Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

World Sjogren’s Day 2025: Why This “Mild” Autoimmune Condition Can Be Life-Altering

World Sjögren’s Day 2025: Theme, Significance And Why This “Mild” Autoimmune Condition Can Be Life-Altering

Sjögren’s Syndrome is one of the most common yet misunderstood autoimmune disorders in the world today. It’s often brushed off as a “dry eye and dry mouth” condition, but what many don’t realize is that this chronic, systemic illness can severely affect multiple organs—sometimes leading to irreversible complications. With July 23 marking World Sjögren’s Day, experts are urging for more awareness, earlier diagnosis, and a patient-first approach to treatment.

World Sjögren’s Day is observed every year on July 23, to honor Dr. Henrik Sjögren—the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the condition in 1933. The day is not just symbolic. It’s a global movement to educate the public, highlight patient voices, and push for research and policy changes.

The 2025 theme “Awareness Through Research” puts the spotlight on how patients—when given the space to share their experiences—can drive scientific breakthroughs and better clinical outcomes.

Sjögren’s Disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells—primarily the moisture-producing glands. Most commonly, this results in dry eyes and dry mouth, but Sjögren’s doesn’t stop there. It can also affect other parts of the body including the joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, digestive system, and even the skin.

The condition is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late because its symptoms—like fatigue, burning eyes, or trouble swallowing—are frequently dismissed as signs of aging, stress, or dehydration. That delay in diagnosis can be dangerous, since Sjögren’s is also linked to a higher risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer.

It affects an estimated 4 million people in the U.S., mostly women over 40, though it can occur at any age. While there is no cure, early detection and a coordinated care approach can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term damage.

In the U.S. alone, an estimated 4 million people live with Sjögren’s. Yet, for most patients, getting diagnosed takes 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer. Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract &amp; Retina Surgeon, explains why, “Symptoms like dry eyes, fatigue or dry mouth are so common, they’re often misattributed to dehydration, stress, screen time or aging. This leads to delayed referrals and misdiagnoses.”

That delay is costly, Sjögren’s doesn’t just stay in the eyes and mouth—it can quietly affect lungs, kidneys, nerves, joints and even increase the risk of lymphoma.

<h2>What are the early signs and symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?</h2>

While every case is different, the most reported symptoms include:

<ul><li>Persistent dry eyes or burning sensation</li><li>Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing</li><li>Chronic fatigue</li><li>Joint pain</li><li>Dental cavities or oral infections</li><li>Vaginal dryness</li><li>Brain fog or memory lapses</li></ul>

These may seem harmless at first—but when ignored, they point to a deeper autoimmune imbalance that can worsen with time.

<h2>Why Sjögren’s Isn’t Just a ‘Mild Autoimmune Condition’?</h2>

Sjogren’s Syndrome is often mistakenly believed to be a mild autoimmune disease because the early symptoms, dry eyes and dry mouth, seem harmless and are easily overlooked. Dr Pawan says, "This disease can be anything but minor. It is a systemic autoimmune disorder that results when the body's immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture, namely the lacrimal ) and salivary glands. This can lead to serious complications, involving multiple organs, over time, it goes from discomfort to widespread complications."

Sjogren's progresses to potentially affect the lungs, kidneys, joints, nerves, and gastrointestinal system. "Many patients also suffer from chronic fatigue, debilitating pain in their joints and an increased risk for lymphoma. The complexity of the condition may require a multi-specialty approach that involves a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist and pulmonologist. The perception that Sjogren’s is a benign condition, means that aggressive management is delayed and can potentially deprive patients of optimal quality of life. Time is of the essence for early intervention to stop irreversible damage, especially to the eyes and internal organs. Sjögren’s should be viewed as a serious, chronic and often progressive disease requiring long-term comprehensive care management," adds Dr Pawan.

<h2>Does Sjögren’s Syndrome Takes Years to Diagnose?</h2>

Sjögren’s Syndrome can take many years to identify, and Dr Gupta evidently explains, "Since the early symptoms of dry mouth, dry eyes, and mild fatigue could be easily ascribed to more common and easily explained reasons such as dehydration, adverse effects of medications, or just aging. Physicians might not think of the diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder without other obvious pertinent reasons or signs. In addition, these early symptoms might accompany other disorders and clinical conditions, making other relevant areas of differential diagnosis difficult."

Initially in their disease, most of the general physicians they visit would not recognize the underlying immune dysfunction and that treating the symptoms may be treating the symptoms only. Another aspect that doesn't make diagnosis easier is the process to obtain a definitive diagnosis. There is not a single definitive test for Sjögren’s. Most patients receive a diagnosis following a battery of lab tests, eye exams, imaging, or biopsies of salivary glands and extensive history, simultaneously and serologically completing the diagnostic picture. As Sjogren progresses slowly, there may not be systemic problems until much later in the disease, delaying diagnosis even longer. 

