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Quademic 2025: Hospitals in the United States are dealing with a surge in patients admission, the reason is the quademic it is dealing with at this moment. This has led to an influx of patients. It is all caused by seasonal infections, including common flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that dominate the winter season in the US. This year, norovirus also joined the list, which has further increased the load on the healthcare.
The healthcare company founded in academics M Health Fairview, confirmed that their hospitals are overflowing due to the quademic.
The hospitals of M Health Fairview's volume is up by 30% and as a results, patients are being treated in the hallways and in alternative care areas. There is also a longer wait time and shortages for resources that are required to treat these emergencies. This has also impacted other life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks and strokes, as the healthcare resources and caregivers are occupied with the surge in seasonal cases.
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Common cold and flu: The common cold and influenza (flu) are perhaps the most well-known illnesses that peak during the fall. As temperatures drop and humidity levels fluctuate, viruses that cause colds and the flu become more active. The flu, in particular, can be more severe than a common cold, leading to complications such as pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, and body aches.
Covid-19: As per the World Health Organization, Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with this virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment, However, there could be some cases of seriously ill patients who may require medical attention. It is also because of the other existing medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, or older age.
The best way to protect against this virus is by following social isolation form those who are infected, using mask to prevent droplets from infecting others when you cough or sneeze and to wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently.
RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus: As per the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects nose, throat and lungs. Though symptoms are similar to the viruses like flu or COVID-19, the disease in itself is different. It also peaks during the winter season, especially between December and January.
However, the main difference between RSV and other respiratory illness, above mentioned is that RSV can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, especially for those who are over the age of 50 or with an existing heart or lung disease.
Norovirus: It is a number 1 cause of foodborne illness in the US and this happens when virus gets into the food and then it accidentally enters your mouth. These particles are from faeces or vomit from infected people, or can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. It could also spread by touching unclean surfaces like door handles or cutlery.
For most people, having norovirus is unpleasant, but mild and recovery could be made in 1 to 2 days. However, it could be more serious for babies, older people and anyone with any existing health condition.
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Sri Lanka is facing a meningitis outbreak, and according to the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka, 200 people have been infected by this virus. As of now, about 50 people are getting treatment at the hospitals across four districts.
The disease was first found among a group of school goers in the Deniyaya area before spreading to other areas, including Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Rikillagaskada. The health authorities of the island nation have already issued special guidelines to stop the spread of the disease.
The authorities there said the disease mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, and it can also be transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact. The citizens were also asked to drink boiled water and avoid crowded places.
The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka has appointed a special team consisting of virologists and epidemiologists to conduct observations on the viral meningitis condition reported from the Central and Southern provinces and to identify its viral transmission pattern.
“Though the cases show signs of meningitis, they have rarely progressed to encephalitis, a potentially life‑threatening inflammation of brain tissue, as the virus itself is self-limiting, allowing the immune system to overcome the ailment,” the deputy minister, Dr. Wijeyamuni, said.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the spinal cord and the brain. It can become very serious if not treated or diagnosed in time. It is a consequence of bacterial or viral infection. Despite being a rare occurrence, the infection can spread through coughs, sneezes, a cold, or physical contact in the form of kissing.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is important for early diagnosis and timely medical care.
Also Read: Does Meningitis Always Cause Fever?
Health officials urged the public to remain alert to the warning signs of meningococcal meningitis. Common symptoms include:
Physicians diagnose meningitis using a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and imaging tests. Important diagnostic tests are Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap), Blood Cultures, and Imaging (CT or MRI Scans).
Credit: AP
US President Donald Trump has declared himself to be in good health after undertaking the third annual medical check-up in his second term as the oldest American President.
Trump, who turns 80 next month, saw his doctors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a routine health check up on May 26.
“Everything checked out PERFECTLY,” Trump wrote on social media. He has, however, offered no details about what doctors observed.
The White House hasn't so far released details from Trump’s health check up to support his claim, or clarify what tests the president had undergone as part of the clinical exam.
