A 19-year-old woman experienced an unusual medical condition where her breasts grew from a B cup to a triple G within six months of receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Her case was studied by researchers and conclusions were published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open. They concluded that it was the first documented link between a vaccine and PASH-associated gigantomastia.

PASH-associated gigantomastia is a rare breast disease that can cause excessive breast tissue growth. As per the researcher, this woman's rapid breast enlargement began one week after her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in September 2022 and worsened following her second dose. Despite her concerns, her primary care physicians did not adequately address her suspicions, which eroded her trust in the healthcare system, the researchers noted.

Here's How You Can Identify PASH-Associated Gigantomastia

• Breast tissue that contributes 3% or more to the patient's body weight
• Abnormal and excessive growth of breast tissue in one or both breasts
• Growth that can occur gradually over several years or rapidly within a few days or weeks
• Physical and psychological discomfort, such as pain, muscular discomfort, skin ulceration, loss of nipple sensation, and social stigma.

Pfizer Boob Job

While some women have speculated that the COVID-19 vaccine caused breast changes—dubbed the "Pfizer boob job" phenomenon—scientists emphasize there is no concrete evidence to support widespread claims of such effects. However, lymph node swelling, a known side effect of the vaccine, is documented, though structural or density changes in breast tissue are exceedingly rare.

The woman reported a tingling sensation in her breasts before the enlargement began. Despite normal hormone levels in her blood tests, prescribed steroids and antibiotics failed to halt the growth. Her condition stabilized after six months, and she underwent reduction surgery five months later. The procedure, which caused significant blood loss, was unable to restore her breasts to their original size. She now has double D-sized breasts and may require another reduction surgery.

Researchers reaffirm that while over 13.6 billion COVID-19 doses have been administered worldwide, adverse events remain rare, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. "Although axillary lymphadenopathy is a known side effect of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, such changes are transient and contribute only to the perception of breast growth. To date, there has been only 1 published case outlining lasting parenchymal breast changes, presenting as a palpable mass, following administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA booster.4 No formal studies have established a link between breast parenchymal growth and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Although these social media claims have been disputed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health, more research is needed to further investigate these findings," researchers said.

Earlier, a Melbourne-based content creator Tee Jay complained of the appearance of prominent nipples after receiving her COVID vaccine. "I've worked out that I had the double vaccination and I had Pfizer, and ever since then my headlights have been on," she said in a video. Tee Jay said it was awkward that her "headlights' were on full display while doing regular daily tasks like grocery shopping.

Flu season has arrived, and while the summer wave of COVID-19 has subsided, a winter increase is expected. Vaccines are available for both viruses, prompting many to ask about timing, especially if they haven’t received their shots yet. With the CDC updating guidelines, rules around vaccination are constantly evolving, so the most common question is: can you get your COVID and flu shots at the same time?

Can You Get Your Covid And Flu Shots At The Same Time?

The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered alongside a seasonal flu shot for those who prefer to get both at once. It is considered completely safe. “There are no recommendations against it; it mainly comes down to personal preference,” Dr. Mike Ren, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine explained. He added that some people may experience mild fatigue with vaccines, and getting multiple shots at the same time could slightly increase that effect.

Many people are already familiar with how their bodies react to flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID shot can sometimes cause soreness in the arm, so it’s recommended to avoid getting both vaccines in the same arm if that happens. For those who experience minimal side effects, there’s no disadvantage to receiving both shots at the same visit. Some choose to space them out simply based on convenience.

Which Covid Shot To Get?

For individuals who have experienced strong reactions to the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID vaccines, the Novavax shot, which uses a more traditional protein-based method may offer an alternative with fewer temporary side effects, according to Caitlin Rivers, an infectious-disease epidemiologist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Males aged 12 to 29 may particularly consider Novavax, as it carries no known risk of myocarditis, a rare heart inflammation sometimes associated with mRNA vaccines. Andrew Pavia, a pediatrics infectious-disease physician at the University of Utah, noted that myocarditis cases linked to mRNA vaccines are generally mild, and COVID-19 itself poses a higher risk of heart complications.

Pavia also explained that there are no major differences between the current Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, so people can choose whichever is more convenient or available.

When Should You Get A Flu Vaccine?

The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is generally from late September through October. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, recommends aiming to be vaccinated before Halloween, in line with CDC guidance.

While many pharmacies begin offering flu shots as early as July or August, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, advises waiting a bit longer. This is because vaccine protection can wane after a few months, and flu cases often peak between December and February.

Even if you miss the early window, it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated. “Some protection is better than none,” Dr. Chin-Hong emphasizes.

