One of the commonest causes of illness, a sore throat often clears up on its own, but knowing what's causing it is important to treat it properly. Viral, bacterial, or caused by allergic elements - these kinds of sore throats have different characteristics that need different responses.

Sore throats have several origins, including infection and environmental factors. Some common causes include:

Viral infections: Viruses cause 90% of sore throat cases. Sore throats may result due to flu or common cold as well as those from chickenpox and measles that can all cause irritation.

Bacterial Infections: Streptococcus bacteria, the most common cause of strep throat, is the most common bacterial source. Strep throat is contagious and can lead to complications if untreated.

Allergies: Pollen, pet dander, and mold can trigger throat irritation, often accompanied by postnasal drip, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Environmental Factors: Dry air, pollution, and smoke can dry out or irritate the throat, creating a scratchy sensation.

Other Causes: GERD, vocal strain, even tumors may be responsible for chronic sore throats.

How to Distinguish Between Viral, Bacterial, and Allergic Sore Throats

Determining your cause of sore throat requires analysis of symptoms that accompany it, how long the sore throat lasts, and how bad the sore throat is.

Viral Sore Throats

The viruses that cause a sore throat are usually similar to a cold in their symptoms and tend to be milder than bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Viral Sore Throat

- Red, swollen throat without white patches

- Persistent cough

- Runny nose and nasal congestion

- Fever, usually mild

Duration: Viral infections last for 7–10 days without antibiotics.

Treatment: Home remedies, such as warm fluids, saltwater gargling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate it.

Also Read: Flu Season Grips 40 States In US, CDC Reports Alarming Numbers

Bacterial Sore Throats

Bacterial sore throats, mainly strep throat, are more severe and require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.

Symptoms of Bacterial Sore Throat

- Red and swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks of pus

- High fever

- Absence of a cough

- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain (especially in children)

- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

Diagnosis: Rapid strep tests or throat cultures confirm the presence of bacteria.

Treatment: Antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the infection. Without treatment, complications like rheumatic fever or abscesses can develop.

Sore Throats Caused by Allergies

Throat irritation is caused by postnasal drip. Allergies create a buildup and drip of mucus down the back of the throat.

Allergic Sore Throat Symptoms

- Irritation of the throat and ears

- Runny eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion

- These symptoms are usually relieved by antihistamines or removal from the source of the allergen

Duration: Allergic sore throats are sustained for as long as the allergens are exposed.

When to Seek Medical Care?

A sore throat should be taken to a doctor if:

- The condition lasts more than a week.

- There is shortness of breath or swallowing becomes painful.

- Swelling is too pronounced or the pain in the throat is extreme.

- High fever, rash, or joint pain occur along with the sore throat.

- A child shows signs of dehydration or refuses fluids due to throat pain.

Early diagnosis can prevent complications and speed recovery.

Effective Treatment for Sore Throats

Home Remedies for Viral and Allergy-Related Sore Throats

Viral infections and allergies often respond well to non-invasive treatments:

• Drink warm teas, broths, or water to soothe the throat.
• Gargling with warm, salty water can reduce inflammation.
• These help soothe an irritated throat and can alleviate coughing.

Let your body rest sufficiently. Humidifying dry air will help keep the throat moist, especially when winter is on its way.

Why Not All Sore Throats Require Antibiotics?

Bacterial infections require antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Finish the treatment completely to avoid reoccurrence or resistance.

How to Keep Sore Throats at Bay When Winter Is Near

Prevention is better than cure, and simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:

• Wash your hands frequently to avoid infections.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Use air purifiers to minimize exposure to irritants.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to boost immunity.

Understanding the cause of your sore throat—whether viral, bacterial, or allergic—is key to effective treatment and recovery. While many sore throats resolve on their own, seeking timely medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms can prevent complications. Prioritize self-care, and don’t hesitate to consult a doctor when needed. Remember, your throat’s health is a vital part of your overall well-being.

Following a keto diet may drastically increase your risk of developing liver cancer by 20 years as it can alter cell function, a new US study suggests.

