The current measles outbreak has gripped US states like Texas and New Mexico leaving people worried whether it would become a new pandemic. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services as of February 21, 90 cases were diagnosed in the last month in the South Plains area, with at least 77 of them were reported in children and teens under 17.

Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly. The outbreak, which started spreading in late January, has resulted in multiple hospitalizations, with at least nine confirmed cases and three probable cases as of early February. Health officials caution that at least one in five infected individuals will have to be hospitalized, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Misinformation surrounding vaccines and with the new Trump administration anti-vaccine campaigs, has causing parents to hesitate or refuse vaccination.

Furthermore, the country down under Australia is also witnessing a surge in measles cases as health officials in Sydney have issued an urgent alert, urging residents to watch for measles symptoms after an infected individual visited several places in Sydney over the last seven days.

Authorities report that the traveller had returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.

What Are The Symptoms Measles?

Key symptoms of measles include fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough. Typically, a red, blotchy rash appears three to four days later, spreading from the head down to the body. Symptoms can manifest between 7 and 18 days after exposure.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after potential exposure should immediately contact their doctor or emergency department. It is crucial to call ahead before visiting to avoid potentially exposing others in the waiting room. Dr. Selvey also highlighted that ongoing measles outbreaks are occurring in various parts of the world, making awareness and prompt action essential.

Why It Is Important To Get Vaccinated?

According to CDC everyone should get the MMR vaccine. It protects you from measles, mumps, and rubella. Getting vaccinated helps stop these diseases from spreading. There are two safe MMR vaccines available. They work the same way, so it doesn't matter which one you get. Kids can also get a shot that protects against chickenpox too, but this is only for children.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Kids Need Two Shots

All children should get two MMR shots. The first shot should be given when they are between 12 and 15 months old. The second shot should be given when they are between 4 and 6 years old. If needed, the second shot can be given earlier, but it must be at least 28 days after the first shot.

College Students Need to Be Protected

Students going to college or other schools after high school, need two shots if they are not already immune. The shots must be at least 28 days apart.

Adults Need at Least One Shot

Most adults need at least one MMR shot. Some adults need two shots, especially those who work in healthcare, travel a lot, or go to college. These people should get two shots, with 28 days between them.

Travelers Need to Be Extra Careful

Anyone traveling to other countries should make sure they are protected. Babies 6 to 11 months old should get one shot before traveling. Kids 12 months and older, teens, and adults need two shots, with 28 days between them.

Healthcare Workers Must Be Immune

People who work in healthcare should have proof that they are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. If they are not immune, they need two MMR shots, spaced 28 days apart.

Women Thinking About Having Babies

Women who might get pregnant should talk to their doctor about the MMR vaccine. It's safe to get the shot while breastfeeding.

A new research paper published in the PNAS Journal triggered concerns over the potential risk of influenza D spilling over into humans.

Although primarily found in livestock such as cattle and swine, this virus has been increasingly studied due to evidence of exposure among agricultural workers.

A key concern raised was that the influenza D virus triggers a relatively weak early immune response in human respiratory cells.

However, to understand whether it is just a hype or a real concern, HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Ex-President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala.

“So far, this virus has not been a major cause of respiratory disease in man, unlike other types of Influenza viruses like H1N1 and H3N2 of the Influenza A family. It is true that studies have demonstrated antibodies against this virus among cattle farmers, which is consistent with its ability to infect species other than cattle,” Dr. Jayadevan said.

He noted that the virus may not be an “imminent threat” to humankind as feared.

“So far, the signals are that this virus remains primarily a cattle pathogen, which doesn’t pose an imminent threat to man, unlike other types of influenza viruses”.

What is the Influenza D Virus?

Influenza D is one of four types of influenza viruses and belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. Unlike the more familiar influenza A and B viruses that cause seasonal flu in humans, influenza D has primarily been detected in animals, particularly cattle and pigs.

According to the US CDC, the virus was first identified in 2011. It has since been found across multiple species, including livestock and wildlife, including camels, deer, giraffes, kangaroos, llamas, wallabies, and wildebeests.

It is not currently known to cause illness in humans, but has had a spill over in different animal species — more recently in poultry.

CDC’s January 2026 report stated that “influenza D has shown to have considerable potential for causing future human epidemics, but diagnostics and surveillance for the viruses are lacking”.

Also read: Can A Common Cold Virus Save You From Cancer? New Study Claims So

What Did The PNAS Study find?

Researchers investigated multiple influenza D virus isolates collected from livestock between 2011 and 2020 to assess their ability to infect human airway systems.

The paper demonstrated that the virus is capable of infecting human respiratory cells and was also adept at switching off the interferon-based ‘alarm systems’ of the cell.

This means that the virus may spread silently and efficiently, but without causing significant symptoms, Dr. Jayadevan said.

Importantly, the findings suggest that only small genetic changes might be needed for influenza D virus to achieve more sustained transmission in humans, although this has not yet been observed.

