North Carolina is grappling a disturbing public healthcare crisis as flu-related deaths reach a record high for the 2024–2025 respiratory virus season. At over 500 across the state, this year is the deadliest flu season since the state initiated flu surveillance back in 2009. The severity of the trend not only emphasizes the need for early detection and inoculation but also calls into question public health readiness and community vigilance on an urgent basis.

As per a press release by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the alarming increase in deaths from the flu is nearly equal to the deaths from COVID-19 throughout the state for the time period in question. This symmetry is surprising, given that flu has long been thought of as a lesser seasonal disease. Reality, as the numbers now indicate, is much darker.

Flu deaths in North Carolina have jumped to more than 500, a 3,933% increase from the 2008–2009 season when 12 flu-related deaths were recorded. So far, the worst flu season ever was 2017–2018, when 391 individuals died statewide. This season, however, has rewritten the public health narrative completely.

Pediatric fatalities have also raised concern among experts, particularly since 75% of these fatalities took place among children who were unvaccinated. This too adds to the sense of urgency surrounding flu vaccination, especially for susceptible age groups.

NCDHHS Secretary Devdutta Sangvai recognized the tireless efforts of public health workers in all 100 counties and noted that the burden could have been even heavier without their efforts in education, vaccination campaigns, and treatment support.

But budget reductions and declining federal funds are now starting to reveal their impact. Health officials caution that a stretched system has left the state more vulnerable to outbreaks—not just of the flu, but of other respiratory viruses too.

Does Vaccination Still Matters?

In spite of strong scientific data endorsing flu immunization, the percentage of individuals getting the flu vaccine keeps dropping. According to infectious disease specialist Dr. David Weber, this is because widespread misinformation is the reason.

“One of the biggest reasons people skip the flu shot is a false belief that they’re not at risk,” he said. “People often think, ‘I’m young and healthy, I’ll be fine.’ But the truth is, flu can seriously affect anyone, regardless of age.”

Weber equates getting a flu shot with buckling up—yes, there are occasional side effects, but the advantages are well worth it. Vaccination, he insists, dramatically cuts hospitalizations and deaths.

Although the flu is hazardous to all, there are a few groups that are especially at risk:

• Older people (age 65 and above) are at increased risk of serious complications.
• Pregnant women must not only protect themselves but also their baby.
• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or who have a history of smoking are particularly susceptible to serious illness.
• Children younger than age 5, and particularly those younger than age 2, are also at increased risk.

For them, annual flu vaccination isn't only advised—it's necessary.

Identifying the Early Warning Signs

Early recognition of flu symptoms can be lifesaving. Flu symptoms can also develop rapidly, and prompt treatment—particularly with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu—can sharply decrease severity and duration of illness.

Watch for the following symptoms:

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Persistent dry cough
• Sore throat
• Ache in muscles or joints
• Severe tiredness
• Runny or congested nose

If you or a loved one starts to feel these symptoms, particularly if you are in a high-risk group, get immediate medical attention and testing.

How To Stay Protected?

Public health officials emphasize that even as the season reaches its peak, it's not too late to become vaccinated. Flu season usually lasts through May, providing individuals and families with a valuable window to protect their health.

Other prevention measures include:

• Frequent washing of hands with soap and water to reduce the transmission of the virus.
• Wearing masks in high-density or high-transmission environments.
• Not going to work or school when ill to prevent infecting others.
• Taking antiviral drugs as directed, especially when symptoms arise early.

Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, a pioneer of interventional cardiology, has passed away on April 18, 2025, in Chennai, at the age of 77, marking an end to an era in coronary angioplasty and stenting technology. Popularly known as the 'Father of Angioplasty in India,' Dr. Kalarickal transformed heart care, changing the lives of thousands of patients and redefining the face of contemporary interventional cardiology.

Born on January 6, 1948, in Kerala, Dr. Kalarickal's journey to becoming one of the world's most renowned cardiologists was set early in life. After completing his medical studies at Kottayam Medical College, he went on to pursue specialization in cardiology from Chennai but his stint in the United States of America, under the guidance of Dr. Andreas Gruentzig—the man universally accepted as the 'Father of Coronary Angioplasty'—would establish the foundation for his groundbreaking career.