Staying up to date with both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations is an important step in protecting your health during the respiratory virus season. Getting the shots at the same time is safe and convenient for most people, though minor side effects like fatigue or soreness may be slightly increased.

Nearly five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, new variants of the virus are spreading again, bringing with them some unusual symptoms. The main strains currently circulating are called Stratus and Nimbus. According to the NHS, Stratus, which includes the XFG and XFG.3 variants, has caused a 60 percent rise in Covid hospitalisations.

As cases increase worldwide, one woman who recently tested positive described this infection as the “worst it’s ever been.” With more people falling sick, the NHS continues to update its warnings and guidance.

Could That Toothache Be ‘Frankenstein’ Variant?

A woman from the US, Nev, shared on TikTok that she began feeling slightly unwell on August 30, with mild congestion and one blocked nostril. The next day, she noticed a scratchy throat and continued congestion, but later that night, her symptoms worsened as she experienced pain in her teeth, jaw, and head. Her post quickly drew comments from others who said they had also suffered similar symptoms while infected with Covid.

The Stratus strain has been linked to a sudden hoarse voice, while the Nimbus strain often causes severe throat pain described by some as feeling like “swallowing razor blades.” Health officials in the UK have warned that Covid is still leading to serious illness and deaths and have urged people to stay alert to new and unusual symptoms.

Frankenstein Variant Symptoms

The “Frankenstein” variant, officially known as Stratus (XFG), is a recombinant form of the Omicron strain of COVID-19. Its symptoms often resemble those of a seasonal cold or flu. While most infections are mild, some patients have reported unusual signs such as sudden hoarseness or a raspy voice.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or blocked nose
• Fatigue and body aches
• Headache
• Digestive issues

Are Frankenstein And Stratus Variant Same?

The Frankenstein variant and the Stratus variant refer to the same strain of COVID-19, officially known as XFG. The nickname “Frankenstein” emerged because the variant is a recombinant of multiple Omicron sublineages, essentially a genetic mix that combines traits from different versions of the virus. The scientific name Stratus (XFG) is the formal term used by health authorities such as the UKHSA.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory infection such as COVID-19, especially if they have a fever or feel too unwell to continue daily activities should try to stay home and avoid contact with vulnerable people.

If staying home isn’t possible, the agency advises taking extra precautions to reduce the risk of spreading infection. This includes wearing a well-fitted mask with multiple layers or a surgical mask, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and opting for outdoor exercise where there is minimal contact with others. People are also urged to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands often with soap and water or use sanitizer, and avoid touching their face.

The simplest way to confirm if you have COVID-19 is by taking a test, which can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) have found that quitting smoking may help slow age-related memory decline and protect brain health as we age. According to new research, people who quit smoking in middle age can significantly slow their cognitive decline, so much so that within a decade, their risk of developing dementia becomes nearly identical to those who have never smoked. The study adds to growing evidence that giving up cigarettes can protect brain health and delay age-related mental decline.

This One Step Can Lower Your Dementia Risk, Doctors Say

Published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the study examined data from more than 9,400 adults aged 40 and older across 12 countries. The findings strengthen existing evidence that giving up cigarettes could reduce the risk of dementia, though experts note that further research is needed to understand the full impact of smoking cessation on cognitive health.

Researchers noted that while the link between smoking and poor cognitive health is well known, the long-term effects of quitting have been less certain. In this study, memory and verbal fluency tests showed that people who stopped smoking experienced a slower rate of decline in the six years following cessation.

Experts said the findings are especially important because middle-aged and older adults are often less inclined to quit, despite facing greater health risks. Demonstrating that quitting can also help preserve brain function, they added, could serve as a strong new reason for this group to give up smoking.

Data shows that smoking is most common among adults aged 25 to 34, with about 14 percent identifying as smokers, while only 8.2 percent of those over 65 reported smoking. Responding to the UCL study, Dr. Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said smoking is tied to several major health risks, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia—particularly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. She emphasized that quitting can greatly lower the likelihood of developing these conditions.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect a person's ability to think, remember, and reason to the point that it interferes with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging, but is caused by damage to brain cells, which can result from conditions like Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementias. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and problem-solving, and changes in mood or behavior, and the condition worsens over time.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia develops when diseases damage brain cells, disrupting how they communicate with one another. This breakdown in communication affects memory, thinking, behavior, and emotions. The brain is made up of different regions, each responsible for specific functions such as judgment, movement, and memory. When cells in a certain area are harmed, that part of the brain can no longer perform normally.

Each type of dementia is linked to damage in particular brain regions. In Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, an abnormal buildup of proteins inside and around brain cells prevents them from staying healthy and transmitting signals effectively. The hippocampus, responsible for learning and memory, is usually the first area affected, which is why memory loss tends to be one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s.