People expect places like bathrooms, toilets and washbasins to be the dirtiest things in our home. However, there are many things and places in our homes that are much worse than these. According to research done by Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D., a microbiologist and immunologist, your carpet may contain 4000 times more bacteria than your toilet seats. Other places that have a lot of bacteria and you may not be aware of include your kitchen sink, doorknobs, light switches microwave etc. Something you may have realized is how many of these items are daily use and negligible in most hygiene conversations.

These are everyday use items that can be the biggest reason for one falling ill and one such item that you may be carrying around everywhere is your reusable water bottle. Dr. Myro Figuara, who is an Anesthesiologist and current chief medical officer and co-founder of HealFast, took to social media to share this fact with people. In the video he explained that if you just keep filling up the same water bottle every day without washing it, you should probably stop. He shared a video explained that filling up the same bottle every day without washing is a disaster waiting to happen. The video explained that your bottle can become a place where lots of germs grow. Every time you take a sip, bacteria from your mouth, hands, and even the air can get trapped inside.

Your Water Bottle Can Be As Dirty As Your Toilet

Dr. Myro agreed with this and said that even if you only put water in your bottle, you still need to wash it every day. He even said that your water bottle could be as dirty as a toilet seat! He mentioned a study that found some water bottles had way more germs than a toilet seat. He especially pointed out that the lids of the bottles are a favorite spot for germs to multiply.

A study by a group called WaterFilterGuru found that water bottles with a spout lid are really good at growing bacteria. They found an average of 30 million of these germs' groups in those bottles. Bottles with a squeeze top were much cleaner, with only about three million groups. This shows that not only are there a lot of germs, but they can also grow quickly.

Why Are These Germs A Cause of Concern?

The study found mostly a type of germ called gram-negative bacteria, which can cause infections that are hard to treat with medicine. They also found another type of germ in bottles with straws that can cause tummy troubles. Dr. Myro said it's really important to wash your water bottles every day and clean them deeply once a week. He warned that not doing this can make you sick right away, and being around mold and germy buildup for a long time can cause long-term health problems. Here are some tips to keep your reusable water bottles clean and germ free for health.

Wash every day

Scrub your bottle with warm, soapy water after you use it. Don't forget to scrub the parts where germs like to hide, like the screw threads, the spout, and any rubber seals.

Let it dry

After washing, let your bottle dry completely in the air before you put the lid back on. Germs like to grow in wet places.

Deep clean once a week

You can use things like vinegar or baking soda to clean it well, or just put it in the dishwasher if it's safe to do that.

Don't leave stagnant water in your bottles

Finally, the doctor warned against leaving water sitting in your bottle for a long time when you're not using it. He told people to empty their bottles when they are done drinking.

While the health issues associated with climate change may seem far off, we may have to worry about a killer fungus that infects millions. A new study shows that Aspergillus species, which can cause severe infections in humans, livestock and plants will continue to grow because of the higher temperatures. The research is currently under peer review. The authors explain that invasive aspergillosis and its prevalence in a place correlates with the environmental suitability, meaning the warmer the temperature, the more severe the strain.

To understand this infection better, we spoke to Dr. Sabrinath Ravichandar, Pulmonologist from Chennai.

What Infection Does Aspergillus Species Cause?

The fungus in question can lead to invasive aspergillosis, a severe infection that typically starts in the lungs and has the potential to spread to the brain. While people with healthy immune systems can usually combat the fungal spores, those with a weak immune system are more at risk. According to a 2024 report in Lancet, annually more than 2 million people develop invasive aspergillosis with 34 thousand deaths.

Dr. Ravichandar explains that the early signs of this infection include coughing (sometimes with blood), shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, fatigue and wheezing. The symptoms may differ for people who have a weak immune system, he explains. “In immunocompromised individuals, symptoms may progress rapidly. Sinus infections, facial swelling, or vision changes can also occur if the fungus spreads. Prompt medical attention is crucial for effective treatment.”

Climate Change Fuels Fungal Spread

The study suggests that this fungus, called Aspergillus, could move from warmer parts of the world into Europe and the UK as climate change gets worse, and temperatures keep rising. Researchers say that climate change makes disease outbreaks more likely, and these fungal infections are becoming harder to treat and more common.

Why Is This Fungus A Cause Of Concern?

Experts say these fungi are "extremely difficult" to treat. There aren't many medicines that work against them, and the fungus is becoming resistant to the drugs we have. They are also very hard to diagnose. Dr. Ravichandar says, “Antifungal medications like voriconazole and amphotericin B are effective treatments. Early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy significantly improve outcomes in affected individuals.”

Challenges in Treatment and Diagnosis

Experts caution that these fungal infections are very difficult to treat. Researchers note that along with limited availability of effective treatments and medications, there is a concern regarding whether the infection becomes drug resistant. Now the question arises - how will the infection be effectively diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Ravichandran explains that the effectiveness for the treatment for aspergillosis depends on what kind of strain it is. While medication may help, sometimes there is need for other kinds of treatments. “In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissues. Treatment effectiveness varies; it depends on the infection type and the patient’s immune status. Invasive aspergillosis is harder to treat and can be life-threatening despite therapy.”

How Is Infection Caused By Aspergillus Diagnosed?