Dr. Kalarickal's return to India in 1985 proved to be turning point. Coronary angioplasty was a new, unexplored area in India at that time, and one that fell behind progress in the U.S. and Europe. Sensing this lacuna, Dr. Kalarickal chose to introduce this revolutionary procedure to India, with a vision of making lifesaving heart procedures reach more people.

First Angioplasty in India

In 1986, Dr. Kalarickal performed the very first angioplasty in India, a process which would subsequently alter the direction of heart treatment in the country. Angioplasty at that time was not a widely known procedure in India, and coronary artery disease was on the rise. During the first year, he had only treated 18 patients. But by 1987, that figure had risen to 150, an unmistakable indicator of both the increasing demand for this life-saving operation and the confidence that patients had in Dr. Kalarickal's skills.

His success in India did not remain confined to its borders, Dr. Kalarickal played a key role in setting up angioplasty centers in various nations in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. His relentless efforts to educate and train physicians in these nations helped ensure that this new technique spread like wildfire, eventually saving countless lives and making heart procedures more available worldwide.

Role of Dr. Kalarickal in Expanding Angioplasty Globally

Dr. Kalarickal's role was not just to bring angioplasty to India and the rest of the region. As an innovator, he was a pioneer in bringing new innovations to the world of angioplasty and stenting. One of his greatest feats was becoming the first Indian cardiologist to introduce and practice the application of drug-eluting bio-absorbable stents, which improved the efficacy of angioplasty by a large margin and minimized the threat of re-blockage in coronary arteries.

Having done more than 10,000 angioplasties, Dr. Kalarickal's expertise and commitment to improving heart health were second to none. He also contributed significantly to academia, establishing the National Angioplasty Registry of India, through which data on angioplasty operations could be gathered and analyzed to streamline and enhance practice nationwide. His contributions had an effect on the medical fraternity and made him a mentor to numerous budding cardiologists in India and overseas.

Dr. Kalarickal's success was not limited to the operating room. His leadership positions in major medical societies demonstrate his reputation as a world leader in interventional cardiology. He was president of the Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology from 1995 to 1997 and then went on to chair the Asian-Pacific Society of Cardiology section of Interventional Cardiology between 1995 and 1999. His presidency in these societies promoted the use of angioplasty and stenting procedures around the world and consolidated the group of cardiologists in Asia.

His work was duly appreciated in many awards and honors. Dr. Kalarickal received the esteemed Padma Shri award in 2000, one of the highest civilian awards in India, for his outstanding work in cardiology. He was also awarded the Dr. B.C. Roy Award in 1996 for his notable contributions to medicine, the Doctor of Science Award by Dr. M.G.R. University in 2003, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

While Dr. Kalarickal was well-known for his medical knowledge, he was as much admired for being a mentor. Dr. Sai Satish, who is a senior interventional cardiologist in Chennai, was trained by Dr. Kalarickal and collaborated with him for more than two decades. Talking about his experiences during his mentor's time, Dr. Satish stated, "There will never be another Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal in my life.". He taught me in ways that few people ever managed, and I will miss him every time I enter a cath lab." This is a sentiment shared by many other cardiologists who were fortunate enough to learn from him. His dedication to educating and empowering the future generation of heart doctors has left an invaluable legacy on the specialty of cardiology.

Dr. Kalarickal's contributions have saved thousands of lives, and his legacy will never be lost in the profession of interventional cardiology. His vision, commitment, and pioneering attitude have revolutionized heart disease treatment in India and across the globe. With the advent of angioplasty, he revolutionized the procedure that used to be an extremely invasive and dangerous one and turned it into a routine, life-saving one.

How Angioplasty Saves Your Heart?

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open up narrowed or blocked coronary arteries due to a buildup of fatty plaques. Plaque buildup in the arteries over time can limit blood supply to the heart, resulting in angina (chest pain) or even heart attacks. Angioplasty is done to relieve these blockages, restore normal blood flow, and prevent heart-related complications. But in what way precisely does angioplasty save the heart?

