New Covid Strain: As we enter autumn, rates of respiratory illnesses start to rise and people ask how the most common current lineages, or groups of genetically similar viruses, compare to previous COVID-19 variants.

What Have We Seen So Far?

As autumn settles in, health officials across the UK are reporting an increase in Covid-19 cases. The latest concern is the rise of the Stratus variant, scientifically labelled XFG, and its sub-lineages like XFG.3. Alongside Stratus, the Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) is also circulating, but Stratus is quickly becoming the dominant strain.

Genomic surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that last month:

• 35% of cases were classified as XFG.3
• 28% as XFG
• 11% as NB.1.8.1
• 7% as XFG.5
• 7% as XFG.3.4.1

Positivity rates for Covid-19 have jumped from 7.6% to 8.4% in just a week, and hospital admissions have also increased from 2.00 to 2.73 per 100,000 people. While current data suggests the illness is not more severe than previous strains, its rapid spread and unusual symptoms are raising concerns.

A Distinctive Symptom: The Hoarse Voice

One feature setting the Stratus variant apart from earlier forms of Covid-19 is a hoarse, croaky voice that often appears early in infection. Many patients report a raspy throat and significant soreness, making it easy to confuse with common colds or seasonal allergies.

According to doctors, while typical Covid symptoms like cough, fever, and fatigue remain, this hoarseness is becoming a standout marker of Stratus infections. Dr Nye, speaking to The Mirror, noted: “In most ways, it’s almost identical. However, people with this version tend to get very sore throats and a hoarse voice, compared with the other more general symptoms.”

Other associated symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Stomach upset
• Severe tiredness

This subtle shift complicates diagnosis, especially as flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) also circulate at the same time.

The Threat of a “Tripledemic”

Public health experts warn that the UK may be heading into a “tripledemic”, a seasonal wave where Covid-19, flu, and RSV spread simultaneously. Each presents with overlapping signs such as cough, fever, and body aches, making it difficult to know which infection a person has without testing.

RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough but can lead to pneumonia in vulnerable groups. Flu usually strikes suddenly with chills, fever, and severe fatigue. Covid-19 overlaps heavily with both, but the hoarse voice linked to Stratus could be one of the few distinguishing features.

Vaccination Drive Intensifies

To combat this surge, the UKHSA, NHS England, and the Department of Health have launched a campaign under the banner “Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated.” The initiative spans television, radio, outdoor billboards, and social media, urging people to get protected before cases climb higher in winter.

For the first time, flu vaccines are being offered to toddlers in community pharmacies in the form of a nasal spray. Covid-19 and RSV vaccines are being prioritized for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Most groups will be able to book appointments from 1 October, ensuring early protection before peak transmission season.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized:

“Flu and COVID-19 levels are starting to slowly increase. While this is expected at this time of year, now is the time for people to come forward for their winter vaccines if they’re eligible, before these viruses circulate more widely.”

What Should You Do If You Feel Unwell?

The UKHSA guidance remains clear: if you develop symptoms of a respiratory infection and feel too unwell to continue normal activities, stay at home if possible and avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals.

For those who cannot stay at home, steps to reduce transmission include:

• Wearing a well-fitted face mask in public spaces
• Avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated areas
• Exercising outdoors instead of indoors
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Washing hands frequently with soap or sanitizer
• Avoiding touching your face unnecessarily

These measures, though familiar from earlier pandemic waves, remain highly effective in curbing spread.

Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For

Doctors advise paying close attention to the nature of your cough. Dr Amir Khan, a regular medical contributor, explains that:

• A dry, tickly cough is often viral.
• A persistent, chesty cough producing phlegm could indicate a deeper infection.

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• A cough lasting more than three weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness

Such symptoms may indicate complications that need immediate attention.

Surveillance and What Lies Ahead

The UK continues to rely on robust surveillance systems, including the UKHSA data dashboard, hospital admissions monitoring, and genome sequencing, to track the behavior of new variants. These tools help experts assess transmission potential and guide public health responses.

While the Stratus variant is not currently linked to more severe illness than earlier variants, its rapid spread and distinctive hoarse voice symptom have made it a focal point of this autumn’s Covid-19 landscape.

The bottom line? Vaccination, vigilance, and common-sense precautions remain our strongest defenses. With flu, RSV, and Covid-19 all rising, experts stress that protecting yourself early, especially with seasonal jabs, will reduce both individual risk and pressure on the health system in the coming months.

Rabies is one of the oldest and deadliest viral diseases known to humankind. Despite being 100% preventable, it still kills nearly 59,000 people worldwide each year, with India accounting for almost one-third of these deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and spreads through bites, scratches, or even licks on broken skin. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making timely prevention the only real protection.

On World Rabies Day, which falls on September 28, doctors remind us of the importance of awareness, timely treatment, and complete vaccination in preventing rabies-related deaths.

Where Should the Vaccine Be Given?

Rabies vaccines can be injected in different body sites depending on age and type of vaccine. Dr. Pooja Pillai, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, explains:

“Modern rabies vaccines are usually given as an intramuscular injection in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm because it has good blood supply and allows the vaccine to work effectively. In children, the thigh is preferred as their arm muscle may be too small. Earlier practices of using the buttocks are now avoided since fat in that area reduces vaccine effectiveness.”

Dr. Ravi N. Sangapur, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, also emphasizes: “In adults, the best site is the arm because it produces better immunogenicity.”

Why Do People Still Die Even After Getting the Vaccine?

Reports of rabies deaths despite vaccination often point to lapses in treatment. “One major reason is improper wound care,” notes Dr. Pillai. Thorough washing with soap and water for at least 15 minutes is the very first step after a bite or scratch. Missing vaccine doses, wrong injection site, or use of poor-quality vaccines can also fail to protect.

Dr. Sangapur adds: “Failure to administer immunoglobulins in Category III cases or issues in immunocompromised patients can lead to inadequate immune response and death.”

How Many Doses Are Needed?

The vaccination schedule differs depending on exposure.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): For those never vaccinated, WHO recommends five doses on Day 0 (the day of the bite), Day 3, Day 7, Day 14, and Day 28. In severe bites, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) should also be given on Day 0 around the wound.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): For veterinarians, animal handlers, or those at high risk, two doses on Day 0 and Day 7, with a booster on Day 21 or 28, are given to build long-term protection.

“Following the correct schedule is very important to ensure full protection against rabies,” stresses Dr. Pillai.

How Soon Should the Vaccine Be Taken?

Both doctors agree on urgency. “The vaccine should be taken as soon as possible after exposure,” says Dr. Sangapur. Even if delayed, it may still work, but the sooner it starts, the higher the chances of preventing infection. Dr. Pillai highlights that ideally, the first dose should be given within hours of the bite, along with proper wound washing and antiseptic application.

Do Scratches Carry Risk Too?

A common misconception is that only deep bites are dangerous. In reality, scratches also carry risk if the skin is broken.

“Rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals, and their nails may carry it from grooming,” explains Dr. Pillai. “Even minor scratches or licks on broken skin can transmit rabies. They must never be ignored.”

Dr. Sangapur agrees: “Such cases should also take the vaccine.”

Is It Just About Dogs?

While dogs remain the most common carriers, other animals can transmit the virus too. Cats, monkeys, mongoose, foxes, jackals, wolves, and in some countries, bats, have all been documented as carriers.

“Any bite or scratch from a mammal should be taken seriously,” says Dr. Pillai. “Thinking only dog bites are dangerous is risky.”

What If You Get Bitten Again After Vaccination?

If a person is re-exposed within three months of completing the vaccine schedule, Dr. Sangapur explains that revaccination is not needed, only proper wound care suffices. However, if exposure happens after three months, two additional booster doses on Day 0 and Day 7 are recommended.Doctors Answer The Most Googled Rabies-Related Questions For You

Dr. Pillai adds that the body develops immune memory after a full vaccination course, providing long-lasting protection, but boosters strengthen the response during re-exposure.

A Preventable Tragedy

Rabies continues to claim lives despite the availability of effective vaccines and treatment. Every bite or scratch from a potentially infected animal must be treated as an emergency. Washing the wound, seeking medical help immediately, and completing the prescribed vaccine schedule can save lives.

Even though cannabis (marijuana) has become popular as a medicine—helping with things like long-lasting pain, nausea from cancer treatment, and certain appetite problems—experts are pointing out that using it often comes with serious health risks that many people don't know about. We're talking about risks to your heart and brain that people tend to ignore, especially as the strength of marijuana's active ingredient, THC, keeps increasing.

Does Cannabis Increase Your Heart Risk?

A cardiologist named Dr. Dmitry Yaranov warns that we've known the dangers of tobacco and alcohol for a long time, but cannabis somehow hasn't been looked at as closely. He recently shared that new research confirms what doctors are seeing: using cannabis every single day can significantly raise your chances of having serious heart problems.

