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.

We all know influenza is a common and sometimes serious viral infection, but it’s worth a reminder as the flu season approaches, typically starting in October. Between October 2024 and May 2025, the United States saw an estimated 47 million to 82 million flu cases, leading to 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, according to preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most flu-related deaths occur in older adults, children can also be affected, with CDC estimates showing 37 to 199 deaths among children each flu season.

Now, a new study published in JAMA has highlighted a rare yet severe complication that can affect children who contract the flu. Known as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), this condition carries a mortality rate of 27% even with intensive medical care, according to the research.

What Is Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy?

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare but serious brain disorder that can develop after a viral infection, most commonly influenza. It begins with a fever and quickly progresses to severe neurological problems, such as seizures and a reduced level of consciousness. Importantly, the condition is caused by the body’s inflammatory immune response to the virus, rather than the virus directly attacking the brain.

Treatment typically involves supportive care and, in some cases, immunosuppressive therapies, but outcomes are often poor, with high rates of death and long-term brain damage.

Symptoms of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy

ANE usually starts with symptoms of the initial viral infection, such as fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by rapid neurological decline, which may include:

• Seizures
• Confusion, drowsiness, and altered consciousness
• Coma lasting for weeks
• Problems with movement (ataxia)
• Abnormal muscle tone

How Can Flu Lead to Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the flu can trigger ANE through an overactive inflammatory response. In this scenario, the body’s immune system, activated by the virus, ends up damaging brain tissue rather than the virus directly affecting the brain. This process, often called a cytokine storm, leads to rapid swelling, inflammation, and tissue death in areas such as the thalamus, resulting in severe neurological symptoms like seizures and coma. Genetic factors may also make some children more vulnerable.

The researchers collected data from US pediatric hospitals and public health agencies on cases of pediatric ANE treated between October 2023 and May 2025. They analyzed 41 children with influenza-related ANE. The median age was 5, and roughly three-quarters were previously healthy. Among those whose vaccination history was known, only 16% had received the flu vaccine that season.

All of these children became seriously ill, and every patient developed encephalopathy, meaning altered brain function. Sixty-eight percent experienced seizures, and most had abnormal platelet counts, liver enzyme levels, and spinal fluid composition.

The researchers emphasized a few key points:

• ANE is rare but extremely serious, with high risks of long-term illness or death, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
• Most children affected were previously healthy.
• While a few vaccinated children also became ill, most cases and nearly all fatalities occurred in children who were not vaccinated that season.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

What is clear from this research is that getting the flu vaccine lowers the chance of catching the virus and of becoming seriously ill. The JAMA study also indicates that vaccination reduces the likelihood of developing ANE and the risk of dying from it. Both the study and an accompanying editorial stress the importance of everyone staying up-to-date with their flu shots.

As the winter season sets in, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2025–26 fall and winter respiratory virus season to bring roughly the same number of hospitalizations linked to Covid-19, flu, and RSV as last year. Still, there are ways to lower your risk of becoming seriously ill from these infections, and vaccination remains one of the most effective measures.

According to preliminary CDC data from October 2024 through May 2025, around 1 million people were hospitalized with the flu last season, and there were as many as 130,000 flu-related deaths. Between October 2024 and September 2025, CDC estimates also show nearly 540,000 Covid-19 hospitalizations and up to 63,000 deaths due to the virus.

As the season of respiratory illness is here, let’s take a look at some common vaccine questions.

Who Can Get Covid Shots?

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals, discuss getting the updated Covid-19 vaccine with their health care provider this season. This marks a shift from earlier years, when the guidance broadly encouraged most people to get vaccinated.

“This fall, the CDC hasn’t issued a universal recommendation for the Covid-19 vaccine,” explained Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “Instead, it’s being offered under a shared-decision model, where people are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding.”

When Is The Best Time To Get The Covid Vaccine?

Dr. Sarah Dupont, a family medicine physician at Emory Healthcare and assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine, suggests getting the Covid-19 vaccine in October or early November for the best protection through winter.

How Effective Is The Covid Vaccine?

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that last year’s updated Covid-19 vaccines were about 39% effective in preventing hospitalizations and 64% effective in preventing deaths among US veterans.

Who Can Get A Flu Shot This Year?

The CDC advises that most people aged 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. Generally, one dose is sufficient each season. However, children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should get two doses, spaced about four weeks apart, to build stronger immunity.

How Effective Is The Flu Shot?

The effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine won’t be known until after the season ends. For reference, during the 2024–25 respiratory virus season, the CDC estimated that flu vaccines were 42% to 56% effective in adults.