While undergoing angioplasty, a catheter is inserted into the clogged artery with a balloon at the end. The catheter is advanced through the bloodstream with great caution until it enters the area where the blockage is. Having reached its destination, the balloon is inflated, pushing the plaque against the artery walls, effectively opening up the artery and reinstating blood circulation to the heart. In most instances, a tiny mesh tube known as a stent is also inserted to keep the artery open and prevent it from closing again.

Angioplasty can be carried out in patients with different types of coronary artery disease, such as patients who have experienced heart attacks, those with chronic angina, and those at high risk for cardiac events due to plaque deposition. Angioplasty is commonly carried out on patients who are not ideal candidates for standard open-heart surgery.

Instant Relief and Long-term Advantages

Perhaps the greatest benefit of angioplasty is the relief that it brings promptly to the patient. Post-procedure, patients can notice dramatically decreased symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness, all typical with clogged arteries. The normalization of blood flow tends to keep the heart from working as hard and lowers the risk of heart attacks.

In the long run, angioplasty ensures that the heart is not subjected to further harm by providing it with a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood. This is particularly vital in individuals suffering from coronary artery disease because continuous blood flow is crucial to maintaining heart muscle health. Angioplasty can greatly eliminate the risk of heart failure, heart attack, or stroke by opening up clogged arteries. Also, the procedure has been demonstrated to enhance quality of life in general, since patients are frequently able to resume normal activities following the procedure without the restrictions created by chest pain and other symptoms.

Scientists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have discovered a gut bacterium that may transform blood transfusions across the globe. The bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, found naturally in the human gut, secretes enzymes that can convert blood types A, B, and AB to type O—the universal donor type. The discovery, reported in Nature Microbiology, may substantially resolve global blood shortages and enhance transfusion success in critical care situations.

Compatibility in blood groups is crucial in transfusions. Red blood cells of ours have antigens—specific sugar-protein molecules—on their surface. These antigens define our blood type (A, B, AB, or O). O blood cells don't have A and B antigens, and therefore, these are compatible for patients with A+, B+, AB+, or O+ blood. This is why type O, particularly O-negative, is the most sought-after blood group in emergency and trauma centers across the world.

However, blood donations usually don't meet the required demand. This is a serious problem because, while more than 117 million pints of blood are donated every year globally, still, there are mismatched types in both planned and emergency operations. If there were a safe and scalable way of converting A, B, and AB blood into O, healthcare systems would be revolutionized and thousands of lives could be saved.

The secret to this change is in the enzymes secreted by Akkermansia muciniphila. These enzymes hydrolyze mucin, a glycoprotein rich in sugar that lines and protects the gut. Interestingly, the structure of mucin is similar to the sugar chains present in blood group antigens.

Working with donor samples, UBC scientists extracted a particular pair of enzymes from the gut flora of an AB+ donor. These enzymes effectively broke down A and B antigens on red blood cells, essentially turning them into type O universal donor cells. The researchers even went on to work with a complete unit of A-type blood using this technology—a milestone never reached before using this level of efficiency and safety.

A key component of this finding was cracking the code for the structure of the new enzyme by using crystallography. The researchers collaborated with the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to see the structure of the enzyme, which enabled them to know why it had such high affinity for A antigens and why it was more efficient and quicker than other enzymes utilized in similar endeavors before.

The enzymes performed impressively well, even on the recently-discovered longer A and B blood group variants—a feat that earlier conversion methods faltered at. Interestingly, the conversion of blood type B was more straightforward than that of type A, though both could be successfully treated under room temperature conditions in only 30 minutes, and without chemicals—a quantum leap in rendering the process viable for the clinic.

What is ECO Blood?

The scientists refer to the transformed samples as "enzyme-converted to O" or ECO blood. It takes only around 8 grams of the enzyme to convert 200ml of blood, indicating the process can be scaled up for practical medical application. In contrast to previous techniques first tried in 2007, which were hampered by efficiency and safety issues, this new technique is faster, cleaner, and more compatible with hospital environments.

ECHO blood is a term for echocardiography, a non-invasive medical imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart in real-time. The imaging method enables physicians to evaluate the functioning of the heart by viewing its size, shape, pumping capability, and blood flow through the heart's chambers and valves. Echocardiography is important for diagnosing heart disease, heart health monitoring, and making decisions about treatment without surgery or the use of radiation.

