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.
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: Times Network
The Times Network India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition, held on June 20 in Hyderabad, honored the outstanding contributions of doctors and innovations across the Indian healthcare sector.
The event brought together leading voices from government, medicine, research, and the healthcare industry to discuss the future of India's healthcare system.
Across three panel discussions, experts deliberated on the growing burden of obesity and anemia in the country, the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare and whether AI could outpace doctors, as well as the increasing incidence of violence against doctors and healthcare workers.
The summit featured renowned doctors, policymakers, hospital leaders, researchers and healthcare innovators. Discussions also covered preventive healthcare, artificial intelligence, women's health, public health policy and medical innovation.
The event was powered by Tamashii, with Gigglu as the associate partner, BMW Krishna Automotive as the automobile partner, Sumadhura as the real estate partner, and VOH (Voice of Healthcare) as the knowledge partner.
| S.No | Award Category | Award Winner Name |
| 1 | Eminent Excellence in Functional Neuro Surgery (Telangana) | Dr Dhanunjaya Rao - Apollo Hospitals |
| 2 | Eminent Excellence in Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery (Telangana) | Dr Vikram Byre - Yashoda Hospitals |
| 3 | Legendary Excellence in Joint Replacement Surgeries (Telangana) | Dr K Sudhir Reddy - Landmark Hospitals |
| 4 | Legendary Excellence in Internal Medicine & Intensive Care (Telangana) | Dr Rajib Paul - Apollo Hospitals |
| 5 | Centre of Excellence in Varicose Veins | AVIS Vascular Center |
| 6 | Legendary Excellence in Neurosurgery & Brain Stroke Prevention Public Health Services (Telangana) | Dr Uday Goutam - Goutam Neuro Care |
| 7 | Outstanding Philanthropic Contribution to Hearing Impairment Rehabilitation & Inclusion | SAHI (Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired) |
| 8 | Centre of Excellence in Advanced Fertility Treatments (Telangana) | Hegde Fertility |
| 9 | Lifetime Achievement Award in Gastrointestinal & Minimally Invasive Surgery (Telangana) | Dr G V Rao - Director AIG Hospitals |
| 10 | Best Emerging Multi Specialty Hospital (Telangana) | Sindhu Hospitals |
| 11 | Centre of Excellence in Advanced Dentistry (Khammam) | Sri Srinivasam Dental Hospital (Khammam) |
| 12 | Centre of Excellence in Advanced Personalized Orthopedic Care (Telangana) | My Ortho Centre |
| 13 | Legendary Excellence in Dental Implants (Telangana) | Dr Venkat Ratna Nag - The Dental Specialists |
| 14 | Legendary Excellence in Advanced Otology (Telangana) | Dr Jaswinder Singh Saluja - Apollo Hospitals |
| 15 | Excellence in Robotic & Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery (Telangana) | Dr T Rajeshwari Reddy – Continental Hospitals |
| 16 | Eminent Excellence in Transplant Pulmonology (Telangana) | Dr Tapaswi Krishna - Yashoda Hospitals |
| 17 | Legendary Excellence in Precision Eye Surgery (Telangana) | Dr Sangeeta Das - Malla Reddy Hospital |
| 18 | Excellence in Agentic AI for Clinical Diagnostics | Neurologic.AI |
| 19 | Centre of Excellence in Advanced Clear Aligner & Smile Design Treatments (Telangana) | PARK Dental Care |
| 20 | Eminent Excellence in Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Telangana) | Dr Ajay Chanakya Vallabhaneni |
| 21 | Lifetime Achievement in Women's Healthcare & Maternal Excellence | Dr Evita Fernandez - Fernandez Hospitals |
| 22 | Best Emerging Hospital in Vascular & Plastic Surgery (Telangana) | IKIGAI Hospitals |
| 23 | Emerging Excellence in Voice & Airway Disorders Management (Telangana) | Dr Madhav Koka - Apollo Hospitals |
| 24 | Legendary Excellence in Advanced Proctology & Anal Canal Surgery (Telangana) | Dr Sanjeev Singh Yadav - EPIC International Hospital |
| 25 | Lifetime Achievement Award in Global Oncology Excellence | Dr Nori Dattatreyudu |
| 26 | Excellence in Advanced Medical Care & Innovation | AJ Hospital & Research Centre |
| 27 | Visionary Excellence in Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery | Dr Rooma Sinha - Apollo Hospitals |
Credit: Instagram
Serena Williams has openly spoken up about her weight loss struggle after the birth of her second daughter in 2023. As she returns to competitive tennis at the age of 44, discussion around her much leaner appearance was sparked again. Williams has been candid about attributing her weight loss to a GLP-1 drug called Zepbound.