"Delaying the diagnosis of Sjogren’s means the patients will suffer for a longer period and are at increased risk from complications due to it being an auto-immune disorder. Increasing awareness about early symptoms of patients and having physicians diagnosing and referring to rheumatologists may assist in achieving timely diagnosis and management of this complex disease," emphasises Dr Gupta.

<h2>Does Dry Eyes Become a Progressive, Permanent Risk for Sjögren’s Syndrome?</h2>

Yes, if untreated, dry eyes can become a progressive and potentially permanent problem for those with Sjogren's Syndrome. In Sjogren's Syndrome, the immune system attacks the lacrimal glands and dramatically decreases the production of tears. When that happens, the natural tear film that protects and nourishes your eye can become unstable, leading to certain ocular issues such as irritation, blurred vision, burning, and potentially corneal damage in long-standing situations. 

As a result of untreated dryness, chronic dryness leads to long-term complications in many cases. Serious complications range from corneal ulcers, corneal infections, and lastly, permanent vision loss. Dr Gupta points out, "Treatment for dry eyes in Sjogren's starts with frequent artificial tear use to keep your eye surface moist. In more progressive cases, punctal plugs may assist in holding your natural tears by blocking the drainage through your tear ducts. It is important to follow up regularly with your eye care specialist. Since Sjogren's is progressive, it is good practice to take proactive and continued care of your eyes to preserve vision as well as prevent irreversible damage."

<h2>What are the Treatment Options for Sjögren’s today?</h2>

There is no cure, but a multi-specialty approach helps manage symptoms and slow progression:

For dry eyes: Artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatories, punctal plugs

For dry mouth: Saliva substitutes, sugar-free lozenges, good oral hygiene, regular dental care

Systemic symptoms: Hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants

Lifestyle adjustments: Hydration, humidifiers, avoiding triggers (like alcohol or caffeine), and pacing energy

Patients often need coordination between a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, ENT and sometimes neurologist.

What makes the 2025 theme ‘Awareness Through Research’ important?

This year’s theme recognizes that real progress in Sjögren’s research has come from patients who speak up.

Their stories are shaping new clinical trials, earlier screening tools, and even new drug development. Salivary gland imaging, lab biomarkers, and tear analysis are all becoming more advanced thanks to this growing patient-led momentum.

If you're experiencing persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, or crushing fatigue, don’t dismiss it—and don’t let others dismiss it either. If symptoms don’t improve or begin to cluster, especially with joint pain or swelling, ask your doctor directly about a referral to a rheumatologist. Early intervention can change the course of this disease.

For doctors, it’s time to challenge the common assumptions. Not every case of dry eyes stems from excessive screen time or aging. If your patient presents with multiple vague, systemic complaints—dryness, fatigue, brain fog—consider Sjögren’s syndrome early, rather than as a diagnosis of exclusion.

For the public, awareness is everything. Most people with Sjögren’s don’t “look sick", but behind the scenes, they’re managing a complex, exhausting autoimmune condition daily. Sjögren’s may be quiet, but it’s not mild. It deserves sharper clinical attention, more robust support systems, and far greater visibility in the conversation around chronic illness.

<em>Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract &amp; Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospitals Lajpat Nagar &amp; Vision Eye Clinic New Delhi</em>

