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.

Hemoglobin is a key protein found in red blood cells. Its main job is to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When hemoglobin levels drop, the body may not receive enough oxygen to function well. Low hemoglobin can happen for several reasons, including health conditions, blood loss, or gaps in nutrition.

What Is Low Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Adequate hemoglobin levels are essential for keeping organs and tissues properly supplied with oxygen. Without enough of it, the body begins to struggle to meet its basic energy needs.

Low hemoglobin is usually identified through a blood test. It is most often measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC), which checks different components of the blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets, as per Healthline.

While exact reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, healthy adult hemoglobin levels usually fall within the ranges listed below. These values are different for babies, children, and teenagers.

Normal Hemoglobin Count in Grams per Deciliter (g/dL) | Normal Hemoglobin Count in Grams per Liter (g/L)

Adult Males: 13.8–17.2 | 138–172

Adult Females: 12.1–15.1 | 121–151

Any reading below these ranges in adults is considered low hemoglobin and suggests that oxygen delivery in the body may be reduced, as per Mayo Clinic.

Is Low Hemoglobin Ever Dangerous?

Low hemoglobin is not always an emergency. In many cases, it develops gradually and can be managed with treatment. That said, very low levels can be dangerous. A hemoglobin level below 5.0 g/dL has been linked to serious complications, including heart failure and even death. Levels under 6.5 g/dL may be considered life-threatening and require urgent medical care.

What Causes Low Hemoglobin?

One of the most common reasons for low hemoglobin is anemia. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. The most frequent type is iron-deficiency anemia, which develops when the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin.⁵

Other forms of anemia include pernicious anemia, which occurs when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, and hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.¹

Low hemoglobin can also be caused by:

• Blood loss or internal bleeding
• Certain cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers that spread to the bone marrow
• Chronic kidney disease
• Deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12
• Hypothyroidism
• Liver disease
• Poor nutrition or malnutrition
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
• Sarcoidosis
• Sickle cell disease and other inherited blood disorders
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Thalassemia, a genetic condition that reduces hemoglobin production
• Excess fluid in the body
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can also lower hemoglobin levels, particularly in adults over the age of 65.

What Does Having Low Hemoglobin Feel Like?

Some people with mildly low hemoglobin may not notice any symptoms at first. Others may begin to feel unwell as levels drop further or remain low over time.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, sometimes fainting
• Muscle weakness
• Ongoing fatigue or low energy
• Pale or washed-out skin
• Frequent headaches

How Is Low Hemoglobin Treated?

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the low hemoglobin. A healthcare provider will first identify the underlying reason before recommending treatment.

Possible treatment options include:

Blood transfusion: If hemoglobin is low due to heavy blood loss, a transfusion may be needed to restore levels quickly.

Vitamin supplements: When nutritional deficiencies are the cause, iron, folate, or vitamin B12 supplements are often prescribed. Hemoglobin levels usually begin to improve within six to eight weeks.

Intravenous (IV) therapy: In cases where iron or B12 levels need to be raised rapidly, IV infusions may be recommended.

Bone marrow transplant: This may be required when low hemoglobin is linked to certain cancers or bone marrow disorders.

If a long-term illness is responsible, managing that condition becomes the key part of treatment, alongside monitoring hemoglobin levels regularly.

One particularly vulnerable group across the UK is being strongly advised to receive up to three vaccines this season. This winter has seen a sharp rise in seasonal viruses, with the NHS warning that hospitals and ambulance services are under significant pressure due to higher demand.

This surge is largely driven by the H3N2 flu strain, known as subclade K, which is currently circulating at ‘medium’ levels but with increased activity. The UK Health Security Agency reports that flu-related hospital admissions have climbed to 7.79% per 100,000, up from 4.78% per 100,000 the previous week.

While common winter viruses such as flu, RSV, and whooping cough can cause uncomfortable symptoms for most people, certain groups face a higher risk of serious complications. These include children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

Why You Should Get Vaccinated While Pregnant

Flu shots are highly effective at protecting both mothers and their babies, as the body responds differently to infections during pregnancy. NHS guidance notes that pregnant women are more susceptible to complications from viral infections, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

Infants are also at a higher risk of severe illness if exposed to viruses, which can sometimes result in mothers and babies requiring intensive care. Additionally, infections like flu can increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight, which may raise the chance of stillbirth or neonatal death.

