The COVID-19 pandemic may be over, but our immune systems are still feeling the impact. After years of battling constant viral threats, from COVID-19 to seasonal flu and other infections, our body’s defense system is exhausted. Many people continue to experience lingering inflammation, frequent illnesses, and slower recovery times. This extended state of immune stress has compromised us further to chronic illness, including autoimmune diseases and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. So why is our immune system still in trouble? And how do we give it its power back? Understanding immune exhaustion is the beginning of rebuilding our body's natural immunity.

A weakened immune system makes people more susceptible to disease, mental illnesses, and even sleep disorders. Now, new research indicates that immune system depletion may play an important role in the onset of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurologic disorder that compromises movement and cognition.

Role of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease

Dysfunctional immune response is a leading cause of long-standing inflammation within the body, that has been found to contribute towards a multitude of conditions, including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

As people age, their immune system naturally becomes less effective. This deterioration, referred to as immune exhaustion, may be a key contributor to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Rebecca Wallings, a Parkinson’s Foundation Launch Award grant recipient and senior postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida, believes that an accumulation of exhausted immune cells could be driving neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s patients.

How a Tired Immune System Might Affect Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is most commonly linked with the degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons—motor nerve cells that produce dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter for movement. While researchers have long suspected inflammation is involved in this neurodegeneration, the mechanisms are not yet well understood.

Wallings' study is on immune cell exhaustion, a process by which aging immune cells fail to control immune responses effectively. Her research indicates that instead of dampening inflammation in Parkinson's patients, attempts should be made to rejuvenate the immune system to regain its functionality.

Energy Deficiency in Immune Cells

One of the major findings of Wallings' work is the function of mitochondrial impairment in immune cell exhaustion. Mitochondria are commonly called the powerhouses of cells, as they are vital for generating energy. As mitochondria age and become inefficient, immune cells fail to function well, potentially accelerating neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Wallings has found that mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a recognized genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease, are linked with defective mitochondrial function and immune cell exhaustion. Her current work includes testing various therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial function in immune cells with the potential to enhance the immune system and potentially prevent or treat Parkinson's disease.

Will Rejuvenating the Immune System Help in Treatment?

For decades, the standard practice in treating Parkinson's has been to suppress brain inflammation. Yet Wallings' work indicates that instead of slowing down immune responses, restoring the immune system could be a more successful strategy. By addressing mitochondrial impairment and immune resilience, researchers can potentially reverse or slow down Parkinson's disease.

Wallings is now looking into how to rejuvenate immune cells by fixing mitochondria. She studies immune cells from patients with Parkinson's as well as from healthy subjects and performs experiments on animal models to determine if rejuvenation of the immune system could result in improved disease outcomes.

Lifestyle Factors That May Affect Parkinson's Risk

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, some lifestyle adjustments may decrease the chances of developing the illness. Since neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, developing habits that enhance immune function might prove helpful.

Diet: There is evidence to suggest that eating in accordance with the Mediterranean or MIND diets, both high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods, can encourage brain wellness and reduce Parkinson's risk.

Avoiding Dangerous Substances: Restricting alcohol and nicotine use can maintain a robust immune system and suppress inflammation.

Reducing Stress: Chronic stress weakens immune function, so methods such as meditation, exercise, and sufficient sleep can lead to improved overall well-being.

While your mouth and heart may seem unrelated, medical science shows otherwise. There’s a deeper connection between oral and cardiovascular health than most people realize. Certain dental symptoms can act as early warning signs for heart-related issues. To better understand this link, we spoke with Dr. SS Sibia, Cardiologist and Director at Sibia Medical Centre, Ludhiana.

When people think of heart disease, they typically focus on chest pain, breathlessness, or fatigue. But some of the earliest red flags can appear inside the mouth. Several oral health issues are directly linked to cardiovascular conditions. Research has long shown a connection between gum health and heart disease, and ignoring these subtle clues could lead to serious consequences.

6 Mouth Symptoms That May Be Warning Signs of Heart Disease

Here are six mouth symptoms that might point to an underlying heart condition:

1. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

Inflamed or bleeding gums often indicate gum disease (periodontitis), a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Studies show that the bacteria responsible can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in blood vessels and contributing to artery blockages—a major factor in heart attacks.

Dr. Sibia explains: “Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. It significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular complications. Persistent gum bleeding is a signal to visit both a dentist and a heart specialist.”

2. Wobbly Teeth or Tooth Loss

Losing teeth, particularly due to advanced gum disease, isn’t only about poor dental hygiene. It often reflects chronic inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies suggest people with fewer teeth due to gum infections are more likely to develop serious heart problems.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Ongoing bad breath (halitosis) may be more than just a dental concern. It can result from bacteria linked to gum disease, which is strongly connected to heart health. Bad breath may also indicate inflammation or internal infection, both of which place additional strain on the heart if untreated.

4. Mouth Sores or Infections That Don’t Heal

Frequent oral ulcers or infections that take unusually long to heal could point to poor blood circulation or a weakened immune system. These issues are commonly seen in heart patients or people with diabetes, who are already at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

5. Dry Mouth

A dry mouth (xerostomia) may be a side effect of medications for heart disease or high blood pressure. In some cases, it could signal dehydration, diabetes, or reduced blood flow, all of which can strain the heart. Dryness also makes the mouth more vulnerable to infections, indirectly affecting heart health.

6. Jaw Pain

Discomfort in the jaw, especially the lower jaw, can sometimes indicate an impending heart attack, particularly in women. This pain may radiate from the chest or neck and is often mistaken for a dental problem. If jaw pain comes with breathlessness, sweating, or chest tightness, seek medical help immediately.