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Sjögren’s Syndrome is one of the most common yet misunderstood autoimmune disorders in the world today. It’s often brushed off as a “dry eye and dry mouth” condition, but what many don’t realize is that this chronic, systemic illness can severely affect multiple organs—sometimes leading to irreversible complications. With July 23 marking World Sjögren’s Day, experts are urging for more awareness, earlier diagnosis, and a patient-first approach to treatment.World Sjögren’s Day is observed every year on July 23, to honor Dr. Henrik Sjögren—the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the condition in 1933. The day is not just symbolic. It’s a global movement to educate the public, highlight patient voices, and push for research and policy changes.The 2025 theme “Awareness Through Research” puts the spotlight on how patients—when given the space to share their experiences—can drive scientific breakthroughs and better clinical outcomes.What is Sjogren's Disease?Sjögren’s Disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells—primarily the moisture-producing glands. Most commonly, this results in dry eyes and dry mouth, but Sjögren’s doesn’t stop there. It can also affect other parts of the body including the joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, digestive system, and even the skin.The condition is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late because its symptoms—like fatigue, burning eyes, or trouble swallowing—are frequently dismissed as signs of aging, stress, or dehydration. That delay in diagnosis can be dangerous, since Sjögren’s is also linked to a higher risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer.It affects an estimated 4 million people in the U.S., mostly women over 40, though it can occur at any age. While there is no cure, early detection and a coordinated care approach can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term damage.In the U.S. alone, an estimated 4 million people live with Sjögren’s. Yet, for most patients, getting diagnosed takes 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer. Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon, explains why, “Symptoms like dry eyes, fatigue or dry mouth are so common, they’re often misattributed to dehydration, stress, screen time or aging. This leads to delayed referrals and misdiagnoses.”That delay is costly, Sjögren’s doesn’t just stay in the eyes and mouth—it can quietly affect lungs, kidneys, nerves, joints and even increase the risk of lymphoma.What are the early signs and symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?While every case is different, the most reported symptoms include:Persistent dry eyes or burning sensationDry mouth and difficulty swallowingChronic fatigueJoint painDental cavities or oral infectionsVaginal drynessBrain fog or memory lapsesThese may seem harmless at first—but when ignored, they point to a deeper autoimmune imbalance that can worsen with time.Why Sjögren’s Isn’t Just a ‘Mild Autoimmune Condition’?Sjogren’s Syndrome is often mistakenly believed to be a mild autoimmune disease because the early symptoms, dry eyes and dry mouth, seem harmless and are easily overlooked. Dr Pawan says, "This disease can be anything but minor. It is a systemic autoimmune disorder that results when the body's immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture, namely the lacrimal ) and salivary glands. This can lead to serious complications, involving multiple organs, over time, it goes from discomfort to widespread complications."Sjogren's progresses to potentially affect the lungs, kidneys, joints, nerves, and gastrointestinal system. "Many patients also suffer from chronic fatigue, debilitating pain in their joints and an increased risk for lymphoma. The complexity of the condition may require a multi-specialty approach that involves a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist and pulmonologist. The perception that Sjogren’s is a benign condition, means that aggressive management is delayed and can potentially deprive patients of optimal quality of life. Time is of the essence for early intervention to stop irreversible damage, especially to the eyes and internal organs. Sjögren’s should be viewed as a serious, chronic and often progressive disease requiring long-term comprehensive care management," adds Dr Pawan.Does Sjögren’s Syndrome Takes Years to Diagnose?Sjögren’s Syndrome can take many years to identify, and Dr Gupta evidently explains, "Since the early symptoms of dry mouth, dry eyes, and mild fatigue could be easily ascribed to more common and easily explained reasons such as dehydration, adverse effects of medications, or just aging. Physicians might not think of the diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder without other obvious pertinent reasons or signs. In addition, these early symptoms might accompany other disorders and clinical conditions, making other relevant areas of differential diagnosis difficult."Initially in their disease, most of the general physicians they visit would not recognize the underlying immune dysfunction and that treating the symptoms may be treating the symptoms only. Another aspect that doesn't make diagnosis easier is the process to obtain a definitive diagnosis. There is not a single definitive test for Sjögren’s. Most patients receive a diagnosis following a battery of lab tests, eye exams, imaging, or biopsies of salivary glands and extensive history, simultaneously and serologically completing the diagnostic picture. As Sjogren progresses slowly, there may not be systemic problems until much later in the disease, delaying diagnosis even longer. "Delaying the diagnosis of Sjogren’s means the patients will suffer for a longer period and are at increased risk from complications due to it being an auto-immune disorder. Increasing awareness about early symptoms of patients and having physicians diagnosing and referring to rheumatologists may assist in achieving timely diagnosis and management of this complex disease," emphasises Dr Gupta.Does Dry Eyes Become a Progressive, Permanent Risk for Sjögren’s Syndrome?Yes, if untreated, dry eyes can become a progressive and potentially permanent problem for those with Sjogren's Syndrome. In Sjogren's Syndrome, the immune system attacks the lacrimal glands and dramatically decreases the production of tears. When that happens, the natural tear film that protects and nourishes your eye can become unstable, leading to certain ocular issues such as irritation, blurred vision, burning, and potentially corneal damage in long-standing situations. As a result of untreated dryness, chronic dryness leads to long-term complications in many cases. Serious complications range from corneal ulcers, corneal infections, and lastly, permanent vision loss. Dr Gupta points out, "Treatment for dry eyes in Sjogren's starts with frequent artificial tear use to keep your eye surface moist. In more progressive cases, punctal plugs may assist in holding your natural tears by blocking the drainage through your tear ducts. It is important to follow up regularly with your eye care specialist. Since Sjogren's is progressive, it is good practice to take proactive and continued care of your eyes to preserve vision as well as prevent irreversible damage."What are the Treatment Options for Sjögren’s today?There is no cure, but a multi-specialty approach helps manage symptoms and slow progression:For dry eyes: Artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatories, punctal plugsFor dry mouth: Saliva substitutes, sugar-free lozenges, good oral hygiene, regular dental careSystemic symptoms: Hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressantsLifestyle adjustments: Hydration, humidifiers, avoiding triggers (like alcohol or caffeine), and pacing energyPatients often need coordination between a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, ENT and sometimes neurologist.What makes the 2025 theme ‘Awareness Through Research’ important?This year’s theme recognizes that real progress in Sjögren’s research has come from patients who speak up.Their stories are shaping new clinical trials, earlier screening tools, and even new drug development. Salivary gland imaging, lab biomarkers, and tear analysis are all becoming more advanced thanks to this growing patient-led momentum.If you're experiencing persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, or crushing fatigue, don’t dismiss it—and don’t let others dismiss it either. If symptoms don’t improve or begin to cluster, especially with joint pain or swelling, ask your doctor directly about a referral to a rheumatologist. Early intervention can change the course of this disease.For doctors, it’s time to challenge the common assumptions. Not every case of dry eyes stems from excessive screen time or aging. If your patient presents with multiple vague, systemic complaints—dryness, fatigue, brain fog—consider Sjögren’s syndrome early, rather than as a diagnosis of exclusion.For the public, awareness is everything. Most people with Sjögren’s don’t “look sick", but behind the scenes, they’re managing a complex, exhausting autoimmune condition daily. Sjögren’s may be quiet, but it’s not mild. It deserves sharper clinical attention, more robust support systems, and far greater visibility in the conversation around chronic illness.Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract & Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospitals Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic New Delhi

