A stomach virus, often colloquially referred to as the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," is a microscopic organism that infects your digestive system. Unlike the common flu, which is caused by a respiratory virus, stomach viruses target the gastrointestinal tract. These viruses can cause inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms.

It's important to note that stomach viruses are not caused by bacteria. While bacteria can also cause food poisoning or other gastrointestinal illnesses, viruses are a different type of infectious agent. This distinction is crucial because antibiotics, which are effective against bacterial infections, are ineffective against viruses.

What are Some Common Stomach Viruses?

Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is notorious for causing outbreaks in communal settings like schools, hospitals, and cruise ships. It can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhea, often resulting in rapid dehydration. Rotavirus, primarily affecting young children, is a major cause of severe diarrhea globally. However, widespread vaccination has significantly reduced its impact in many developed countries. Adenovirus is a versatile virus capable of causing various illnesses, including respiratory infections, eye infections, and gastrointestinal issues. While it can lead to stomach illnesses, symptoms are often milder compared to those caused by norovirus or rotavirus. Astrovirus is another common culprit of childhood diarrhea, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

What are The Symptoms?

The symptoms of a stomach virus typically manifest within 12 to 48 hours post-exposure. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases, dehydration can occur, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and reduced urine output. While most individuals recover without complications, it's crucial to seek medical attention if you experience severe dehydration, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, blood in your stool, high fever, or severe abdominal pain. Dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups like young children and the elderly, can be dangerous and may necessitate intravenous fluid therapy. If you're concerned about your symptoms or experience severe dehydration, consult a healthcare provider.

Ways to Prevent It

While there's no foolproof way to avoid stomach viruses entirely, adopting these preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of infection.

Frequent Handwashing

This is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating.

Sanitize Surfaces

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and toys, to eliminate viruses.

Avoid Contaminated Food and Water

Cook food thoroughly, avoid raw or undercooked foods, and drink clean water. Be cautious when traveling to areas with poor sanitation and consider boiling water before drinking it.

Practice Good Hygiene

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. This helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain viruses.

President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to reduce the cost of popular weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound, through his self-pay platform, TrumpRx. The move aims to make these medications more accessible to Americans paying out of pocket.

However, drug policy experts warn that the plan may not benefit everyone. Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Medicare policy program at KFF, said, “It’s a situation where we have more questions than answers…there’s a lot that the administration itself hasn’t even ironed out as of yet.”

What is TrumpRx?

TrumpRx is a self-pay online platform launched by the Trump administration to sell prescription medications, including popular weight loss drugs, at discounted prices. It is designed for patients who pay out of pocket, aiming to make high-cost treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound more affordable, as per USA Today.

TrumpRx Launches Discounted Weight Loss Medications

President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to reduce the cost of popular weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound, through his platform, TrumpRx. The move aims to make these medications more accessible to Americans paying out of pocket.

However, drug policy experts warn that the plan may not benefit everyone. Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Medicare policy program at KFF, said, “It’s a situation where we have more questions than answers…there’s a lot that the administration itself hasn’t even ironed out as of yet.”

TrumpRx Zepbound Price Drop: Starting Doses Only

The White House confirmed that the starting doses of GLP-1 pills like Zepbound will cost $149 a month, while injections will have an initial “weighted average” price of $350, expected to drop to $250 within two years.

Experts note this may not reflect real costs. Art Caplan, head of medical ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explained, as per NBC News, “You can’t really tell from what’s going on…It’s just murky as to how this will take shape, how the programs will work.”

Patients often increase doses over time for effective weight loss, meaning those relying on higher doses may pay significantly more than the starting prices advertised.

TrumpRx and Medicare Coverage: Limited Access

Under the deal, Medicare will pay $245 a month for Zepbound injections, and patients’ copays will be capped at $50. Medicaid enrollees often have no copay.

But Cubanski warns, “Medicare, by law, is barred from covering weight loss drugs alone,” meaning only patients with additional conditions like heart or kidney disease will qualify. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, said as per NBC News, “Without broader coverage, millions of patients will remain priced out even as the administration touts lower costs.”

TrumpRx: Unapproved Versions Included

The plan also covers drug forms that have not yet received FDA approval, including oral versions and multidose Zepbound pens. Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute at Georgetown University, described this as risky: “It is reckless to negotiate pricing deals on products which the FDA have not yet approved as safe and effective. The administration is getting way out ahead of its own safety agency.”

TrumpRx Savings: Experts Urge Caution

While the deal may seem ambitious, experts caution that actual savings for patients could be limited. Cubanski emphasized, “It just feels a little bit too squishy right now.” Dr Shauna Levy, an obesity specialist, added, “As an obesity community, I think we will remain skeptical of this deal until we see how it actually plays out.”

Limitations in coverage, unapproved drug versions, and higher costs for increased doses mean the impact may be less than anticipated. Patients and healthcare providers will need to carefully navigate these changes, weighing potential savings against practical access and safety considerations.

