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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.
Credit: X.com
Yoga helps people live a balanced life and is an expression of the human spirit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday while leading the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Kolkata.
"From physical wellness to inner peace, yoga enriches every aspect of life. Delighted to join this year’s celebrations in Kolkata," PM Modi said, in a post on social media platform X.
Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi said yoga has evolved into the world's largest community celebration, bringing together people across countries, cultures, and generations.
"June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is now recognized worldwide as a day of yoga," he said.
"Yoga brings people together. I congratulate people across the world on this occasion. Yoga is not just physical exercise, nor is it restricted to any age group. It is an expression of the human spirit," the Prime Minister added.
The theme for International Day of Yoga 2026 is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience, and active ageing, thereby improving overall quality of life.
PM Modi emphasized that yoga is a powerful tool for fostering both personal well-being and social harmony.
Participating in the Common Yoga Protocol session, the Prime Minister performed yoga alongside thousands of practitioners at Kolkata's iconic Maidan, with the Indian Army's Eastern Command headquarters forming part of the backdrop.
"Yoga helps us live in a balanced manner and teaches us what to do and what to avoid," PM Modi said.
"Our goal should be to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30," he added.
Also read: Yoga Or Cardio: Which Is Better For Your Heart Health? Experts Explain
Highlighting the connection between mental and physical health, the Prime Minister said, "Yoga helps us find the path to physical fitness through mental well-being."
He urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives rather than limiting it to special occasions.
"We should not restrict yoga to particular occasions; it must become a part of our lifestyle," he said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also extended greetings on the occasion of International Day of Yoga.
In a post on X, Guterres highlighted yoga's global appeal and its contribution to physical and mental well-being.
"From its deep roots in ancient India, yoga has become truly universal, helping millions of people of all faiths and cultures find calm, build strength, and live with purpose," he said.
Over the years, International Day of Yoga has grown into a global movement, serving as a cultural bridge that connects people across continents. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit term yuj, meaning "to join" or "to unite," reflecting its essence of harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.
Credit: Times Network Health Summit 2026
The experts stressed the urgent need to tackle India's growing obesity crisis—particularly among children.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the future of women's and child healthcare, Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, often referred to as the "ORS Lady of India," praised India's public health achievements, including the successful Pulse Polio Program, malaria control efforts, and improvements in child nutrition.
However, she cautioned that new challenges now threaten the country's health gains.
"There were many things we are lagging a bit also," Dr. Santosh said, stressing the need for fair food labelling, responsible marketing, and stricter regulation of irrational drug combinations.
She issued a stark warning about unhealthy eating habits, saying, "This junk food pandemic, this is where India needs to really, really focus on. Childhood obesity is a pandemic now. And it's like do or die right now for us."
Her comments highlighted growing concerns that poor nutrition and processed foods are driving obesity among children, increasing their risk of chronic illnesses later in life.
Echoing the concerns, Dr. T. Rajeshwari Reddy, Senior Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist, and Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon at Continental Hospital, explained that unhealthy lifestyles beginning in childhood are now contributing to a rise in hormonal disorders, infertility, and high-risk pregnancies.
"We are seeing a lot of people with hormonal imbalances and a lot of issues from teens, and that is what gets translated into infertility and high-risk pregnancy," she said.
Dr. Rajeshwari stressed that prevention must begin early. "The beginning has to be from birth only," she said, urging families to prioritize home-cooked meals, healthy routines, adequate sleep, and reduced screen time. She added that preventive healthcare should become the foundation of India's health strategy over the next decade.
Experts agreed that the future of Indian healthcare will depend on preventive medicine, technology, artificial intelligence, and stronger public-private partnerships to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
They urged that India's fight against childhood obesity and lifestyle-related diseases must begin at home, with healthier food choices, greater awareness, and prevention from an early age.
Meanwhile, the AI in healthcare panel featured Prof. Renu John, IIT Hyderabad; Nishan Ali, Founder & CEO, Neurologic AI; Dr. Rahul Sawakhande, CEO, Aakaar Medical Technologies; and Dr. Rajah V. Koppala, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist and Founder, AVIS Vascular Center. The experts discussed how AI is driving predictive, data-led healthcare by improving diagnostics, telemedicine, and early disease detection while complementing doctors. They also stressed the need for better regulations, India-specific datasets, stronger data privacy, and greater collaboration between clinicians and engineers to expand quality healthcare across India.
The Times Now India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition commenced in Hyderabad, bringing together leading voices from government, medicine, research, and the healthcare industry to discuss the future of India's healthcare system. The summit featured renowned doctors, policymakers, hospital leaders, researchers, and healthcare innovators, with discussions spanning preventive healthcare, artificial intelligence, women's health, public health policy, and medical innovation.
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The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus has reached 915 confirmed cases and 210 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The situation remains serious, with ongoing transmission reported in eastern DRC. Ituri Province continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for the majority of confirmed cases in the country. The most affected health zones include Bunia, Mongbwalu, and Rwampara.
North Kivu has reported fewer cases than Ituri but has recorded a higher case-fatality rate, particularly in Katwa and Beni. Health officials say this underscores the need for early detection, safe referrals, quality clinical care, and strengthened infection prevention and control measures.
In Uganda, 19 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported to date. No new cases have been recorded since June 5, 2026.
Africa CDC has identified several challenges hampering response efforts, including gaps in
"Communities are central to stopping this outbreak. The response will only succeed if people trust the information they receive, know where to seek care, and feel that response teams are working with them," Africa CDC said in a statement.
Also read: US FDA Panel Recommends First-Ever mRNA Flu Shot For Older Adults: All About The Moderna Vaccine
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) had warned that the outbreak is spreading rapidly, even as response measures are being intensified.
"The outbreak remains serious and is evolving very fast. However, I have seen a response that is growing stronger every day," said Marie-Roseline Belizaire, WHO Regional Emergencies Director for Africa, speaking to reporters in Bunia, the epicentre of the outbreak.
The WHO estimates that at least 95 per cent of contacts must be traced to effectively contain the outbreak. As per Belizaire, contact tracing has improved to 75 per cent.
Africa CDC epidemiologist Dr. Wessam Mankoula said the outbreak is approximately three times larger than any previous Ebola outbreak at a similar stage, four weeks after a public health emergency declaration, AP News reported.
Although the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, health officials believe the virus had been circulating undetected for some time beforehand, contributing to its wider spread.
Another major concern is that the outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved antiviral treatments.
Community mistrust of healthcare workers and public health officials, along with reliance on traditional beliefs and healers, is also complicating containment efforts.
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