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Millie Campbell was just eight years old in 2019 when a missed flu shot turned into a life-threatening ordeal, notes ABC News, Australia. What began with aches in her legs soon escalated into multiple organ failure caused by <span>influenza B</span>, a virus her parents never imagined could be so severe.

“They had to drain 200 millilitres of fluid from her heart, it was struggling,” her mother Stephanie Campbell recalled. “I think the doctor's words were: ‘Your daughter could die tonight’.”

Millie was airlifted from Newcastle to Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, reports ABC News. Soon after arriving, she went into cardiac arrest. Her father, Ian Campbell, described the scene as surreal. “There was no indication she was going to survive,” he said.

Millie, previously fit and healthy with no pre-existing conditions, spent weeks in intensive care and six months in hospital. The damage from being on life support for so long led to poor circulation, and eventually, doctors had to amputate her left foot.

She had to learn to walk again. Today, reports ABC News, Millie uses a prosthetic leg and has turned to swimming not just for rehabilitation, but as a passion, one that has taken her to national championships and World Trials. Her eyes are now set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

“Millie’s recovery will be a lifelong journey,” Ms Campbell said. “Seeing how severe the flu can be, our message is: talk to your medical practitioner about the vaccine.”

<h4>Why Influenza B Is Hitting Children Hard</h4>

Although influenza A typically gets more public attention due to its pandemic potential, Australia has seen a sharp rise in influenza B cases, especially in children aged 5 to 16. According to Professor Patrick Reading from the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Influenza Research, type B can often be more severe in children, though the reason remains unclear.

“It's a bit of a mystery,” Professor Reading told ABC News. “We see this association, but we can't say there's something specific about the virus that causes it to affect children more.”

Vaccination rates among this age group are currently the lowest of all, following a steady decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Reading warned that fading immunity, combined with lower vaccine uptake, is placing a burden on the healthcare system.

“We're not through the worst of it yet. Flu circulation continues through August to October,” he added. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

<h4>Confusion Around Flu Vaccine Access</h4>

Millie’s parents said they’d always kept up with her vaccinations. But once she turned five, they mistakenly believed the flu wasn’t a major risk anymore. 

Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the flu vaccine is free only for children aged six months to five years, people over 65, and other vulnerable groups.

In contrast, states like Queensland and Western Australia are temporarily offering free vaccines to all residents, a move public health experts say should be adopted nationally.

Julie Leask, a vaccination policy expert from the University of Sydney, told ABC News, the current risk-based model isn't working. “When a vaccine is on the NIP, it sends a strong message that it's important,” she said. “Some doctors still wrongly advise against it for kids.”

<h4>Misinformation and Vaccine Hesitancy</h4>

Falling childhood vaccination rates, rising anti-vaccine sentiment, and misinformation, especially on social media, have complicated public health efforts.

