Cigarettes with ultralow nicotine levels are now being called the game-changer in the fight against smoking. If you are having trouble in quitting smoking, then, it is for you, that soon the Biden White House is expected to formally propose a plan that will order cigarette nicotine levels to be reduced, reports The Washington Post. For now though, it has been a failure, as these cigarettes, also known as VLN cigarettes that stands for very low nicotine are only available in 5,100 stores in 26 states. This is a very small fraction of the overall market for cigarettes. The company that makes it, 22nd Century, is struggling not because of the low supply, but also from the advocates who have long believed slashing nicotine levels altogether.

The Advent and ideation

Nicotine is a chemical that is produced naturally from tobacco that makes the cigarette and also keeps people hooked. While it is believed that it makes people alert, and get the "hit" to keep them going, it exposes the users to harmful substances, carcinogens, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illness.

Ultralow-nicotine cigarettes, like the VLN brand, contain about 95% less nicotine than the regular cigarettes. The idea is quite simple: without the addictive grip of nicotine, smokers will find it easier to quit. Research too has shown some promise. For instance, the studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that very low nicotine cigarettes reduced addiction potential significantly without having users to increase their smoking frequency. However, the problem is, why would anyone choose for a low-nicotine that does not make them feel the same way, when the high-nicotine cigarette is right next to it, making them feel the same way, with the same alertness, sold at the same price.

“It’s very hard to imagine someone actively choosing to continue to use a low-nicotine product for the same price when a high-nicotine product is right next to it,” said Eric Donny, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nicotine researcher.

No wonder, the experiment with low nicotine product by Philip Morris' Next cigarettes in the 1980s and Vector Tobacco's Quest brand in the early 2000s, flopped.

FDA's Role in the Push

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported the development of such products, even allowing VLN cigarettes to be marketed as lower-risk options. However, these products remain a niche market, available in only a fraction of U.S. stores.

Recently, the Biden administration has considered a bold step—mandating a dramatic reduction in nicotine levels for all cigarettes sold in the United States. Supporters believe this move could save millions of lives, while critics, including tobacco companies, warn of potential unintended consequences.

What Could Be The Challenges?

Resistance from Big Tobacco Companies: They could argue that slashing nicotine levels could backfire. Their claim is, smokers will turn to black markets or smoke more to satisfy their cravings, which may lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reluctance: History is proof to the instances of smokers being hesitant to embrace the low-nicotine products.

Political Hurdle: It may face political roadblocks, as under the Trump administration, plans to cut nicotine were shelved.

Could Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Be The Solution?

Advocates believe that ultralow-nicotine cigarettes could be a game-changer, comparing them to decaf coffee or non-alcoholic beer—products that reduce harm while offering a similar experience.

Some experts warn that a black market for traditional cigarettes could undermine these efforts. They also stress the need for safer alternatives, such as vaping products, to support smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

France is reporting a rise in COVID-19 cases as the government prepares to launch its autumn COVID and flu vaccination campaign on October 13. The increase comes as neighboring UK is also reporting higher COVID activity and hospitalizations.

COVID-19 Cases Rise in France

Data from the Réseau Sentinelles and other networks monitored by Santé publique France showed an increase in COVID-19 infections during the week of September 21-27, The Connexion reported.

The estimated number of people with COVID-19 who consulted GPs for acute respiratory infections rose to 13 per 100,000, up from nine the previous week. This translates to around 8,806 new cases, compared with about 6,000 the previous week.

The figures cover only people who consulted a GP, so the actual number of infections could be higher.

Overall, acute respiratory infections reported by GPs rose from 103 to 151 cases per 100,000 people. Rhinoviruses were more common, detected in 40% of samples, compared with 10% for COVID.

Emergency visits for suspected COVID among people aged 15 and older also increased by 22%, or 114 visits. However, hospital admissions following emergency visits remained stable and overall COVID activity remained at a low level.

"As always, it's not the patient's interest that counts, but that of the system," said Jérôme Marty, a GP in southern France, according to Franceinfo. Marty said he had been seeing a steady stream of COVID patients in recent weeks.

Also read:‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know

Doctors Seek Earlier Vaccination

The French government has rejected demands from a doctors’ union to bring forward the vaccination campaign.

Marty, who is also president of the UFML doctors’ union, said he was “dismayed” by the decision to start the campaign on October 13.

