Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its consequences are not just mood swings and mental fatigue. Continual stress makes people produce extra cortisol, a hormone that has a critical role in adapting to short-term challenges, but chronically in high quantities it tends to cause harm to the body causing lots of physical and mental disorders.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which helps the body control its "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Cortisol temporarily adjusts blood sugar levels, maintains blood pressure, and assists the immune system, among other functions, in short spurts. But when stress persists, cortisol remains high, and necessary functions of the body are interfered with and rendered more susceptible to disease.

According to one survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, stress negatively affects a third of Americans' physical health. Concerns are reinforced by research where studies have shown 80% of primary care visits are stress-related.

But why does stress have such a profound impact? Elevated cortisol limits the immune system's ability to fight infections, disrupts hormonal balance, and triggers inflammation. Over time, these changes can lead to serious health complications.

Signs That High Cortisol Is Stressing Your Body

Persistent Eye Twitches

Do you have involuntary eye spasms? These harmless but annoying twitches often indicate elevated cortisol. The tiny muscles around the eyes are extremely sensitive to stress, contracting or spasming because of cortisol's stimulant-like effects.

Skin Breakouts and Sensitivity

Your skin often reflects what is going on inside your body, and chronic stress can cause inflammatory skin conditions. Elevated cortisol levels stimulate oil production, which exacerbates acne. It also slows down the healing process, worsens conditions like eczema, and contributes to general irritation of the skin.

Frequent Bloating and Digestive Issues

It also interferes with the body's balance of salt and water, which causes fluid retention and bloating. Excess cortisol also slows down blood flow to the digestive system, which further weakens gut bacteria and causes poor digestion, excess gas, and abdominal discomfort.

Weight Fluctuations

High cortisol stimulates the production of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to drop, making people want to eat sugary, high-fat foods. For many, this becomes an excuse to stress-eat and gain weight. For others, the opposite is true: their appetite disappears under stress, causing them to lose weight.

Unexplained Bruising

If you’re noticing random bruises, elevated cortisol could be the culprit. This hormone weakens skin proteins and the walls of small blood vessels, making your skin more fragile and prone to damage.

Cold Symptoms That Won’t Go Away

Do you feel rundown or experience muscle aches, fatigue, or upset stomach regularly? Elevated cortisol mimics cold-like symptoms. Long-term stress also weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Also Read: Stressed At Work? Your Sleep Might Be Paying The Price, New Study Shows

Vision Problems

Chronic stress can damage your eyesight. Elevated cortisol disrupts blood flow to the eyes, increases eye pressure, and raises the risk of glaucoma. Symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are also common.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular Menstrual Cycles that disrupt the menstrual period. In females, this leads to hormonal distress causing irregular or missed periods. Over time, it may also disturb fertility.

Tinnitus or Persistent Ringing in the Ears

If you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds without an apparent source, stress might be the culprit. Cortisol affects the auditory system by interfering with blood flow and nerve function and could be the trigger for tinnitus.

Increased Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Increased levels of cortisol contribute to inflammation that can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and promote the development of heart disease. Chronic inflammation is also associated with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Long-term Consequences of Increased Cortisol

Left unchecked, high cortisol levels can lead to more than just short-term discomfort. Chronic stress has been associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and metabolic syndromes. A 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine underlined the link between stress and physical health, with recent research in Neurobiology of Stres supporting these findings.

Ways Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Managing stress and cortisol levels is essential for maintaining overall health. One effective approach is practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga, which helps lower cortisol by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities, helps reduce stress hormones and boosts endorphins. Prioritizing sleep is crucial, as lack of rest can increase cortisol levels; aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Another remedy is an overall balanced diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that could manage cortisol production. Finally, it would prevent burnout and chronic stress if proper boundaries were set at work and in personal life.

The year 2025 served as a stark reminder that COVID is no longer the only illness demanding public attention. Over the months, several diseases resurfaced or intensified, some reaching epidemic levels. In many cases, the surge was driven by new variants that altered how these illnesses spread, how severe they became, and how quickly they overwhelmed health systems.

From respiratory infections to vector-borne diseases, 2025 showed how familiar pathogens can return in unfamiliar forms. Mutations made some infections more contagious, while others blurred early symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Below, we take a look at new variants of diseases that we witnessed in 2025.

Also Read: The “Triangle of Death” on Your Face: Why You Should Never Pop a Pimple There

New Disease Variants That Emerged In 2025

COVID-19 New Variants

In 2025, fresh COVID-19 variants continued to circulate, most of them linked to Omicron sublineages. These strains spread quickly but, for many people, caused symptoms closer to a bad cold, flu, or seasonal allergies. Common symptoms included stomach issues, body pain, exhaustion, and fever.

