Ishita Roy

These US States Have The Highest Alzheimer's Disease Deaths

Recent breakthrough in <span>Alzheimer's</span> research like AI model predicting the onset of the condition and a newly approved drug that slows cognitive decline have made progress against a condition that ranked as the 7th-leading cause of death in the US in 2022. 

Alzheimer's claimed over 120,000 American lives in 2022, with the mortality rate of 28.9 deaths per 100,000 people, reflecting a nearly 7% decline from 2021, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

1 in 9 Americans aged 65 or older are affected by Alzheimer's, which account to 60% to 80%, roughly around 7 million people. Among this group, it was the 6th leading cause of death in 2022. 

With the aging population, the number of Alzheimer’s cases is projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050. The financial toll will rise as well: without treatment breakthroughs, annual health care and long-term care costs for Alzheimer’s and related dementias are expected to soar from $360 billion in 2024 to nearly $1 trillion by 2050, per the Alzheimer’s Association.

As per the CDC data, here are the list of the highest age-adjusted Alzheimer's death rates from 2022:

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 37.5 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 17,363.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 38.8 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 10,427.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 39.3 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 4,219.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 39.5 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 848.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 39.8 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 1,057.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 40 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 2,094.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 41 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 1,577.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 41.6 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 3,695.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 42.2 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 2,655.

This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 48.5 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 1,679.

Alzheimer's is a severe brain disorder of memory loss and confusion. If it is not diagnosed and managed on time, it can also adversely impact one's mental abilities of learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making, and attention.

As per Neha Sinha, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">Dementia</a></span> Specialist, CEO and Co-founder of Epoch Elder Care, it is a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills. It is severe enough to interfere with daily life. "It primarily affects older adults, with Alzheimer's being the most common," she says.

Alzheimer's accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia cases around the world. It is estimated that the prevalence of Alzheimer's worldwide is around 24 million. Dementia is the general term for a range of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, while Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.

Shilpi Saraswat, Clinical Psychologist at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru points out that the main risk factors of dementia are age, genetics, long-term health conditions, lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol use, one's gender and cognitive reserve.

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alzheimer's death US

What Is Acute Gastroenteritis? The Gastric Issue Real Madrid’s Star Footballer Kylian Mbapp Was Hospitalized For

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Recent breakthrough in Alzheimer's research like AI model predicting the onset of the condition and a newly approved drug that slows cognitive decline have made progress against a condition that ranked as the 7th-leading cause of death in the US in 2022. Alzheimer's claimed over 120,000 American lives in 2022, with the mortality rate of 28.9 deaths per 100,000 people, reflecting a nearly 7% decline from 2021, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 or older are affected by Alzheimer's, which account to 60% to 80%, roughly around 7 million people. Among this group, it was the 6th leading cause of death in 2022. With the aging population, the number of Alzheimer’s cases is projected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050. The financial toll will rise as well: without treatment breakthroughs, annual health care and long-term care costs for Alzheimer’s and related dementias are expected to soar from $360 billion in 2024 to nearly $1 trillion by 2050, per the Alzheimer’s Association.As per the CDC data, here are the list of the highest age-adjusted Alzheimer's death rates from 2022:10. CaliforniaThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 37.5 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 17,363.9. TexasThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 38.8 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 10,427.8. GeorgiaThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 39.3 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 4,219.7. IdahoThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 39.5 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 848.6. UtahThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 39.8 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 1,057.5. Louisiana This state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 40 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 2,094.4. ArkansasThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 41 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 1,577.3. WashingtonThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 41.6 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 3,695.2. AlabamaThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 42.2 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 2,655.1. MississippiThis state has an Alzheimer's death rate at 48.5 per 100,000 people, with the number of deaths recorded at 1,679.What Is Alzheimer's Disease?Alzheimer's is a severe brain disorder of memory loss and confusion. If it is not diagnosed and managed on time, it can also adversely impact one's mental abilities of learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making, and attention.As per Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist, CEO and Co-founder of Epoch Elder Care, it is a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills. It is severe enough to interfere with daily life. "It primarily affects older adults, with Alzheimer's being the most common," she says.Alzheimer's accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia cases around the world. It is estimated that the prevalence of Alzheimer's worldwide is around 24 million. Dementia is the general term for a range of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities, while Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia.Shilpi Saraswat, Clinical Psychologist at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru points out that the main risk factors of dementia are age, genetics, long-term health conditions, lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol use, one's gender and cognitive reserve.

these us states have the highest alzheimer's disease deaths

Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Health News

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India’s COVID-19 Tally Falls To 6,483, Here Are Step-by-Step Home Isolation Guidelines

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Football fans around the world were stunned when Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé, its French captain and marquee signing, was hospitalized for an acute bout of gastroenteritis during the Club World Cup. Although Real Madrid had originally reported that he was absent for the initial match because of illness, there was a formal medical report that confirmed the extent of his illness and in-hospital treatment and tests he required.