Professor Leask pointed to anti-vaccine rhetoric, such as that from US politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as a growing influence in Australia. Kennedy has falsely linked vaccines to autism and recently pushed against COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women.

“We’re seeing the mainstreaming of misinformation,” Leask warned. “It’s having a ripple effect here too.”

Research shows common reasons parents skip the flu shot for kids include a lack of awareness, absence of a healthcare provider recommendation, time constraints, cost, and safety concerns.

As Millie thrives in her new life, her parents remain vocal about the importance of vaccination.

“This growing hesitancy is driven by people struggling to tell the difference between facts and misinformation,” Mr Campbell said. “Most people spend more time on social media than listening to experts, but that’s not where you should be getting your health advice.”

“Vaccination protects not just your child but the whole community.”

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Millie Campbell was just eight years old in 2019 when a missed flu shot turned into a life-threatening ordeal, notes ABC News, Australia. What began with aches in her legs soon escalated into multiple organ failure caused by influenza B, a virus her parents never imagined could be so severe.“They had to drain 200 millilitres of fluid from her heart, it was struggling,” her mother Stephanie Campbell recalled. “I think the doctor's words were: ‘Your daughter could die tonight’.”Millie was airlifted from Newcastle to Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, reports ABC News. Soon after arriving, she went into cardiac arrest. Her father, Ian Campbell, described the scene as surreal. “There was no indication she was going to survive,” he said.A Long Road to RecoveryMillie, previously fit and healthy with no pre-existing conditions, spent weeks in intensive care and six months in hospital. The damage from being on life support for so long led to poor circulation, and eventually, doctors had to amputate her left foot.She had to learn to walk again. Today, reports ABC News, Millie uses a prosthetic leg and has turned to swimming not just for rehabilitation, but as a passion, one that has taken her to national championships and World Trials. Her eyes are now set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.“Millie’s recovery will be a lifelong journey,” Ms Campbell said. “Seeing how severe the flu can be, our message is: talk to your medical practitioner about the vaccine.”Why Influenza B Is Hitting Children HardAlthough influenza A typically gets more public attention due to its pandemic potential, Australia has seen a sharp rise in influenza B cases, especially in children aged 5 to 16. According to Professor Patrick Reading from the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Influenza Research, type B can often be more severe in children, though the reason remains unclear.“It's a bit of a mystery,” Professor Reading told ABC News. “We see this association, but we can't say there's something specific about the virus that causes it to affect children more.”Vaccination rates among this age group are currently the lowest of all, following a steady decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Reading warned that fading immunity, combined with lower vaccine uptake, is placing a burden on the healthcare system.“We're not through the worst of it yet. Flu circulation continues through August to October,” he added. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”Confusion Around Flu Vaccine AccessMillie’s parents said they’d always kept up with her vaccinations. But once she turned five, they mistakenly believed the flu wasn’t a major risk anymore. Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the flu vaccine is free only for children aged six months to five years, people over 65, and other vulnerable groups.In contrast, states like Queensland and Western Australia are temporarily offering free vaccines to all residents, a move public health experts say should be adopted nationally.Julie Leask, a vaccination policy expert from the University of Sydney, told ABC News, the current risk-based model isn't working. “When a vaccine is on the NIP, it sends a strong message that it's important,” she said. “Some doctors still wrongly advise against it for kids.”Misinformation and Vaccine HesitancyFalling childhood vaccination rates, rising anti-vaccine sentiment, and misinformation, especially on social media, have complicated public health efforts.Professor Leask pointed to anti-vaccine rhetoric, such as that from US politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as a growing influence in Australia. Kennedy has falsely linked vaccines to autism and recently pushed against COVID-19 vaccinations for children and pregnant women.“We’re seeing the mainstreaming of misinformation,” Leask warned. “It’s having a ripple effect here too.”Research shows common reasons parents skip the flu shot for kids include a lack of awareness, absence of a healthcare provider recommendation, time constraints, cost, and safety concerns.A Family’s Call to ActionAs Millie thrives in her new life, her parents remain vocal about the importance of vaccination.“This growing hesitancy is driven by people struggling to tell the difference between facts and misinformation,” Mr Campbell said. “Most people spend more time on social media than listening to experts, but that’s not where you should be getting your health advice.”“Vaccination protects not just your child but the whole community.”

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Student Depression And Anxiety Goes Unevaluated - Why Is Mental Health Help Needed For Kids In School

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In an age of endless scrolling, instant likes, and constant comparison, the <span>mental health</span> of young people is taking a nosedive and fast. The rise in <span>depression</span>, <span>anxiety</span>, self-harm, <span>suicide</span>, and behavioural disorders has exploded in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the real tragedy is often hidden behind filtered selfies and people who aren't paying attention.