As per an earlier statement from the White House, the visit involved “routine annual dental and medical assessments as part of his regular preventive health care,” but did not offer additional details on the medical exam.
His previous annual check-up was in April 2025. In October, he underwent another check-up.
“You have five doctors sitting there and … the questions are very easy at the beginning, then pretty easy, then pretty hard by the time you get to the end, there are not a lot of people in the room who can get them, believe me,” Trump informed the crowd at a rally in New York state last week about the impending test, The Times reported.
“So the first question was, you have a bear, a snake, an elephant, and a horse. Name the horse. That’s the horse. The second question is a little tougher,” he said.
“Toward the end, they had a question like, pick a number, sir, any number. OK. 203. Multiply times nine, divided by two, add 1324, subtract 1292. Sir, multiply it out one more time by 19. What is the answer, sir? I got it right … and the one doctor said, I’ve been doing this test for 20 years, I’ve never seen anybody ace it. … So I’ve taken it, and I’ve aced it all three times, I’ll tell you, because it is a positive thing.”
Also read: ‘Sea Or See?’ Donald Trump's Remark Sparks Fresh Cognitive Health Speculation
The president’s health has been the subject of intense scrutiny — ranging from his mental state to visible bruising around his hands.
Trump — who has frequently criticized former President Joe Biden over age-related health and fitness issues — has recently remarked on how good he feels despite his age.
Trump said he feels the same as he did 50 years ago. “I feel literally the same,” he said at an Oval Office event. “I don’t know why. It’s not because I eat the best foods,” AP reported.
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He also joked about his exercise regimen, saying that he works out “like about one minute a day, max.”
According to a White House summary of his previous annual medical examination in April last year, Trump was found to be in “excellent cognitive and physical health”.
“A comprehensive neurological examination revealed no abnormalities in his mental status, cranial nerves, motor and sensory functions, reflexes, gait, and balance. Cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), was normal with a score of 30 out of 30,” his White House physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, wrote.
There were tests for depression and anxiety, and Trump recorded a score “within the normal range for both,” although numbers were not given.
Scans in October also demonstrated that Trump is in “excellent overall health”.
Credit: PIB
Amid the rising heatwave conditions in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed his concerns and advised the citizens to stay hydrated.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi asked people to take precautions as well as help fellow citizens by offering drinking water.
"Temperatures are continuously rising in different parts of the country, and along with this, the many difficulties caused by the heat in daily life are also increasing. I urge all my fellow citizens to take as many precautions as possible. Please keep yourselves hydrated and carry water with you when stepping out of your homes,” the Prime Minister said.
“In such weather, your sensitivity also becomes a great source of support. If possible, do offer a glass of water to anyone who is thirsty. I also appreciate those people who keep water in pitchers outside their homes and shops so that anyone can drink from them,” he added.
The post comes as the temperature is increasing throughout the country.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 45°C on Wednesday, while the minimum may stay close to 28°C.
This extreme heat has become a serious public health challenge, as it affects everything from hydration levels in the body to digestion, the health of your skin, heart, and even mental well-being.
The department has issued a clear warning for a “heatwave.” Strong surface winds are also expected during the afternoon and evening. Humidity levels on May 27 are forecast to vary between 40 per cent at the highest and 25 per cent at the lowest.
Authorities have cautioned that the heatwave may be accompanied by strong, hot winds later in the day. People are advised to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated, and take necessary measures to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. L.K Jha, Associate Director & Head Unit-II– Cardiology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, said how extreme heat levels can increase heart conditions such as palpitations.
“Dehydration contributes to palpitations associated with heatwaves significantly due to excessive sweating, fluid loss, and critical electrolyte loss, which all play key roles in maintaining normal heart rhythm and health of the cardiovascular system. Dehydration causes decreases in blood pressure, forcing the heart to increase its rate during periods of heat exposure if an individual is dehydrated”.
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