Is US Preparing For A Quademic 2025?

Updated Jan 15, 2025 | 03:10 PM IST

SummaryQuademic 2025: 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.
Is US preparing for a quademic?

Credits: Canva

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.

Is US able to cope with Quademic 2025?

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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What are these quademic infections?

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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Global Heatwave Crisis Grows: France Sees Excess Deaths, Japan Swelters, Camels Die In Africa

Updated Jul 24, 2026 | 05:00 PM IST

SummaryCountries including Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Germany are also battling extreme heat and wildfire threats, while climate change is worsening wildfire risks in the US and Canada.
Global Heatwave Crisis Grows: France Sees Excess Deaths, Japan Swelters, Camels Die In Africa

Credit: AI generated

A relentless heatwave is sweeping across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels and triggering widespread disruptions.

While France and Japan are battling scorching conditions and issuing health alerts, extreme heat in parts of Africa has reportedly killed camels, highlighting the growing human, environmental, and economic toll of intensifying climate extremes.

In addition, countries including Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Germany are also battling extreme heat and wildfire threats, while climate change is worsening wildfire risks in the US and Canada.

France Records Excess Deaths

A deadly heatwave in France in late June led to 5,764 excess deaths, according to updated data released by the country's public health agency.

The revised analysis found that 21,674 people died between June 17 and July 2, compared with the 15,910 deaths normally expected during the same period—a 36% increase in mortality.

Also read: World Brain Day: Climate Change Is Not Just Harming The Planet, It Could Also Be Affecting Your Brain

Japan Heatwave Leaves 14 Dead

Japan is also grappling with extreme temperatures. More than 450 people were taken to hospitals for heat-related illnesses in a single day in Tokyo—the highest daily figure since records began 16 years ago, emergency services said.

The update comes as the country endures a heatwave that has killed at least 14 people over the past week.

UK Issues Heat Health Alerts

The UK has issued yellow heat health alerts across central and southern England, with temperatures forecast to reach 30°C (86°F).

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that the heat is expected to cause minor impacts on health and social care services while increasing risks for vulnerable people. The alerts remain in effect through Sunday as parts of the country continue to experience prolonged dry weather and drought conditions.

Read More: Europe Heatwave Causes 10,000 Excess Deaths; England, Wales Record 2,700 More Fatalities

Camels Struggle To Survive Extreme Heat

Camels, long regarded as the "ships of the desert," are also struggling with extreme heat in Africa.

The BBC reported that camel shepherds in Ethiopia's Afar region have observed blisters on camels' feet, watery eyes, and skin burns caused by scorching sand.

Research from Somalia found drought-related camel mortality affected nearly 46% of camel-owning households, while another study from Algeria reported a significant rise in camel deaths during summer heatwaves.

Scientists say prolonged heat and drought cause stress, dehydration, disease, and reduce access to water and vegetation essential for camel survival.

Europe Continues to Break Heat Records

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), June 2026 was the hottest June ever recorded for western Europe and the second warmest globally.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the heat has continued into July, fuelling wildfires in France and the Iberian Peninsula. Spain's Fabra Observatory recorded 40.5°C on July 8, the highest temperature in more than a century of observations.

"Heatwaves like this are what we expect to see in a changing climate," said John Kennedy, head of climate information at WMO.

"In the 50 years since the historic heatwave in 1976, Europe as a whole has warmed by around two degrees. It's one of the fastest warming continents and extremes of temperature have increased too."

Why Heatwaves Are So Dangerous

Heat is often called the "silent killer," with an estimated 489,000 heat-related deaths each year between 2000 and 2019.

"Prolonged exposure over several days, particularly when temperatures remain high at night, means the body enters each new day already stressed," said Lachlan McIver, Health Advisor at the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Office.

According to scientists, climate change is driving increasingly severe heatwaves. A recent study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that warming ocean waters account for 50–64% of the increase in land heatwaves globally.

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R&B Singer Nivea Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis

Updated Jul 24, 2026 | 01:06 PM IST

SummaryLeukemia is the 10th most common cancer in the United States, accounting for about 3.2% of all new cancer cases.
R&B Singer Nivea Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis

Credit: Instagram

American R&B singer and songwriter Nivea has revealed that she is battling leukemia, a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow, where the body produces blood cells.

The 44-year-old singer shared the news during an appearance on the Cadillac Chronicles interview series.