Quoting the World Health Organisation, Dr. Monica Sood shares that one in seven adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 globally suffers from a mental health problem. Suicide is the fourth most common cause of death among teens. In India, the numbers are no less harrowing—“a student kills themselves every hour,” says the National Crime Records Bureau.

This is a generation supposedly poised to “have it all”, but as Dr. Sood says, they’re instead buckling under immense pressure, from academic demands and the need for social validation to competition with peers, family expectations, and uncertainty about the future.

While awareness is slowly improving, Dr. Sood laments that “conversations about youth mental health are still clouded by stigma, cultural denial, and a lack of resources.” Therapy remains a luxury, school counselling is scarce, and what should be called burnout has been normalised as digital fatigue.

Dr. Sood argues that to truly address the crisis, we need to dig deeper. “We need to realise that the crisis is more than just schoolwork or screen time.” Instead, it’s the result of a complicated mesh of factors:

<ul><li>Unrealistic expectations from society: The pressure to be perfect in every way is, in Dr. Sood’s words, “a psychological war zone.”</li><li>Dysfunctional families: Emotional unavailability, abuse, neglect, and overcontrol can deeply harm a child’s sense of self.</li><li>Lack of emotional vocabulary: Many young people don’t have the words to express what they’re feeling. Instead, their pain shows up as anger, withdrawal, or substance abuse.</li><li>Unfiltered digital exposure: Curated lives on social media fuel jealousy, insecurity, and body image issues.</li><li>Loss of spiritual and community ties: “The feeling of being part of something bigger is fading,” warns Dr. Sood.</li></ul>

But all is not lost. Dr. Sood lays out a refreshingly bold and unconventional action plan for what she calls a mental health renaissance—one that starts in schools and ends in society-wide reform.

Mindfulness and <span>Emotional Literacy</span> in the Curriculum

Dr. Sood urges schools to teach children how to manage their emotions just as they teach math. Weekly lessons in emotional intelligence, stress management, and nonviolent communication should begin from Class 1. “Add art therapy, journaling, breathing exercises, and storytelling,” she suggests, to make these lessons stick.

Dr. Sood calls for a peer-led model of support—“Every school, college, and university should choose and train a few older students or peers to be ‘Empathy Ambassadors’.” These students should be trained to listen, maintain confidentiality, and support others in crisis. Sometimes, <span>peer support</span> can be more approachable than formal therapy.

“We fast for our bodies; we should fast for our minds too,” Dr. Sood says. She recommends monthly ‘silent days’ in schools and families—no screens, no judgements, just fun, creativity, and nature.

Beyond home and school, young people need judgement-free zones to simply exist. “Think of libraries, community centres, and parks as ‘mental sanctuaries’,” says Dr. Sood. These could host music corners, open mic nights, and wellness cafés.

Dr. Sood’s final suggestion marries ancient Indian wisdom with modern science—“Use Ayurvedic mind-body typing, psychometric tests, and AI-based behavioural tracking to make personalised mental health plans.” She envisions a future where technology aids rather than overwhelms, offering tailored, holistic mental health solutions.

