Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

People should be aware of a rare and unpredictable condition called SCAD. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection occurs when the inner layers of a coronary artery split away from the outer wall. When this happens, blood can leak into the space between the layers, leading to clot formation. If these clots grow large enough, they can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.

Doctors are still struggling to fully understand this condition. The cause remains unknown, and it often strikes suddenly in people who do not have the usual risk factors linked to heart disease. SCAD is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 45 and 53, although it can affect people of any age or gender.

What Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection?

SCAD is an acronym that can refer to different things, but it is most widely used to describe Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. This is a serious heart condition in which a tear forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart, potentially triggering a heart attack. SCAD is also the name of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a well-known creative university in the United States, and an Indian NGO working in the field of social change and development.

According to the British Heart Foundation, SCAD is a condition that “can’t currently be predicted or prevented.” The charity stresses the importance of seeking medical help if symptoms appear, so the condition can be identified as early as possible. Many of the warning signs are similar to those of angina or a heart attack, which can make it difficult to recognise.

Symptoms Of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

The symptoms of SCAD often resemble those associated with angina or a heart attack. These may include:

• Chest pain
• Pain or tightness in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Shortness of breath or unusual tiredness
• Nausea
• Cold sweats or clammy skin

The British Heart Foundation advises anyone experiencing chest pain or these symptoms to call 999 straight away. One of the dangers of SCAD is that people may dismiss the symptoms, believing they are not at risk of a heart attack. Experts say the condition cannot be predicted or prevented.

How Is Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Related To Neck Pain?

Neck pain can sometimes be linked to arterial dissections, which involve a tear in blood vessels supplying vital organs. In such cases, the pain is often sudden, severe, and felt on one side of the neck. It may appear on its own or develop before more serious symptoms, such as those associated with a stroke or heart-related event.

The pain occurs due to damage to the artery wall and should always be treated as a medical emergency. While neck pain is commonly associated with muscle strain, experts warn that, in rare cases, it can signal a much more serious underlying problem.

According to the American Heart Association, neck pain related to arterial dissection may present in the following ways:

• Location: Pain is usually felt on the same side of the head or neck as the affected artery.
• Type: The pain may be sudden, intense, throbbing, or feel like pressure, and is often different from a typical headache.
• Warning sign: Neck pain can be an early symptom of an arterial tear, sometimes appearing before other serious complications.
• Vertebral artery dissection: Often causes pain at the back of the neck and head.
• Carotid artery dissection: More commonly linked to pain at the front of the neck and head.

SCAD And Women

Around 80 percent of people diagnosed with SCAD are women, and the condition is known to occur during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. Because it develops without warning, SCAD is often discovered only after a major medical event, such as a heart attack.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients are managed with medication to reduce the risk of blood clots, while others may require stents to keep the artery open. In rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery is needed to restore blood flow.

The British Heart Foundation notes that receiving a SCAD diagnosis can be deeply unsettling, especially when it follows an emergency. Many patients report feeling isolated, largely because the condition is so rare and not widely understood.

Flu cases are on the rise and as of the January 3, 2026 data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 120,000 cases have been detected in clinical laboratories, apart from those detected in home tests. About 40,000 influenza cases were admitted to the hospital in the prior week and 17 influenza-related deaths reported in children, this season. Physicians across the US are constantly telling everyone, especially the vulnerable population to keep an eye on the symptoms. They have time and again also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu. The country is also seeing an overload of flu cases, with many calling it the 'worst flu season' ever.

Also Read: Delhi Isn't Just Breathing Toxic Air, But Also A Superbug That Resists Antibiotics

The 2025-2026 flu season's main culprit is the influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, or the superflu. This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2 virus and has a history of being most contagious, staying longer on surface, which is why it is driving the most numbers of hospitalization this season.

Jesse Pines, Chief of Clinical Innovation for US Acute Care Solutions and a practising physician for over 20 years of experiences writes for Forbes the 5 must-know things about the flu.

5 Must-Know Things About Flu, From An ER Doctor

Identify the Symptoms

It is important to know what symptoms you have to know about the illness. This flu starts with high fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and a headache. However, not everyone can have the similar symptoms. Children could experience gastrointestinal symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Older adults may have atypical symptoms, which may include not feeling hungry, dizziness, or weakness.

Read: Face Masks Are 'Inadequate', Says WHO, Must Be Swapped For Respirators

Vaccine Is A Must

While the flu vaccine for this season was made at least 7 to 8 months before, like usually it happens, which means the subclade K strain may not be this vaccine's target. However, data shows that despite this mismatch, it has a 72 to 75% effective rate in preventing emergency department visits and hospital admissions in children and adolescents, and 32 to 39% effectiveness in adults.

What To Do If You Have Flu Symptoms

The first response should be to contact your healthcare provider for prescription. Pines note that "Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) are primary options". These are used to reduce the symptom duration, and prevent any further complications like pneumonia. It is most effective if started with in the 48 hours of symptoms.

Should You Seek Higher-Level Medical Care With Flu?

While many people recover at home, if you see your symptoms are not showing any signs of reduction beyond 4 to 5 days, you may need a higher levels of medical care for your flu. This could also be applied if your symptoms worsen suddenly after a few days.

How to Manage Post Flu Weakness?

While everyone is talking about flu and its treatment, not much attention is paid on what to do afterwards. Even after the treatment, one might feel the weakness during their recovery period. This has a scientific name, known as 'post-viral' syndrome, which means a lingering cough and fatigue for 2 to 3 weeks after the illness. This is the time when you gradually return to normal activities, but ensure to maintain adequate hydration, sufficient calorie and protein intake in your diet and adequate sleep.

The NHS has issued an alert for anyone taking a widely used heart medication. People are being advised to watch for serious warning signs, including yellowing of the skin or “nosebleeds lasting more than 10 minutes.”

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a beta blocker that slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s oxygen demand. It is also prescribed to ease symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling or excessive sweating, and can help prevent migraines. The medication is prescription-only but is commonly prescribed throughout the UK.

According to the Mirror, the British Heart Foundation reports that more than 50 million beta blocker prescriptions are issued in the UK each year, including for propranolol. Patients usually take it once a day, in either a standard or slow-release form.

While propranolol is generally safe, it does carry possible side effects. The NHS advises contacting 111 immediately if serious symptoms affecting the blood or kidneys appear.

The NHS notes: “Like all medicines, propranolol can cause side effects in some people, but many experience none or only minor effects. Side effects often ease as your body adjusts to the medication.”

Propranolol Side Effects

Common side effects include headaches, fatigue, weakness, cold fingers or toes, nausea, and stomach discomfort. While most people over 12 can safely take propranolol, the NHS recommends consulting a doctor first if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart failure, depression, or diabetes.

More serious reactions can occur, including yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, or dark urine. The NHS also warns of nosebleeds lasting longer than 10 minutes, unexplained bruising, or increased tendency to bruise easily.

Anyone experiencing these warning signs should contact a doctor or call 111 immediately. The NHS also cautions against stopping propranolol abruptly without medical guidance, as this could trigger severe heart problems, including chest pain or even a heart attack.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious With Propranolol

While propranolol is widely prescribed and generally safe for most adults, certain people need to monitor themselves more closely or consult their doctor before use. Those with low blood pressure, heart failure, slow heart rates, diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma, or a history of depression may face higher risks of side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also speak to a healthcare professional before taking the medication.

The NHS emphasizes that even minor symptoms—like unusual fatigue, dizziness, or cold hands and feet—should not be ignored, especially if they worsen over time. Monitoring for these effects early can prevent more serious complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms while taking propranolol or any other prescription medicine, seek medical attention immediately.