For more than 17 years, one woman battled a growing list of unexplained and debilitating symptoms—fatigue, joint pain, spontaneous fevers, and swollen lymph nodes—without a clear diagnosis.

A former college athlete who once thrived on high-impact sports like rugby and ice hockey, she eventually found herself physically debilitated and mentally drained. Despite multiple hospital visits and consultations with specialists, answers remained elusive.

According to USA Today, her health journey began in college, where daily life became a struggle. Tests for common conditions, including mononucleosis and autoimmune disorders, failed to reveal anything conclusive. By her mid-30s, Nika Beamon, a New York-based author and an award winning journalist, had suffered two strokes, and yet, no diagnosis explained the persistent deterioration in her health.

The delay in diagnosis was not for lack of trying—she saw 26 doctors and underwent 37 medical procedures. Every physician agreed something was wrong. What remained unclear was what exactly was wreaking havoc in her body.

“I felt like I was aging rapidly,” she told USA Today. “It was as if you went from 20 to 50 in a day.”

A Long-Awaited Diagnosis

More than a decade and a half after her symptoms began, a rheumatologist finally offered clarity. The mystery illness turned out to be IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a rare immune-mediated condition that can inflame and damage organs if left untreated.

All it took to confirm the diagnosis was a blood test—an infuriatingly simple step that hadn’t been taken earlier because no one had a reason to look for such a rare disorder.

The immune disorder was first widely recognized by Japanese gastroenterologists in 2006, with formal naming and classification happening in 2012. The disease tricks the body’s immune system into producing excess IgG4 antibodies, which can form masses or cause swelling in critical organs such as the liver, lungs, or pancreas.

If these affected organs aren’t treated in time, irreversible damage—like cirrhosis—can occur.

While not fatal if caught early, the disease's real threat lies in its stealth and its ability to mimic other conditions. It’s often misdiagnosed or mistaken for cancer, as the masses caused by excess immune cells closely resemble tumors.

“It’s not cancers or anything,” a medical expert told USA Today. “It’s just that the immune system is confused and reacting to something.”

When Diagnosis Is Delayed

The journey to diagnosis for IgG4-RD is often complicated because the symptoms are both non-specific and widespread. Fatigue, joint pain, fevers, or masses can be attributed to more common conditions. It’s only when these symptoms span multiple organs, or when an aware radiologist spots a distinctive pattern on imaging, that IgG4-RD is even considered.

In this case, it took over 17 years for someone to finally put the pieces together. The woman had no known family history of autoimmune or immune-related conditions, making her case more perplexing. Compounding the delay was a lack of widespread awareness and diagnostic protocols for IgG4-RD at the time her symptoms began.

Treating IgG4-RD: A New Era

Treatment for IgG4-RD typically starts with steroids like prednisone, which can reduce inflammation. However, these drugs aren’t viable long-term due to their significant side effects. More recently, the FDA approved Uplizna, the first drug specifically designed to target IgG4-RD. The monoclonal antibody works by suppressing the B-cells responsible for producing the problematic antibodies.

In clinical trials, Uplizna showed an 87% reduction in flare-ups. Patients can now expect better management of the disease with fewer side effects and a more targeted approach.

“Most patients do well if the disease is diagnosed and treated on time,” USA Today reported, citing clinical experts.

Life After Diagnosis

Now in her 50s, Beamon continues to manage her condition with medications and regular checkups. Although the disease hasn’t disappeared, having a name for it—and a treatment plan—has drastically improved her quality of life.

“There are good days and bad days,” she admitted to USA Today, referring to flares and periods of inflammation.

She also found strength in community support, especially after publicly sharing her story and publishing a memoir documenting her medical journey. Her advice to others still searching for answers: advocate for yourself, keep detailed records, and bring someone to medical appointments.

Most importantly, she urges patients not to give up. “There’s always a doctor out there that can help you,” she said. “You just have to find the right one.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its 2025-26 outlook, predicting a respiratory virus season with similar peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as last year. The agency also warns that COVID-19 hospitalization rates could rise if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges.

While avoiding sick individuals is the first line of defense against the flu, cleaning and disinfecting your home after someone recovers is equally important to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference

Before tackling flu germs, it’s crucial to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and germs using soap and water, while disinfecting targets remaining germs with products like sprays, wipes, or bleach. Experts recommend cleaning first, then disinfecting, for maximum effectiveness.

Focus on High-Traffic Surfaces

Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and on unwashed hands for about an hour. High-traffic areas in your home are most likely to harbor germs. Prioritize disinfecting:

• Doorknobs and drawer handles
• Light switches
• Stair rails

If someone was sick in a vehicle, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles, seats, and seat belts. Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but always follow manufacturer instructions and wash your hands afterward.

Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning

In the kitchen, wash all utensils, dishes, and glasses in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Then disinfect:

• Countertops and cabinets
• Refrigerator handles
• Sinks and faucets
• Coffee makers, microwaves, and ovens
• Garbage cans

For bathrooms, disinfect:

• Toilets, sinks, and faucets
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Shower and bathtub surfaces
• Soap dispensers and toilet paper holders
• Floors and overlooked areas like toothbrush holders
• Consider replacing toothbrushes to prevent lingering germs
• Laundry and Bedroom Surfaces

Flu viruses can survive on soft surfaces like clothing, bedding, and towels. Wash all laundry in the hottest water recommended on care labels and dry thoroughly. Also, disinfect laundry baskets or hampers.

In bedrooms, disinfect doorknobs, bedside tables, bed frames, and drawer handles. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. For children, machine-wash soft toys and clean hard toys with soap and disinfectant.

