As per the latest data released by Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King's College London, the number of UK students reporting mental health difficulties tripled. The estimate reveals that around 300,000 students could now be experiencing mental health struggles. Of the total, 18% of students reported some kind of mental health issue in 2024.

As per the reports, this estimate is triple what was reported in 2017, where it was at 6%. Experts also say that Covid-19 pandemic is "often considered to have contributed to this, it does not explain the ongoing rise in mental health difficulties." Another reason could also be the "changing definition and increasing openness about mental health" which has led to a rise in numbers. The report notes, "This trend pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Although these factors play a part in students' deteriorating mental health, they cannot therefore be the only explanation."

How Did The Report Conclude?

The report drew data collected over the latest Student Academic Experience Survey of 93,212 students. From the survey, it was found that there exist significant disparities between demographic groups, with women being twice as likely to report mental health difficulties, about 22% as compared to men, at 11%.

What Did The Results Reveal?

The results revealed that students who identified as LGBTQ experienced the highest rates of mental health challenges. This has actually lessened the hope that conditions for LGBTQ students are improving, which may not have been a positive case.

Of them, 42% are bisexual and lesbian students, whereas last year it was 35% and 32% respectively. The report also noted that mental health difficulties among lesbian women and gay men rose three times the rate of straight people, and among bisexual and asexual people, it was twice as high. For trans students, the number jumped from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.

Is The LGBTQ+ Prone To Mental Health Crisis?

As per the Child Mind Institute, being LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health problems, but because these kids often face factors like rejection, discrimination and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges including depression, anxiety, and even attempting suicide.

A UTAH Health study quotes Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute that, "likely with any identity, feeling different - or worse, unaccepted as you are is a significant risk factor of mental health struggle." The data reveals that LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. They are also more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. In the US alone, 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall population.

What Do These Findings Mean?

TASO's academic lead and professor of public policy at King's College London, Michael Sanders said, "LGBTQ students and women bear the brunt of the rise in declining mental health and urgent action is needed to understand and address these trends."

Whooping cough deaths are rising in the US, as the country sees a surge in the infection. So far, tens of thousands have been infected, with at least 13 people dead from the bacterial infection this year. While the infection rate is lower than last year it continues to remain above typical pre-pandemic years. The Scientific American reports that the number of deaths have also seen a rise.

What Causes Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough or what is scientifically known as the respiratory infection called pertussis is severe, and is characterized by violent cough. It could leave people, especially infants, struggling to breath. While it is rarely fatal, it can have lingering symptoms and thus have earned the name '100-day cough'. Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which emits toxins into a person's respiratory tract. This is why early treatment with antibiotics vital to managing the infection. The bacterium is easily spread between people, through direct contact and droplets from mouth or nose. This is what makes it contagious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US and its territories recorded 27,871 confirmed cases of whooping cough as of December 20 this year. By the same point last year, cases had reached 41,922, marking a sharp rebound after four pandemic years when annual infections stayed below 10,000.

Also Read: What Is Candida Auris Infection? The Deadly Superbug Spreading In US

How Lethal Is Whooping Cough?

As of now, 13 people have died of pertussis this year. As per the report from the Pan American Health Organization, and provision CDC data from last year, 10 deaths were noted in 2024, while three increased in 2025.

Public health experts worry that persistently high whooping cough cases this year, following last year’s surge, may reflect falling vaccination rates. The DTaP vaccine protects infants and young children, while Tdap covers older children and adults. CDC guidelines recommend multiple doses starting at two months, yet only 79 percent of children born in 2021 had received four DTaP doses by age two.

Who All Can Get The Shot For Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is most dangerous, especially among infants under a year old. Public health experts also recommended that pregnant people must get the Tdap vaccine to transfer the antibodies to newborns. All adults are also advised to get the Tdap vaccine in every 10 years to ensure a continued protection.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Whooping Cough?

Early symptoms that can last for 1 to 2 weeks usually include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• Mild, occasional cough

CDC notes that later symptoms could be rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. About one to two weeks after early symptoms begin, many people develop intense coughing spells, known as paroxysms. These fits typically last one to six weeks, but in some cases can continue for up to 10 weeks. As the illness progresses, the cough becomes more frequent and severe.

During these episodes, people may produce a high-pitched “whoop” when breathing in, vomit during or after coughing, feel extreme exhaustion, struggle to breathe, have trouble sleeping, or even fracture a rib. Many describe it as the worst cough they have ever experienced.

As 2025 ends, more and more people are falling ill. With a surge in flu cases, and mystery disease like adenovirus, thousands of people are already infected. Now, a deadly fungus, also considered a superbug due to its resistance to all types of antibiotics. This is Candida auris.

Also Read: What To Know About The Super Flu Surge In US; 'It Will Likely Get Worse', Say Experts

What Is Candida Auris? The Superbug Resisting All Antibiotics

It is a type of invasive year that can cause deadly infections in people, especially with weakened immune system. As of now, it has infected at least 7,000 people across 27 US states, confirmed the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The fungus can spread easily in healthcare settings, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. It is also spreading at an "alarming" rate, says CDC. The Hill reported that some strains of the fungus are troublesome because they are resistant to all types of antibiotics that are commonly used to treat fungal infections.