"There is no public health campaign; people are not reminded to wear a mask when they have symptoms... We are lagging!" he said.

The office of Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said that “indicators do not show a situation justifying the early launch of the campaign.”

Syringe Shortage Concerns

Meanwhile, pharmacy groups have raised concerns about vaccine administration supplies. In an open letter to the minister, they warned that multi-dose vaccine vials require suitable syringes and needles, which pharmacists must now purchase themselves.

The groups called for sufficient supplies and financial coverage and urged greater use of pre-filled syringes in future campaigns.

XFG Vaccine Set for October 13

Read More: COVID-19 May Raise Risk of 6 Allergic Conditions, Study Finds

For autumn 2026, France will use the monovalent Comirnaty XFG vaccine.

COVID vaccination is particularly recommended for people at higher risk of severe disease, including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and those with certain chronic conditions.

The 30-microgram dose is for people aged 12 and older, while the 10-microgram dose is for children aged 6 months to 11 years.

UK, US Also Report COVID Rise

In England, COVID activity increased in the week to September 20. Hospital PCR positivity rose from 5.9% to 7.0%, while hospital admissions increased from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 people. Overall activity remained low.

In the US, CDC data from September 29 showed cases rising in some states while falling or remaining stable in others.

What Is the XFG Variant?

XFG is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variant formed from Omicron subvariants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO records the earliest documented XFG sample on January 27, 2025, and designated it a variant under monitoring in June 2025.

The variant has since been detected in multiple countries and remains among the SARS-CoV-2 variants being monitored by WHO.

What Are the Symptoms of XFG?

COVID symptoms can vary between individuals. Reported symptoms associated with the current circulation of XFG include:

• Cough

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Runny nose

• Fatigue.

Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 at his residence in Goa on Thursday, October 8 at 5:20 am after suffering a cardiac arrest.

His son Malhar Patekar confirmed the death. Doctors attempted CPR for around 45 minutes, but the actor could not be revived. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of Oncology Department, Manipal Hospital, said that a medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered, and a post-mortem will be conducted. Patekar's cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem.

Patekar's death has once again sparked attention to cardiac arrest, a medical emergency that can strike suddenly. But cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, despite the two terms often being used interchangeably.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively to the brain and other vital organs. It is usually caused by an electrical malfunction that triggers a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.

Within seconds, a person may collapse, become unconscious and stop breathing normally. Without immediate treatment, cardiac arrest can become fatal within minutes.

Unlike some medical conditions that produce warning symptoms before striking, cardiac arrest can happen abruptly, making rapid intervention crucial.

Also read: When Do You Need A Heart Check-up?

Cardiac Arrest Is Different From A Heart Attack

Basically, a heart attack is primarily a blood-flow problem, while cardiac arrest is an electrical issue. During a heart attack, a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart muscle.

The heart usually continues beating. During cardiac arrest, however, the heart's electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops pumping blood.

Dr. Vanita Arora, Clinical Lead – Cardiac Electrophysiology, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi told HealthandMe, "Cardiac arrest and heart attack are totally different things. Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in the heart, where the heart goes into an abnormal rhythm and stops contracting effectively."

She added, "A heart attack, on the other hand, is a plumbing problem, where there is choking or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. In cardiac arrest, there is a problem with the electrical conduction system of the heart, whereas in a heart attack there is a blockage in the blood supply. Both are different conditions and have to be managed in totally different ways."

The two conditions are connected because a heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest, although most heart attacks do not result in cardiac arrest.

Also read: Innovations in Structural Heart Care: The Shift Towards Minimally Invasive Therapies

CPR Can Make A Significant Difference

Cardiac arrest requires immediate medical intervention. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until the heart can be restarted.

An automated external defibrillator, or AED, can analyse the heart's rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal rhythm.

Dr. Arora elaborates on the importance of starting CPR as soon as possible to save one's life.

She said, "CPR is extremely important and should be started immediately when sudden cardiac arrest is recognized. It is the best chance that a person has for survival, but it is never 100% certain that CPR will revive the patient. Even if CPR is started in time and continued for 45 minutes, the patient may not be revived."

She added, "The important thing is that CPR should be started as early as possible because the first few minutes are critical. A delay in starting resuscitation measures can further reduce the chances of revival."

The American Heart Association says immediate CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

If someone collapses suddenly and is unresponsive with no normal breathing, emergency medical services should be called immediately to start CPR.

