Many diseases share the same symptoms, causing people to get confused and either undermine or overwhelm themselves with worries. With the current flu season on the rise, people in the United States are being very careful about their health and are taking necessary precautions to make sure they do not catch any more respiratory illnesses. Often these diseases show symptoms like coughing and wheezing, nothing that warrants anything more than a general doctor’s visit, sometimes people even think it it is a simple cold, but it could be something worse!

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report on 28 February, last Friday on Respiratory Virus Activity Levels reported a moderate number of people are seeking medical help for respiratory illnesses. The flu is sending many people to the emergency room, RSV Respiratory syncytial virus has been sending many people to the ER along with COVID-19.

While flu test results are slightly less positive than last week, COVID-19 and RSV test results are about the same. In our community's wastewater, the flu virus is still very high, COVID-19 is moderate, and RSV is low. Looking forward, we expect COVID-19 emergency room visits to stay low. While flu visits are still high, they should start to go down soon.

So, even though it might feel like winter is ending, these viruses are still active, and we need to be careful. They are not going away quickly and can still spread easily. Here are some symptoms that should be treated with urgency right now.

Severe Dehydration

When you're really sick, you might not feel like eating or drinking. This can lead to dehydration, which is when your body doesn't have enough water. If your pee is dark yellow, or you feel dizzy, you might be dehydrated. If you pass out, get confused, or your heart beats really fast, you need to go to the hospital right away. Healthcare professionals can give you fluids through a needle to help you feel better. Being dehydrated is very dangerous, and it is important to take it seriously.

Breathing Difficulties

If you're having trouble breathing, or if you're breathing really fast, that's a big sign. It could mean that you have pneumonia or that your body isn't getting enough oxygen. Shortness of breath is always a reason to go to the emergency room. Your body is telling you that something is seriously wrong. It is very important to seek help right away. Do not wait it out at home.

Low Oxygen Levels

If your lips or fingers start to turn blue, that means you're not getting enough oxygen. Also, if you're so tired that you can barely get out of bed, that's another sign that you need to go to the hospital. These are serious symptoms that mean your body needs help right away.

Who’s Most at Risk for Severe Symptoms?

Some people are more likely to get very sick from these viruses. Pregnant people, little kids, and older adults are at higher risk. Also, people who have health problems like heart or lung disease, or people with weak immune systems, are more likely to have serious problems. Older adults are often hospitalized with the flu, COVID, and RSV. These groups need to be extra careful to avoid getting sick. It is very important that these groups get vaccinated.

RSV is especially dangerous for babies and young children. It's one of the main reasons why young kids end up in the hospital. This virus can make it very hard for them to breathe. It is very important to protect young children from this virus, especially in the first few years of their lives.

GLP-1 drugs are set to become the “new statins of the world” and could transform metabolic health, said Wasim Hanif, Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology at University Hospital Birmingham.

Speaking exclusively to HealthandMe, Prof Hanif discussed their growing use in obesity and diabetes, potential benefits, side effects and when patients should stop treatment.

GLP-1 Drugs Could Save NHS Billions

Even as the NHS is rolling out GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide (Mounjaro), for severe obesity, Prof Hanif said their kidney and cardiovascular benefits could also reduce the healthcare burden.

NICE recommendations cover tirzepatide and semaglutide for obesity and type 2 diabetes, with recommendations also expected for obstructive sleep apnea and MASH.

“I think these drugs will have a huge impact. These are going to be the game changers in metabolic health. These are the new statins of the world,” he said.

The only caveat, according to him, "is the cost, especially in the West".

"The cost of these medications is too high, but the hope is that within the next couple of years, once they become generic, they'll be used even more,” the professor told HealthandMe, on the sidelines of an event organized by the BMJ Group in New Delhi.

From GLP-1 To GIP And Glucagon

The Professor explained that the drugs have evolved beyond GLP-1 alone:

• GLP-1: Drugs based on glucagon-like peptide-1
• GLP-1 + GIP: Tirzepatide
• GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon: Retatrutide

US: Obesity And Diabetes Trends Falling

Prof Hanif pointed to growing use in the US and resulting health benefits.

“The total amount that the companies made with the use of these drugs in the United States was 43 billion dollars. Now we are actually seeing, for the first time, the trends of obesity and diabetes coming down,” he said.

He added that cardiovascular benefits are also expected to have a major impact.