This celebrity-loved diet involves consuming very low carb and high fat meals to help the body enter a state of ketosis. During this process, the body uses fat for fuel instead of sugar (glucose) which can help lose weight. Additionally, the diet also helps the body to fight against diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.

A keto diet often consists of 75 per cent fat, 20 per cent protein and only 5 per cent carbohydrates per meal however, the NHS's balanced diet advisory suggests eating meals with at least 30 per cent fat, 15 per cent protein and over 50 per cent carbohydrates.

However, researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have now found that when the liver is repeatedly exposed to a high-fat diet, its cells change in nature and are more likely to turn cancerous within two decades.

"If cells are forced to deal with a stressor such as a high fat diet over and over again, they will do things that will help them to survive, but at the risk of increased susceptibility to tumorigenesis [when normal cells mutate and become cancerous]," Professor Alex Shalek, director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, and study co-author noted.

As a result of the discovery, the doctors have now begun to look for ways to reverse liver damage by either returning to a healthier, well-balanced diet or using GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro to restore normal liver cell function.

What Did The Study Find?

Early on during the experiment, the scientists noticed that liver cells called hepatocytes began activating genes to help them survive which reduced the likelihood of cell death and promoting growth, paving the way for them to become cancerous.

However, on the other hand, the cells essential for normal liver function such as metabolism and protein secretion began to simultaneously shut down. By the end of the study, nearly all of the mice that were fed a high-fat diet had developed liver cancer.

Constantine Tzouanas, Harvard-MIT graduate and study co-author said of the results, "These cells have already turned on the same genes that they’re going to need to become cancerous. They’ve already shifted away from the mature identity that would otherwise drag down their ability to proliferate. Once a cell picks up the wrong mutation, then it’s really off to the races and they’ve already gotten a head start on some of those hallmarks of cancer."

READ: What Keto Really Does To Your Body?

Can The Same Happen In Humans?

Thorough examination showed that over time, cells required for healthy liver function also began to decline and turn cancerous in humans as they did in mice. Using these common gene expression patterns, the researchers were able to conclude that the humans are also at a high risk of developing liver cancer due to a high-fat diet.

While the cancer developed within a year in the rodents mice, the researchers noted that the same happens over the span of roughly 20 years in humans due to a variety of factors including overall diet, alcohol use and viral infections, all of which can caused other changes to liver cells.

Apart from reversing liver damage through the use of GLP-1 drugs and returning to a nutritionally balanced diet, the experts are also looking to develop drug treatments that will specifically target liver cells.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and more such GLP-1 weight loss medication took people by surge. Everyone was jumping the bandwagon, this was especially the case in the US. In fact, US President Donald Trump also made these drugs cheaper. This was the trend, until people realized the other side of it. A study published in JAMA in January 2025 examined data from more than 125,000 adults with overweight or obesity and found a striking trend. Nearly 47 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes and 65 per cent of those without diabetes stopped taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs within a year. Among older Americans, drop-off rates appear especially high. Here are the four main reasons why.

The cost becomes unsustainable

GLP-1 medications are expensive, and insurance coverage is often inconsistent. Many older adults start these drugs with manageable co-pays, only to lose coverage later. Without insurance support, monthly costs can cross $1,000, forcing retirees on fixed incomes to stop treatment, even when the medication was working. The New York Times also noted a story of a 75-year0old woman, Mary Bucklew. She is a public transit retiree, who lives om Delware. She was paying just a $25 monthly co-pay through her health insurance plan to receive Ozempic for weight loss. She lost 25 pounds in six months, and gained more energy. However, her insurance company notified that the would no longer cover the drug, despite her arguing that this was absolutely necessary for her health.

"Far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers," said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president for Lilly USA, in the announcement. "Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the obesity care landscape. We will keep working to provide more options, expanding choices for delivery devices and creating new pathways for access — so more people can get the medicines they need."

Side effects hit older bodies harder

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and headaches are common with GLP-1 drugs. Experts have pointed out that older adults are often more sensitive to these effects, especially if they are already prone to dehydration or have underlying kidney issues. For many, the discomfort outweighs the benefits.

