From controlling body temperature and flushing out toxins, adequate hydration plays a vital role in our general health and well-being, water is a life essential. However, while dehydration garners significant attention, overhydration, or drinking excessive amounts of water, is a condition that can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

Although it may sound bizarre since drinking water is said to be the solution for most health related problems it is important to recognize how much water is considered "too much" or the risks involved with being overhydrated can maintain a healthy balance.

What Is Water Intoxication?

Water intoxication, also termed hyperhydration, water poisoning or water toxemia, develops when an individual drinks much more water than the kidney can excrete. The main function of the kidneys in the human body is the processing and excretion of excess water. However, the human kidneys can process only up to 0.8 to 1.0 liters of water at a time. Drinking an amount that exceeds this may overwhelm the kidneys and put the electrolyte balance out of sync in the human body.

Electrolytes, especially sodium, are essential in maintaining fluid balance within and outside cells. Hyponatremia is the condition when sodium levels fall below 135 mmol/L, resulting from excessive water intake. This causes water to shift into cells, swelling them. In the brain, this can cause severe complications, including coma or even death.

Symptoms of Water Intoxication

The symptoms of water intoxication vary from mild to severe. Early symptoms are often similar to dehydration, which makes self-diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion and disorientation

In more serious cases, water intoxication can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or swelling in the brain. These complications can be fatal if left untreated.

A notable case occurred in 2007 when a woman participating in a water-drinking contest tragically died after consuming nearly two gallons of water in under two hours. More recently, actress Brooke Shields experienced a grand mal seizure attributed to excessive water consumption.

Causes of Water Intoxication

Water intoxication is rare, but certain scenarios can increase the risk:

1. Sporting Events and Endurance Training

These endurance athletes are prone to water intoxication, especially if they drink large amounts of water without replacing lost electrolytes. Hyponatremia usually happens during long races or marathons as individuals mistake fatigue and muscle cramps for dehydration and continue drinking water in excess.

2. Military Training

Overhydration among military personnel is usually due to severe physical activity in extreme environmental conditions. The total number of hyponatremia cases documented from 2007 through 2022 for the active duty in the United States exceeds 1,600, with a note to this problem on exertion-related overhydration.

3. Mental Health Conditions

Compulsive water drinking, known as psychogenic polydipsia, is linked with some mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychosis. People with these conditions tend to drink too much water, causing a hazardous electrolyte imbalance.

4. Drug Abuse

Drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy) raise the body temperature and make people thirsty, and at times, some people tend to drink excess water at events like music festivals. MDMA also leads to urine retention, thus exacerbating the dangers of water intoxication.

How Much Water Is Too Much?

The exact amount of water that causes intoxication varies from one person to another. However, drinking more than 1 liter of water per hour for several hours raises the risk. For healthy individuals, the risk of overhydration is low unless taking part in extreme physical activity or ignoring thirst cues.

Certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disorders, can impair the body's ability to process fluids, and even moderate water intake may be harmful. Similarly, certain medications, such as diuretics and antipsychotics, can affect the perception of thirst or fluid regulation.

How Much Water Is Enough?

The widely touted recommendation of eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day has little basis in fact. According to the National Academy of Medicine, a daily total fluid intake is about 15 cups (3.7 liters) for males and 11 cups (2.7 liters) for females, from beverage sources and from food. Usually, about 20 percent of daily hydration comes from foods such as fruits and vegetables.

A better rule of thumb is to listen to your body and drink water based on thirst. Use the color of your urine as an indicator:

• Light yellow urine indicates proper hydration.
• Dark yellow urine may indicate dehydration.

Older adults, whose thirst mechanisms may decline with age, should be proactive about maintaining hydration, especially during illness or hot weather.

Water Intoxication vs. Dehydration

The symptoms of water intoxication—such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle weakness—are similar to those of dehydration. If you are unsure which condition you are experiencing, seek medical attention immediately rather than self-treating with more water.

Preventing Water Intoxication

To avoid the dangers of overhydration:

• Drink water gradually throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
• Replace lost electrolytes post high-intensity exercise or heavy sweating.
• Consider using sports drinks or salty snacks to help replenish sodium.
• Keep track of fluid consumption during long-duration activities, and do not consume more water than the body is losing in terms of electrolytes.
• If on medications or have specific medical conditions, check with your doctor regarding the safety of drinking water.