‘Weight Losses We Never Imagined’

Prof Hanif said the drugs are producing major clinical improvements.

“For the first time in years I'm seeing my patients with diabetes achieve normal HbA1c once these drugs are used. Secondly, we are seeing weight losses we never imagined we would be able to get,” he said.

He also highlighted improvements in:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular health
• Heart failure.

Does Everyone Need A High Dose?

Recent research showed that GLP-1 drugs are showing benefits, even with lower doses. Prof Hanif said dosing depends on the condition and patient.

“For weight loss, yes, you need bigger doses, and that depends upon what your baseline weight is. So if your BMI is 40-45, you probably require a bigger dose, but if your BMI is less, you require a lesser dose,” he explained.

“For diabetes, you don't need the higher doses. With one milligram of semaglutide or five milligrams of tirzepatide, 80% of the patients get the decision,” he said.

“For cardiovascular protection, you don't need big doses. So it really depends upon — it's not that every person will need the topmost dose.”

GLP-1 Side Effects: What Does The Data Show?

Do these drugs have side effects? Prof Hanif said yes — but stressed that side effects occur with every medication. However, he pointed out to increasing "medical misinformation about GLP-1 drugs spreading rapidly through social media and websites in the US, Asia and India".

“Between 2007 and 2025, there were 1900 cases of pancreatitis reported or associated with GLP-1, with 19 deaths in the UK. Now how many patients were using these agents? Millions,” said Prof Hanif, who is also part of the board of the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Comparing this with metformin, he added: “During the same period of time or even less, metformin caused 25 deaths.”

Hair Loss, Muscle Loss And Retinopathy

Prof Hanif said side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs do occur, but there are strategies to mitigate them.

“Hair loss is very — it does happen, but it's not that common. Loss of muscle mass happens, but it happens with any kind of weight loss.”

“There are mitigation strategies — how you do it.”

He also highlighted retinopathy, particularly among people with diabetes.

“We know if somebody's having proliferative retinopathy or having laser treatment, you don't use it. There are guidelines on that.”

He also warned against viewing GLP-1 drugs as lifestyle drugs, and buying them online and using them without appropriate medical oversight.

“So these drugs have to be used under medical supervision by people who know how to use these drugs, like any other drugs," Prof Hanif said.

Immunotherapy isn’t always better than chemotherapy. Its benefits depend on the cancer type, stage and biomarkers. Similarly, “superfoods” do not cure cancer, health experts said while addressing comedian Rahul Dua’s claims about cancer treatment.

On a recent podcast, Dua opened up about a family member’s four-year cancer battle and his research into alternative treatments.

Dua said his family member began improving after switching from chemotherapy to immunotherapy. He also claimed that low-cost drug combinations, including ivermectin and fenbendazole, could have potential in cancer treatment and questioned whether pharmaceutical profits influence which treatments receive attention.

But what does science say? HealthandMe spoke to oncologist to fact-check these claims and address common cancer-treatment myths.

Immunotherapy Isn’t Always Better Than Chemotherapy

“Immunotherapy is not universally ‘better’ than chemotherapy. Benefit depends on cancer type, stage, and biomarkers such as PD-L1, MSI-H or TMB,” said Dr Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

“In melanoma, mismatch-repair–deficient tumors and selected lung or kidney cancers, immunotherapy often outperforms or usefully combines with chemotherapy. In many other cancers, chemotherapy remains the backbone,” he added.

Patients should not decide their treatment on their own, the expert told HealthandMe.

Accurate diagnosis, staging and molecular testing require a multidisciplinary team. Shared decision-making with an oncologist is essential, as self-directed treatment choices can delay effective care and cause harm.

Also read: Wegovy & Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?

‘Superfoods’ Don’t Cure Cancer

Dua also claimed that certain “superfoods” — including a high-protein, high-fat, low-fibre diet — combined with immunotherapy can cure cancer.

“‘Superfoods’ do not treat cancer. A balanced diet supports strength and treatment tolerance, but no food replaces proven therapy. Miracle-food claims lack rigorous evidence,” Dr Shyam said, stressing that patients should consult their oncologist for individualized, evidence-based care.

The Rs 50 Ivermectin-Fenbendazole Claim

Dua also spoke about a combination of ivermectin and fenbendazole, describing it as a “₹50 cancer treatment” that he believed could be more effective and questioned whether pharmaceutical profits were a factor.