Even though Mbappé is recovering now with specific medical treatment outside the hospital, his sudden health fright focused fresh public attention on a prevalent but poorly understood illness: acute gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and occasionally fever or muscle pain. Commonly called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the flu virus and has nothing to do with respiratory infections. Rather, it is usually caused by infection or chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are two main types:

<ol><li>Infectious gastroenteritis – due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.</li><li>Chemical gastroenteritis – due to ingestion of poisonous substances such as some drugs, alcohol, or polluted food/water.</li></ol>

Mbappé's illness is an acute gastroenteritis, which means the symptoms came on suddenly and intensely but would likely pass with good care.

<h2><span rel="noindex">How Gastroenteritis Spreads</span>?</h2>

The most prevalent reason for gastroenteritis is the intake of contaminated food or water. It is also spread by contact with infected people or surfaces they have contacted. Some typical situations include:

<ul><li>Consumption of undercooked meat or seafood</li><li>Inadequate washing of hands after using the toilet</li><li>Drinking unbottled or unfiltered water during travel</li></ul>

Though most individuals recover quickly, individuals with compromised immune systems—such as young children, elderly, or those with chronic diseases—are at a higher risk for developing complications like dehydration and extended illness. 

Acute gastroenteritis usually presents with a combination of the following:

<ul><li>Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (non-bloody)</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Abdominal cramps or bloating</li><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>General fatigue or muscle aches</li></ul>

These symptoms typically occur within 1–3 days of contact with the infection and can last anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks, depending upon the cause and the immune response of the patient.

In the Mbappé case, the symptoms were bad enough to need hospitalization, which is not usual but required for observation of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, or ongoing vomiting.

The origin of gastroenteritis comes from the inflammatory reaction in the body from a threat within the gastrointestinal system. Pathogens or toxic chemicals entering the system will have the immune reaction summon inflammation to combat invaders and heal damage.

In a majority of instances, it is an acute and transient condition. But if the infection is especially virulent or if the immune system of the body is weakened, inflammation becomes intense, aggravating symptoms and necessitating medical attention. The most common offenders are:

<ul><li>Viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus)</li><li>Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter)</li><li>Parasites (Giardia)</li><li>Fungi (uncommon but potential in immunocompromised hosts)</li></ul>

<h2>How Serious Is Acute Gastroenteritis?</h2>

For otherwise healthy people, acute gastroenteritis is usually self-limiting and resolves with rest and hydration. For elite athletes such as Mbappé, any alteration in the body's fluid and nutrient balance can have a profound impact on performance and recovery. The disease becomes more severe when:

<ul><li>Dehydration occurs from heavy vomiting and diarrhea</li><li>The symptoms do not improve after a few days</li><li>There is the presence of blood in stool</li><li>There's a loss of ability to retain fluids</li><li>Fever is severe and persistent</li></ul>

In such instances, hospitalization is advisable—as in Mbappé's case—for rehydration, electrolyte balance, and observation.

Although not all gastroenteritis cases can be avoided, the risk may be drastically cut down by sensible and preventive hygiene practices. Here's how:

Hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom, is one of the best means of preventing the transmission of GI infections.

Do not cross-contaminate when handling food, thoroughly cook meat, and refrigerate perishables immediately. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

While traveling, use sealed bottled water, don't drink ice in beverages, and eat only cooked or packaged food to minimize the risk of "traveler's diarrhea."

Disinfect surfaces frequently in shared spaces such as gyms, bathrooms, or kitchens to stop the spread of infection.

<h4>5. Watch Out for Medication and Drug Use</h4>

Excessive alcohol or certain medications use can irritate the lining of the gut and lead to chemical gastroenteritis.

While Kylian Mbappé will soon return to action, his recent hospitalization is a reminder that even the best professional athletes are not beyond the reach of diseases such as gastroenteritis. It also emphasizes the value of early treatment and medical surveillance in more complicated instances.