These results are timely, as over half the population in nations such as Canada will require blood or have someone who does during their lifetime. Furthermore, shortages of blood are a worldwide problem, frequently compounded by emergencies, natural disasters, and pandemics that disrupt donation cycles. If effective in human trials and cleared for clinical use, this enzyme technology may become a pillar of contemporary transfusion medicine.

Although the discovery is a breakthrough, the scientists are being cautious. Although the type B blood conversion has been done effectively, further work is required to convert type A blood reliably and safely in all subtypes. Future research will aim to optimize these enzymatic reactions and scale up the process for clinical trials.

Lead researcher Dr. Stephen Withers pointed out the clinical significance, "Our conversion of RBCs was particularly conducted at the maximum red blood cell concentration, minimum assay time, and minimum temperature compared to existing literature. The conditions are important in terms of keeping it mild enough for use clinically.

This breakthrough illustrates the enormous potential of microbiome research to address some of medicine's most enduring challenges. By tapping into the untapped potential of gut bacteria, scientists could soon be eradicating blood type barriers—opening up a future in which safe, universal blood transfusions are no longer confined by compatibility.

How It Works?

Blood type is assigned by particular antigens—carbohydrate-based molecules—found on the surface of red blood cells. Type A people have A antigens, type B people have B antigens, and AB people have both. Type O people lack both A and B antigens, so their red blood cells are compatible for transfusion across the board, particularly in crisis situations when matching bloods might not be immediately on hand.

The enzymes from A. muciniphila effectively "shave off" the A and B antigens from red blood cells, reducing them to a neutral, antigen-free state—Type O. In the laboratory, scientists successfully treated Type A red blood cells with this enzymatic cocktail, stripping away the antigens effectively and within a relatively short time period of 30 minutes at room temperature. They also achieved similar results with Type B blood, and even with extended variants of A and B groups recently discovered.

Practically, around 8 grams of this enzyme blend can be used to convert 200 milliliters of A or B blood into "enzyme-converted to O" (ECO) blood. This conversion was achieved at high red blood cell concentration, under mild and additive-free conditions, which are best for clinical feasibility and safety of the patient.

How Does This Breakthrough Affect Healthcare?

The capacity to transform types A and B of blood into universal donor type O is a giant step in the history of transfusion medicine. Blood transfusions are salvage operations employed during surgery, traumatic injury, cancer therapy, and chronic disease, but they are reliant on blood group compatibility to prevent potentially lethal immune reactions. The major hindrance in emergency care and blood bankation is the scarcity of type O blood, which is the universal donor for Rhesus (Rh) factor positive individuals—representing close to 75% of the world's population.

Through the use of gut-derived enzymes from Akkermansia muciniphila to remove antigens from A and B red blood cells, scientists have created a new avenue for increasing the availability of universal blood. This could mean hospitals need to use donors and recipients less often based on matching by blood type, a process that all too frequently causes delay in such procedures, particularly in emergencies. It also would mean that short supplies or unusual blood types might be reduced through converting more typically available types into type O.

At a wider health care level, this innovation has the potential to ease the global shortage of blood donors, improve blood bank inventory management, and provide greater availability of blood in rural or under-resourced areas where certain types are difficult to obtain.

Breast cancer has long carried the weight of being an "older woman's disease" but that is changing fast with increasing numbers of young women being diagnosed with cancer. More women in their 20s and 30s being diagnosed, not decades later, but now. And in certain U.S. states, the figures are rising more quickly than anyone had predicted.

Where you live isn't just a lifestyle it could become a risk factor- from busy boroughs in New York to picturesque suburbs in Oregon, a recent study has revealed that young women in certain areas are being impacted at alarming levels. Whereas breast cancer has traditionally been linked with elderly age brackets, emerging trends are changing—and younger women in specific U.S. states are now being exposed to disproportionately greater risks.

So, are you in a state that requires more awareness, early testing, or lifestyle changes? This report digs deep into the statistics, knowing which states indicate the greatest risk of breast cancer in women under the age of 40—and what this will mean for your health now.

Because prevention begins with knowledge—and what you learn today could save your life or someone you love.