As Serena Williams made a high-profile return to singles competition at Wimbledon on June 30, fans did not miss the difference in her physique.
In 2025, Williams revealed that she was able to shed about 34 to 38 pounds (15 to 17 kg) with the help of the prescription GLP-1 medication Zepbound (tirzepatide), alongside regular exercise and healthy eating.
Her comeback to the sport also sparked debate over whether GLP-1 medications provide a competitive advantage and if they should be banned. But as of now, GLP-1 drugs are not banned by the anti-doping authorities.
She also emphasized that the medication was an addition to, not a replacement for her existing fitness habits. According to NBC, she announced a partnership with the company Ro, which prescribes GLP-1 medications through telehealth.
Also read: Did Donald Trump Take Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug? What Did White House Say
The RO website features Williams, stating: “After kids, she was doing everything right, but nothing worked. Ro finally helped her get back to her strongest self," it says. "After losing weight with another GLP-1 provider, Serena chose Ro to continue her weight loss journey. She has used both branded vials and pens.”
In a conversation with People that her weight struggle began after the birth of her daughter. She said that she was not able to get to the weight she wanted regardless of her efforts.
She said, “It was crazy because I'd never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy, and could never get down to where I needed to be at.”
Apart from weight loss, she also spoke about other benefits she experienced after starting Zepbound.
She said, “I just can do more. I'm more active. My joints don't hurt as much. I just feel like something as simple as just getting down is a lot easier for me. And I do it a lot faster. I feel like I have a lot of energy, and it's great. I just feel pretty good about it.”
Zepbound’s active ingredient is tirzepatide. While it is called GLP-1 medication, it is more than that. It mirrors two hormones that your body naturally releases after you eat:
This hormone makes you feel full sooner, slows stomach emptying, so food stays in your stomach longer, reducing appetite. It also helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises.
This improves insulin response, enhances metabolism, and works together with GLP-1 to produce greater weight loss than GLP-1 alone.
Zepbound's two-way action is the biggest factor that distinguishes it from Ozempic. The latter mimics only one hormone, GLP 1, which reduces appetite and hunger by promoting a feeling of fullness.
Zepbound, on the other hand, performs the function of GLP-1 while also improving insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism effectively.
Credit: iStock
A suspected Ebola case at a hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, has been ruled out after the patient tested negative for the virus, health officials confirmed.
The patient was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in the early hours of June 30.
The precautionary response had prompted heightened infection control measures and an assessment by specialist teams, but authorities said there is no confirmed case of Ebola and no risk to the wider public based on current findings.
"The test result has now been received and is negative," said a spokesperson from the Public Health Scotland (PHS).
If confirmed, it would have been the first case in the UK since an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in May.
The PHS noted it has established protocols including contact tracing, clinical assessment and precautionary testing for assessing and testing travelers arriving in the UK from areas affected by Ebola.
Also read: Ebola Outbreak: The Unique Symptoms Seen In Patients Infected With Bundibugyo
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 1,333, including 399 deaths, government data showed on Tuesday (June 30, 2026).
The confirmed cases have been recorded from three provinces – Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The virus has now also reached Haut-Uele province, which borders South Sudan and the Central African Republic, according to AFP.
Haut-Uele province is home to around 15 million people. Health officials said the first case in Haut-Uele was detected after an infected person travelled from Bunia, the capital of Ituri. The patient later died, according to sources at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).
The outbreak in Africa was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May. So far, the deadly disease has been limited to Congo and Uganda. A case of Ebola was reported in France in a doctor who contracted the virus while on a humanitarian mission in Congo.
Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised its emergency response to the outbreak to Level 1, its highest activation level. The designation, reserved for the most severe public health emergencies, allows the agency to deploy its maximum response capacity.
Despite the escalation, the CDC said the risk of Ebola spreading to the United States remains low.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in 1976. Since then, more than 30 outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in Central and West Africa.
Common Symptoms of Ebola
In severe cases, the disease can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, shock, and death. Aid organizations warn that without stronger surveillance, expanded testing, faster laboratory turnaround times, and more effective contact tracing, the outbreak could continue to grow in the coming weeks and months.
Unlike flu or Covid, Ebola is not an airborne virus, so it is not spread simply by being near an infected person.
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