. It is simply appearing more frequently at the same time as other winter illnesses.”

Adenovirus Symptoms

If you suspect you may have adenovirus, the most common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches or body aches
• Shortness of breath, which is less common

Other possible signs:

• Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, causing red, watery, gritty-feeling eyes
• Ear infections, particularly among children
• Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea with certain strains

Who Do Adenoviruses Affect?

Adenoviruses can infect people at any age, but they are especially common in children under the age of five. In babies and young children, the virus often spreads in daycare settings, where close contact is unavoidable. Young children are also more likely to put shared objects in their mouths and are less consistent about handwashing.

Among adults, adenoviruses tend to spread in crowded living conditions. Those who spend time in dormitories or military housing may face a higher risk. The virus can also circulate easily in hospitals and nursing homes.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract adenovirus. This group includes individuals who have undergone stem cell or organ transplants, as well as those living with cancer or HIV/AIDS. Those with existing heart or lung conditions also face a higher risk of severe infection.

Women are spending thousands of pounds to address an intimate and largely unexpected side effect linked to rapid weight loss caused by so-called “fat jabs.” As these injections grow quickly in popularity, doctors say sudden and significant weight loss is leading some women to notice changes in their labia or vulva.

This has resulted in a rise in private cosmetic procedures commonly referred to as “labia puffing.” For those unversed, the vulva refers to the external female genital area, which includes the labia. The labia are the folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening.

Weight-Loss Injections Go Mainstream

Originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, weight-loss injections have entered the mainstream at remarkable speed. As per Mirror, in the UK alone, about 2.5 million people are now using these drugs, according to figures reported by The Telegraph in October. That means roughly one in every 20 adults. Most users access the injections privately, as they are rarely available through the NHS. The report also noted that sales of medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy reached 2.5 million in July, marking a sevenfold increase compared to the previous year.

While headlines have largely focused on visible changes such as slimmer bodies and faces, including among celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Serena Williams, medical professionals say other, less discussed effects are starting to emerge.

Changes Beyond Common Side Effects

Along with widely known side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, and vomiting, some women are now reporting noticeable changes in the appearance of their vulvas and labia.

Doctors explain that the issue is not weight loss itself, but the speed at which it happens. Rapid weight loss strips fat from many areas of the body, including the vulval region. For some women, this leads to a loss of volume in the labia, causing loose or sagging skin. This can result in irritation and discomfort during everyday activities such as sitting, cycling, or exercising.

Women Share Their Experiences

Many women have taken to online forums to describe what they are experiencing. As per Mirror, one Reddit user shared, “She [the gynaecologist] told me my vulva is saggy and I will continue to experience pain when biking or sitting unless I have surgery or fillers.”

Doctors say these outcomes are not surprising. Dr Michael Tahery, writing on his women’s health website, explained that “the rapid weight loss that occurs throughout the body may result in visible sagging of the labia or vagina because of overall fat and volume loss.”

He added that this sagging can be caused by loose labia, excess skin in the vaginal area, wrinkles, or a combination of these factors. “It’s also common for rapid weight loss to cause the labia to suddenly feel out of proportion compared to how it previously felt,” he noted.

Not Just a Cosmetic Concern

For many women, the impact goes beyond appearance. The loss of natural cushioning can increase friction and sensitivity, turning once-comfortable activities into painful experiences. As a result, more women are seeking help from private clinics, where corrective procedures can cost around $2,000, or approximately £1,479. The treatment, often called labia puffing, focuses on restoring volume to the outer lips of the vulva.

What Is Labia Puffing?

Speaking to The Daily Star, Dr Shazia Malik, consultant gynaecologist at The Portland Hospital, explained how the procedure works. “Labia puffing uses dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or fat, to restore volume to the labia majora, which are the outer lips of the vulva,” she said. “It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to improve appearance by increasing fullness, smoothness, and symmetry.”

Dr Malik also pointed out that the demand is not limited to women using weight-loss injections. “The procedure is most commonly sought by women who want to regain a more youthful, fuller appearance due to ageing, weight loss, or childbirth,” she explained.

A Wider Impact of Rapid Weight Loss

The growing interest in these procedures highlights how dramatically weight-loss injections can change the body. Unlike gradual weight loss achieved through diet and exercise, the speed at which fat can disappear with these drugs means changes can occur in areas people do not expect. For some women, these sudden shifts are significant enough to push them toward cosmetic interventions to feel comfortable again.