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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Over 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, causing 36.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and ranking as the seventh leading cause of death. But when it comes to dementia, memory loss is often the first symptom that comes to mind.
While forgetting birthdays or losing keys are commonly considered early warning signs of dementia, this may not always be the case.
Experts say a person can remember every birthday and anniversary and still have dementia.
“Dementia may not begin with memory loss. It can begin with smell, language, personality or navigation,” Dr Priyam, an internal medicine resident from Assam, said in a post on the social media platform X.
1. Loss Of Smell: When Coffee Stops Smelling Like Coffee
Dr Priyam noted that loss of smell can be an early sign, but it is often overlooked because it may be attributed to a viral illness, sinus disease, smoking, medicines or a head injury.
“Persistent, unexplained smell loss may also be an early clue to Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies,” he added.
2. Everyday Words Start Disappearing
It is not simply an occasional tip-of-the-tongue moment. “In primary progressive aphasia, word-finding, grammar or comprehension may worsen while recent memory stays intact,” Dr Priyam noted.
3. The Family Says, “They Are Not The Same”
Changes in personality or behaviour may sometimes appear before memory problems.
“In behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia, apathy, impulsiveness, loss of empathy or poor judgment may come before memory loss,” Dr Priyam said.
4. A Familiar Route Suddenly Feels New
Families may notice navigation problems even when a person has no obvious memory complaints. “Families ask me, ‘He has driven there for 20 years. How did he get lost?’ When it repeats, I look beyond forgetfulness,” Dr Priyam said.
He noted that visuospatial dysfunction can appear early in dementia with Lewy bodies or posterior cortical atrophy.
Dr Parveen Yograj, a general surgeon from Jammu, added that one unusual symptom alone means little.
"A new, persistent and progressive pattern that disrupts daily life and is noticed by loved ones is what demands attention," he said on X.
How Can Dementia Risk Be Reduced?
Dr Yograj said several lifestyle measures may help protect brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
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Organ transplantation can offer patients with end-stage organ failure a new opportunity for a longer, healthier, and more independent life. However, transplantation is not the end of treatment—it marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to maintaining the health and function of the transplanted organ.
Successful long-term outcomes depend on close collaboration between the organ recipient, living donor, transplant team, and family. Regular medical follow-up, adherence to prescribed medications, a healthy lifestyle, and early recognition of warning signs are essential for both recipients and living donors.
For most solid-organ transplant recipients, lifelong immunosuppressive therapy is required to prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted organ.
Medications such as tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressive agents may be prescribed depending on the type of transplant and the individual patient's condition.
Recipients should:
• Take medications exactly as prescribed and at the recommended times.
• Never stop or reduce immunosuppressive medication without consulting the transplant team.
• Avoid missing doses.
• Inform their transplant physician before starting any new medication.
Even seemingly minor changes in medication can affect drug levels and may increase the risk of acute or chronic rejection.
Also read: World Organ Donation Day 2026: Too Old Or Too Sick To Donate Organs? Doctors Bust Key Myths
Regular follow-up with the transplant team is an essential component of lifelong transplant care.
Depending on the transplanted organ and individual circumstances, monitoring may include:
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Complete blood counts
• Immunosuppressive drug levels
• Blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring
• Urine examination in kidney transplant recipients
• Imaging or other investigations when clinically indicated
These evaluations help detect rejection, infection, medication toxicity, or deterioration in graft function at an early stage, sometimes before symptoms become apparent.
Also read: US HHS Action Against Kentucky Organ Donation Group Raises Questions About Transplant Safety
Transplant recipients should promptly contact their transplant team if they develop symptoms such as:
• Unexplained or persistent fever
• Chills or significant weakness
• Reduced urine output, particularly after kidney transplantation
• Swelling or sudden weight gain
• Breathlessness or persistent cough
• Persistent pain over the transplant site
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Unexplained changes in blood pressure or blood sugar
Because immunosuppressive medications reduce the body's immune response, infections may develop more easily and may sometimes present with subtle symptoms. Early medical assessment is therefore important.
Transplant recipients are more susceptible to infections, particularly during periods of intensive immunosuppression.
Important preventive measures include:
• Practising regular hand hygiene
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who have contagious infections
• Following appropriate food-safety precautions
• Drinking safe and hygienic water
• Maintaining good personal hygiene
• Keeping vaccinations up to date as advised by the transplant team
• Seeking medical advice promptly if symptoms of infection develop
Recipients should also follow the specific infection-prevention recommendations provided by their transplant centre.