Dr. Sibia warns: “Heart attacks don’t always start with chest pain. For some, especially women, symptoms like jaw pain or mouth discomfort may be the first signs. Detecting them early can be life-saving.”

Heart Disease: Mouth Symptoms

Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and attention to unusual changes can help detect potential heart issues early.

If you notice any of the signs above, don’t ignore them. Consult both a dentist and a cardiologist to ensure you’re not missing something serious. Timely check-ups, preventive care, and small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

We all know influenza is a common and sometimes serious viral infection, but it’s worth a reminder as the flu season approaches, typically starting in October. Between October 2024 and May 2025, the United States saw an estimated 47 million to 82 million flu cases, leading to 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, according to preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most flu-related deaths occur in older adults, children can also be affected, with CDC estimates showing 37 to 199 deaths among children each flu season.

Now, a new study published in JAMA has highlighted a rare yet severe complication that can affect children who contract the flu. Known as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), this condition carries a mortality rate of 27% even with intensive medical care, according to the research.

What Is Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy?

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare but serious brain disorder that can develop after a viral infection, most commonly influenza. It begins with a fever and quickly progresses to severe neurological problems, such as seizures and a reduced level of consciousness. Importantly, the condition is caused by the body’s inflammatory immune response to the virus, rather than the virus directly attacking the brain.

Treatment typically involves supportive care and, in some cases, immunosuppressive therapies, but outcomes are often poor, with high rates of death and long-term brain damage.

Symptoms of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy

ANE usually starts with symptoms of the initial viral infection, such as fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by rapid neurological decline, which may include:

• Seizures
• Confusion, drowsiness, and altered consciousness
• Coma lasting for weeks
• Problems with movement (ataxia)
• Abnormal muscle tone

How Can Flu Lead to Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the flu can trigger ANE through an overactive inflammatory response. In this scenario, the body’s immune system, activated by the virus, ends up damaging brain tissue rather than the virus directly affecting the brain. This process, often called a cytokine storm, leads to rapid swelling, inflammation, and tissue death in areas such as the thalamus, resulting in severe neurological symptoms like seizures and coma. Genetic factors may also make some children more vulnerable.

The researchers collected data from US pediatric hospitals and public health agencies on cases of pediatric ANE treated between October 2023 and May 2025. They analyzed 41 children with influenza-related ANE. The median age was 5, and roughly three-quarters were previously healthy. Among those whose vaccination history was known, only 16% had received the flu vaccine that season.

All of these children became seriously ill, and every patient developed encephalopathy, meaning altered brain function. Sixty-eight percent experienced seizures, and most had abnormal platelet counts, liver enzyme levels, and spinal fluid composition.

The researchers emphasized a few key points:

• ANE is rare but extremely serious, with high risks of long-term illness or death, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
• Most children affected were previously healthy.
• While a few vaccinated children also became ill, most cases and nearly all fatalities occurred in children who were not vaccinated that season.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

What is clear from this research is that getting the flu vaccine lowers the chance of catching the virus and of becoming seriously ill. The JAMA study also indicates that vaccination reduces the likelihood of developing ANE and the risk of dying from it. Both the study and an accompanying editorial stress the importance of everyone staying up-to-date with their flu shots.

As the winter season sets in, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2025–26 fall and winter respiratory virus season to bring roughly the same number of hospitalizations linked to Covid-19, flu, and RSV as last year. Still, there are ways to lower your risk of becoming seriously ill from these infections, and vaccination remains one of the most effective measures.

According to preliminary CDC data from October 2024 through May 2025, around 1 million people were hospitalized with the flu last season, and there were as many as 130,000 flu-related deaths. Between October 2024 and September 2025, CDC estimates also show nearly 540,000 Covid-19 hospitalizations and up to 63,000 deaths due to the virus.

As the season of respiratory illness is here, let’s take a look at some common vaccine questions.

Who Can Get Covid Shots?

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals, discuss getting the updated Covid-19 vaccine with their health care provider this season. This marks a shift from earlier years, when the guidance broadly encouraged most people to get vaccinated.

“This fall, the CDC hasn’t issued a universal recommendation for the Covid-19 vaccine,” explained Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “Instead, it’s being offered under a shared-decision model, where people are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding.”

When Is The Best Time To Get The Covid Vaccine?

Dr. Sarah Dupont, a family medicine physician at Emory Healthcare and assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine, suggests getting the Covid-19 vaccine in October or early November for the best protection through winter.

How Effective Is The Covid Vaccine?

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that last year’s updated Covid-19 vaccines were about 39% effective in preventing hospitalizations and 64% effective in preventing deaths among US veterans.

Who Can Get A Flu Shot This Year?

The CDC advises that most people aged 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. Generally, one dose is sufficient each season. However, children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should get two doses, spaced about four weeks apart, to build stronger immunity.

How Effective Is The Flu Shot?

The effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine won’t be known until after the season ends. For reference, during the 2024–25 respiratory virus season, the CDC estimated that flu vaccines were 42% to 56% effective in adults.

Who Can Get An RSV Immunization?

RSV vaccines are recommended for adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 50 to 74 who face a higher risk of severe illness, according to the CDC. A single dose can offer protection for at least two years in older adults.

To safeguard infants, protection can come either from maternal vaccination during pregnancy or from an antibody shot administered to the baby after birth.

When Is The RSV Vaccine Available?

Eligible adults can get the RSV vaccine at any point, though the CDC notes that late summer to early fall is ideal. For mothers, the vaccine is typically available from September through January, while infants can receive their antibody shot from October through March.

Beyond vaccination, there are other ways to stay healthy this season. Health experts urge people to stay home when they feel unwell to prevent spreading illness. Those who want to be extra cautious can avoid crowded indoor spaces during winter, and wearing a mask remains a personal option for reducing both your own risk and that of others.