For the general public, it is imperative that they know about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of gastroenteritis—particularly with increasing travel and food safety as an ongoing global issue. With the right information and good hygiene techniques, most instances of gastroenteritis can be prevented or treated at home. But learning when to seek assistance—such as Mbappé's medical team—is what can turn the tables.

Acute gastroenteritis is widespread, but its effect can be from mild disruption to severe health risk depending on how it is handled. As a world-class sportsman or an average person coping with day-to-day well-being, early recognition of the symptoms, fluid intake, and attention to food and hygiene safety can keep you one step ahead of this miserable but avoidable illness.

kylian mbappé gastroenteritis

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real madrid player illness

stomach flu symptoms

gastroenteritis in athletes

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how gastroenteritis spreads

Football fans around the world were stunned when Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé, its French captain and marquee signing, was hospitalized for an acute bout of gastroenteritis during the Club World Cup. Although Real Madrid had originally reported that he was absent for the initial match because of illness, there was a formal medical report that confirmed the extent of his illness and in-hospital treatment and tests he required.Even though Mbappé is recovering now with specific medical treatment outside the hospital, his sudden health fright focused fresh public attention on a prevalent but poorly understood illness: acute gastroenteritis.What Gastroenteritis?Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdomen, and occasionally fever or muscle pain. Commonly called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the flu virus and has nothing to do with respiratory infections. Rather, it is usually caused by infection or chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are two main types:Infectious gastroenteritis – due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.Chemical gastroenteritis – due to ingestion of poisonous substances such as some drugs, alcohol, or polluted food/water.Mbappé's illness is an acute gastroenteritis, which means the symptoms came on suddenly and intensely but would likely pass with good care.How Gastroenteritis Spreads?The most prevalent reason for gastroenteritis is the intake of contaminated food or water. It is also spread by contact with infected people or surfaces they have contacted. Some typical situations include:Consumption of undercooked meat or seafoodInadequate washing of hands after using the toiletDrinking unbottled or unfiltered water during travelThough most individuals recover quickly, individuals with compromised immune systems—such as young children, elderly, or those with chronic diseases—are at a higher risk for developing complications like dehydration and extended illness. Symptoms Of GastroenteritisAcute gastroenteritis usually presents with a combination of the following:Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (non-bloody)Nausea and vomitingAbdominal cramps or bloatingLow-grade feverGeneral fatigue or muscle achesThese symptoms typically occur within 1–3 days of contact with the infection and can last anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks, depending upon the cause and the immune response of the patient.In the Mbappé case, the symptoms were bad enough to need hospitalization, which is not usual but required for observation of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, or ongoing vomiting.What Causes Gastroenteritis?The origin of gastroenteritis comes from the inflammatory reaction in the body from a threat within the gastrointestinal system. Pathogens or toxic chemicals entering the system will have the immune reaction summon inflammation to combat invaders and heal damage.In a majority of instances, it is an acute and transient condition. But if the infection is especially virulent or if the immune system of the body is weakened, inflammation becomes intense, aggravating symptoms and necessitating medical attention. The most common offenders are:Viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus)Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter)Parasites (Giardia)Fungi (uncommon but potential in immunocompromised hosts)How Serious Is Acute Gastroenteritis?For otherwise healthy people, acute gastroenteritis is usually self-limiting and resolves with rest and hydration. For elite athletes such as Mbappé, any alteration in the body's fluid and nutrient balance can have a profound impact on performance and recovery. The disease becomes more severe when:Dehydration occurs from heavy vomiting and diarrheaThe symptoms do not improve after a few daysThere is the presence of blood in stoolThere's a loss of ability to retain fluidsFever is severe and persistentIn such instances, hospitalization is advisable—as in Mbappé's case—for rehydration, electrolyte balance, and observation.What You Can Do to Stay Safe?Although not all gastroenteritis cases can be avoided, the risk may be drastically cut down by sensible and preventive hygiene practices. Here's how:1. Practice Proper HandwashingHand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom, is one of the best means of preventing the transmission of GI infections.2. Safe Food HandlingDo not cross-contaminate when handling food, thoroughly cook meat, and refrigerate perishables immediately. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.3. Safe Water to DrinkWhile traveling, use sealed bottled water, don't drink ice in beverages, and eat only cooked or packaged food to minimize the risk of "traveler's diarrhea."4. Clean SurfacesDisinfect surfaces frequently in shared spaces such as gyms, bathrooms, or kitchens to stop the spread of infection.5. Watch Out for Medication and Drug UseExcessive alcohol or certain medications use can irritate the lining of the gut and lead to chemical gastroenteritis.While Kylian Mbappé will soon return to action, his recent hospitalization is a reminder that even the best professional athletes are not beyond the reach of diseases such as gastroenteritis. It also emphasizes the value of early treatment and medical surveillance in more complicated instances.For the general public, it is imperative that they know about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of gastroenteritis—particularly with increasing travel and food safety as an ongoing global issue. With the right information and good hygiene techniques, most instances of gastroenteritis can be prevented or treated at home. But learning when to seek assistance—such as Mbappé's medical team—is what can turn the tables.Acute gastroenteritis is widespread, but its effect can be from mild disruption to severe health risk depending on how it is handled. As a world-class sportsman or an average person coping with day-to-day well-being, early recognition of the symptoms, fluid intake, and attention to food and hygiene safety can keep you one step ahead of this miserable but avoidable illness.