For signs of severe water intoxication-including confusion, drowsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness-customer is advised to seek medical assistance immediately. In the meanwhile, a salty snack would help to temporarily correct low sodium levels.

Hydration is important to health, but overhydration can be a serious risk; the secret is in finding a balance. Drink enough water to satisfy your body, but not so much that it overwhelms your system. Remember, water is life, but moderation keeps it that way.

Hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood). National Kidney Foundation. 2023.

Water Toxicity. NIH. 2023

Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia: 2017 Update. Front Med (Lausanne). 2017

Update: Exertional Hyponatremia Among Active Component Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 2007–2022

Concerns around fertility and vaccines often surface when people plan a family, and the HPV vaccine is no exception. Many women and men worry that getting vaccinated today could affect their ability to conceive later in life. Medical experts, however, say this fear is misplaced. According to fertility specialists, there is no evidence linking the HPV vaccine to reduced fertility. In fact, the vaccine may play a quiet but important role in protecting reproductive health over the long term.

Does The HPV Vaccine Affect Fertility?

The short and clear answer is no. The HPV vaccine does not negatively affect fertility in women or men. Dr. Madhu Patil, Consultant and Fertility Specialist at Motherhood Fertility and IVF, Sarjapur, Bangalore, explains that there is no scientific proof showing the vaccine causes fertility problems of any kind.

She notes that concerns often arise from misinformation rather than medical data. Extensive research and global vaccination programmes have consistently shown that people who receive the HPV vaccine do not experience reduced chances of conceiving in the future.

How HPV Infection Can Threaten Future Fertility

While the vaccine itself does not harm fertility, an untreated HPV infection can. HPV is the leading cause of nearly all cervical cancer cases. As per Dr Patil, “treatment for cervical cancer often involves procedures such as cone biopsy or LEEP, which can weaken the cervix. In more advanced cases, radiation or chemotherapy may be required.”

These treatments can reduce a woman’s ability to conceive and, in some cases, make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to full term. By preventing HPV-related cancers in the first place, the vaccine helps preserve the reproductive system and lowers the risk of fertility-compromising treatments later in life.

Why The HPV Vaccine Supports Reproductive Health

Dr. Patil points out that the HPV vaccine should be viewed as a protective measure rather than a risk. By stopping high-risk HPV strains from causing cancer or precancerous changes, the vaccine helps maintain cervical health. A healthy cervix and reproductive system are key factors in natural conception and safe pregnancies.

In this way, the vaccine indirectly supports fertility by reducing the likelihood of medical interventions that could interfere with reproductive function.

When Should the HPV Vaccine Be Taken?

Health experts recommend starting HPV vaccination at ages 11 or 12. At this stage, the immune response is strongest, and the vaccine offers protection well before any potential exposure to the virus. Dr. Patil strongly encourages parents to consult a gynaecologist and consider timely vaccination for their children.

That said, adults who missed vaccination earlier can still benefit. Many women and men receive the vaccine later in life after discussing it with their doctor.

Why Men Should Also Get The HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is not only for women. Dr. Patil stresses that men should also be vaccinated, as HPV can cause cancers and genital warts that affect sexual health. Vaccination in men also reduces transmission to partners, adding another layer of protection for couples planning a family.

By limiting the spread of HPV, vaccination helps safeguard the reproductive and sexual health of both partners.

There is no evidence that the HPV vaccine reduces fertility. On the contrary, it helps prevent cancers and medical treatments that can threaten the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy. Experts advise speaking with a gynaecologist, understanding the benefits, and making an informed decision based on medical facts rather than fear.

A three-year-old girl was left partially blind after what first seemed like a routine ear infection was later diagnosed as a life-threatening brain tumour. As per Express UK, Chloe Kefford was rushed to A&E when she started experiencing car sickness and balance problems. Doctors initially diagnosed her with an ear infection and sent her home with antihistamines. But as Chloe’s condition worsened, her parents insisted on further testing, which revealed a tumour affecting her optic nerve.