"I was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, and I am so grateful to God," she said. "I've been going through treatment and everything is going great so far. And I expect it to continue. Amen. Amen. Amen. And I'm very grateful for life. It's so cliché to say, you know, you don't know the time nor the hour, and it's true."

She said living with gratitude has helped her through the diagnosis.

"I'm definitely back into my music. I'm going to school for audio engineering. I've always wanted to learn how to engineer and mix engineer in particular. But in general, just doing all the things, honey. Loving on my children and just being grateful."

Nivea rose to prominence in the early 2000s with a string of hit singles and earned a Grammy Award nomination for "Don't Mess With My Man."

What Is Leukemia?

Also read: Nara Smith's 2-Year-Old Daughter Diagnosed With Cancer; Why Childhood Cancer Remains A Global Concern

According to the Mayo Clinic, leukemia is a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

It usually affects white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections. In people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces excessive abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly.

Treatment for leukemia depends on the type of leukemia and other factors, but several therapies are available to help manage the disease.

Types of Leukemia

The four main types of leukemia are:

  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Nivea has not disclosed which type of leukemia she has.

Symptoms of Leukemia

Symptoms vary depending on the type of leukemia but commonly include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent or severe infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged liver or spleen
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Recurrent nosebleeds
  • Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae)
  • Excessive sweating, especially at night
  • Bone pain or tenderness

How Common Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is the 10th most common cancer in the United States, accounting for about 3.2% of all new cancer cases.

Globally, leukemia cases increased by 28% between 1990 and 2021, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021).

An estimated 1.71 million people were living with leukemia worldwide in 2021. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in children aged 0-4 years and adults aged 70 years and older.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

While anyone can develop leukemia, certain factors may increase the risk:

  • Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to industrial chemicals such as benzene
  • Certain genetic disorders, including Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, neurofibromatosis and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome
  • Family history of leukemia

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of leukemia, the patient's age and overall health, and whether the cancer has spread. Common treatment options include:

  • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapy: Blocks specific molecules that help leukemia cells grow.
  • Stem cell transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
  • CAR T-cell therapy: A form of immunotherapy in which a patient's T cells are modified to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

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Nearly 1.6 Million Dozen Eggs Recalled in US Over Potential Salmonella Contamination: FDA

Updated Jul 24, 2026 | 09:40 AM IST

SummaryMidwest Poultry Services said it identified the issue at its two Texas farms through proactive environmental monitoring and root cause analysis. It has also halted distribution of fresh eggs produced at its Texas farms.
Nearly 1.6 Million Dozen Eggs Recalled in US Over Potential Salmonella Contamination: FDA

Credit: iStock

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs due to possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination.

The recalled eggs were produced and distributed from Texas farms between June 6 and July 3, 2026, with "sell by" or "best by" dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026.

"Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. is voluntarily recalling 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage free shell eggs produced in Texas because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis" the FDA said in a statement.

While no ⁠illnesses reported were linked to the Midwest Poultry Services eggs as of the announcement, Midwest Poultry Services has halted distributing eggs produced on ⁠its Texas farms, the health regulator said.

Which Eggs Have Been Recalled?

The recall includes white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced in Texas with "sell by" or "best by" dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026, according to Midwest Poultry Services.

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Where Were the Recalled Eggs Sold?

According to the FDA, the recalled eggs were shipped to foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

They were sold at:

  • Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana
  • Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi
  • Other smaller retail outlets
No other Midwest Poultry Services products are included in the recall.

The company said it identified the issue at its two Texas farms through proactive environmental monitoring and root cause analysis. It has also halted distribution of fresh eggs produced at its Texas farms.

Consumers who purchased the recalled eggs are advised not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Salmonella: Symptoms and Risks

Read More: Scientists Find Rare Contagious Skin Cancer In Fish From US, Canada: Should Humans Worry?

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

According to the FDA, the contamination involves Salmonella Enteritidis, a strain of Salmonella bacteria commonly associated with contaminated poultry and eggs and one of the leading causes of human salmonellosis worldwide.

Salmonella infection can manifest with a range of unpleasant symptoms, typically including diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. While most healthy individuals tend to recover within about a week without specific medical intervention, the infection can lead to more serious and potentially life-threatening illness in certain vulnerable populations.

These high-risk groups include young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

For these individuals, Salmonella can cause severe dehydration, invasive infections (where the bacteria spread beyond the intestines), and other serious complications that may require hospitalization.

In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis, the FDA said.

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