Electronics Are Germ Hotspots

Mobile phones, keyboards, tablets, and remote controls can carry harmful microorganisms. Clean screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water, or use disinfecting wipes carefully, avoiding alcohol-based products that may damage electronics. Consider wipeable covers for easier disinfecting.

Ventilate Your Home

Open windows if outdoor temperatures are comfortable. Fresh air reduces airborne germs and helps when using disinfecting products. Proper ventilation ensures that lingering viruses don’t continue to spread indoors.

Recovery First, Deep Cleaning Later

If you are still recovering from the flu, wait until you feel well before doing intensive cleaning. Recovery typically takes a week, but may take longer for those with underlying conditions or complications. Enlist help from family, friends, or professionals to avoid overexertion.

Flu is highly contagious, particularly when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning and disinfecting your home after recovery is vital to prevent spreading the virus. Start with high-traffic areas, then move to kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and electronics. Always wear gloves and a mask when using disinfectants and follow instructions carefully.

By taking these precautions, you help protect your household and visitors from catching the flu, ensuring a safer and healthier home this season.

A disease that slowly creeps in and affects one of the vital organs, may sound terrifying and rare, but it is more common than we realize. Fatty liver diseases are one of the most common form of liver diseases in children, and this number has doubled in the past 20 years.

According to the American Liver Foundation. About 100 million people in the US have MASLD, or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which was previously known as NAFLD. This happens when the percentage of fat in the liver is more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight. While you may think that it doesn’t affect your health as much, but it can actually cause you a lot of issues.

How Does Fatty Liver Affect Your Health?

Your liver is a vital organ that processes food and waste in your body. A healthy liver should contain very little fat. Over time, too much fat can lead to scarring of the liver, a serious condition called cirrhosis. Fatty liver is common, affecting about one in three adults, according to Australian Healthdirect.

Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include feeling tired or unwell, having pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or losing weight without trying. More serious signs that the disease has progressed and caused liver damage include:

• Jaundice: When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• Bruising easily.
• Dark-colored urine.
• A swollen stomach.
• Vomiting blood or having black stools.
• Itchy skin.

What Should We Avoid To Make Our Liver Healthy?

Cases of fatty liver disease are on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits and a reliance on processed foods. While this condition can lead to serious health issues over time, making a few simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat buildup in the liver and lower your risk of liver disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who is trained at top universities, recently shared his top three food choices that can harm your liver. According to Dr. Sethi, you should avoid the following three common foods to protect your liver:

Sugary Drinks

Dr. Sethi calls sugary drinks like sodas and juices "liquid poison" because they are full of empty calories. Drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the liver, causing it to turn the extra sugar into fat. This process contributes directly to fatty liver disease. Instead, Dr. Sethi recommends sticking to water, tea, or coffee.

Deep-Fried Foods

Foods that are deep-fried, especially in unhealthy oils, should be avoided. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. This can cause liver damage and contribute to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ultra-Processed Foods

Items like chips, candies, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and harmful to your liver. These foods are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients that put a strain on your liver, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy gut.

Dr. Sethi stresses that making these simple dietary changes can make a big difference in protecting your liver's health.

Gina Marie Bakery, a company located in Connecticut, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its cookie products. The recall was announced after the company discovered a major issue with its packaging: it failed to list some important ingredients.

Specifically, the cookies may contain almonds, sesame, and several food colorings without declaring them on the label. The company is taking this action to ensure customer safety and has stopped all sales of the affected products until the problem is completely fixed.

How Dangerous Are Allergens In Food?

The recall is a serious matter because of the health risks involved. For people with allergies to nuts, sesame, or certain food dyes, eating these cookies could cause a severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction.

Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can make it hard to breathe and can be fatal. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. This recall is a proactive step to prevent anyone from getting sick due to the incorrect labeling.

What Were The Major Allergens In Gina Marie Bakery?

The recall includes several types of cookies sold in 1-pound and 2-pound plastic containers. The specific products are Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, and several others, all of which were distributed to various stores in Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts. If you have any of these cookies in your home, it's very important that you do not eat them. Instead, you should return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the company directly at 203-596-8007. Here are the specific products listed

• Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies
• Italian Sesame Cookies
• Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies
• Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies
• Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti
• Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam

How To Respond During Emergency Allergic Reaction

In case you have consumed an allergen or believe you are having an allergic reaction, ensure that you take proper steps for the best outcomes. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy reactionm is a very serious allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, as a delay can be fatal. It’s important to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one.

Signs of a mild reaction:

• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Hives or welts on the skin
• A tingling feeling in the mouth
• Stomach pain or vomiting (especially after an insect sting)

What to do:

If you see these signs, stay with the person and call for help. Get the adrenaline device ready in case the reaction gets worse. A mild reaction might not always happen before a severe one begins.

Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Look for any one of these signs:

• Breathing Trouble: Noisy breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing.
• Throat and Mouth Swelling: A swollen tongue or a feeling of a tight throat.
• Voice Changes: A hoarse voice or difficulty talking.
• Dizziness or Collapse: Feeling dizzy, fainting, or collapsing.
• In Children: A young child may become pale and limp.

What To Do When A Person Is Having An Allergic Reaction?

1. You must ensure that you act immediately if someone is having an allergic reaction in front of you.
2. Lay the person flat. Do not let them stand or walk. If they are unconscious, put them on their side. If they are pregnant, lay them on their left side. If they have trouble breathing, let them sit with their legs out straight.
3. Use the adrenaline device. Give the person their adrenaline shot right away.
4. Call for an ambulance.
5. Call their emergency contact. Let their family or contact person know what is happening.
6. Give another shot if needed. If the person doesn't improve after five minutes, you may need to give a second dose of adrenaline.
7. Go to the hospital. Even after the reaction seems to stop, the person must be taken to the hospital and watched for at least four hours.
8. If the person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, commence CPR