Researchers emphasize the difficulty of diagnosing this infection, saying there are many challenges associated with accurate diagnosis. Dr. Ravichandar explains that diagnosis for aspergillosis involves chest X-rays or CT scans to detect lung damage. He continues, “Blood tests to detect antibodies or antigens, and sputum or tissue cultures to identify the fungus. A bronchoscopy may be performed to collect lung samples.”

Who Is At Risk And Are There Preventive Measures They Can Follow?

The expert says, “People most at risk include those with weakened immune systems, cancer, organ transplants, or lung diseases. To protect themselves, they should avoid dusty environments, wear masks when exposed to soil or mold, maintain good hygiene, and promptly treat infections. Regular medical follow-ups help detect and manage early signs effectively.”

According to the Gerontology Research Group, Ethel Caterham, the 115-year-old British woman holds the title of the world's oldest living person's record. She was born even before the World War I on August 21, 1909. However, while much around her has changed, including countries, borders, and technologies, her mantra to a healthy life has not. It is: "Never argue with anyone. I listen and I do what I like." This is the golden rule she follows to lead a healthy life.

She was born in a small village in southern England, called Shipton Bellinger and was the second youngest among eight of her siblings. She shares that this was the time when there were horse-drawn carriages and handwritten letters were in trend. She has seen a lot of things, including two World Wars, rise of the internet and many other changes throughout history. However, her mantra is what kept her maintain her calm.

When she was 18, she also spent some time in India, where she worked as a nanny. Spending three years there, she returned to England and then moved to Hong Kong and Gibraltar after she married her husband Norman, who was a British army major.

She revealed that for her, travel was a stressbuster. There was a newness in it, and embracing different cultures, while staying true to her own, helped her keep calm. Studies have also shown that traveling to new places can improve your mental health. As it was relieve the tension and stress of your work life and also help your mind relax and heal.

It also helps as a regular reset, and helps increase your creativity and mental power, as well as focus.

The Rule To Never Argue

While being in her care home in Surrey, Ethel also spoke about her rule to never argue with anyone. This may sound old fashioned, however, psychologists agree that chronic stress, anger and emotional conflicts can in fact raise stress. The approach to never argue in ways falls under the ambit of "you cannot change things that are not under your control", a true line all therapists swear by.

It also helps you avoid unnecessary arguments, and preserve your mental and physical health.

Ethel also ensures that she celebrates her life. In the photos, she celebrated her 115th birthday and wore a tiara and enjoyed a cake.

The key to her life's secret is positivity and happiness, which she continues to live through her mantra of never arguing.

In fact, as per a 2023 study published in BMC Geriatrics, titled Happy people live longer because they are healthy people, notes that higher levels of happiness are associates with longer life expectancy.

The study also found that happiness was significantly associated with lower mortality.

Blood of an American man who deliberately injected himself with snake venom nearly 200 times has led to an "unparalleled" antivenom. Scientists have said that antibodies found in Tim Friede's blood have been shown to protect against fatal doses of venom from a wide variety of snakes, including kraits and cobras. It could be a breakthrough in treatment against snakebites, as all current therapies against snakebites have to match the specific species of venomous snake that anyone has been bitten by.

How Dangerous Is A Snakebite?

Someone dies from a snakebite every 4 to 6 minutes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The highest mortality rates occur in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, where access to medical care and antivenoms is often limited. India alone accounts for nearly half of all snakebite deaths globally, with rural populations being the most vulnerable. Beyond fatalities, snake bites can cause severe disabilities, including amputations and chronic pain. Many survivors suffer long-term psychological trauma and socioeconomic setbacks due to prolonged recovery and loss of livelihood. WHO also revealed that over a third of snakebite victims are under the age of 20, highlighting the significant risk faced by younger populations in tropical regions, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The effects of snake venom can be devastating, leading to various complications and sometimes permanent disabilities. Shockingly, for every person who succumbs to a snakebite, three others may survive but live with lasting physical impairments, resulting in a continuous loss of income for families, especially if the victim is the primary breadwinner.

How To Prevent Snakebites

Prevention is key when it comes to snakebites, especially for those living or working in snake-prone areas. Here are some practical steps to reduce the risk:

1. Be Cautious: Be mindful of where you place your hands and feet. Avoid reaching into unknown spaces or under objects without checking for hidden snakes.

2. Stay Aware: Keep an eye on your surroundings. Avoid lying down or sitting in areas that might harbour snakes.

3. Dress Appropriately: Wear high-top boots and long pants when navigating through dense vegetation to provide better protection against snake bites.

4. Avoid Handling Snakes: Do not attempt to capture, handle, or keep snakes, as this increases your risk of being bitten.

5. Back Away Slowly: If you encounter a snake, calmly back away and do not attempt to touch or provoke it.

How Are Traditional Antivenoms Created?

The process of creating antivenoms typically involves immunising animals like horses or sheep with venom from a single species of snake. These animals then produce antibodies that are harvested and used to treat envenomated patients. While this is an effective treatment, the method has some limitations. It includes the possibility of adverse reactions to non-human antibodies. The fact that treatments tend to be species-specific it could then mean that if a person is bitten by one type of snake, then it may not benefit from an antivenom developed from a different species.