Who Can Get An RSV Immunization?

RSV vaccines are recommended for adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 50 to 74 who face a higher risk of severe illness, according to the CDC. A single dose can offer protection for at least two years in older adults.

To safeguard infants, protection can come either from maternal vaccination during pregnancy or from an antibody shot administered to the baby after birth.

When Is The RSV Vaccine Available?

Eligible adults can get the RSV vaccine at any point, though the CDC notes that late summer to early fall is ideal. For mothers, the vaccine is typically available from September through January, while infants can receive their antibody shot from October through March.

Beyond vaccination, there are other ways to stay healthy this season. Health experts urge people to stay home when they feel unwell to prevent spreading illness. Those who want to be extra cautious can avoid crowded indoor spaces during winter, and wearing a mask remains a personal option for reducing both your own risk and that of others.

Gut health is important for everyone; however, many men tend to ignore it. In a study done by Bupa Health Clinic, researchers found that six in ten men, which is about 58% men admitted to ignoring their issues, simply hoping it goes away. However, not everyone gets the result they want.

Ignoring the issue only leads to making it worse. To educate people more about this Dr Vivian Asamoah, a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist based in Texas, shared a video detailing points men must know about their gut health.

10 Gut Health Fact Every Man Should Know

Dr Asamoah titled the video, ‘After Years in Gastroenterology, Here’s What Every Man Must Know About His Gut Health Before It’s Too Late.’ She listed these 10 points warning men of how things can go wrong if they are not careful.

Listen to Your Partner

The doctor explains that it is important to take the advice of your loved ones. If she or he tells you to "see a GI" a gastrointestinal doctor, please listen. Partners often notice subtle changes in your health, energy, or bathroom habits that you might be ignoring. They care about you, and their suggestion to see a specialist is a helpful nudge, not a nagging complaint.

A Colonoscopy is Not a Prostate Exam

Colonoscopies are for everyone, men and women. Do not assume that your primary care doctor or urologist checked your colon when they examined your prostate. The two organs are different, and checking the colon requires a separate, specific procedure. Getting a colonoscopy is essential for catching colon cancer early.

Your Family History Isn't a Shield

Saying "My dad never had colon cancer" won't protect you. While genetics matter, cancer rates are changing, and doctors are seeing colon cancer in younger people than ever before. Guidelines suggest starting screenings earlier for many people. You need to get screened based on your doctor’s advice, not just your dad's health history.

Snoring Can Be a Serious Problem

Loud, consistent snoring is not normal or just funny. It could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition where you repeatedly stop and start breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea can make acid reflux (heartburn) worse because it creates pressure changes in your chest. Get your snoring checked out—it affects your heart, brain, and gut.

Tobacco Harms More Than Your Lungs

You know that smoking and chewing tobacco damage your lungs, but tobacco is also a major risk factor for colon cancer. The harmful chemicals are absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your entire body, including your digestive tract. Quitting all forms of tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your gut health.

The Colonoscopy Procedure is Safe and Life-Saving

Yes, a colonoscopy examines the colon area, but it is a necessary and life-saving procedure, not something to dread or feel ashamed of. Doctors use it to find and remove small growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer. You are typically asleep during the procedure, and it is quick and painless. The brief embarrassment is worth the benefit of preventing deadly cancer.

That "Pot Belly" is Dangerous

That rounded belly is often caused by visceral fat, which is fat stored deep inside your abdomen, wrapped around your organs. This is not a badge of honor, it's dangerous because this type of fat actively releases hormones and compounds that lead to serious problems like heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Losing that deep abdominal fat is crucial for a healthy gut and body.

Focus on Consistency, Not Competition

A healthy person typically poops 1 to 3 times per day. There is no prize for going more often than your wife or anyone else. What matters is that your bathroom routine is consistent and comfortable for you. If you have sudden, unexplained changes in how often you go, or if your stool looks different, talk to your doctor.

Beer is Still Alcohol

Don't let the "I'm just having a beer" excuse fool you. Beer is alcohol, and drinking any type of alcohol puts stress on your liver, the organ responsible for filtering toxins. Your liver keeps score of how much you drink over time. Heavy or regular alcohol use seriously increases your risk for liver disease and can also contribute to acid reflux and other gut issues.

Improve Meat Quality, Not Just Gluten Intake

Not everyone needs to stop eating gluten, but almost everyone could benefit from making smarter choices about red meat. Red meat, especially processed kinds, has been linked to increased colon cancer risk. Try to eat less red meat or, if you do eat it, choose cleaner, grass-fed sources. Focus on adding more fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet.