The COVID-19 pandemic had already brought way too many challenges in the United States, including a severe decrease in country's life expectancy rates. With challenges, it also brought a lessons of mitigating the treat of pathogens, though health experts feel that the US has not learned the lesson well.

Dr Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator told CNN, "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 doctor has called for a wider-spread testing of farm workers. This is because they make up the majority of identified Bird flu cases in the United States. This means the country is heading into an even higher-risk period as the seasonal flu begins to circulate. This also raises a question of whether a person be infected by both, the seasonal flu and the H5N1 or bird flu viruses. Does that also mean that the viruses could swap gene segments? Would that give the bird flu more tools to better infect humans? These are some questions which are raised by the health experts across the country.

Bird Flu Data Is Outdated

The tests are not enough, a spokesperson for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the media outlet that the "comments about avian flu (H5N1) testing are out of date, misleading and inaccurate."

ALSO READ: The US Reports A Rare Case Of Bird Flu, CDC Notes Change In Infection Pattern

While the data indicates that asymptomatic infections are rare, CDC changed its recommendations back in November and widen the testing net that including asymptomatic people with high-risk exposure to avian flu. The results showed that more than 70,000 specimens have been tested, looking for novel flu viruses. More than 10,000 people were exposed to avian flu, they were also monitored for symptoms, and 540 people were tested specifically for H5N1.

First Severe Human Case of Bird Flu

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?

As of now, as per CDC, there are 66 human cases of bird flu across the United States, though the number is believed to be higher.

The Louisiana patient was infected with a strain of the bird flu virus called D1.1. The patient is 65 years old and also has underlying health problems. "It has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks," the CDC said. Another such case of mutation has also been reported in British Columbia, Canada.

Bird Flu's Impact Beyond Health

Health is a major concern, however, the spread of bird flu in the United States, especially among poultry flocks has also causes egg prices to skyrocket. From $2.50 for a dozen Grade A large eggs at the beginning of the year, the prices have reached up to $3.65 in November.

READ MORE: How To Eat Eggs Safely?

Another growing concern is of the cat food. As this week, the Northwest Naturals recalled a line of its raw and frozen chow after health authorities linked the death of a cat to a batch of feed contaminated with bird flu. Does it means that house cats are carrying a deadly disease? Is it safe for humans to have cats amid the increasing cases of bird flu?

While these are important questions to ask and the answers are yet to be found, there are certain symptoms for you to look out for so you can protect your health:

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

If you're planning or experiencing the emotional and physical rollercoaster of IVF while living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) you're not overthinking about the added complexity. While IVF is often painted as the silver bullet for infertility, women with PCOS quickly discover that one-size-fits-all protocols often fall short for them. The diagnosis of PCOS introduces a unique set of biological challenges that can’t be managed with standard IVF plans.

So, what makes IVF more complicated for people with PCOS? And how can treatments be tailored to fit these more complex bodies? We asked three top fertility specialists to break it down—and their answers underscore the importance of a highly personalized approach.

"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is especially difficult to manage with IVF due to its combination of endocrine disturbance, insulin resistance, and a diffuse number of antral follicles," says Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility at Prime IVF.

According to Dr. Singh, women with PCOS often show an increased ovarian reserve, which may sound like a good thing. But in reality, it sets the stage for them to become hyper-responders—women who react too strongly to standard IVF stimulation, putting them at risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

To mitigate these risks, Dr. Singh relies on individualized ovarian stimulation using low-dose therapy and GnRH antagonist protocols. “Oocyte quality is also an issue in PCOS. Although numerous eggs can be retrieved, they may have less developmental potential,” she notes. For this reason, the dosage must be carefully calculated to avoid overstimulation while still supporting optimal outcomes.

But it’s not just about the medication. “Successful IVF in PCOS goes beyond medical management,” Dr. Singh emphasizes. “Therapy would necessitate an approach that includes a lifestyle reaching a peak of metabolic health.”

That includes weight control, lifestyle modifications, insulin-sensitizing agents, and targeted supplements—all of which can improve ovulatory function and egg quality. Dr. Singh stresses that personalized care must be embedded in every stage of the IVF cycle, from initial stimulation to embryo freezing.

“If done with accuracy, IVF in PCOS patients is not a limitation but a promise,” she concludes. “The solution is individualized, regulatory, and based on individualistic knowledge of each patient's reproductive plan.”