what is acute gastroenteritis? the gastric issue real madrid’s star footballer kylian mbapp was hospitalized for

Aarushi Bhadury

XFG COVID Variant Now Dominant In Maharashtra Amid Rising Infections, Flags Genome Study

xfg covid variant now dominant in maharashtra amid rising infections, flags genome study

Can Wildfires Increase The Risk Of COVID-19 And Flu?

can wildfires increase the risk of covid-19 and flu?

In many ways <span>COVID</span>-19 has changed the way medicine and treatments work. During peak COVID wave, at-home test kits became a more accepted part of medical care for people, as stepping outside and visiting hospitals could also cause infection. As new strains of COVID keep mutating, many people have brought up concerns regarding the effectiveness of the at-home tests. 

The concern is regarding the fact that these at-home test kits are equipped to diagnose the new strains or are there certain strains that can go undetected. 

If you start feeling sick with symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose, you might worry if it's <span>COVID-19</span>. A simple way to check is by using an at-home COVID-19 test. You can easily find these tests at drugstores, supermarkets, and online stores. 

At-home COVID-19 tests are designed to find tiny parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. These parts are called antigens. Rapid at-home antigen tests usually give you results in about 15 minutes. If your test is positive, it's very likely you have the virus. 

It's important to know that these tests can sometimes give a false negative, meaning you could test negative but still have the virus. However, because these tests are quick and rarely give a false positive, they can be very useful if used correctly.

<h2>Do They Work Against New COVID Variants? </h2>

At-home COVID tests should work against newer versions of the virus, “The antigen, that the at-home tests look for has remained fairly stable even as the virus mutates and new strains of COVID develop”. Harvard Health experts explain that the part of the virus these tests look for stays pretty much the same, even as the virus changes. Research generally shows that these antigen tests are good at finding different COVID-19 variants. 

In a comparative study published in the Microbiology Spectrum journals, researchers looked at 2 types of tests PCR test and rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDTs). They used FIA which is the flourescence immunoassay, a simple and rapid technique that is used to measure compounds like drugs, hormones and proteins and LFIA which is lateral flow immunoassay, that is also used to detect proteins, haptens (a type of molecules), nucleic acids etc. Both rapid tests were 100% accurate at finding the virus when there was a lot of virus in the sample. However, their ability to find the virus dropped to around 30% when there was only a small amount of virus present. 

This study confirms that rapid antigen tests (especially FIA and LFIA) work almost as well as RT-PCR tests for finding SARS-CoV-2. The FIA test was particularly good for people who had the virus but no symptoms. Both rapid tests agreed strongly with the gold standard RT-PCR results. 

Harvard Health experts advise using an at-home COVID test if you have respiratory symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose. She also suggests testing if you've been around someone with COVID-19, or if you're going to be near elderly people or those with weak immune systems who could get very sick from the virus. 

In general, these tests are most effective when you have symptoms. One study found that certain at-home tests caught almost 90% of COVID cases in people with symptoms, but only about half of cases in people who had the virus but no symptoms. 

If your test is positive, it means you have the virus. If it is negative, health authorities recommend taking another test 48 hours later to reduce the chance of a false negative. 

If you have respiratory symptoms, these combination tests are an easy way to find out if you have the flu, COVID-19, or both, without needing to visit a doctor's office. You can also help public health efforts by reporting your test result (whether it's positive or negative) online. 

