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.

Vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell formation, DNA production, and nerve function. Deficiency is more common in vegans, vegetarians, and pregnant individuals. In such cases, supplementation may be necessary to maintain adequate levels. Vitamin B9, commonly known as folate, is also very important for DNA synthesis, production of red blood cells, and cell growth.

A recent study by Osaka Metropolitan University reveals an important aspect of these two nutrients: their deficiency is directly connected with chronic fatigue. The study published in the journal Nutrient urges for a proper diet and ensuring that all necessary nutrients are present for health and energy levels.

The researchers studied over 600 healthy adults to determine whether vitamin deficiency can cause fatigue. They mainly focused on B12 and B9 because these two nutrients are crucial to maintain a natural amino acid called homocysteine in the human body. The research finds that the deficiency of these two nutrients causes an increase in homocysteine in the body, which may be connected to fatigue and low motivation.

Notably, these deficiencies can impact you differently because of your gender, as the study found that the low level of these nutrients affects men mostly with fatigue, while women feel low motivation.

Professor Hiroaki Kanouchi from Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology said, "This suggested relationship between vitamin B12, folate, and fatigue in healthy individuals may represent the first report of its kind."

Also Read: Feeling Tired And Foggy? It Could Be Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Why Does B12 Deficiency Happen?

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. People who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may need fortified foods or supplements to get enough.

Absorption is also a key factor. Vitamin B12 requires a special protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor to be absorbed properly. Certain medical conditions, medications, or aging can reduce absorption. This means that even if someone eats enough B12, their body may not absorb it efficiently.

Also Read: Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?

Why Does B9 Deficiency Happen?

Folate is naturally found in foods like leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, lentils, beans, and whole grains, and a diet low in these can cause deficiency. Though in some cases, certain medical conditions can also be the reason for the problem.

When To See A Doctor?

If you experience ongoing fatigue, tingling sensations, or noticeable changes in memory or mood, consult a healthcare professional. A simple blood test can measure your B12 or B9 levels.

Both deficiencies are usually treatable. Treatment may include dietary changes, oral supplements, or, in more severe cases, injections. When identified early, most people recover well.

The recently released National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) indicates a growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and high blood sugar levels in the country.

According to the NFHS-6, conducted during 2023–24, there has been a significant rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle risks in India, marking a shift from infectious diseases to chronic conditions.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Parmeet Kaur, former Chief Dietitian, Department of Dietetics, AIIMS, New Delhi, said rapid urbanisation, changing food habits and declining physical activity levels are contributing to the growing burden of NCDs.

She noted that factors such as the globalization of food habits, unhealthy snacking, increased consumption of processed foods, excess salt and sugar intake, stress, poor sleep and an ageing population are all playing a role in the rise of these conditions.

"The rise in non-communicable diseases is driven not just by excess calories, but by changing food systems and lifestyles," Dr. Kaur said.

She stressed the importance of promoting traditional balanced diets, healthy snacks, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, adequate sleep and greater reliance on home-cooked meals.

NCD Burden Rising In Younger Age Groups

Also read: Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Addresses The Heatwave, Suggests Aam Panna, Sattu Sherbet

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said the latest NFHS-6 findings point to a growing burden of metabolic risk factors across the country, including among younger age groups.

"In many cases, these conditions develop silently and remain undiagnosed for years," Dr. Gupta said.

He emphasized that tackling the problem requires shifting the focus beyond weight management alone to overall metabolic health.

How To Prevent

To prevent these conditions and identify risks at an early stage, Dr. Gupta told HealthandMe that the following measures are important:

• Regular physical activity

• Healthy eating habits

• Adequate sleep

• Stress management

• Routine health screenings

Dr. Kaur also called for strengthening nutrition education, increasing awareness about food labels and encouraging early screening for diabetes and hypertension.

"Re-emphasizing traditional and regional healthy eating patterns alongside active living will be crucial for India's future health," she added.

What Did NFHS-6 Say On NCDs?

The NFHS-6, conducted during 2023–24, covered more than 7.1 lakh women and over one lakh men across the country.

Obesity

• Obesity among women increased from 24 per cent (2019–21) to 30.7 per cent (2023–24). Urban women recorded a higher prevalence (42.8 per cent) than rural women (25.5 per cent).
• Obesity among men rose from 22.9per cent to 27.3per cent during the same period. Urban men (36.3per cent) were more affected than rural men (23 per cent).

• High blood sugar prevalence among men aged 15 years and above increased from 15.6 per cent to 20.9 per cent.
• Urban women (21.9per cent) reported higher prevalence than rural women (16.2per cent); with total prevalence among women increasing from 13.5 per cent to 17.8 per cent.

High Blood Pressure

• Among women, high blood pressure prevalence stood at 23.5 per cent in urban areas and 17.8 per cent in rural areas.
• Among men, the prevalence was 26.2 per cent in urban areas and 20.4 per cent in rural areas.

"The emerging challenges such as rising non-communicable diseases, lifestyle-related risks and the dual burden of undernutrition and rising overweight/obesity among adults highlight the need for continued focus on preventive healthcare, behavioral change and balanced nutrition strategies," the Health Ministry said.

Oral cancer cases are on the rise because of tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and delayed medical attention. Many people ignore small red or white patches, which are early warning signs of cancer and should never be overlooked. There is an average delay of six months in cancer diagnosis, which is the reason patients are diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 cancers.

Dr Prathamesh Pai, Senior Consultant Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, explained the difference between red and white patches in the mouth and what they may indicate about your health.

Red vs White Patches in the Mouth

White patches inside the mouth are called leukoplakia, while red patches are known as erythroplakia. Both can occur on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or floor of the mouth. Though both need equal attention, red patches are more dangerous, with a higher risk of being cancerous in comparison to white patches. Red patches in the mouth indicate severe abnormal cellular changes, which can develop into precancerous conditions or cancer. Around 60% to 80% of erythroplakias are diagnosed as early-stage cancer on biopsy.

What is erythroplakia?

Erythroplakia is a fiery red, well-defined patch in the mouth. These lesions are velvety in appearance. They often appear on the floor of the mouth or the retromolar trigone (the area behind the wisdom teeth). Red patches often go unreported, as they are mistaken for traumatic mouth ulcers caused by hard foods or dental irritation.

If a red patch does not heal within two to three weeks, it should raise concerns about cancer. Besides the duration, patches that bleed on touch, are painful while eating, are associated with a burning sensation, difficulty swallowing, loosening of teeth, or voice changes should be investigated. Tobacco users should be even more mindful. Ignoring persistent red or white patches can allow the disease to progress silently.

So, make sure to seek immediate help and consult a doctor. For anyone presenting with red or white patches, the doctor will carry out a physical oral examination and a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is taken from the patch for evaluation. A CT scan and MRI may also be advised, depending on the location of the patch and other clinical features.

Why early detection of cancer matters

Remember, early detection of cancer is curable. Treatment is also less extensive, often involving minor intraoral surgery and preservation of speech and swallowing functions. As the cancer stage advances, surgery may require the removal of parts of the cheek, jaw, or tongue, as well as postoperative radiotherapy. This affects the face and neck and hampers important functions such as eating, speaking, and swallowing. This has major implications for quality of life. Treatment can also be a financial burden, especially for younger patients.

Take charge of your life. Lead a happy, healthy life. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other addictions. Visit your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene. Prevention is better than cure. In the case of any non-healing ulcers in the mouth, swelling in the neck, altered speech or swallowing, or altered bowel habits for more than two weeks despite treatment, do visit a doctor. Remember, early detection of cancer is curable.