Balancing High Ovarian Reserve, Low Egg Quality for Women with PCOS

Dr. Kaberi Banerjee, Founder and Medical Director of Advance Fertility & Gynecology Centre, agrees that PCOS requires a meticulous and integrated approach. "PCOS presents a special challenge in reproductive medicine since its impact on ovarian function is multidimensional," she says.

She explains that while high ovarian reserve is common in PCOS, as indicated by higher AMH and antral follicle counts, the quality of those eggs can be subpar. "Ovulation can be irregular or even cease to occur. Even mild stimulation can bring about an exaggerated ovarian response, increasing the risk of OHSS," she notes.

To counter this, Dr. Banerjee emphasizes pre-treatment optimization. Addressing insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and weight management before starting IVF can greatly improve results. She recommends lifestyle adjustments such as low glycemic diets, moderate physical activity, and supplements like inositols and CoQ10. Metformin also plays a central role in managing insulin resistance and improving ovarian response.

Her go-to strategy during IVF includes starting with low-dose gonadotropins, using GnRH antagonist protocols, and employing GnRH agonist triggers. “In high responders, we commonly follow a ‘freeze-all’ policy to prevent compromising endometrial receptivity,” she explains.

For younger PCOS patients, early preconception counseling and ovulation monitoring are vital. “First-line therapy such as letrozole, usually taken in combination with metformin, is very effective,” she says. And if that doesn’t work? IVF with a tailored approach is the next logical step.

“Achievement in treating PCOS-related infertility is a harmonious, evidence-based measure that benefits safety and long-term reproductive health,” Dr. Banerjee concludes.

What is The Role of Insulin, Hormones And Weight in IVF Success?

"The management of PCOS and IVF requires an extremely individualized approach," says Dr Shweta Mishra, Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Trulife Family Health Clinic in Ghaziabad, underscores the need for ultra-personalized care.

Dr. Mishra points out that PCOS affects nearly 70–80% of women with insulin resistance and presents with high antral follicle counts—often exceeding 24 per ovary. This makes conventional stimulation protocols not just ineffective but risky. “PCOS women may have a normal ovarian reserve but are susceptible to hyperstimulation,” she says. That means patient-specific regimens like low-dose stimulation and GnRH antagonist protocols are non-negotiable.

Egg quality is another critical piece of the puzzle. “Although numerous eggs can be retrieved from PCOS patients, the developmental potential of those eggs may be compromised,” she warns. Improving egg quality involves not just medication but also addressing hormonal balance through weight management, insulin sensitization, and supplements. “Enhancement of metabolism is critically important for success in IVF,” she adds.

Her message to younger women is clear: early diagnosis and a comprehensive plan can make all the difference. “PCOS need not be viewed as a disadvantage. It is an aspect that needs caution. Success rates significantly increase when IVF is treated with a personalized, specifically designed method.”

Does PCOS Make IVF More Complicated?

Yes, but it also opens the door to more personalized, effective treatments. As all three experts make clear, success with IVF and PCOS isn’t about pushing harder or using more medications. It’s about understanding the body’s unique biochemistry and crafting a treatment plan that respects its complexity.

IVF in the context of PCOS demands more than a protocol—it demands a philosophy of care rooted in customization, evidence-based medicine, and long-term reproductive health. And when that’s done right, PCOS isn’t a limitation. It’s a roadmap to smarter fertility care.

Before beginning any IVF treatment, consult a fertility specialist who understands the nuances of PCOS. The road may be more complex, but with the right plan, it can also lead to lasting success.

New advice from the NHS suggests that people who stop taking weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro should have check-ups for at least a year. The main reason for this is that it's very common for people to gain most of the weight once they stop the medication.

The guidance from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) emphasizes that managing weight is a long-term effort, not a quick fix. Patients need extra help and a clear plan to maintain their new weight, which includes habits like eating healthy food and being physically active.

Clinical trials show that people on these drugs often regain a lot of the weight they lost. For example, a trial for Wegovy found that patients put back on about two-thirds of their lost weight after they stopped the injections. It was a similar story for those who took Mounjaro.

Professor Jonathan Benger from NICE explained that the time right after stopping treatment is very important. He said people need "structured support" to keep up the healthy changes they've made. The new advice encourages patients to create healthy habits, use tools to monitor their own weight, and get support from family, friends, and online groups.

Why Are Weight Loss Drugs Popular in UK?

Obesity affects about one in four adults in England. While an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are using these weight-loss jabs, most are paying for them privately and won't get this NHS support.

Wegovy is available on the NHS for a period of two years for those who have health problems because of their weight and have a high BMI. The drug Mounjaro is expected to be offered to about 240,000 people over the next three years, and there's no set time limit for how long they can take it.