youth crisis

mental health

depression

anxiety

suicide

emotional literacy

digital detox

peer support

school pressure

holistic healing

In an age of endless scrolling, instant likes, and constant comparison, the mental health of young people is taking a nosedive and fast. The rise in depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide, and behavioural disorders has exploded in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the real tragedy is often hidden behind filtered selfies and people who aren't paying attention.Quoting the World Health Organisation, Dr. Monica Sood shares that one in seven adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 globally suffers from a mental health problem. Suicide is the fourth most common cause of death among teens. In India, the numbers are no less harrowing—“a student kills themselves every hour,” says the National Crime Records Bureau.This is a generation supposedly poised to “have it all”, but as Dr. Sood says, they’re instead buckling under immense pressure, from academic demands and the need for social validation to competition with peers, family expectations, and uncertainty about the future.While awareness is slowly improving, Dr. Sood laments that “conversations about youth mental health are still clouded by stigma, cultural denial, and a lack of resources.” Therapy remains a luxury, school counselling is scarce, and what should be called burnout has been normalised as digital fatigue.The Root Causes Go Beyond ExamsDr. Sood argues that to truly address the crisis, we need to dig deeper. “We need to realise that the crisis is more than just schoolwork or screen time.” Instead, it’s the result of a complicated mesh of factors:Unrealistic expectations from society: The pressure to be perfect in every way is, in Dr. Sood’s words, “a psychological war zone.”Dysfunctional families: Emotional unavailability, abuse, neglect, and overcontrol can deeply harm a child’s sense of self.Lack of emotional vocabulary: Many young people don’t have the words to express what they’re feeling. Instead, their pain shows up as anger, withdrawal, or substance abuse.Unfiltered digital exposure: Curated lives on social media fuel jealousy, insecurity, and body image issues.Loss of spiritual and community ties: “The feeling of being part of something bigger is fading,” warns Dr. Sood.A Mental Health RenaissanceBut all is not lost. Dr. Sood lays out a refreshingly bold and unconventional action plan for what she calls a mental health renaissance—one that starts in schools and ends in society-wide reform.Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy in the CurriculumDr. Sood urges schools to teach children how to manage their emotions just as they teach math. Weekly lessons in emotional intelligence, stress management, and nonviolent communication should begin from Class 1. “Add art therapy, journaling, breathing exercises, and storytelling,” she suggests, to make these lessons stick.Empathy Ambassadors in Every InstitutionDr. Sood calls for a peer-led model of support—“Every school, college, and university should choose and train a few older students or peers to be ‘Empathy Ambassadors’.” These students should be trained to listen, maintain confidentiality, and support others in crisis. Sometimes, peer support can be more approachable than formal therapy.Digital Detox Sabbaticals“We fast for our bodies; we should fast for our minds too,” Dr. Sood says. She recommends monthly ‘silent days’ in schools and families—no screens, no judgements, just fun, creativity, and nature.Rebuilding Sacred Third SpacesBeyond home and school, young people need judgement-free zones to simply exist. “Think of libraries, community centres, and parks as ‘mental sanctuaries’,” says Dr. Sood. These could host music corners, open mic nights, and wellness cafés.Combining AI, Ayurveda, and PsychologyDr. Sood’s final suggestion marries ancient Indian wisdom with modern science—“Use Ayurvedic mind-body typing, psychometric tests, and AI-based behavioural tracking to make personalised mental health plans.” She envisions a future where technology aids rather than overwhelms, offering tailored, holistic mental health solutions.

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When we talk about cancer, breast, lung, and colon usually dominate the conversation. But lurking quietly in the background is a lesser-known, often overlooked type: sarcomas. These <span>rare cancers</span>, which take root in connective tissues, don’t always get the attention they deserve. Yet, they deserve it and how.

Sarcomas are a group of cancers which arise from body tissues. It can be from bone, fat, muscle, tendons, nerves, blood and lymph vessels are the predominant ones.

Unlike most other cancers that generally strike older adults, sarcomas don’t discriminate by age. “These cancers can occur in relatively younger age groups,” Dr. Karthik K S, Consultant, Surgical Oncology at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, says. Sometimes, these are also triggered by certain genetic mutations, making them all the more complex.

These tumours can quietly grow in any part of the body, which means the symptoms are often subtle and deceptive. Dr. Karthik says, “Presentations may be much simpler than the consequences. Unplanned treatment may lead to rather grievous consequences.”

Because of the wide-ranging locations where sarcomas can appear, they often call for specialists across disciplines. “The treatment of these types of cancers will need specialised doctors, often oncologist surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists,” he explains. In short, a generalist approach just won’t do.

Before treatment even begins, the real detective work starts. “The patient will need a full evaluation,” says Dr. Karthik. That begins with imaging, but even this depends on where the <span>sarcoma</span> has taken hold. Once imaging has painted a picture, a <span>biopsy</span> is essential. “These diseases need a biopsy to prove the diagnosis and often subclassify the disease based on IHC (immunohistochemistry),” he says.

If there’s a suspicion of hereditary involvement, genetic studies may also be required. Only once everything is on the table—stage, type, and location—can doctors chalk out a treatment plan.

According to Dr. Karthik, “treatment includes surgery as a main modality of treatment.” But it’s rarely a one-man show. “Treatment may also include chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” he adds, making it a team effort from start to finish.

Dr. Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Medical Oncology Consultant at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, draws attention to another critical aspect: age is no protection. “Connective tissue is an important constituent of the human body. The cancer that arises from the connective tissue mostly constitutes sarcoma. It can be seen in all age groups, starting from infancy to geriatric populations.”

In fact, in children, sarcomas are surprisingly common. “Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of cancer in the children,” Dr. Biswal states. “Apart from that, <span>osteosarcoma</span> and Ewing's sarcoma are also common types of sarcomas in children.”

Since sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body, the symptoms can be vague or misleading. Dr. Biswal points out, “It can present as a progressively increasing swelling or a lump, bone overgrowth with pain, swelling or limitation in the range of motion, or simply a vague lump based on its location.”

Which is why early detection is tough and treatment becomes even more time-sensitive.