A balanced and nutritious diet is an important component of long-term transplant health.
Recipients should aim to:
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and appropriate sources of protein
• Maintain adequate hydration unless fluid restriction has been advised
• Limit excessive salt, sugar, and processed foods
• Exercise regularly according to their medical condition and physician's advice
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Certain foods, supplements, and herbal preparations may interact with immunosuppressive medications. No dietary supplement, herbal preparation, or over-the-counter medication should be started without discussing it with the transplant team.
Living organ donation is a remarkable act of generosity. However, protecting the donor's long-term health remains the highest priority.
After donation, the donor should remain under appropriate medical supervision and follow the recommendations of the transplant and surgical team.
The recovery period varies depending on the type of donation and the individual's overall health.
Donors should:
• Follow wound-care instructions carefully.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Get adequate rest during the initial recovery period.
• Gradually resume physical activity as advised.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until medically cleared.
• Return to work and normal activities progressively.
The recovery process should be individualized rather than based solely on a fixed timeline.
Most carefully selected kidney donors can lead healthy, active lives with a single functioning kidney.
Long-term health recommendations include:
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a balanced diet
• Staying adequately hydrated
• Avoiding tobacco
• Avoiding unnecessary use of potentially kidney-toxic medications, particularly certain painkillers such as NSAIDs
• Monitoring blood pressure
• Periodically checking kidney function and urine as recommended
Living donation should never mean that donors stop looking after their own health. The donor's well-being remains a lifelong priority.
Any new or persistent symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional.
Also read: India Records 20,138 Organ Transplants In 2025; Deceased Donor Transplants Reach 3,526
Transplantation and organ donation can have a significant emotional impact on both recipients and donors.
Recipients may experience anxiety related to rejection, medication, financial concerns, or the uncertainty associated with transplantation. Living donors may also experience emotional changes during the recovery period.
Maintaining open communication with family members and the transplant team can be extremely helpful. If persistent anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or emotional distress develops, professional psychological or psychiatric support should be sought.
The success of organ transplantation depends not only on the surgical procedure but also on long-term post-transplant care.
For recipients, medication adherence, regular monitoring, infection prevention, and a healthy lifestyle are essential to preserving graft function.
For living donors, appropriate postoperative recovery, long-term health monitoring, and healthy lifestyle practices help ensure that they continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives after donation.
The transplant may be a single surgical event—but maintaining the gift of life is a lifelong journey.
With appropriate medical supervision, adherence to treatment, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely attention to warning signs, organ recipients can protect the health of their transplanted organ, while living donors can continue to enjoy a healthy and active life after their selfless contribution.
By Dr. Pragnesh Desai, Senior Director & HOD – Urology, Renal Transplant, Robotics & Uro-Oncology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension
Credit: iStock
Organ donation is one of the most generous gifts a person can give. Age, diabetes, hypertension or other medical conditions do not automatically rule out organ donation, doctors said on World Organ Donation Day.
Observed on August 13 every year, World Organ Donation Day aims to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donation and honour donors and their families.
Dr. Umesh Gupta, Director and HOD, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Aakash Healthcare Multi-Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, told HealthandMe that organ donation can be considered when brain function is permanently lost and cannot be restored.
Brain death occurs when all functions of the brain and brainstem have permanently stopped.
“Brain death is different from a coma or a prolonged unconscious state. In brain death, the person cannot regain consciousness or breathe independently. Mechanical support may continue to keep the heart beating and preserve the condition of organs for a limited period, which is why organ donation can be considered,” he said.
Depending on the donor’s medical condition, organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and pancreas may be suitable for transplantation.
Age alone does not rule out organ donation. Eligibility is assessed individually by the transplant team.
Doctors evaluate:
Can People With Diabetes or Hypertension Donate?
People with well-controlled diabetes or hypertension may still be eligible to donate certain organs or tissues, said Dr. Shailesh Chandra Sahay, Senior Director - Urology, Kidney Transplant, Robotic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj.
Modern transplantation practices allow doctors to assess each organ individually rather than excluding a donor solely because of age or a particular diagnosis.
Every potential donor deserves a medical evaluation. An organ that may appear unsuitable to a person could ultimately give another patient a second chance at life.
Blood group compatibility is an important consideration in organ transplantation.
“A blood group O donor typically donates to O recipients, while AB recipients can receive organs from all ABO blood groups in many transplant settings,” Dr. Saurabh said.
However, compatibility involves more than blood type. Doctors also assess:
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