MRI scans are strong diagnostics with high-definition images of what lies inside a body. Strong magnetic fields require precaution, as brought out by an instance where a young woman suffered very serious injuries due to an oversight in a metallic core within a silicone sex toy that she happened to have before the MRI scan. This makes a stark reminder about the potentially deadly consequences of missing metal objects when such procedures are being performed. In April 2023, a 23-year-old woman went into an MRI with a silicone plug containing a metal core that was not known.

She thought that the item is made entirely out of silicone according to the advertising. However, the strong magnetic field of the MRI machine interacted with the hidden metal, dragging the object through her body and causing excruciating pain. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the scene was harrowing, with the woman screaming in agony and requiring immediate hospitalization. Despite pre-scan screenings, which are routine prior to a scan, the patient did not inform the facility that the object existed because he presumed it was purely non-metallic. This caused serious injuries that led to the patient's law suit against the manufacturer for deceitful misrepresentations of material content.

MRI machines employ magnets between 0.5 to 3 Tesla (T). This is thousands of times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. The tremendous force causes ferromagnetic materials, like iron and nickel, to be magnetized quickly and become strongly attracted toward the magnet. Objects as small as hairpins or paper clips will accelerate at 40 miles per hour inside the magnetic field.

The force can lead to catastrophic injuries in items lodged within the body, such as metallic implants or foreign objects. Metallic cores within devices, like pacemakers or intrauterine devices, must be disclosed to radiologists to prevent such complications.

How Metal Objects Interact with MRI Fields?

On these claims, Dr. Adam Taylor, a specialist in human anatomy, weighed his words in a international health website and added that the distance away and mass of this object would increase its velocity towards that of sound, "The acceleration would be phenomenal, but with a metallic core, it can't go anywhere near supersonic speeds. As for the size, the magnetic acceleration to the internal soft tissues would ensure that there could be severe intracranial trauma."

The injuries inflicted in this case likely involved damage to major blood vessels, nerves, or organs, highlighting the devastating impact of even minor oversight during an MRI scan.

This is not an isolated case. There are documented cases of metallic objects causing serious damage during MRI scans with a 65-year-old man with schizophrenia swallowed metal objects, including sockets and a hinge pin. The powerful magnetic field during an MRI scan caused the objects to rupture his stomach, resulting in serious injuries.

A toddler who ingested 11 small magnets perforated his bowel while undergoing a scan, making his case unique. In another deadly but extremely rare incident, there have been people who hide a firearm on themselves during MRI procedures. Magnetic attraction can trigger a discharge in a weapon and has led to some fatal injuries.

These cases emphasize the very strong need for adequate screening and patient education prior to an MRI.

Preventing MRI-Related Incidents

Medical professionals have been trained to avoid risks. This is by properly screening a patient for metallic objects. In general, most pre-scan protocols include:

• Patients are interrogated about implants, recent surgery or exposures at work related to metals.
• Radiologists sometimes use handheld metal detectors to search for hidden items.
• People who work with metal, like welders or machinists, will need additional testing to detect microscopic metal fragments within soft tissues or eyes.

The case emphasizes the importance of product labeling by manufacturers, especially those products that are likely to unintentionally cause harm to health. The patient's assumption that her device was 100% silicone points to a larger problem in consumer markets with misinformation.

It also reminds the patients to report any possible dangers to the medical professionals, no matter how the objects look non-metallic. In sensitive cases, patients can request private discussions with healthcare providers to ensure safety without discomfort.

In the end, it is a joint effort from manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients that can prevent such tragedies. Manufacturers must ensure truthful marketing, while healthcare providers should educate patients about the dangers of metal objects in MRI settings. For patients, understanding the risks and actively participating in pre-scan disclosures can be lifesaving.

This young woman's experience is a sobering example of the unforeseen dangers posed by MRI machines when precautions are overlooked. It serves as a wake-up call to address gaps in patient awareness, medical protocols, and product transparency. By learning from this incident, the medical community and the public can work together to ensure MRI scans remain a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

Ozempic and Wegovy, whose active ingredient is semaglutide, have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications have also been linked to improved fertility in some cases. However, GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy.

Now, a study in pregnant sheep has found that semaglutide significantly reduced blood flow to the uterus and oxygen levels in developing fetuses.

Led by researchers at Adelaide University, the animal study raises questions about the potential effects of these medications on fetal development.