Ear Infection Symptoms Masked A Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Chloe, from Formby, Merseyside, underwent open brain surgery and faced three-and-a-half years of treatment, including proton beam therapy last year, after experiencing two relapses. Proton beam therapy uses high-energy protons to precisely target the tumour, limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Open Brain Surgery And Years Of Intensive Treatment Followed

Now nine years old, Chloe has been honoured with a special award from Cancer Research UK for her bravery throughout her treatment. She received her initial care at St George’s Hospital in London and The Royal Marsden, before being transferred to Alder Hey in Liverpool.

Proton Beam Therapy Used After Cancer Relapsed Twice

Chloe’s mother, Nikki, 38, recalled that the family had been planning a move from Surrey to Merseyside before Chloe fell ill. As per Express UK, she said: “The house was already sold and we were planning our new life by the beach when Chloe became ill. Then we ended up moving and having to isolate for months. She relapsed not long after we moved and had more chemotherapy, then she rang the bell in April last year, but unfortunately, she relapsed again in July. So, we were supposed to be going on holiday to Disneyland in Paris and instead we went to Manchester for six weeks for Chloe to have proton beam therapy.”

Nikki added: “She is partially sighted now and has no peripheral vision; one eye is particularly badly affected. The main aim now is to preserve what eyesight she has left. We’re hopeful that the recent targeted treatment has got the cancer once and for all. She’s on steroids at the moment and is being monitored with three-monthly scans. She’s still in recovery and struggles with fatigue from the treatment, but we hope she’ll have a bit more energy soon. She’s our little ray of sunshine.”

Each year, around 400 children and young people in the North West are diagnosed with cancer. Advances in treatment and research are helping make therapies more effective and less harmful. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool is one of several centres across the UK taking part in pioneering clinical trials offering innovative new treatments.

In 2018, Cancer Research UK launched the Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, supported by TK Maxx. The virtual centre brings together international experts in children’s brain tumour research to transform how treatments are developed. Every child nominated for a Star Award receives this recognition, which is endorsed by celebrities including JoJo Siwa and Pixie Lott.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson Jemma Humphreys said: “After everything Chloe’s been through, it’s been an absolute privilege to celebrate her incredible courage with a Star Award.”

People experiencing certain symptoms are being urged to stay at home as a highly contagious virus spreads quickly across England. Fresh figures from the UK Health Security Agency show a 47% rise in cases during the first two weeks of 2026. This sudden jump has led the agency to remind the public about basic hygiene steps that play a key role in limiting the spread. Data suggests that norovirus is affecting people aged 65 and above the most, and although overall activity remains within normal seasonal levels, there has been a noticeable increase in outbreaks in hospital settings.

The latest UKHSA surveillance update also points to falling levels of flu, COVID-19, and RSV in the opening week of the year. While all winter virus levels are currently where they would be expected for this time of year, people are being encouraged to continue following simple precautions to help keep infections on a downward path.

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus Symptoms

Common symptoms of norovirus include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Stomach pain.

You may also experience:

• Headache.
• Fever.
• Body aches.

Symptoms usually develop between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and typically last for one to three days.

Doctors Report New Symptoms Of Norovirus

Both flu and norovirus can behave unpredictably, with case numbers rising and falling throughout the season. This makes simple preventive steps especially important. For illnesses affecting the stomach or respiratory system, such as norovirus, regular handwashing remains one of the most effective measures.

Health experts stress that alcohol-based hand sanitisers do not work against norovirus. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, along with cleaning surfaces using bleach-based products, is far more effective in reducing the spread. Good ventilation indoors can also help limit the transmission of respiratory viruses like flu. Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to stay at home whenever possible.

If going out cannot be avoided, wearing a face covering may help, particularly when around people who are more vulnerable.

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, according to the Mirror: “We have seen a clear rise in norovirus cases in recent weeks, particularly among people aged 65 and over, alongside an increase in hospital outbreaks. Although levels are still within what we would normally expect, there are simple actions people can take to stop norovirus spreading further.

“Washing hands with soap and warm water and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based products are key steps. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so they should not be relied on alone.

“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and avoid preparing food for others during this time. If you are unwell, please stay away from hospitals and care homes to protect those most at risk from infection.”