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.

Doctors are reporting a change in the way the flu is presenting as a new strain spreads across the UK. Hospital admissions linked to the flu rose sharply at the beginning of the year, with an average of 2,924 people a day admitted by January 4. Four hospital trusts have declared critical incidents, citing ongoing and intense pressure on services. These include three trusts in Surrey and one in Kent.

Surrey Heartlands Trust said winter pressures had been made worse by a rise in flu and norovirus cases. NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said the situation remains difficult, with hospitals seeing another increase in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory infections last week.

She said it is still vital for people to seek medical help when needed and reminded the public that there are many chances to get vaccinated against flu. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also stressed that flu can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and those with existing health problems. He urged everyone who qualifies to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible, calling it the best form of protection.

Doctors Report Unusual Symptoms As New Flu Strain Spreads Across The UK

Doctors say this latest flu strain appears to be causing different symptoms. The virus, known as subclade K, is a variant of the A H3N2 type of influenza.

Dr Mark Loafman told NBC Chicago that many patients are experiencing much higher fevers than usual. He said the fever can last five to seven days, which is longer than people typically expect and is a cause for concern.

In some cases, doctors say the fever does not respond well to common medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Lung specialist Dr Juanita Mora said this strain is linked to very high temperatures, a severe and persistent cough with heavy phlegm, vomiting, diarrhoea, and widespread joint and muscle pain.

Doctors have also noticed a rise in stomach-related symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, often referred to as gastrointestinal or GI issues. Dr Loafman said that, based on what doctors are seeing, adults infected with the subclade K strain seem to be showing more signs of GI illness than usual.

According to the NHS, flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and tend to be much more severe than those of a common cold. While most people start to recover within about a week, the illness can feel particularly harsh while it lasts.

Key Symptoms of Flu

The main symptoms usually begin abruptly and include:

• A sudden high temperature of 38C or higher
• Body aches affecting muscles and joints
• Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
• A dry cough
• A sore throat
• Headaches
• Problems sleeping
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, which are more common in children

How To Treat Flu at Home

Most people can deal with flu symptoms at home without needing to see a doctor. The NHS advises the following self-care measures:

• Rest and Sleep: Allow your body time and energy to fight off the infection.
• Stay Warm: Use extra layers or blankets to maintain body warmth.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your urine should be pale yellow or clear.
• Pain Relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease aches. Avoid taking combination flu medicines alongside paracetamol tablets, as this can lead to taking too much.
• Sore Throat Relief: Gargle with salt water if you are an adult, or have hot drinks such as lemon and honey to ease discomfort.

People across the UK are being urged to follow basic safety steps as concerns grow over so-called “evolving” bacteria. A few decades ago, antibiotics were routinely prescribed for a wide range of illnesses and minor infections.

Today, many GPs are far more cautious about giving them out, largely because of the steady rise in bacteria that no longer respond to treatment. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that close to 400 antibiotic-resistant infections are being recorded every week in England.

What Are Antibiotic-Resistant Infections?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), antibiotic-resistant infections develop when bacteria change over time and stop responding to the medicines meant to kill them. As a result, infections that were once easy to treat become much harder, and in some cases impossible, to cure. This can lead to serious illness, longer hospital stays, and a higher risk of death.

While antibiotic resistance can occur naturally, the WHO warns that misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals greatly speeds up the process. This allows resistant bacteria, often referred to as “superbugs,” to survive, multiply, and spread more easily.

Why Is Antibiotic Resistance Dangerous?

The biggest risk linked to these “superbugs” is that they are much harder to treat because standard antibiotics no longer work against them. Infections caused by resistant bacteria can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, which can be life-threatening if not controlled quickly.

In a post shared on X, the UKHSA said: “Bacteria are evolving against antibiotics, with nearly 400 new resistant infections appearing each week in England.” NHS guidance has also warned that several bacteria have already developed resistance as a result of antibiotic overuse. These include MRSA, Clostridium difficile, and the bacteria linked to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

A major concern is that this growing trend could eventually lead to new strains of bacteria that cannot be treated with any existing antibiotics.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections?

According to UKHSA advice, people can play a role in slowing the spread of resistant bacteria by following a few simple precautions in daily life. These include:

• Returning unused antibiotics to a pharmacy so they can be disposed of safely and do not contribute to resistance in the environment
• Practising safe sex, particularly to reduce the spread of infections such as gonorrhoea, which is becoming harder to treat
• Staying up to date with vaccinations, which can help prevent infections in the first place
• Talking to a healthcare professional before taking antibiotics, as they are not always necessary
• Washing hands thoroughly and staying at home when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infection

Many people rely on over-the-counter medicines, but a pharmacist has recently cautioned against the frequent use of some well-known remedies. Occasional indigestion or heartburn is common, but if these symptoms keep returning, there are important health points to be aware of to avoid creating bigger problems.

A pharmacist who goes by Pharmacist Anum on TikTok has shared a warning for people who regularly turn to these treatments. She explained that using certain medications too often can lead to complications, and said it is crucial for people to understand the risks before depending on them long term.

Health Warning For Taking Indigestion Medicines

This is not the first time she has offered such guidance. Only a few weeks earlier, she highlighted key concerns around taking excessive amounts of paracetamol. In her recent video, Pharmacist Anum said: “If you’re taking over-the-counter medicines without being properly checked, you could actually be doing more harm than good. The first group of medicines I’m talking about are those used for indigestion.

“Think about products like Gaviscon, Rennies, and esomeprazole. These are easy to buy over the counter in the UK and, for most people, they are safe when used for a short time.

“Problems arise when people start depending on them, taking them several times a week or even more often. If that sounds familiar, I would urge you to speak to your GP so they can look into what’s really causing your symptoms. Using these medicines too much can raise the risk of side effects and may also hide symptoms of a more serious issue.” In the same video, she also spoke about the risks linked to overusing common painkillers. She added that there are specific things people should understand about indigestion treatments.

What To Do If You Take Indigestion Medicines

Taking indigestion medicines too often, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can conceal serious health problems and may lead to notable side effects. These can include kidney-related issues, such as stones or damage, as well as electrolyte imbalances, including low sodium or potassium levels.

Using the recommended dose for a short period is generally safe, but long-term use can interfere with normal digestion and may even lead to dependency. This is why it is important to seek medical advice if symptoms continue, so the underlying cause can be identified.

If you have been using these medications for an extended period, or even for years, it is important to speak with your doctor. A discussion about the risks and benefits can help determine whether there may be another health issue behind your symptoms.

What The NHS Says

According to the NHS website: “Always follow the instructions provided with Gaviscon or the guidance given by your doctor. The dose you need depends on the type of Gaviscon you are using.

“If you experience occasional mild heartburn or indigestion, take Gaviscon only when needed. If heartburn or indigestion is frequent, Gaviscon can be taken up to four times a day.

“The most effective times to take it are after meals and before bedtime, whether or not symptoms are present, as discomfort often worsens during these periods.

“If you have been taking Gaviscon for more than seven days and still feel uncomfortable or in pain, speak to your doctor. If you have used Gaviscon regularly over a long time, consult your doctor before stopping, as stopping suddenly may cause symptoms to return.” Further details are available on the NHS website.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the instructions on medication labels and consult a qualified healthcare professional or your GP before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If symptoms persist, worsen, or recur frequently, seek medical advice promptly.