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: Canva
The UK National Health Service (NHS) has approved the free rollout of a breakthrough ovarian cancer drug, benefiting hundreds of women with hard-to-treat cancer starting today.
Importantly, the US FDA-approved drug is the first new addition to NHS treatment for this group of patients in over 20 years.
The last major NHS treatment introduced for these patients was the rollout of liposomal doxorubicin and paclitaxel in the early 2000s.
The NHS, in a statement, said that the new targeted therapy, mirvetuximab soravtansine, will be offered to patients living with ovarian cancer whose disease has stopped responding to standard (platinum-based) chemotherapy, providing new hope of extra time to live.
Mirvetuximab soravtansine (Elahere) has been developed by AbbVie. The NHS estimates up to 400 patients in England each year could benefit.
“This represents the most significant breakthrough in NHS treatment for these hard-to-treat ovarian cancers in over two decades – and we’re delighted it will now offer hundreds of women much-needed hope of precious extra time with their loved ones,” said Professor Ruth Plummer, NHS national clinical lead for cancer drugs.
According to the NHS, the drug combines a ‘homing’ antibody with a cancer-killing medicine, often described by scientists as a ‘biological missile’ or ‘Trojan horse’ therapy.
It works by attaching to ovarian cancer cells that have a protein called folate receptor alpha (FRα) on their surface, before releasing a cancer-killing molecule that destroys the cell from within.
In a major global clinical trial involving eight NHS hospitals, the treatment delayed cancer progression and prolonged survival, with patients living 16.5 months on average compared to 12.8 months with chemotherapy.
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Following a recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the treatment will be available for:
The treatment is given intravenously (via a drip) over two to four hours, once every three weeks.
The NHS stated that the drug may also have more tolerable side effects than traditional chemotherapy, as it is aimed more precisely at cancer cells than chemotherapy, which can also harm healthy cells.
Common side effects include:
Most side effects are manageable with monitoring and supportive care.
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Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death from gynecological cancer worldwide. In the UK, there are around 7,500 new diagnoses each year.
Standard treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves surgery and chemotherapy, but around 80 per cent of patients with advanced disease relapse, and most eventually develop resistance to chemotherapy.
More than a third of patients (37 per cent) treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine also saw their tumors shrink by at least 30 per cent, compared to 16 per cent of patients receiving chemotherapy in clinical trials.
Testosterone regulates defence cells in the brain. (Photo credit: AI generated)
Recent research is changing our understanding of testosterone's role in brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma. A study published in Nature in May 2026 made this finding, altering previous understanding. Dr. Vishnu P. S., Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur, in an interview with Health and Me, explained the impact of testosterone in fighting brain tumours.
This study, conducted under the National Institutes of Health with a group of researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, turned decades of medical thinking on its head. They discovered that testosterone actually slows down brain tumour growth in men. This breakthrough could totally change how we treat glioblastoma.
This study found that drops in testosterone ramp up inflammation and activate the HPA axis, producing stress hormones that speed up tumour growth. Analysing data from over 1,300 men with the deadly disease glioblastoma, researchers observed a significant benefit for those on testosterone supplements: they had a 38% lower risk of dying compared to those who were not receiving the extra hormone.
Testosterone usually regulates microglia, which are defense cells in the brain. When testosterone levels drop, especially in older males, these cells increase inflammation, making the brain less able to fight off issues such as tumours. Removing testosterone in preclinical tests on mice accelerated tumour growth, but restoring it slowed things down again.
This finding shifts what everyone used to think. Previously, people believed testosterone helped tumours grow. But now, that idea has been turned on its head. What was once seen as harmful is now understood to be protective, suppressing brain tumours instead. Plus, the hormone works differently in the brain compared to other parts of the body and helps regulate protective systems there.
In India, this matters a great deal because men develop glioblastomas more often than women do (with a 3:2 ratio). This new finding could totally change how doctors treat patients here, especially older males whose androgen levels are lower and who already have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
Glioblastoma continues to be one of the most difficult cancers to treat, with limited improvements in survival rates despite surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, this new research suggests that hormones can influence the brain’s immune and stress responses. This might lead to new treatment pathways, especially since androgen levels naturally decline in older men as they age.
Still, caution is needed. The relationship between testosterone and cancer is complex and has produced mixed results. Because of this, doctors do not recommend self-medicating or using hormone therapies unless under close medical supervision or as part of clinical trials. At present, it is more about viewing this as a promising step forward that could offer hope to the millions of patients and families dealing with this devastating illness.
Credit: AI generated image
Amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Africa, Rajasthan has reported its first suspected case of the Ebola virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in India.
A woman who arrived in the state from Uganda has shown symptoms consistent with Ebola infection, according to media reports.
The woman reportedly arrived in Jaipur from Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight and landed at Jaipur airport around 4:30 a.m.
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During routine health screening at the airport, she exhibited symptoms associated with Ebola infection. The health department was immediately informed, and she was placed under special observation.
She has since been admitted to Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) Hospital in Jaipur and kept in isolation as a precautionary measure.
Following the suspected case, the state Health Department has been placed on alert and is closely monitoring the situation.
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RUHS Hospital Superintendent Dr. Anil Gupta told the media that Ebola infection has not yet been confirmed in the woman. Her samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for testing.
While she has displayed symptoms similar to Ebola infection, confirmation can only be made after laboratory testing. The results are expected by this evening or tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, doctors have begun treatment and monitoring under a special protocol.
"No Ebola disease cases have been reported in India," the Health Ministry said in its latest update on June 3. However, the ministry has advised travelers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to remain alert for symptoms and seek medical guidance if they feel unwell.
"For information, guidance and assistance, call MoHFW's 24x7 Health Helpline: 1075," the ministry said on X.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have implemented strict screening and monitoring measures at airports across India.
The government has also issued guidelines for passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries. As part of precautionary measures, travelers entering India from such nations are required to undergo a 21-day quarantine period.

In late May, several suspected Ebola cases were reported from Gujarat, Bengaluru and Madhya Pradesh. All later tested negative for the virus. All the suspected infections involved individuals with travel links to Ebola-affected countries.
Ebola has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). In a major relief amid the ongoing outbreak, the WHO said dropped the number of suspected cases to 116 after hundreds were ruled out following investigation.
Earlier, the number of suspected cases had neared 1,000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The global health agency said that there had been 48 deaths and six recoveries in Congo, Reuters reported. In Uganda, there have been 15 confirmed cases and one associated death.
Mumbai-based infectious disease expert Dr. Ishwar Gilada questioned why India continues to allow travelers from countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks.
"Our policy should be so strict that we do not allow anybody coming from those kinds of countries where there is already an outbreak of Ebola, because Ebola has neither a treatment nor a cure nor a preventive vaccine," Dr. Gilada told HealthandMe.
Ebola disease is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate. Ebola spreads through:
Symptoms to watch for include:
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