Health authorities continued to advise testing through RAT or RT-PCR, short-term isolation, and medical care where needed. As with earlier waves, acting early made a clear difference in recovery and containment.

As per World Health Organization, some of the Covid variants that appeared in 2025 include:

XFG Variant

The XFG variant of COVID-19, also known as Stratus, surfaced in early 2025 as a recombinant strain. Recombinant variants form when two different COVID strains infect the same person and merge during mutation, a process that occurs naturally as viruses evolve. XFG drew attention because of how easily it spread and its ability to infect people despite previous infection or vaccination. Classified as a recombinant Omicron subvariant, XFG was detected widely across regions including North America, Europe, and Asia.

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According to WHO-linked data from mid to late 2025:

In the United States, XFG became the leading variant, responsible for around 85 percent of reported cases by the end of September 2025.

In the United Kingdom, XFG and related sublineages accounted for a sizeable share of infections, with reports suggesting nearly 30 percent of cases in July 2025.

In India, where XFG circulated by mid-2025, early clusters were largely reported from Maharashtra, followed by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat. It later emerged as the dominant strain in states such as Madhya Pradesh.

The nickname “Frankenstein” was informally attached to XFG because it combines genetic material from different Omicron subvariants. Experts from institutions like the Institute Pasteur and the University of Nebraska Medical Center noted that while it spreads rapidly, it has not been linked to more severe disease.

Omicron NB.1.8.1

NB.1.8.1, informally called “Nimbus,” is a distinct Omicron lineage that was first identified in early 2025. The World Health Organization classified it as a “Variant Under Monitoring” after noticing its steady global rise, particularly across parts of Asia and North America. Although it contributed to visible spikes in case numbers, there was no strong evidence that it caused more serious illness. Vaccines continued to offer reliable protection.

By mid-2025, NB.1.8.1 had become one of the faster-spreading Omicron offshoots, driving fresh COVID waves in several countries. Despite its speed, health agencies confirmed that existing vaccines remained effective and that the variant was not linked to increased severity. The WHO officially placed it under monitoring in May 2025.

Flu New Variants

H3N2 “Subclade K” Variant

The flu strain seen during the winter months of 2025 was identified as H3N2 subclade K, a seasonal influenza A virus. Some public commentary labelled it “super flu,” though this term has no medical basis and does not suggest the virus is inherently more dangerous or resistant to treatment. A key concern was that many people had limited prior exposure to this strain, resulting in lower community immunity. Flu vaccines, however, continued to protect against severe outcomes.

Data from NHS England showed a sharp rise in flu-related hospital admissions. During the first week of December, hospitals reported an average of 2,660 flu patients per day, marking a 55 percent increase from the previous week. The number of admissions was high enough to fill more than three entire hospital trusts.

Monkeypox New Variant

Clade LB Variant

Health authorities in England detected a new mpox variant after testing a person who had recently travelled to Asia, as per BBC. Genetic sequencing revealed that the strain was recombinant, combining elements of two circulating mpox types: clade 1, which is associated with more severe illness, and clade 2, which was responsible for the 2022 global outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency stated that it was still evaluating the implications of this strain. While most mpox cases remain mild, officials advised people who qualify for vaccination to get immunised as a precautionary step.

Chikungunya New Variant

In 2025, Chikungunya did not see the emergence of a single newly named variant. Instead, there was a renewed spread of the East, Central, and South African genotype, particularly the Indian Ocean Lineage. This lineage has developed mutations that improve its ability to spread.

According to the National Institutes of Health, certain CHIKV lineages, including the E1-226A variant, previously helped shift infections into urban settings. More recent severe cases reported in India, including outbreaks in Pune in 2024, showed signs of neurological involvement such as paralysis and darkened nasal tissue. These symptoms are thought to be linked to mutations like E1-226V or A and E2-I211T, along with improved adaptation of the virus to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, pointing to continued viral evolution aimed at more efficient transmission.

Pimples on skin is something we see on a day to day basis. Often, without even thinking much, we pop them. But did you know there is a 'Triangle of Death' on your face, where you should never pop a pimple?

Reacting to a video, Dr Sermed Mezher, a UK-based GP, and a health communicator who goes by @drsermedmezher on his Instagram handle says, "You should never pop pimples but it is even more important not to do it in a specific triangle of the face."

He reacts to a video where a boy shares his experience of popping a pimple on his face, which has left him in pain, and made him enable to use the side of his face with pimple. His face is now swelled.

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What Is The Triangle of Death On Your Face?

Dr Mezher says that while it is named unscientifically, the area extends from the top of the nose to the upper lip. This is important because it drains the cavernous sinus. "So, we don't want bacteria to get into there," he notes.

Why Is Triangle Of Death A Dangerous Place To Pop Your Pimples?