Posting on X, the UK Health Security Agency said that pregnant women are entitled to vaccinations against flu, RSV, and whooping cough, and advised them to consult their midwife, GP, or local pharmacist for guidance on getting vaccinated.

How Vaccines Protect Pregnant Mothers And Their Babies

Vaccination during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to the baby, giving them similar levels of defence against serious illness in the first weeks of life. This applies to vaccines for flu, whooping cough, and RSV, helping shield both mother and newborn.

Vaccines Pregnant Women Aren't Advised To Get

Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid vaccines that contain a live version of a virus, as these could theoretically infect the unborn child. However, evidence shows live vaccines do not typically cause birth defects.

The main exception is when the risk of infection is higher than the potential risk from the vaccine itself. Examples of live vaccines include:

• Yellow fever
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine)

Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot During Pregnancy?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that anyone who is pregnant during flu season should receive the flu shot, regardless of which trimester they are in.

A flu vaccine during pregnancy can help in several ways:

Lower the risk of flu-related illness during pregnancy

Pregnancy changes how the immune system, heart, and lungs function, which can make flu infections more severe. A flu shot reduces the chance of catching the flu and lowers the risk of needing hospital care if you do get sick.

Reduce risks to the developing baby

Getting the flu, especially early in pregnancy, may increase the risk of certain health problems in the unborn baby. Flu infection has also been linked to a higher chance of birth-related complications.

Protect the baby after delivery

Newborns are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu, but they cannot be vaccinated until they are six months old. Antibodies produced after a flu shot during pregnancy cross the placenta and are also found in breast milk, helping protect the baby in the first months of life.

When getting vaccinated, pregnant women should choose the flu shot, not the nasal spray. The injection uses an inactive virus and is safe at any stage of pregnancy. The nasal spray contains a live virus and is not recommended for pregnant women.

The NHS has released an alert for people taking a widely prescribed medication used by millions across the UK. Diabetes rates are at an all-time high, with the latest data showing more than 5.8 million people currently living with the condition.

Diabetes UK estimates that around 4.6 million people have already been diagnosed. At the same time, close to 1.3 million people are believed to have Type 2 diabetes without knowing it. The number of cases continues to climb, with figures from 2023–24 showing an increase of 185,034 compared to the previous year.

What Is Metformin Used For?

Metformin is most commonly prescribed for people with Type 2 diabetes. It helps lower and stabilise blood sugar levels and is often the first medicine recommended, alongside changes to diet and physical activity. According to Healthline, it is not used to treat Type 1 diabetes.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels become too high. There are three main types. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and is usually diagnosed in childhood. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, regular exercise, and weight loss. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin for life, while many with Type 2 or gestational diabetes may manage their condition through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

Metformin Warning: NHS Issues Alert

The NHS says that people taking metformin should be aware of certain symptoms. Information published on the NHS website lists six common side effects of the medicine. These include:

• feeling sick
• being sick
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• a metallic taste in the mouth

The NHS also notes that metformin can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Some people may experience low blood sugar, but this usually happens only when metformin is taken alongside other diabetes medicines such as insulin or gliclazide.

However, the NHS warns that there are other, more serious side effects. In two situations, patients are advised to contact their GP “straight away,” while one requires calling 999 “now.”

Metformin Serious Side Effects

According to the NHS, serious side effects are uncommon and affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people. However, medical help should be sought immediately by calling a doctor or dialling 111 if:

you feel generally unwell with extreme tiredness, fast or shallow breathing, feeling cold, and a slow heartbeat

the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin becomes yellow, which may be harder to notice on brown or black skin, as this can indicate liver problems

Metformin Serious Allergic Reaction

In rare cases, metformin can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The NHS advises calling 999 immediately if:

• your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell
• you are breathing very quickly or struggling to breathe, including wheezing or feeling as though you are choking
• your throat feels tight or you have difficulty swallowing
• your skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale, which may be easier to spot on the palms or soles in people with darker skin
• you suddenly feel confused, very drowsy, or dizzy
• someone collapses and cannot be woken
• a child becomes limp, floppy, or unusually unresponsive, with difficulty holding up their head or focusing

The NHS adds that you or the affected person may also develop a rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling. These signs point to a serious allergic reaction and may require urgent hospital treatment.