Is the world preparing for the next pandemic? If not the world, UK sure is preparing for that. The UK has ordered 5 million vaccines against bird flu, also dubbed as "one mutation from being the next COVID". The comparison of bird flu with COVID, comes from the mutation that has recently been seen in the avian flu, which has affected animals and humans alike. Similar to how the corona virus previously also mutated, and continues to do so.

The stocking of vaccine has been done maid the growing concerns that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza could actually trigger the next global health crisis. This has become a cause of concerns after California became the latest to declare an emergency over infected cattle herds, and Louisiana reported its first "severe" human case of bird flu.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) rates bird flu threat at level 4, which means sustained outbreaks in mammals and increasing human cases from animal contact. In terms of numbers, since 2003, there have been 939 human cases of bird flu globally, with 464 deaths recorded. All of them were directly caught from birds or animals. Human to human contact for bird flu is still yet to be studied.

A threat to public health

As per Dr Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator: "We kind of have our head in the sand about how widespread this is from the zoonotic standpoint, from the animal-to-human standpoint."

The mutation also makes it a big enough reason for UK to stand prepared. In fact, a spokesperson of the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that existing comments about the avian flu testing are out of date, misleading, and inaccurate, indicating new tests, and studies to be done.

CDC also confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in humans in the US, which showed the signs of mutation. The sample was taken from a patient in Louisiana, which showed mutations in the gene which is responsible for attaching to host's cells. This is a concern, as it raises the questions of whether the H5N1 virus can actually swap gene segment with other flu?

What are the symptoms one must look out for?

• Pink eye
• fever
• fatigue
• cough
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• study or runny nose
• shortness of breath

Birds flu in humans

The first case of the recent bird flu outbreak in the US came in September, from a Missouri resident. However, the person did not have any exposure to infected animals. This is what is also raising the concern for mutation and the possibility of other forms of spreading. This was also a rare case as the infection did not happen due to exposure. Previously, all such cases in the US involved contact with farm animals or contaminated environment.

Can bird flu come from other animals?

Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The first human bird flu case in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.

While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.

While 14 cases are in the US, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.

In a recent post, Dr Sudhir Kumar busted 10 common misconceptions people have about health. Health misconceptions occur very often, while you may not realize it; we also perpetuate these myths very often.

To help people avoid these, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based Neurologist, listed misconceptions about common diseases. The reason why it is important to know what to believe and what not to, is because these myths can lead people to ignore obvious health signs, like signs of heart attacks, because they believe they are unlikely to get one themselves.

10 Health Myths You Should Not Believe

Here are 10 common health misconceptions you should know about, according to Dr Sudhir Kumar.

Myth: Stroke Only Happens to the Elderly.

Fact: Stroke Can Happen at Any Age. Many people think strokes are just an old-age problem, but this is false. Strokes can strike young adults, even in their 30s or 40s. Having high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking greatly increases the risk, regardless of your age. Staying healthy is crucial for everyone.

Myth: Heart Attacks Always Cause Severe Chest Pain.

Fact: Heart Attacks Can Be Silent or Mild. It’s a common belief that a heart attack is always a sudden, crushing pain. However, many heart attacks are mild or "silent," causing only slight discomfort or unusual fatigue. This is especially common in women and people with diabetes, making it easy to overlook.

Myth: Fever Must Always Be Brought Down Quickly.

Fact: Fever is Your Body's Natural Defense. Fever is how your immune system fights off infections. You only need to treat it if the temperature is dangerously high or if you feel very uncomfortable. For mild fevers, let your body do its job; focus on rest and hydration instead.

Myth: Antibiotics Cure Colds and Flu.

Fact: Antibiotics Only Fight Bacteria, Not Viruses. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are useless against them. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily will not help and actually makes them less effective against real bacterial infections later on. Only use them when prescribed for bacteria.

Myth: High Blood Pressure Always Causes Symptoms.

Fact: Hypertension is Usually a Silent Condition. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until it's very severe. This is why getting your blood pressure checked regularly is essential. You need routine checks to catch it early before it causes damage.

Myth: Eating Sweets Causes Diabetes.

Fact: Diabetes is Complex, Not Just Caused by Sugar. While eating too much sugar makes Type 2 diabetes worse, the disease is primarily caused by a mix of genetics, not exercising enough, and the body's inability to properly use insulin (insulin resistance). It is a lifestyle disorder, not just a sugar problem.

Myth: Sunscreen is Only Needed on Sunny Days.

Fact: Harmful UV Rays Get Through Clouds Daily. Many people skip sunscreen on cloudy or overcast days, but this is a mistake. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which damage your skin, can easily penetrate clouds. You need to apply sunscreen every single day for proper protection against skin aging and cancer.

Myth: Cancer Always Runs in Families.

Fact: Lifestyle and Environment Cause Most Cancers. While certain rare cancers are linked to inherited genes, the majority of cancer cases are actually caused by daily habits and environmental factors. Things like smoking, diet, lack of exercise, and sun exposure play a much bigger role in cancer risk for most people.

Myth: Once Symptoms Improve, You Can Stop Taking Medicines.

Fact: Stopping Treatment Early Can Cause Relapse. You must always finish the full course of medicine as directed by your doctor. Stopping treatment too soon—especially antibiotics or blood pressure medication—allows the illness to come back or get worse. Follow the prescription to fully clear the infection or manage the condition.

Myth: Mental Health Problems Mean Weakness.

Fact: Mental Health Issues Are Real Medical Conditions. Conditions like depression or anxiety are genuine medical illnesses, just like diabetes or heart disease. They are not a sign that a person is weak or failing. Seeking help from a professional shows courage and strength, taking an active step toward recovery and well-being.

