Headaches are a common symptom of a stressful lifestyle, your body not feeling well and other issues. While headaches can be dealt with easily, migraines are not so easy to handle. Migraines are a type of headache that feels like severe throbbing and pulsing sensation, almost like you are hearing your own heartbeat in your brain, usually on one side of the brain. Many people believe that migraines are not that big of a deal because you just have to deal with the pain, but that is not all migraine is, some people find it very difficult to do their daily tasks as they experience dizzying spells, nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound! These attacks can last hours and make it difficult for people to go about their daily lives as well. While there are medications available for migraine patients, these medications need time to take effect, so you may be in a lot of pain, but there are not many quick reliefs you can have in place other than learning the symptoms of a migraine attack and taking medication before it happens. But a new approval by the FDA may change this!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Symbravo, a new medicine to treat acute migraine attacks in adults. This means adults can now use Symbravo to get relief from their migraine symptoms. The FDA's decision was based on the results of three big studies, called Phase 3 trials. These trials involved over 21,000 migraine attacks, so the FDA has a lot of information about how well Symbravo works and how safe it is. The FDA only approves medicines that have been shown to be both safe and effective through a thorough testing process.

Importance of New Treatment Option

"Migraine attacks can happen suddenly and really mess up people's lives. It's estimated that over 39 million people in the U.S. alone get migraines," said Herriot Tabuteau, M.D., CEO of Axsome Therapeutics told US News. This shows how common migraines are and how important it is to have good treatments. "Symbravo gives patients and doctors a new option that can quickly stop a migraine attack, keep it away, and let people get back to their normal activities, all with just one dose." Having a medicine that can give fast and long-lasting relief from migraine pain is a big deal for millions of people. This new treatment is a real step forward in how we treat migraines.

Symbravo Trial Results, How Was It Approved

The trials took place in 3 steps, the Momentum trial study focused on people whose migraines had moderate to severe pain. The results showed that a lot more people taking Symbravo felt pain-free two hours after taking the medicine compared to those who took a placebo which is a dummy pill. Even better, many people felt relief for up to 24 and even 48 hours after just one dose. This long-lasting relief is really important for people with migraines because it means they can get back to their normal lives without worrying about the pain coming back. The study also looked at how many people were free from their worst symptom, like sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea. Symbravo worked better than the placebo in this area too.

While the intercept trial looked at people who took Symbravo when their migraine pain was still mild. Even when the pain was just starting, Symbravo was effective. The results were similar to the MOMENTUM trial, with many people getting pain relief and relief from their worst symptoms. Treating migraines early is often better because it can stop the pain from getting really bad.

And lastly the Movement trial which was to see how safe the medication is when people take it regularly. This study followed 706 people who had at least two migraines a month. The most common side effects people experienced were sleepiness and dizziness. While these side effects are important to know about, the study showed that Symbravo is generally safe for people to use on a regular basis.

US President Donald Trump-backed decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending giving infants a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth is likely to lead to hundreds more infections, deaths, and millions of dollars in higher costs, according to new research.

The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, comes as federal vaccine advisers to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted in December 2025 to reverse the long-standing recommendation to delay the first shot until at least two months of age for infants born to mothers who test negative for the virus.

While pediatricians, public health experts, and dozens of medical groups warned that it could harm children and their families, the new JAMA studies modelled the potential impact of the policy.

What Did The Studies Predict?

The first study estimated that delaying the first hepatitis B vaccine dose by two months for babies born in a single year to mothers who tested negative — about 80 percent of the 3.6 million US births annually — would increase lifetime health-care costs by at least $16 million, The Washington Post reported.

If vaccination were delayed by seven months, it would cost an additional $19.8 million.

The second study modeled what would happen if only 10 per cent of babies born to unscreened mothers received a birth dose; an additional 628 babies would get infected.

“One of the most concerning implications is how many more infected Hep B babies will we see,” said co-author Rachel Epstein, a pediatric and adult infectious diseases clinician at Boston Medical Center.

“A universal birth dose helps prevent a substantial number of infections in babies of a lifelong condition that we do not have a cure for,” she added.

CDC Had No evidence To Overturn Hepatitis B Vaccine Policy

Since 1991, all infants born in the US have received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a strategy that led to close to a 99 percent decline in infections among children.

Calling the universal birth-dose policy "a safety net", public health and medical experts noted that nearly 15 percent of pregnant women miss recommended hepatitis B screening. More than half of those who test positive do not receive appropriate follow-up care.

Delaying the initial dose also decreases the likelihood that a child will complete the three-shot series needed for full protection, hepatitis experts have said.

The authors argued that the CDC advisory panel departed from standards established for over three decades and failed to weigh key evidence.

“We noticed that the committee did not have the evidence they needed to inform their decision,” co-author Eric Hall, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Oregon Health and Science University, was quoted as saying to The Post.

“But this group kind of blew past all that and didn’t make any effort to fill the evidence gaps that they might have had. They just went ahead anyway.”

Also read: Hepatitis Infections Claims 1.3 Million Lives Worldwide, India Among Top Contributors: WHO

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is highly contagious and spreads when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from a person who carries the virus enter the body of someone who is not infected.

Hepatitis B can also pass from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, whether through a vaginal delivery or a C-section. It is the most common route of transmission.

Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent hepatitis B. The shots offer strong protection in infancy and continue to shield individuals well into adulthood.