While the findings are preliminary and have not been established in humans, they highlight the need to understand the risks of exposure during pregnancy, particularly among women who may conceive unexpectedly or continue treatment before realising they are pregnant.

Semaglutide Reduced Blood Flow Within Two Hours

Also read: Woman Says GLP-1 Drug Helped Her Conceive

Adelaide University researcher Dr Mitchell Lock noted that although weight-loss medications have become incredibly popular, there's still a lot we don't know about how they might affect a developing baby.

With the new study, they aimed to better understand the potential effects of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy so women and health care professionals can make informed and safe decisions about their use.

In the study, the researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess maternal heart function and uterine blood flow before and after administering semaglutide to pregnant sheep. They also collected fetal blood samples and monitored blood pressure and heart rate to evaluate the drug's immediate effects.

The findings, published as a conference abstract in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation, showed that semaglutide affected the mother's cardiovascular system and the supply of blood and oxygen to the developing fetus.

"Within two hours of administering semaglutide, we found that the amount of blood pumped by the mother's heart had significantly decreased, reducing blood flow to the uterus and lowering oxygen levels in the developing fetus," Lock said.

"Oxygen is essential for healthy fetal growth and development, so any reduction in its supply raises questions about what might happen if exposure to the drug continues throughout pregnancy."

Long-Term Effects On Fetal Development Remain Unclear

Read More: GLP-1 Drugs Ozempic, Zepbound Use Rises 24-Fold Among American Women After Childbirth

Senior researcher Janna Morrison said the findings highlight the need for further research into the potential effects of prolonged semaglutide exposure during pregnancy.

"Our findings suggest a potential risk to fetal development, but we haven't yet established whether these short-term changes affect fetal growth, what happens over a longer period of semaglutide use or whether similar effects could occur in human pregnancies," Morrison said.

Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Used During Pregnancy?

READ: GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs May Improve Fertility In Men With Obesity, Study Suggests

GLP-1 medications are not recommended for weight loss during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should consult their healthcare professionals about discontinuing treatment.

For semaglutide, prescribing guidance recommends stopping the medication at least two months before a planned pregnancy.

Women who become pregnant while taking the medication should seek medical advice. Those who are breastfeeding should also discuss its use with their healthcare professional.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against weight-loss medications during pregnancy. Women considering GLP-1 treatment should discuss its risks, benefits and timing with their healthcare professionals, particularly if they are planning to conceive.

Flu cases are rising earlier than usual in the US, with influenza A H1N1 driving most infections. A new mutation, G155E, may be contributing to the surge.

The 2026-2027 flu season began earlier than usual, with infections increasing as early as August. As of November 5, flu activity was growing or likely growing in 42 states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalisations and 1,400 deaths have been reported so far this season.

“Early-season influenza activity is currently higher than typically observed at this time of year,” the CDC said in its FluView report for the week ending October 31.

Is The G155E H1N1 Mutation Driving The Surge?

Also read: G155E H1N1 Mutation In US Raises Concerns: Can This Year’s Flu Shot Still Protect You?

H1N1 is currently responsible for the vast majority of flu cases, marking a shift from last winter, when influenza A H3N2 subclade K, also known as the “superflu”, dominated.

The circulating H1N1 strain has acquired a new mutation called G155E. Early laboratory findings suggest it may make some strains harder for existing antibodies to recognise, potentially helping the virus evade immunity from previous infections or vaccination.

“It is different from last year’s H1N1 virus, and that mutation position (G155E) we know is important for generating protective antibody responses,” Andrew Pekosz, PhD, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told TODAY.com.

However, it is not yet clear whether the mutation is contributing to the early surge or making infections more severe.

“How that (mutation) is going to affect the disease spread and severity is not clear,” Pekosz said.

Will The Flu Vaccine Protect Against G155E?

READ: Flu Activity Rises Early In US, UK And Japan: Why Experts Urge Vaccination Before Winter

The impact of G155E on vaccine effectiveness remains uncertain. The CDC said it was too early to determine whether the mutation would affect protection this season.

The 2026-2027 flu vaccines target three viruses: influenza A H1N1 (pdm09), influenza A H3N2 and influenza B.

Even if the circulating H1N1 strain differs from the vaccine strain, vaccination can still protect against severe illness and other circulating flu viruses.

“Even if there’s a mismatched strain, there’s two other strains that the vaccine will provide better protection against,” Pekosz said.