Muscle loss raises safety concerns

Weight loss from GLP-1 drugs does not come entirely from fat. Studies cited by the American Heart Association show that a significant portion comes from muscle. Since muscle mass already declines with age, further loss can increase the risk of falls, fractures, and physical frailty in older adults.

Lack of personalized medical follow-up

Experts say many patients stop treatment because they are not closely monitored. Without tailored dosing, nutrition guidance, hydration support, and strength-preserving strategies, side effects worsen and benefits fade. With better supervision, some seniors might have stayed on these medications longer.

What are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 agonists, were first developed for diabetes care. They work much like the body’s own GLP-1 hormone, which is released after meals to prompt insulin production. Those living with diabetes often do not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar steady. A GLP-1 medication boosts insulin release so blood sugar stays more stable. These drugs often support weight reduction as well.

For many people with diabetes, weight control plays an important role in managing the condition. GLP-1 drugs reduce hunger and help the stomach empty more slowly, creating a longer sense of fullness. This can lead to marked weight loss in people with or without diabetes.

Kerala has recently seen a sharp increase in hepatitis A cases, drawing national attention after media reports revealed more than 31,000 infections and 82 deaths recorded by the end of December 2025, according to NDTV. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Hepatitis A leads to mild or severe illness in around 1.4 million people each year, while nearly 113 million individuals get infected without showing symptoms. Globally, the disease claimed an estimated 7,134 lives in 2016. With numbers climbing in Kerala, here is a closer look at what hepatitis A is, how it spreads, and the precautions people should take.

Kerala Sees A Rise In Hepatitis A Cases

Kerala has reported its highest number of hepatitis A cases so far, raising renewed worries around drinking water quality, sanitation standards, and disease monitoring. As per The Hindu, the state logged 31,536 confirmed and suspected cases along with 82 deaths as of December 30, 2025. Health specialists say the outbreak did not happen overnight. It reflects long-standing pressure on early detection systems, sanitation facilities, and public water supply networks. Since Hepatitis A tends to be more severe in older age groups, the growing number of infections among adolescents and adults has become a major concern.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water, or close personal contact with an infected person. The infection can cause liver inflammation, jaundice, extreme tiredness, and stomach pain. In most cases, it is a short-term illness that clears on its own without specific treatment, though severe cases can occur. Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not lead to long-term liver damage. The WHO notes that vaccination remains the most reliable way to stay protected.

Symptoms Of Hepatitis A

Symptoms of hepatitis A usually show up a few weeks after exposure to the virus, though some people never develop noticeable signs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, those who do may experience:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, near the liver
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Reduced appetite
• Mild fever
• Dark-colored urine
• Joint aches
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice
• Severe itching

These symptoms are often mild and disappear within weeks. In some cases, however, the illness can be intense and last for several months.

Why Is Kerala Witnessing A Surge In Hepatitis A Cases?

Kerala has faced several hepatitis A outbreaks in recent years, but the current rise is notable for its scale and severity. Reports cited by The Hindu link the spread to contaminated groundwater, poor sanitation, and unhygienic surroundings, particularly in crowded localities. Investigations suggest that inadequate environmental hygiene and unsafe water sources have played a key role in allowing the virus to spread more widely.

Can Hepatitis A Be Prevented?

Yes, prevention is possible. The Cleveland Clinic states that vaccination against hepatitis A is the simplest and most effective safeguard. Doctors recommend the vaccine for children older than 12 months and for adults who:

• Are at risk of exposure at home or at work
• Plan to travel to regions where the virus is more common
• Have existing liver conditions

Basic hygiene also goes a long way in preventing infection. Regular handwashing and careful food handling can reduce the risk significantly. Outbreaks often worsen when simple safety habits are ignored. Small daily choices can protect your liver. Drinking boiled or bottled water, avoiding food from unhygienic sources, and peeling fruits at home can help lower the risk.

If someone in the household is infected, cleanliness becomes even more important. Surfaces should be disinfected, food prepared carefully, and personal items not shared. Safe sexual practices also matter, as the virus can spread through oral-anal contact. On a broader level, preventing future outbreaks requires more than short-term fixes. Improving water quality, repairing sewage systems, and strengthening public health surveillance are essential to stop the cycle from repeating.