Your hormonal health plays a huge role in your health, and if you think it is something you need to worry about only when you get older. However, that is not true; you must pay attention to it even if you are in your 20s. Dr Holly Miller, an American Board–certified obstetrician and gynecologists, shared a video explaining why it is important for youngsters to regulate their hormonal health.

Your twenties are a critical time for building the foundation of your long-term health, impacting everything from your fertility and metabolism to your overall well-being. Hormone balance is about more than just your menstrual cycle, it profoundly influences your skin, mood, energy levels, and even your long-term risk for conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.

5 Ways To Maintain Your Hormonal Health

Here are five evidence-based strategies to actively support your hormone health

Prioritize Deep, Consistent Sleep

Sleep is the time when your body performs essential repair and resets your hormonal systems. When you consistently get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep, you stabilize cortisol, your main stress hormone.

High cortisol from lack of sleep throws off the production of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to irregular cycles and worsen PMS. Think of a good night's sleep as the number one way to calm your internal chemistry and support the natural rhythm your hormones need to thrive.

Balance Your Blood Sugar

Rapid spikes in blood sugar trigger a rush of the hormone insulin to bring the sugar down. Over time, these frequent spikes lead to insulin resistance, a major driver of hormonal imbalances like PCOS. The key is to slow down sugar absorption.

When you eat carbohydrates like bread or fruit, always pair them with protein like eggs or chicken and healthy fat like avocado or nuts. This simple habit keeps your insulin levels steady and prevents the hormonal chaos caused by rollercoaster blood sugar.

Minimize Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are hidden in many everyday products, from the lining of food cans (BPA) to synthetic fragrances and certain plastics. These chemicals are problematic because they can mimic or block your natural hormones, especially estrogen.

This interference can confuse your body, leading to heavy periods, unpredictable cycles, or fertility issues. Start simple: switch to using glass water bottles and food storage, choose fragrance-free products, and look for "paraben-free" labels on your skincare and makeup.

Engage in Regular Movement

Movement isn't just for weight loss, it is powerful hormonal medicine. Exercise, especially resistance training (lifting weights or using body weight), makes your cells much more responsive to insulin.

This means your body can process sugar more efficiently, which is vital for balancing all other hormones. Additionally, regular movement helps reduce body-wide inflammation, which is a primary cause of painful, uncomfortable period symptoms. Aim for a mix of strength training and light cardio throughout your week.

Fuel Up on Key Nutrients

Your hormones require specific building blocks and helpers to function optimally. Three critical nutrients are: Omega-3s, which are found in fatty fish/flaxseed, that reduce inflammation to ease cramps and mood swings.

Vitamin D, which acts more like a hormone itself and plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle; and Magnesium, known as "nature's relaxant," which helps reduce PMS-related anxiety, migraines, and cramps. Focus on incorporating these vital fats and minerals into your diet every day to directly support better hormonal health.

Diabetologists are getting calls from all day long, but not for the doubts and patients one would imagine. These calls are from those who have been trying to lose and even before they would try the lifestyle changes the doctor suggests, they would jump in with the question that doctors are not very fond of, "Doctor, can you start me on weight-loss drugs?"

The BBC reports that a Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr Rahul Baxi also experienced something similar. A 23-year-old corporate employee walked into his clinic and told him that one of his friends was on weight loss jabs and if he would too, since he was worried about the 10kg he had gained. “Stop, and the weight comes back. Keep going, and without exercise you’ll start losing muscle instead. These medicines aren't a substitute for a proper diet or lifestyle change.”

These conversations have now become common in India, where people's demand for weight loss jabs have skyrocketed. India has world's second-largest population of overweight adults. Furthermore, more than 77 million people live with Type 2 diabetes in the country. This is thus no surprise that if the drug has gained a quick traction.

Game-Changing Drugs

“These are the most powerful weight-loss drugs we’ve ever seen… nothing compares to these,” says Dr Anoop Misra to BBC, who heads Delhi’s Fortis-C-DOC Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Two drugs dominate the market:

• Semaglutide, sold by Novo Nordisk as Rybelsus (oral) and Wegovy (injectable)
• Tirzepatide, sold by Eli Lilly as Mounjaro

Both belong to the GLP-1 class, which mimics the hormone that regulates appetite. By slowing digestion and acting on the brain’s hunger centres, the drugs make people feel full sooner and stay full longer.

Treatment usually starts with low doses and ramps up to a weekly maintenance dose. Early weight loss often appears within weeks, making the drugs especially attractive to young urban users wanting quick results.

Weight Loss Drugs Do Not Come Without Side Effects

Doctors warn that most users regain weight within a year of stopping. Without strength training or adequate protein intake, they also risk losing muscle instead of fat, particularly worrying in a country already battling sarcopenic obesity due to low-protein diets.

Side effects range from nausea and diarrhea to more serious risks like gallstones, pancreatitis, and significant muscle loss. And the drugs aren’t cheap: a month’s supply can cost ₹14,000–₹27,000, out of reach for most Indians.

India’s anti-obesity drug market has ballooned from $16 million in 2021 to nearly $100 million today. Novo Nordisk leads the market, while Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide quickly became India’s second-bestselling drug within months of launch.

But behind the buzz lies troubling misuse.

Doctors describe gym trainers, dieticians and beauty clinics recommending high-dose jabs without medical authority. Some online pharmacies deliver the drugs after minimal consultation. One Delhi-based doctor told the BBC that some colleagues had treated thousands of patients with imported, unregulated jabs bought on the black market.

Then there are “bridal slimming packages” and requests for rapid pre-wedding weight loss—some as drastic as dropping seven kilos in three months.