Due to fungus's resistance to antibiotics, it is becoming difficult to contain. As of now, more than half of the states have reported clinical cases of Candida auris in 2025. Another factor that makes it more dangerous is that standard lab tests cannot detect it. In a CDC press release, a CDC epidemiologist Dr Meghan Lyman said, "The rapid rise and geographic spread of cases is concerning and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance, expanded lab capacity, quicker diagnostic tests, and adherence to proven infection prevention and control."

Origins Of Candida Auris - The Superbug

This was first discovered in 2009 in Japan from the ear canal of a patient. Since then, it has spread to many countries, including India, where it was identified as a major public health threat in 2014.

Also Read: New Year's Eve Safety Tips, Fire Departments Across US Share Ways To Welcome 2026 Safely

Can Anyone Fight Off This Superbug?

Healthy people could possibly fight off this infection on their own. However, the population vulnerable could find it more difficult to fight off this deadly fungus. Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Carolina told Nexstar, "If you get infected with this pathogen that’s resistant to any treatment, there’s no treatment we can give you to help combat it. You’re all on your own."

Like the mystery disease, adenovirus, this fungus too can survive on surfaces, said Nolan. “It’s really good at just being, generally speaking, in the environment. So if you have it on a patient’s bed for example, on the railing, and you go to wipe everything down, if in whatever way maybe a couple of pathogens didn’t get cleared, then they’re becoming resistant. And so over time, they can kind of grow and populate in that hospital environment," said Nolan.

Is This Superbug Only Limited To The US?

Studies show that this superbug is not just limited to the US, but is spreading globally. It has already been found in at least 61 countries and on 6 continents. The study also found that the fungus is becoming more and more drug resistant, all due to its ability to switch from a yeast-like growth to a filament-driven spread. It also contains a cell wall that has proteins and makes it easier to stick on human skin "like glue". This is what enables it to colonize the human cells.

New Year's Eve: In just few hours, 2025 will come to an end, and many of us will be partying, most probably drinking and watching fireworks. While all this is fun, but it could turn into a health hazard very soon, if not supervised. However, fire departments from across the states in the US have shared New Year's Eve safety tips. Let's look into it to welcome 2026 safely.

Northwestern Medicine Emergency Medicine Physician Steve R Edelstein says, "The holidays are always a busy time of the year in the Emergency Department. “Conditions outside are precarious, and people are inclined to do things they normally wouldn't do.” In such a scenario, these safety tips could come in handy.

Also Read: NHS Issues Warning for People Taking Lansoprazole for Over Three Months

New Orleans Fire Department Wants You To Stay In And Safe

New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) noted that New Year's Eve is especially cold, and urged the residents to stay warm and safe. NOFD also warned against the use of alternative heating sources like stovetops and oven and to ensure that all fire and smoke alarms are working. NOFD also will be supplying and installing 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms in the homes of any Orleans Parish resident, free of charge.

Avoid Distance From Fireworks: Louisiana State Fire Marshall

The Louisiana State Fire Marshall (LSFM) told people to keep a 200 feet distance from buildings, vehicles and flammable debris. LSFM has also warned against letting children handle fireworks, and avoid using fireworks if impaired by alcohol and drugs.

Wilmington Fire Department Says Dry Leaves And Pine Straws In Your Roof Could Be Dangerous

The Wilmington Fire Department (WFD) says that it is common to celebrate the New Year's Eve with fireworks, and "injuries with fireworks are actually very common", noted Wendy Giannini-King, Community Risk Production Coordinator with WFD. "There are dry leaves and pine straw all over your roofs. And if those fireworks go up and land on your roof, your home is in jeopardy."

Giannini-King recommends people to "Pay attention to the pine straw, have a bucket of water, or some way to extinguish those fireworks after they’re lit off. And then the other thought is a flat surface that’s free of any sort of debris."

Pay attention to the pine straw, have a bucket of water, or some way to extinguish those fireworks after they’re lit off. And then the other thought is a flat surface that’s free of any sort of debris.

Read: Top 4 Simple Tricks That Will Keep You Healthier In 2026

Village of Key Biscayne Police Department Wants Resident To Celebrate New Year's Eve Responsibly

The Village of Key Biscayne Police Department reminded all residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly. The Village of Key Biscayne PD said that their officers will be "out in full force throughout the night to support an enjoyable New Year's Eve that protects everyone in our community".

Some Safety Tips That The Police Department Shared For Safe New Year's Eve:

Drive Safely: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is illegal, if anyone spots an impaired driver, dial 911.

Buckle Up And Obey Traffic Laws: Roadways will be busy, thus allow extra time for travel.

Drink Responsibly: If you choose to drink, do it in moderation and do not provide alcohol to minors.

Firework: Be mindful when operating fireworks and do it safely.

Noise Complaints: Be considerate of your neighbors while celebrating.

Animal Rescuers Share Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe

Workers at the Dessin Animal Shelter note few things one can do to keep your pets safe during New Year's Eve celebrations. Linda Gambone tells WNEP to keep your pets indoors, take your pets out on walk before it is late. She also recommends turning out some kind of music or TV so they can mask the sounds of it. Ensure to keep an eye on them and keep them safe.