The American Medical Association recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, unless medically contraindicated.

What Are The Symptoms Of H1N1 Flu?

Read More: Flu 2026: Symptoms To Watch For As New Season Begins

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Runny nose
• Cough

Flu symptoms can overlap with those of COVID-19, making testing important.

Antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of influenza, particularly among people at higher risk of complications, including adults over 65, children under five, and immunocompromised individuals.

“You have to get that prescription fast ... within the first 48 hours after symptom onset, (or else) they don’t work as well,” Pekosz said.

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

Experts say the emergence of G155E is not a reason to panic but reinforces the importance of flu vaccination.

“View (this) as a sign to go out and get the flu vaccine,” Pekosz said.

It takes approximately two weeks for vaccine-induced protection to develop. Annual vaccination remains an important way to reduce the risk of severe flu, complications and hospitalisation. Regular hand hygiene can also help limit the spread of infection.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines target different viruses. A flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, so eligible people may need separate vaccinations to reduce their risk of severe illness from both infections.

“Flu vaccination doesn't protect just yourself against the risk of having influenza but it also prevents transmission of infection to other vulnerable people around ourselves like little ones, elderly family members and people with medical conditions,” Dr. Bhawna Malik, Senior Consultant-Neonatologist and Pediatric Intensivist at Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida, told HealthandMe.

Public health officials in Alaska have reported three cases of Clade I mpox in people with no recent travel history, raising concerns about local transmission of the virus in the US.

The cases were confirmed in Anchorage in October 2026, shortly after California's Stanislaus County reported four cases of Clade I mpox, the strain responsible for the 2024 global outbreak.

While the cases point to possible community transmission, health officials said the risk to the general public remains low.

Three Clade I Mpox Cases Reported In Alaska

Three cases of mpox (monkeypox) were confirmed in Anchorage in October 2026, according to the Alaska Public Health Alert Network.

All three patients are male. An epidemiological link has been identified between the first two cases, while no link has been established for the third.

None of the patients reported out-of-state travel.

The first two cases were caused by Clade Ib mpox, marking the first reported Clade I infections in Alaska. Clade determination for the third case is pending.

One patient was briefly hospitalised. All three are currently isolating and recovering, while investigations continue.

The global mpox outbreak that began in 2022 was caused by Clade IIb. Since March 2026, imported Clade I cases have increased in the US, with presumed local transmission reported in 15 jurisdictions since August 2026.

Also read: 1,370 Mpox Cases, 7 Deaths Reported In July: WHO Says Risk Remains Moderate

California Reports Four Clade I Mpox Cases

Public health officials in California's Stanislaus County have reported four mpox cases. Two have been confirmed as Clade I, while testing is underway for the other two.

Three individuals had no recent international travel history, raising concerns about local transmission. The travel history of the fourth person is still being assessed.

The cases suggest possible community transmission. However, county officials have said the risk to the general public remains low.

US Reports Sustained Clade I Mpox Transmission

The Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI), supported by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the CDC's Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics, has classified the US as being in Scenario 4: Sustained Transmission for Clade I mpox.

This indicates ongoing person-to-person transmission chains in some jurisdictions, primarily among adults with multiple sexual partners, including sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM).

The CDC reported more than 90 Clade I cases across at least 23 states and Puerto Rico as of October 14, 2026. Domestic transmission had been reported in 10 jurisdictions, with additional cases involving people without recent international travel.

Read More: Mpox Spreads in Guinea-Bissau, Half Of Suspected Cases Are Children

Why Is Clade I Mpox A Concern?

Clade I has historically been associated with more severe illness and higher case-fatality rates than Clade II.

Its historical case-fatality rate has been estimated at 1% to 10%, compared with approximately 1% to 4% or lower for Clade II. However, recent Clade I outbreaks have recorded substantially lower mortality, particularly where appropriate medical care is available.

The 2024 global outbreak was driven largely by Clade I, particularly the Clade Ib sub-lineage. On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family of viruses as smallpox.

It spreads through close contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin and sexual contact, exposure to sores or bodily fluids, and contact with contaminated items such as bedding and towels. Transmission can also occur through contact with infected animals.

What Are The Symptoms Of Mpox?

Symptoms generally appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and include:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle and body aches
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes

Most people recover within two to four weeks. However, severe illness can occur, particularly in children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people.