Dr. Biswal explains that sarcoma treatment is not a one-specialist show. “Sarcoma treatment is always a multimodality effort involving medical and surgical oncologists, orthopaedic oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, onco-pathologists and the rehabilitation team.”

He shares that the most common treatment plan includes “surgical excision followed by radiation or chemotherapy”. When it comes to bone or limb sarcomas, gone are the days when amputation was the only solution. “Limb salvage therapy rather than amputation is the new way. It can be achieved by high-quality implants or autografts,” he adds.

Time really is of the essence. Dr. Biswal stresses, “Though rare, the tendency to metastasise is high, such that diseases like Ewing’s sarcoma are considered systemic from the very time of diagnosis.” In other words, even at diagnosis, it’s already a whole-body concern.

But with timely diagnosis and swift treatment, outcomes can be significantly improved. “A timely diagnosis and a prompt treatment can save a life and avoid much morbidity,” Dr. Biswal reminds us.

sarcoma

connective tissue cancer

rare cancers

When we talk about cancer, breast, lung, and colon usually dominate the conversation. But lurking quietly in the background is a lesser-known, often overlooked type: sarcomas. These rare cancers, which take root in connective tissues, don’t always get the attention they deserve. Yet, they deserve it and how.Not Just One, But Many TypesSarcomas are a group of cancers which arise from body tissues. It can be from bone, fat, muscle, tendons, nerves, blood and lymph vessels are the predominant ones.Unlike most other cancers that generally strike older adults, sarcomas don’t discriminate by age. “These cancers can occur in relatively younger age groups,” Dr. Karthik K S, Consultant, Surgical Oncology at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, says. Sometimes, these are also triggered by certain genetic mutations, making them all the more complex.The Trouble with TumoursThese tumours can quietly grow in any part of the body, which means the symptoms are often subtle and deceptive. Dr. Karthik says, “Presentations may be much simpler than the consequences. Unplanned treatment may lead to rather grievous consequences.”Because of the wide-ranging locations where sarcomas can appear, they often call for specialists across disciplines. “The treatment of these types of cancers will need specialised doctors, often oncologist surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists,” he explains. In short, a generalist approach just won’t do.Diagnosis: More Than Just a ScanBefore treatment even begins, the real detective work starts. “The patient will need a full evaluation,” says Dr. Karthik. That begins with imaging, but even this depends on where the sarcoma has taken hold. Once imaging has painted a picture, a biopsy is essential. “These diseases need a biopsy to prove the diagnosis and often subclassify the disease based on IHC (immunohistochemistry),” he says.If there’s a suspicion of hereditary involvement, genetic studies may also be required. Only once everything is on the table—stage, type, and location—can doctors chalk out a treatment plan.Surgery Takes the LeadAccording to Dr. Karthik, “treatment includes surgery as a main modality of treatment.” But it’s rarely a one-man show. “Treatment may also include chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” he adds, making it a team effort from start to finish.Kids Are Not SparedDr. Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Medical Oncology Consultant at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, draws attention to another critical aspect: age is no protection. “Connective tissue is an important constituent of the human body. The cancer that arises from the connective tissue mostly constitutes sarcoma. It can be seen in all age groups, starting from infancy to geriatric populations.”In fact, in children, sarcomas are surprisingly common. “Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of cancer in the children,” Dr. Biswal states. “Apart from that, osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are also common types of sarcomas in children.”SymptomsSince sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body, the symptoms can be vague or misleading. Dr. Biswal points out, “It can present as a progressively increasing swelling or a lump, bone overgrowth with pain, swelling or limitation in the range of motion, or simply a vague lump based on its location.”Which is why early detection is tough and treatment becomes even more time-sensitive.Teamwork Makes the Treatment WorkDr. Biswal explains that sarcoma treatment is not a one-specialist show. “Sarcoma treatment is always a multimodality effort involving medical and surgical oncologists, orthopaedic oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, onco-pathologists and the rehabilitation team.”He shares that the most common treatment plan includes “surgical excision followed by radiation or chemotherapy”. When it comes to bone or limb sarcomas, gone are the days when amputation was the only solution. “Limb salvage therapy rather than amputation is the new way. It can be achieved by high-quality implants or autografts,” he adds.Speed Is EverythingTime really is of the essence. Dr. Biswal stresses, “Though rare, the tendency to metastasise is high, such that diseases like Ewing’s sarcoma are considered systemic from the very time of diagnosis.” In other words, even at diagnosis, it’s already a whole-body concern.But with timely diagnosis and swift treatment, outcomes can be significantly improved. “A timely diagnosis and a prompt treatment can save a life and avoid much morbidity,” Dr. Biswal reminds us.

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