Tramadol, part of the opioid class, is commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, such as after an injury or surgery. Because of its potency and ability to manage pain effectively, doctors may turn to tramadol when other pain relievers fail. It is usually available as a tablet or capsule, but can also be given as a liquid or injection, the latter often used in hospital settings.

In certain cases, ongoing tramadol use may be necessary, especially for those living with chronic pain conditions. While it can be essential for daily pain management, it is important to be aware that prolonged use may increase the risk of unwanted side effects.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a dual-action opioid that affects serotonin and norepinephrine pathways, often described as a middle-ground painkiller, stronger than non-opioid medications but thought to be less addictive than morphine. It is prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain, including both post-surgical discomfort and long-term chronic conditions.

Globally, prescriptions have surged, partly because of the perception that tramadol is safer and carries a lower risk of dependence compared with stronger opioids.

Tramadol Side Effects: Dangers of Taking Tramadol Over A Long-Term Period

Hyperalgesia

The NHS has warned about the risks of long-term tramadol use, including hyperalgesia. This condition can make you more sensitive to pain, so that ordinary aches feel much stronger or more intense than usual. If this occurs, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the tramadol dose to help ease these heightened sensations.

Tolerance

Over time, the body can develop a tolerance to tramadol. This means you may need higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief that you once got from a smaller amount.

Addiction

Being an opioid, tramadol carries a risk of addiction, particularly when used for a long stretch. Signs that dependency is developing could include difficulty stopping the medication or taking it more often than prescribed.

Stopping tramadol suddenly can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as feelings of anxiety or restlessness. If this happens, your GP may reassess your treatment plan to ensure you are on the safest dose necessary to manage your pain effectively.

Time To Reconsider Tramadol For Chronic Pain?

Recent research, including a systematic review and meta-analysis by Medscape, suggests that tramadol’s effectiveness for chronic pain may be limited. The studies found only minimal pain relief while noting that serious side effects were twice as likely among tramadol users, particularly cardiac complications.

“Considering the modest pain relief and heightened risk of harm, tramadol should be reconsidered for chronic pain management,” said Dr. Jehad Ahmad Barakji of the Centre for Clinical Intervention Research at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, speaking to Medscape Medical News.

Researchers did note that the quality of evidence varied, with certainty ranging from low to moderate. Common serious issues involved the heart, such as chest pain, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Non-serious but bothersome side effects — including nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness, were frequent and often led patients to stop taking the drug.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions about medications or health conditions.

If you often find yourself tossing in bed or staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., you might be wondering whether magnesium, the mineral known for promoting calm and relaxation, could be the key to better sleep. It may be worth exploring, especially if your body lacks enough of it, says Denise M. Millstine, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and director of integrative medicine and health at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Those most at risk of magnesium deficiency include women, older adults, people who drink alcohol regularly, and anyone whose diet relies heavily on processed or convenience foods.

So, does magnesium truly live up to the hype? It’s certainly trending. According to Growth Market Reports, sales of topical magnesium products reached $421.6 million in 2023, while Grand View Research valued the magnesium supplement market at $29.3 million in 2024.

What Are Magnesium Supplements?

Magnesium supports over 300 essential body functions and plays a major role in healthy aging. Still, the belief that it can be a hidden cure-all deserves a closer look. To separate science from speculation, let’s examine two widely circulated claims on social media: that magnesium guarantees better sleep, and that it can ease anxiety or depression.

How Magnesium May Help With Sleep

Magnesium helps regulate several processes in the body, including the balance of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate, Dr Millstine explains. These messengers influence mood, sleep, memory, and muscle control.

“Some neurotransmitters stimulate, while others calm,” she says. “Magnesium helps maintain balance between the two.” If you struggle with anxiety or racing thoughts at bedtime, magnesium might help tilt the scale toward the calming side, making it easier to drift off.

Dr Millstine adds that people with “busy minds” may notice the most improvement. “Some individuals can suppress their anxious thoughts during the day, but when night falls, their minds grow louder and harder to quiet,” she explains.

Can Taking Magnesium Have Side Effects?

Experts do not advise magnesium supplements for people who aren’t deficient in the mineral.

While generally safe, it’s best to consult a doctor before adding magnesium to your routine, especially if you have existing health issues. The supplement may not be suitable for those taking certain diuretics, antibiotics, or heart medications.

Most users experience no side effects, though high doses can lead to digestive problems. Possible reactions include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

People with kidney problems are more vulnerable to magnesium toxicity, as their bodies may struggle to clear excess amounts.

How Much Magnesium Should You Take?

The ideal magnesium dosage ranges between 200 and 400 mg daily, depending on the product. This typically provides the full recommended daily intake.

According to Healthline, the safe upper limit for magnesium supplements is 350 mg per day. Staying within this range helps reduce the risk of digestive discomfort and other side effects.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement or treatment.