Both drugs work by reducing a person's appetite. They are given along with programs that help people make healthy changes to their diet and exercise habits.

Does Mounjaro Work For Everyone?

The UC Health explains that currently Mounjaro is approved for people with diabetes, not for those who are overweight or obese without diabetes. There is still a lot we have to learn about Mounjaro and researchers are working on the same. A big question that everyone who wishes to start on the weight loss drug are thinking about is whether you will have to keep using the drug forever or can you stop.

To maintain the weight loss achieved with Mounjaro, you will likely need to keep taking the medication indefinitely.

If you lose a significant amount of weight with Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Ozempic, you will likely need to continue taking the medication to keep the weight off. People who have stopped taking Ozempic and Wegovy have typically regained the weight they lost.

As one UC Health expert noted that if you stop taking these medications, and don’t change your behaviors, then the weight can pile back on. Since Mounjaro is newer, there is less information about long-term use, but the trend is expected to be similar.

“This is a warning specifically for parents” — Influencer Michael Brown recently released a video warning parents as well as others, about a potentially addictive drink that is easily available at gas stations in the US. He detailed how, during a casual visit to the gas station store for a beverage, he was approached by a young boy who asked him to buy ‘Feel Free’ for him. Despite being refused, the kid persisted and even tried lunging for Michael’s wallet, leaving him shaken up.

While paying at the counter, Michael recalled asking the shop cashier what ‘Feel Free’ was, to which she pointed at little blue bottles on the counter. She said people are so addicted to it that sometimes they visit 5–6 times a day to buy it — “It’s addictive and people lose their minds.” A quick look at the comments section of the post, which now has more than 9 million views on Instagram, had many people shocked at the severity of the drink and its consequences. Different healthcare professionals also detailed their experience with patients. “It’s Kratom! Have had patients with seizures because of this and also babies experiencing withdrawal from maternal use during pregnancy. It’s no joke,” commented Dr. Shilpa, MD, Child Neurologist and Development Specialist.

To know how many people are affected or it continues to affect, you do not have to look too far — a subreddit known as QuittingFeelFree, which has 5k members, and QuittingKratom with 52k members, are prime spots to get first-person accounts of people who struggled for years or months with their addictions.

In one of the stories, Jasmine Adeoye from Austin posted on TikTok that just a few months before June 2024, she drank several bottles of Feel Free a day and found that quitting it was not easy.

Last year, the production company of Feel Free also faced lawsuits, however, many people are not aware of the same. CBS News had reported that Botanic Tonics had also faced a class-action lawsuit filed in 2023. The lawsuit alleged that the company's marketing was misleading and targeted individuals with a history of addiction. In a statement, the company said it had "fallen short of the high standards of transparency" and implemented changes like enhanced labeling and age restrictions.

Feel Free and List of Ingredients

One of the main ingredients listed in the ‘Feel Free’ drinks is ground kratom leaves. Now a regular person would think — how bad can leaves be? — and consume the drink, but it’s these same leaves that are risky and can lead to severe addiction.

Native to Southeast Asia, the US Food and Drug Administration explains that it also carries the risk of addiction, seizures, and, in rare cases, death. Since kratom is unregulated in the U.S., some products are sold in highly concentrated forms and may contain contaminants like heavy metals and harmful bacteria.

What Happens with Unregulated Use of Kratom?

The American Addiction Centers detailed how lower doses of kratom could help people increase energy and alertness, while higher doses could produce effects similar to that of opioid drug abuse. They detailed a 7-year study done from 2011–2017. The study pointed out how there were 1,800 calls to poison control centers about kratom, with most of those calls happening in the last two years of that period. Here are some things that can happen with unregulated use of kratom:

Addiction and Withdrawal

While it's not common, long-term and heavy kratom use can lead to addiction. People who stop using it suddenly might experience withdrawal symptoms that feel similar to the flu, such as nausea, vomiting, body aches, and chills.

Lack of Regulation

The FDA has not approved kratom for any use. This means that kratom products are not regulated and can sometimes be contaminated with dangerous substances like heavy metals and harmful bacteria. The FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom and has seized shipments of kratom-containing products.

Mixing with Other Substances

Taking kratom with other drugs or alcohol can be very dangerous. In rare but serious cases, this combination has led to severe side effects like liver damage and even death.

Overdose

Overdosing on kratom alone is very rare. However, when it is combined with other substances, the risk increases. For example, a CDC report linked kratom to 152 deaths in 2016 and 2017, but other substances were involved in 87% of those cases.