“But since it was a 50 rupee cure. There is no profit for pharma in that. There is no profit for pharma in that. Off the record, there is this medicine combination of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole. Fenbendazole is a dog dewormer. It costs 20 rupees. Ivermectin is a horse dewormer. I am very convinced that as soon as my auntie moved from (4 years of) chemo to immunotherapy. (She) Started becoming better,” Dua shared during the podcast.

According to the American Cancer Society, ivermectin is not approved to treat cancer in people or animals, and no clinical guidelines recommend it as a cancer treatment.

"Ivermectin has not undergone the rigorous clinical trials needed to establish whether it is safe and effective as a cancer treatment in humans. Available research is insufficient to determine whether it could work as an anticancer drug," it says.

While ivermectin may be used at recommended doses to treat certain worm infections, large doses can be dangerous, potentially causing seizures, coma and even death. It may also worsen the side effects of standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Read More: Bill Ackman’s Daughter Gets Experimental Treatment For Vision Loss: When Can Mitochondrial Transplants Help?

Experts Warn Against ‘Miracle Cure’ Claims

Dua’s claims has drawn sharp criticism from oncologists, public health specialists and medical communicators, who warned that unscientific “miracle cure” claims could mislead patients into delaying evidence-based treatment.

“Don’t fall for this. A ₹50 cancer ‘cure’ that pharma is hiding is clickbait, not care. These people never follow it themselves and feel no responsibility when patients delay real treatment just so a video can go viral. Lives are not content,” Dr Rishabh Jain, Medical Oncologist, AIIMS Delhi, said on X.

Dr Arshiet Dhamnaskar, neurosurgeon at Western India Institute of Neurosciences, also said people not “trained in medical science should refrain from commenting upon it. As even one bit of misinformation can be disastrous.”

BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri has opened up about her experience of living with an incurable blood cancer for the past two years.

Moshiri, 49, was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (PV) in November 2024. The condition affects the bone marrow and causes the blood to become thicker than normal.

While undergoing treatment, Moshiri has continued to work and has spoken about the challenges of managing her condition alongside her career.

“I love what I do. I love being where the story is. I don’t want to allow blood cancer to stop me from doing my work,” she told The Times.

Maryam Moshiri Opens Up About Living With Blood Cancer

Moshiri’s treatment involves having blood removed to reduce the concentration of red blood cells, a procedure that can leave her feeling exhausted.

She has also opened up about the challenges of continuing to work while experiencing fatigue related to her cancer treatment.

“I was working 14-hour days, constantly on air, constantly having to think on my feet, and holding it together, despite the fact that I had this chronic tiredness and fatigue,” she was quoted as saying.

“When you’re doing live news, you have this rush of adrenaline, and you just have to get on with it.”

Moshiri, who is a mother of three children aged 13, 11 and 9, also highlighted how she has struggled with constant fatigue while managing family life.

What Is Polycythemia Vera?

Polycythemia vera is a disorder in which the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of blood cells. In PV, the major problem is an overproduction of red blood cells.

An increased number of red blood cells means a higher proportion of cells are circulating in the blood. This can make the blood thicker and increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

Doctors therefore pay close attention to a patient's hematocrit, which represents the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells.

One of the major treatment goals is to keep hematocrit below 45%, which helps reduce cardiovascular risks.

How Is Polycythemia Vera Treated?

One of the traditional ways of controlling PV is removing some blood. The procedure, called phlebotomy, involves taking blood from a vein to reduce the number of circulating red blood cells and bring the hematocrit level down.

For some patients, this can become a recurring procedure. They may need repeated blood draws even while receiving standard treatment. This treatment burden is one reason a new drug for PV has attracted attention.

FDA Approves Drug for Polycythemia Vera

Late last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mimrylo (rusfertide) for adults with polycythemia vera (PV).

The drug is the first approved treatment for PV that mimics hepcidin, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates iron in the body.

The approval is particularly significant for patients whose disease remains inadequately controlled despite existing treatment and who need frequent blood-removal procedures.

“People living with polycythemia vera have long faced the challenge of managing a chronic blood disorder with frequent blood draws,” said Tanya Wroblewski, Director of the Division of Nonmalignant Hematology at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The FDA granted priority review and approved the drug to Takeda Pharmaceuticals America.