Babies usually receive a three-dose series. A scientific review by the Vaccine Integrity Project found that 95 percent of healthy infants develop enough immunity after the third dose. The vaccine also lowers the risk of infection by nearly 70 percent in babies born to mothers who have hepatitis B.

A biryani feast followed by a serving of watermelon proved deadly for a family of four in Mumbai on Sunday. The incident was reported from the Pydhonie area, where an entire family passed away after eating biryani for dinner and some watermelon before calling it a night. They had watermelon around 1.00 am or 1.30 am, and their condition started to deteriorate around 5.00 am. They all experienced diarrhoea and nausea and eventually passed away. The mystery now remains: was it a case of accidental watermelon poisoning or something else? Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen Dokadia (35), and their two daughters, Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13), lost their lives, and the police are currently suspecting it to be a case of food poisoning. But can eating watermelon really kill you? Let us find out.

What are the signs of watermelon poisoning?

Watermelon is a popular summer fruit that people enjoy eating during the hotter months. It is 70 per cent water, highly hydrating, and also beneficial for weight loss. However, going overboard is discouraged by doctors, as overeating or consuming adulterated watermelon can lead to abdominal discomfort and digestive distress. Watermelon-related food poisoning can occur because of E. coli or salmonella infections. It can cause rapid dehydration, diarrhoea, cramps, fever, weakness, and, in extreme cases, even death.

What happens when you eat too much watermelon?

Dr Aarti Ullal, Physician and Diabetologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, in an interaction with Health and Me, said, “Eating too much watermelon may lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, or loose motions, mainly because of its high water and natural sugar content. In some individuals, especially those with sensitive digestion, it can also cause acidity or mild cramps and disturb their peace of mind.”

Dr Ullal also stated that watermelon poisoning can occur when the fruit is contaminated with pesticides, chemicals, or bacteria due to poor handling or improper storage. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weakness. These are typically short-term digestive issues but may require medical attention if severe or if they interfere with daily routine. However, questions also arise regarding watermelon allergies. Watermelon allergy is rare and may cause itching in the mouth, swelling, rashes, or stomach upset soon after consumption.

How to check if your watermelon is adulterated?

To check if a watermelon is adulterated, look for an unnaturally bright red colour, cracks, a chemical smell, or an overly soft texture. Always wash the outer surface, as it may contain pesticides or chemicals, before cutting. Make sure to buy from trusted sources to avoid any health issues. Watermelon is safe and healthy to consume, but moderation and proper hygiene are key.

Can eating a watermelon kill you?

Conclusively, it can be said that eating a watermelon specifically should not cause deaths. However, if you bring the fruit home, it is advised to check it for signs of adulteration before consuming. It helps eliminate the possibility of side effects, just in case. However, if you experience food poisoning-like symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Viral hepatitis B and C – responsible for 95 per cent of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide – caused 1.3 million deaths worldwide, according to the Global Hepatitis Report 2026, released today by the World Health Organization.

Of these, 1.1 million people died from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C. Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were the main causes of hepatitis related deaths, stated the report released at the World Hepatitis Summit.

Further, India emerged among the 10 countries that account for 69 per cent of global hepatitis B-related deaths. The country is also among the 10 countries contributing to 58 per cent of hepatitis C-related deaths worldwide.

The Global Hepatitis Burden And Treatment Gap

Despite being preventable and treatable, transmission of hepatitis continues, with more than 4,900 new infections every day, or 1.8 million each year.

As per the WHO report, a whopping 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C infection in 2024.

The same year, 0.9 million people were newly infected with hepatitis B.

The WHO African Region accounted for 68 per cent of new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17 per cent of newborns in the region received the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination.

Another 0.9 million hepatitis C infections were recorded in 2024. People who inject drugs accounted for 44 per cent of new infections, highlighting the urgent need for stronger harm reduction services and safe injection practices.

Of the 240 million people with chronic hepatitis B in 2024, fewer than 5 per cent were receiving treatment. Similarly, only 20 per cent of people with hepatitis C have been treated since 2015.

Hepatitis: Measurable Gains

Notably, global efforts to combat viral hepatitis have also delivered measurable progress in reducing infections and deaths since 2015.

The annual number of new hepatitis B infections has dropped by 32 per cent, and hepatitis C-related deaths have fallen by 12 per cent globally.

Hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has also decreased to 0.6 per cent, with 85 countries achieving or surpassing the 2030 target of 0.1 per cent.

“Around the world, countries are showing that eliminating hepatitis is not a pipedream, it's possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“At the same time, this report shows that progress is too slow and uneven. Many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and inequitable access to care. While we have the tools to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat, urgent scale-up of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is needed if the world is to meet the 2030 targets,” he added.

Hepatitis: How To Prevent

The report noted that highly effective tools to combat hepatitis infections are already available. These include the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects more than 95 per cent of vaccinated people against both acute and chronic infections.

Further, the long-term antiviral treatment for hepatitis B can also help effectively manage chronic infection and prevent severe liver disease. Another is the Hepatitis C short-course curative therapy which lasts 8-12 weeks and can cure more than 95 per cent of infections.

The report identifies priority actions to accelerate hepatitis elimination as a public health threat. These include:

• Scaling up treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection,
• Stronger political commitment and financing,
• Improved coverage of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination
• Expanded antiviral prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV infection
• Improve injection safety in both health-care settings and community practices.