Mold is a type of fungus that has been found on the surface of the earth for millions of years. They can get inside your home through open doors, windows, and air conditioning systems. Inhaling mold spores or coming into contact with mold can have severe adverse effects on your health. Beyond physical symptoms like headache and allergic symptoms, it can have a significant impact on the brain and nervous system. Symptoms may vary, from mild headaches to more severe issues like memory loss or difficulty walking. While it can affect anybody, certain groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

How can mold impact your neurological health?

Mold, such as Cladophialophora bantiana, can cause infections in the brain and spinal cord, leading to serious conditions like central nervous system (CNS) infections. While such infections are rare, they can be life-threatening.

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by certain mold types. These toxins can be released into the air when mold grows indoors, and breathing them in can have direct harmful effects on brain function. Studies indicate that mycotoxins may interfere with the nervous system’s communication pathways, leading to cognitive issues such as memory problems and mood swings.

In fact, long exposure to mold can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, which can differ depending on an individual’s health and the severity of the mold exposure. Some of them are:

Headaches are one of the most frequent symptoms of mold exposure. While most of the time, these headaches are described as dull, constant, or pressure-like, they can sometimes mimic migraines, accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

Exposure to molds can also trigger seizures. Mold produces toxic substances like mycotoxins that may disrupt the brain’s electrical activity, leading to seizure episodes.

Mold exposure can cause brain fog, which results in concentration, memory, and mental clarity. Studies suggest that mycotoxins can disrupt normal brain function, making it challenging to process information and think clearly.

Exposure to this fungus can also lead to emotional problems. People with this kind of exposure have complained of anxiety, depression, irritability, and sudden mood swings. This could be due to mold toxins interfering with brain chemicals responsible for regulating emotions.

Mold exposure may trigger inflammation, leading to muscle and joint pain. In case of prolonged exposure, it could lead to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

In some cases, mold exposure may lead to tremors, difficulty walking, or problems with muscle coordination. These issues may be linked to mycotoxins affecting the brain or nervous system.

Mold exposure can impact the brain areas responsible for movement and balance, making it harder to stand, walk, or perform fine motor tasks. Individuals may feel unsteady or experience difficulty using devices like phones or computers.

Delirium is a condition wherein a person experiences confusion or disorientation. An abnormal immune response to mold could contribute to this condition. Delirium can make it difficult for individuals to think clearly or understand their surroundings.

The NHS has released fresh guidance on how to manage flu symptoms, setting out four simple steps that could help people recover faster. Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is marked by a sudden onset of fever, muscle aches, headaches, a persistent dry cough, and extreme tiredness, making it far more serious than the common cold.

Recent data from NHS England shows that in the first week of January, an average of 2,924 hospital beds across England were taken up by patients with flu. This figure reflects a nine per cent increase compared with the previous week.

With flu cases continuing to climb, the NHS has shared several important steps that people can follow to help support a quicker recovery.

NHS Shares Four Steps To Tackle Flu Symptoms 2026

In a recent update, NHS England warned that social gatherings during Christmas and New Year may have led to a resurgence of winter illnesses. NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: “It is clear that the pressure on the NHS this winter is far from easing, with hospitals once again seeing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory viruses last week.

“The colder weather is also bringing more vulnerable patients to A&E with breathing difficulties, along with an increase in injuries caused by slips and falls in icy conditions, making this an exceptionally demanding period.”

According to the Mirror, she added: “Staff continue to work extremely hard, with teams across the country doing everything possible to ensure patients receive the care they need. It remains important for people to seek care as usual, and there are still many opportunities to get vaccinated and protect yourself against flu.”

Flu Symptoms 2026

The NHS says flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and may include:

• A high temperature that comes on quickly
• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Feeling very tired or exhausted
• A dry, persistent cough
• A sore throat
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or stomach pain
• Feeling sick or being sick

Children may experience similar symptoms, but they can also have earaches and may appear more tired or less active than usual.

Flu Symptoms 2026: NHS Advice

The NHS states: “If you have flu, there are steps you can take to help yourself recover more quickly.”

• Rest and get plenty of sleep
• Keep yourself warm
• Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and ease aches and pains
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, aiming for urine that is pale yellow or clear

Flu Symptoms 2026: When To Seek Help?

You should contact NHS 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment if you or your child have flu symptoms and:

• You are concerned about your baby’s or child’s condition
• You are aged 65 or over
• You are pregnant
• You have a long-term health condition, such as diabetes or a problem affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, or nerves
• You have a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or HIV
• Your symptoms have not improved after seven days
• You develop sudden chest pain
• You have trouble breathing
• You begin coughing up large amounts of blood

Cipla, a global name in inhalation therapies, has announced the launch of Afrezza, the world’s only rapid-acting inhaled insulin, in India. The drug is approved for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage high blood sugar levels and represents a notable change in how insulin can be delivered in a country facing a growing diabetes crisis.

For many patients, injecting insulin during long workdays or in public spaces can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. While insulin injections are widely used, awareness around inhaled insulin remains limited. Below, we explain how inhaled insulin works and what it means for people living with diabetes.

What Is Inhaled Insulin?

Inhaled insulin is a fast-acting form of insulin that is taken as a fine powder through an inhaler. Instead of being injected, it is breathed into the lungs, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. This makes it a needle-free option for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

It begins working very rapidly, often just before or at the start of a meal, and exits the body sooner than injectable insulin. Because of this, it may lower the risk of insulin stacking and offers greater flexibility around mealtimes. Afrezza is currently the main FDA-approved inhaled insulin available.

How To Use Inhaled Insulin?

The insulin comes as a dry powder and is taken using a small, discreet inhaler with single-use cartridges available in 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. It has been approved by the FDA for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar rises after meals. “Its absorption into the bloodstream is faster than injectable rapid-acting insulins such as lispro or aspart,” said Dr Hetashvi Gondaliya, as reported by The Indian Express.

How Does Inhaled Insulin Work For Diabetic People?

Before starting inhaled insulin, patients are required to undergo lung function tests. The insulin itself is identical to the insulin used in injections. What differs is the way it enters the body.

In simple terms, the insulin is not new, only the method of delivery is. Once inhaled, it is absorbed through the lungs, passes into the bloodstream, and helps control the rise in blood sugar levels that happens after eating.

Is Inhaled Insulin Better Than Injectable Insulin?

Inhaled insulin is not necessarily better for everyone, but it offers an alternative to injections. It works faster to control post-meal blood sugar levels and may appeal to people who dislike needles. However, it is less efficient than injected insulin, requires a specific inhaler, and is not suitable for all patients.

Studies show that blood sugar control is similar to injectable insulin, but inhaled insulin must still be used along with long-acting basal insulin. It is best viewed as an option rather than a replacement.

Is Inhaled Insulin Suitable For All Diabetic Patients?

According to the National Institutes of Health, inhaled insulin is not appropriate for everyone. It may be considered for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want a needle-free option or need rapid control of blood sugar after meals.

However, it is not recommended for people who smoke or have smoked in the past six months, or for those with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis. It is also not approved for children or pregnant women. Lung health and ongoing insulin needs must be carefully evaluated before starting this treatment.

Always consult your doctor before switching to or starting inhaled insulin. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether it is safe and suitable for you based on your medical history and lung health.

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.