A new study indicates that where you reside in the United States may have a dramatic effect on your chances of getting breast cancer—particularly if you are under the age of 40. The results are part of a wide-ranging, multi-state study done by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control.

Researchers are increasingly sounding the alarm about a troubling trend: the growing incidence of early-onset breast cancer in women aged 25 to 39. This nationwide rise is now being shown to follow distinct geographic and racial patterns, prompting experts to call for more nuanced risk assessments and tailored public health strategies.

Young Women and Rising Breast Cancer Rates

The research examined U.S. Cancer Statistics data between 2001 and 2020 and revealed a 0.5% or higher yearly rise in breast cancer incidence among women younger than 40 in 21 states. Twelve of these states—California, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois among them—had a statistically significant increase.

Geographically, the Western U.S. experienced the steepest rise in breast cancer rates among young women, and the Northeast saw the greatest absolute number of cases. Most strikingly, the South was the only region where rates remained flat—a trend researchers are still attempting to explain.

In the three-state region of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, young women continue to have very high rates of breast cancer. The top five highest rates of early-onset breast cancer include these states as well as Maryland and Hawaii. At the lowest, however, were states Idaho, Utah, North Dakota, Arizona, and Wyoming, and their rate of incidence was a 32% decrease from those with high risks.

Why Geography Matters in Breast Cancer Risk?

What is behind these regional disparities? The answer is probably complicated and multifaceted, according to Dr. Rebecca Kehm, the lead author of the study. "The rising incidence cannot be attributed to genetics," she said in a news release. "And it's not due to increased screening either—most women under age 40 aren't even in the age group where routine mammograms are recommended.

Rather, environmental exposures, urban residence, lifestyle trends, and state-level public health policy may all play a role. The study did not identify specific causes, though Kehm's research team is currently investigating links between early-onset breast cancer and outside factors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.

Is Alcohol Consumption A Factor in States at High Risk?

Drinking has been recognized as a reversible risk factor for breast cancer. Even casual drinking carries elevated risk: women who drink one per day are 7-10% more likely to develop the disease, while those who drink 2-3 per day have up to a 20% elevation.

Interestingly, a number of breast cancer high-risk states also have some of the highest per capita drinking rates. Based on the National Drug Helpline, New Hampshire, Delaware, and North Dakota are among the leading states in alcohol use, suggesting potential behavioral or cultural associations that deserve further investigation.

The research also indicated large racial and ethnic disparities. Non-Hispanic Black women most frequently presented with early-onset breast cancer, consistent with previous work demonstrating that they are at increased risk of developing aggressive types of the disease at younger ages. Hispanic women had the lowest rates of all regions.

Non-Hispanic White women were the only group to exhibit a steady rise in early-onset breast cancer in all four U.S. regions. These results highlight the need to take both race and location into account when assessing individual risk profiles.

What Is Early-Onset Breast Cancer?

Early-onset breast cancer is a diagnosis between ages 18 and 45. Although uncommon, it's frequently more aggressive and diagnosed later in life because there is less screening and awareness of the disease in younger women.

Common symptoms are:

• A breast or armpit lump
• Nipple discharge
• Inverted nipple
• Swelling or skin changes like dimpling or redness
• Bearing breasts which is persistent pain

Since routine mammogram screenings typically start at 40, a lot of young women don't realize they're at risk until symptoms become more difficult to disregard.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

In reaction to the rise, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently advises all women to start mammography screening every two years at age 40. This is a change from the earlier advice, which offered screening as an option beginning at age 40 but favored ages 50 to 74.

This shift is important. Based on the American Cancer Society, breast cancer in women younger than 50 is rising faster—around 1.4% a year—than their older peers.

Early-onset breast cancer isn't solely a matter of age or heredity—it's an incredibly contextual disease. State-level trends, environmental exposure, racial identity, and lifestyle decisions all intersect to determine a young woman's risk.

Public health professionals and primary care physicians need to think more locally and individually now in leading breast cancer prevention and education. "We hope this research leads to more personalized screening recommendations and environmental studies," Kehm said.

While the science develops, one thing is clear—knowing your geography may be as crucial as knowing your family history when it comes to breast cancer risk.