Read More: Hantavirus Outbreak: WHO Flags 6 Suspected Cases; How The Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Spreads

H5N1 Bird Flu: A More Deadly Threat

Dr. Jayadevan told HealthandMe that a bigger concern for humans besides the commonly circulating human Influenza A and B viruses is the avian influenza (bird flu) virus H5N1.

H5N1 spreads among birds and carries a very high death rate whenever it infects humans.

“Fortunately, this bird flu virus isn’t able to easily spread from person to person, but ongoing mutations could potentially change that,” the expert said.

When it comes to living with a common cold, the infection is not as simple as it sounds. There are headaches; you may feel irritable and may even sometimes struggle to sleep properly. A blocked or runny nose may even put you in awkward situations in a social setting; however, a new study says that catching a common respiratory virus could stop breast cancer cells from taking hold of your lungs. Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London and Imperial College London have discovered that RSV can benefit cancer patients to a great extent. Find out how.

How does RSV lower cancer risk?

The study, published in the PNAS journal, found that scientists who conducted tests on mice found that those who fought off RSV infection developed relatively fewer tumours in the lungs, the most common spot for breast cancer cells to spread. When breast cancer spreads to other body parts, it is known as secondary breast cancer. Scientists say that RSV infections have this effect when lung cells detect RSV-like viruses. They then produce immune cells to stop the virus from taking over. This makes it more difficult for cancer cells to form new tumours by taking control in the lungs.

For the study, cancer biologists introduced breast cancer cells to mice that had recently experienced an RSV infection. They developed fewer tumours (not smaller) in the lungs compared to mice that were not living with RSV infection. The infection also increases levels of Galectin-9, a protein that is responsible for enhancing the immune response to the virus and also for stopping cancer cells from taking over.

What do previous studies indicate?

Previous research shows that 60 per cent of stage four breast cancer patients developed tumours in their lungs. At present, the five-year survival rate stands at 30 per cent. Researchers also claim that the findings could pave the way for new treatments that may prevent tumours from spreading. However, it does not mean that RSV infections will be used for cancer treatment. Researchers noted that they can find ways to make the lungs more resistant to the successful seeding of cancer cells that have become metastatic. Experts say that a drug could be developed to replicate the effects observed in mice. Studies in humans can also help confirm whether the effect can be replicated.

Is RSV common?

RSV is common, but it can be fatal, especially in younger children. The virus results in thousands of hospitalisations every year and may lead to serious complications such as lung infections and pneumonia. The virus is a leading cause of death among babies in the UK, especially during winter. It is also expected to result in the deaths of 8,000 adults during the same period. The infection can put strain on a patient’s heart, causing organs to fail.

World Asthma Day is observed on May 5 every year, an event that is focused on spreading awareness about the causes, symptoms, and management of asthma. And for people living in India, this is a bigger cause of concern because the country is home to the world's hottest and most polluted cities. This year, on the occasion of World Asthma Day, experts shed light on the impact of severe heatwaves on asthma patients. Dr. Sandeep Kadian, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist and Intensivist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the impact of asthma on patients during a severe heatwave.

How does a heatwave affect asthma patients?

Summer heat, dust, and pollution can trigger asthma symptoms like cough and breathlessness. Hence, it is the need of the hour to take extra care during the warmer months. Here, the expert also highlights the vital tips to stay healthy. Cough and breathlessness are frequently experienced by asthma patients, and a heatwave can make these symptoms far more severe.

Dr Kadian explains that asthma is also a common occurrence in summer. While many people associate it with winter, summer can also be a challenging time for those living with asthma. So, the rising temperatures, increased air pollution, dust, pollen, and humidity can irritate the airways and trigger symptoms. People may experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. During summer, hot air can cause the airways to become dry and sensitive.

At the same time, outdoor allergens like pollen and dust are more common. Air conditioners, if not cleaned regularly, can circulate dust and mold, further worsening symptoms. For children and adults alike, understanding these triggers and taking simple precautions can help prevent flare-ups and keep breathing under control. Even dehydration is another factor that can worsen asthma. When the body lacks fluids, the airways may become more irritated. Sudden temperature changes, like moving from extreme heat outside to very cold indoor air, can also trigger breathing problems.

Tips to manage asthma in summer

Dr Kadian shared some simple tips to help asthma patients deal with the symptoms amid a heatwave. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water; avoid extreme heat and high-pollution areas; wear a mask; keep the house clean, dust- and mold-free, and well-ventilated. Service air conditioners from time to time and prevent dust and mold buildup. Carry prescribed inhalers and use them as advised by the doctor. It is also necessary to take a bath and change clothes after coming from outdoors. Also, it is essential to take the flu and pneumococcal vaccines as advised by the doctor and stay healthy.

Asthma can be managed with awareness and simple daily care. Staying cautious and prepared is the key to breathing easy even in the heat. This summer, prioritise your respiratory health.