Risk Factors

The risk of cardiovascular disease generally increases with age. Conditions like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and abnormalities of heart rhythm can contribute to serious cardiac events. Smoking is one of the major risk factors.

There were no recent reports of Patekar's ill health. But in the past, he has spoken extensively about his heavy smoking history.

According to the Indian Express, Patekar opened about smoking around 60 cigarettes a day. He said he smoked heavily until his mid-50s and eventually quit after a personal incident made him reconsider the habit. He later said he had remained smoke-free for around 20 years.

Cardiac arrest is not exclusively a disease of older adults. It can occur in people with known heart disease as well as those who may not have previously been diagnosed with a heart condition.

Days after the death of Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory technician in Irkutsk's Anti-Plague Research Institute, sparked global headlines about a possible pneumonic plague outbreak, reports of a suspected second case instilled concern in global health bodies and citizens.

Russia responded to the reports of the second plague case in Siberia, while the World Health Organization (WHO) says it still lacks enough information to determine what caused the death of the laboratory worker.

Initial reports suggested she could have contracted pneumonic plague following a possible laboratory exposure, although Russian authorities have not confirmed that diagnosis.

Russia Denies Second Plague Case

Also read: Second Plague Death Reported As Russia Denies Outbreak

Local media reported the second death after Baikalsk authorities issued a Telegram warning on October 3 about “unofficial information” of a confirmed plague case in Shelekhov, The Daily Mail reported.

“Due to unofficial information about a confirmed case of plague in a person in the city of Shelekhov, we ask you to limit visits to Shelekhov and nearby settlements until the circumstances surrounding this threat are clarified,” the administration said.

The post was deleted about two hours later, according to local media Lyudi Baikala. There is no official confirmation that the person had plague or died from Yersinia pestis.

Russia's public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, however, has maintained that Shipilova died from pneumonia of unknown or undetermined origin, rather than plague.

The agency said nearly 5,000 laboratory tests conducted among people connected to the incident had found no dangerous pathogens. More than 90% of the people who were placed under medical observation had completed monitoring.

Rospotrebnadzor also said Shipilova had been vaccinated and had immunity against the dangerous infections she worked with. It said there was no epidemic risk in the region.

The Kremlin has also rejected reports of a second suspected case. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the majority of media reports surrounding the incident were false and urged people to rely on official statements from Rospotrebnadzor.

According to Reuters, “There is a great deal of media coverage, and the vast majority of what the media are reporting about this situation is false information,” Peskov said.

WHO Investigates Lab Worker's Death

Also read: Russia Tells WHO No Plague Cases In Irkutsk, But Lab Worker's Death Remains Unexplained

Despite Russia's reassurances, the WHO says important questions about the lab worker's death still remain unanswered. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation has requested details of the laboratory testing carried out on Shipilova and her contacts, the reasons behind the public-health measures and the current health status of those monitored.

The WHO has also asked Russia to verify reports that a second employee developed pneumonia of undetermined cause.

“As we don’t yet have the full picture of this event, we are not able to conduct a full risk assessment,” Tedros said. He stressed that timely, complete and transparent information is necessary to establish what happened and assess any potential public-health risk.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director of epidemic and pandemic management, said the agency does not yet know the causative agent behind Shipilova's death.

“Right now, we don't know the causative agent of how this woman died. And that's really what we want to better understand,” she said.

Bioweapon Claims

There's also uncertainty which has prompted questions in the US about whether the incident could involve a biological weapon.

US President Donald Trump was asked on October 7 whether he believed the Russian lab worker's death was linked to a bioweapon, US President Donald Trump said: “We don't think so. We're going to find out soon enough, but we don't think so.”

He also said his administration was in “very deep discussions” about the incident and that he had a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled.

US officials, meanwhile, have continued monitoring the situation. CDC Director Erica Schwartz said the agency was prepared to monitor and screen travellers.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring reports of possible plague but said they were not a “cause for alarm”. “There’s very limited travel between the US and Russia, obviously, but like anything else, something like that gets out, it could quickly spread,” Rubio said.

“So we're watching and monitoring it closely. I don't think it's cause for alarm – but it is cause for focus and a cause to just keep an eye on it. And we're doing that.”

Meanwhile, neighboring countries including Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have reportedly tightened border health measures.