The best way to protect yourself from both COVID-19 and the flu is to get vaccinated for both. Vaccines lower your risk of getting sick and developing serious complications if you do catch the viruses. 

covid

Covid-19

Covid-19 at home test kits

Are Covid-19 At-Home Tests Useful

do At-Home COVID Tests Work?

How accurate are At-Home COVID Tests

Can At-Home COVID Tests Detect new strains

At-Home COVID Tests Kits

In many ways COVID-19 has changed the way medicine and treatments work. During peak COVID wave, at-home test kits became a more accepted part of medical care for people, as stepping outside and visiting hospitals could also cause infection. As new strains of COVID keep mutating, many people have brought up concerns regarding the effectiveness of the at-home tests. The concern is regarding the fact that these at-home test kits are equipped to diagnose the new strains or are there certain strains that can go undetected. How At-Home COVID Tests Work? If you start feeling sick with symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose, you might worry if it's COVID-19. A simple way to check is by using an at-home COVID-19 test. You can easily find these tests at drugstores, supermarkets, and online stores. At-home COVID-19 tests are designed to find tiny parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. These parts are called antigens. Rapid at-home antigen tests usually give you results in about 15 minutes. If your test is positive, it's very likely you have the virus. It's important to know that these tests can sometimes give a false negative, meaning you could test negative but still have the virus. However, because these tests are quick and rarely give a false positive, they can be very useful if used correctly. Do They Work Against New COVID Variants? At-home COVID tests should work against newer versions of the virus, “The antigen, that the at-home tests look for has remained fairly stable even as the virus mutates and new strains of COVID develop”. Harvard Health experts explain that the part of the virus these tests look for stays pretty much the same, even as the virus changes. Research generally shows that these antigen tests are good at finding different COVID-19 variants. In a comparative study published in the Microbiology Spectrum journals, researchers looked at 2 types of tests PCR test and rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDTs). They used FIA which is the flourescence immunoassay, a simple and rapid technique that is used to measure compounds like drugs, hormones and proteins and LFIA which is lateral flow immunoassay, that is also used to detect proteins, haptens (a type of molecules), nucleic acids etc. Both rapid tests were 100% accurate at finding the virus when there was a lot of virus in the sample. However, their ability to find the virus dropped to around 30% when there was only a small amount of virus present. This study confirms that rapid antigen tests (especially FIA and LFIA) work almost as well as RT-PCR tests for finding SARS-CoV-2. The FIA test was particularly good for people who had the virus but no symptoms. Both rapid tests agreed strongly with the gold standard RT-PCR results. When to Test for COVID? Harvard Health experts advise using an at-home COVID test if you have respiratory symptoms like a cough, fever, or runny nose. She also suggests testing if you've been around someone with COVID-19, or if you're going to be near elderly people or those with weak immune systems who could get very sick from the virus. In general, these tests are most effective when you have symptoms. One study found that certain at-home tests caught almost 90% of COVID cases in people with symptoms, but only about half of cases in people who had the virus but no symptoms. If your test is positive, it means you have the virus. If it is negative, health authorities recommend taking another test 48 hours later to reduce the chance of a false negative. If you have respiratory symptoms, these combination tests are an easy way to find out if you have the flu, COVID-19, or both, without needing to visit a doctor's office. You can also help public health efforts by reporting your test result (whether it's positive or negative) online. The best way to protect yourself from both COVID-19 and the flu is to get vaccinated for both. Vaccines lower your risk of getting sick and developing serious complications if you do catch the viruses. 

Dementia Caregivers Have A Higher Chance Of Getting Dementia Themselves

dementia caregivers have a higher chance of getting dementia themselves

Asthma Risk Could Increase For Women Who Work Night Shifts: Study

asthma risk could increase for women who work night shifts: study

Wildfires are a big concern for US citizens. Since the beginning of 2025, 31,039 wildfires have consumed 1.3 million acres of US land, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn wildland and often rural areas. These fires can exhaust forests, grasslands, and many other ecosystems. With the amount of smoke generated, wildfires can severely affect the health of people. 

A new study suggests that wildfires might indirectly raise the risk of flu and <span>COVID-19 outbreaks</span>. The smoke from wildfires often forces people to stay indoors, and when more people are gathered in enclosed spaces, infectious diseases can spread more easily. This finding was recently published in the journal PLOS Climate. 

<h2>Why Staying Inside Puts You at Higher Risk </h2>

When wildfires burn, the air outside gets filled with smoke, making people go indoors. This creates perfect conditions for illnesses like the flu to spread, as a researcher from Georgetown University explained. With more people packed together, germs can jump from one person to another more easily. But there's a simple way to lower this risk: just wearing a mask indoors can help a lot. 