“We naturally have bacteria on our skin, and every time we pop a pimple, we damage the skin barrier. That creates an opening for bacteria to move deeper into the skin. If those bacteria reach the cavernous sinus through the facial ‘triangle of death,’ it can cause a serious condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis," notes Dr Mezher.

He explains that this blood clot can lead to severe headaches, fever, pressure and pain behind the eyes, difficulty moving the eyes, and even eye swelling or bulging. "While it is usually treatable, prevention is far easier than cure, which is why popping pimples should be avoided."

According to Cleveland Clinic, this small segment of your face has a direct line to your brain, which is the cavernous sinus. It is a network of large veins located behind your eye sockets. Through this sinus, blood drains from your brain. This is why, any infection in this area, could a picked pimple or even a nose piercing gone wrong could impact your brain. Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, tells Cleveland Clinic, "There is the possibility for a facial infection to become an infection that impacts the rest of your body."

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Is The Triangle Of Death Really Fatal?

Well, as the name suggest, the triangle of death cannot actually kill you. Dr Vij says, "Thankfully, it is relatively unlikely. But, whenever there is a violation of the skin and interaction with bacteria, there is always a possible for infection, which can lead to greater health concerns."

In rare cases, an infection of the face can lead to septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, or a blood clot in your cavernous sinus. It could also lead to some life-threatening health issues, including:

• Brain abscess (pus that causes swelling of your brain)
• Brain infection
• Damage to your facial nerves, including paralysis of your eye muscles
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Septic emboli (infected blood clots that travel through your bloodstream)
• Stroke

How To Deal With A Pimple In You Triangle Of Death?

• Apply a warm compress, use a clean cloth and apply it on the area for 10 to 15 minutes. Soak the clean cloth in warm water.
• Use a pimple patch or an overnight zit sticker that could soak up some of the drainage, in case your pimple has already opened.
• See a dermatologist.

In 2022, there were around 19,976,499 cancer cases diagnosed from around the world, notes the World Cancer Research Fund. Out of them, 10,311,610 were men, and 9,664,889 were women. In 2024, several reports say that there were over 19 million new global cases in that year. The cases of cancer are rising, so is there any way one can stay one step ahead of it?

While it is important to get screenings done frequently, especially if one has a family history of cancer, there could be certain red flags, one must look out for to book an appointment with oncology.

Also Read: The “Triangle of Death” on Your Face: Why You Should Never Pop a Pimple There

Here are the cancer red flag one must keep a look out for:

Persistent Fatigue

Persistent fatigue remains one of the most overlooked symptoms of oncology. This is not like a routine tiredness, this is a kind of exertion that stays despite rest, balanced meals, and time off. Data from 2022-24 shows that over 30% of early stage cancer patients reported unexplained fatigue prior to diagnosis.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Oncologists explain that over 40% of newly diagnosed gastrointestinal and lung cancer patients experienced weight loss. This could happen due to metabolic changes caused by tumors, which can alter energy absorption and consumption, often suppressing appetite and leading to a rapid loss of body fat.

When to see a doctor? If you have lost more than 5% of your body weight in under 6 to 8 weeks, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.

Chronic Pain

If there is a pain that does not go away, it could be because of cancer. Many patients have complained of persistent pain as one of the fist symptoms of their cancers. This is particularly true for back pain, which is common in pancreatic or ovarian cancer. Bone pain too is common in metastasis, and pelvic pain is common in uterine or colorectal cancer.

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Skin Changes

Not all cancers start inside the body, some also show up on the skin. These changes could be new moles, non-healing wounds, or changes in pigmentation. In fact, unusual rashes also signal changes like skin cancer.

Changes In Bowel And Bladder Habits

If you experiences changes in your bowel and bladder habits and find blood in your stool or urine, it is best to see a doctor. Colorectal, bladder and prostate cancers often start subtly. Before it becomes serious, keeping a track of your bowel and bladder habits could prevent the cancer from spreading.

Lump Or Thickening Of Body

While lumps could be benign, they are also one of earliest signs cancer. For instance, the early detection of breast cancer and testicular cancer are from lumps, which are observed while self examination. In fact, the early detection, thanks to self examination, has even increased by 22%.

Persistent Cough

While this may be a season of virus and flu, but if your cough does not go away, it may be a serious sign. If you find blood in your cough, see a doctor, take scans. If you are a smoker, you may be more prone to early stage throat cancer.

Headache That Does Not Go Away

There could be certain neurological issues, including a stubborn headache that does not go away. This may be an indication of a tumor in the brain.

If you have any of these stubborn symptoms, it is best to book a doctor's appointment and go for a screening.

Note: Health and Me is not a substitute for doctor's advice, please consult a registered doctor, if you face any of these symptoms.