The potential dangers from this daily habit include a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, and it could even double your risk of dying from heart disease. Dr. Yaranov isn't arguing about whether cannabis should be legal; he's arguing that based on the facts, doctors need to start asking patients about their cannabis use and treat it as a serious risk factor, especially for young adults.

Other Health Concerns with Cannabis

The dangers of regular cannabis use aren't just limited to the heart. It can also hurt your brain and thinking abilities. The chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, affect how your brain sends signals. In the short term, this can mess up your memory.

If you use it chronically (all the time), the memory problems get worse. You might also notice that you think more slowly, have trouble paying attention, and just generally put in less effort at tasks. Basically, regular use can cause lasting problems with how well your brain works.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, many people use cannabis (marijuana) for various reasons, it's important to be aware of the potential negative effects it can have on your body and mind. Research has highlighted several areas where frequent or long-term use may cause harm.

Mental Health Concerns

Cannabis use has been found to have a link with certain mental health conditions. If you're using cannabis, it's worth learning more about this connection and how it might affect your psychological well-being.

Risks to Your Heart and Blood Vessels

Right after you use cannabis, your heart rate and blood pressure can increase immediately. Some studies also show a concerning association between long-term use and a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart attack, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). However, researchers still need to do more work to figure out if cannabis directly causes these heart problems or if other factors are involved.

Stomach and Digestive Issues

Heavy, long-term cannabis use can lead to serious digestive problems. One notable condition is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which causes severe and repeated episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other potential issues affecting the gut include acid reflux, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease).

Possible Cancer Risk

Research has suggested a link between using cannabis products and an increased chance of developing cancers of the head, neck, or throat. This risk is especially noted in people who smoke cannabis.

Ramen is one of the top trending foods in the world currently. While many people attribute this rise to K-dramas, others argue that the addictive nature of the noodles has slowly helped the ramen brands solidify themselves all over the world.

However, as tasty as these meals are, a new study has found that too much ramen could actually affect your health in a profound way.

A new study from Japan has found a potential link between eating ramen frequently and a higher risk of early death. The research, which was published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing, surveyed more than 6,500 people over 40 years old, tracking them for about 4.5 years.

The study found that participants who ate ramen three or more times a week were more likely to be younger men who smoked, drank alcohol, and were overweight. During the study period, 145 people died, and most of these deaths were due to cancer and heart disease. The researchers concluded that frequent ramen intake may be linked to a greater death risk, particularly in men under 70.

Who Eats The Most Ramen?

The study found that the people who ate ramen three or more times a week generally had other habits and health factors that put them at higher risk. These frequent ramen eaters were more likely to be:

• Men
• Younger (under 70)
• Smokers and alcohol drinkers
• More likely to have diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension)
• More likely to drink half or more of the salty noodle soup

Why Is Ramen So Unhealthy ?

Ramen noodles are one of the most popular foods in Japan, but the main concern is the very high salt content in the noodles and especially the soup. The average salt intake in Japan is already higher than recommended targets.

We already know that eating too much salt is bad for you. It's a major cause of serious health problems like stroke (a brain attack) and stomach cancer. The study on ramen suggests that when you eat it often, you're likely taking in a large amount of salt (sodium). This high sodium intake is what increases your risk for these dangerous, salt-related diseases, which can sadly lead to an earlier death.

It's important to understand what the study did not prove. This was an observational study, meaning researchers only watched a group of people and tracked their habits and health outcomes.

It found a connection between frequent ramen eating and a higher risk of death, but it did not prove that ramen is the direct cause. Think of it like this: the study didn't prove the ramen itself is a poison; it just showed that people who ate a lot of ramen were more likely to get sick.

The researchers also noticed that the people who ate ramen frequently often had other risky behaviors, like smoking and heavy drinking. It's very possible that these other unhealthy habits are a big part of the increased risk.

Can Ramen Increase The Risk Of Mortality?

The study suggests that the answer is "Yes, for certain people." If you're a younger man who eats ramen very often and you tend to drink the salty soup and also consume alcohol, you may face a significantly higher risk.

The main takeaway is a common-sense reminder: be more mindful of how much high-sodium, high-fat food you eat. To lower your risk, the best thing you can do is to limit how often you eat ramen and, most importantly, avoid drinking the salty soup to drastically cut your sodium intake.

Ultimately, the researchers advise everyone to look at their own health—their individual health profile—and adjust how much ramen they eat accordingly.