<h2>Following People's Movements During Wildfires </h2>

Researchers looked at mobile phone data to see where people went during wildfires. This data showed visits to over 4.6 million places across the U.S., both inside and outside. They focused on the wildfire season in Oregon and Washington in 2020. By checking air quality, they found the areas worst affected by smoke. During that time, especially in August and September 2020, widespread wildfires caused a lot of smoke in these states. 

The study found a clear increase in indoor activities when the wildfires were burning. In counties across Oregon, indoor activity went up by 14%, and in Washington counties, it increased by almost 11%. Major cities also saw a significant jump: Seattle experienced a 16% rise, and Portland saw an 11% increase in people spending time indoors. This shift means more people were confined together. 

Using computer models, the researchers confirmed that more people indoors raises the risk of infectious diseases spreading, especially for highly contagious illnesses like flu and COVID-19. But these models also showed that wearing masks indoors can help slow the spread. They found that even a small increase in mask wearing (just 10% more people) could lower the number of new cases during wildfires. In areas hit hardest by smoke, like parts of Oregon and Washington, more than half the people might need to wear masks to effectively control the disease.

<h2>Preparing for Health Risks in a Changing Climate </h2>

The researchers advise public health experts to be aware of this connection if <span>wildfire smoke</span> reaches their communities. They should also warn people about the higher risk of infection. The study emphasized that as we face more extreme weather events, our public health plans need to change. We have to address not just the direct environmental harm from wildfires, but also how people react and adapt to these emergencies. By understanding how people behave and planning for it, we can better protect everyone's health in a world where extreme events are becoming more common. 

Wildfire Smoke

covid 19

Wildfire Smoke and Flu

Wildfire Smoke and health issues

COVID-19 Outbreaks

Wildfire smoke and covid 19

Wildfires are a big concern for US citizens. Since the beginning of 2025, 31,039 wildfires have consumed 1.3 million acres of US land, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn wildland and often rural areas. These fires can exhaust forests, grasslands, and many other ecosystems. With the amount of smoke generated, wildfires can severely affect the health of people. A new study suggests that wildfires might indirectly raise the risk of flu and COVID-19 outbreaks. The smoke from wildfires often forces people to stay indoors, and when more people are gathered in enclosed spaces, infectious diseases can spread more easily. This finding was recently published in the journal PLOS Climate. Why Staying Inside Puts You at Higher Risk When wildfires burn, the air outside gets filled with smoke, making people go indoors. This creates perfect conditions for illnesses like the flu to spread, as a researcher from Georgetown University explained. With more people packed together, germs can jump from one person to another more easily. But there's a simple way to lower this risk: just wearing a mask indoors can help a lot. Following People's Movements During Wildfires Researchers looked at mobile phone data to see where people went during wildfires. This data showed visits to over 4.6 million places across the U.S., both inside and outside. They focused on the wildfire season in Oregon and Washington in 2020. By checking air quality, they found the areas worst affected by smoke. During that time, especially in August and September 2020, widespread wildfires caused a lot of smoke in these states. More People, More Risk The study found a clear increase in indoor activities when the wildfires were burning. In counties across Oregon, indoor activity went up by 14%, and in Washington counties, it increased by almost 11%. Major cities also saw a significant jump: Seattle experienced a 16% rise, and Portland saw an 11% increase in people spending time indoors. This shift means more people were confined together. Using computer models, the researchers confirmed that more people indoors raises the risk of infectious diseases spreading, especially for highly contagious illnesses like flu and COVID-19. But these models also showed that wearing masks indoors can help slow the spread. They found that even a small increase in mask wearing (just 10% more people) could lower the number of new cases during wildfires. In areas hit hardest by smoke, like parts of Oregon and Washington, more than half the people might need to wear masks to effectively control the disease. Preparing for Health Risks in a Changing Climate The researchers advise public health experts to be aware of this connection if wildfire smoke reaches their communities. They should also warn people about the higher risk of infection. The study emphasized that as we face more extreme weather events, our public health plans need to change. We have to address not just the direct environmental harm from wildfires, but also how people react and adapt to these emergencies. By understanding how people behave and planning for it, we can better protect everyone's health in a world where extreme events are becoming more common. 

wildfire smoke could fuel flu and covid-19 outbreaks

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