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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.
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.
The viruses that cause a sore throat are usually similar to a cold in their symptoms and tend to be milder than bacterial infections.
- 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, mainly strep throat, are more severe and require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
- 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.
Throat irritation is caused by postnasal drip. Allergies create a buildup and drip of mucus down the back of the throat.
- 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.
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.
Viral infections and allergies often respond well to non-invasive treatments:
Let your body rest sufficiently. Humidifying dry air will help keep the throat moist, especially when winter is on its way.
Bacterial infections require antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Finish the treatment completely to avoid reoccurrence or resistance.
Prevention is better than cure, and simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:
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.
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As men step into their 50s and beyond, prostate health becomes an essential part of overall wellbeing. The gland naturally undergoes changes with age, many of which are not cancerous but can still cause discomfort, disrupt daily routines, and affect long-term health. Awareness, early screening, and preventive habits play a crucial role in staying ahead of potential problems.
One of the most common age-related concerns is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This happens due to hormonal shifts that cause the gland to grow slowly over time.
“Most men assume urinary symptoms are just a normal part of aging, but that mindset often delays treatment,” says Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Director and Founder, VNA Hospital. “BPH itself is not dangerous, but if ignored, it can seriously affect quality of life and even lead to complications.”
These symptoms often creep up gradually, making them easy to dismiss until they start interfering with sleep, work, or general comfort.
While BPH is not cancer, men must remain vigilant about prostate cancer, especially because its risk rises with age.
“Prostate cancer in early stages is usually silent,” explains Dr. Malhotra. “That is exactly why screening becomes so important once men cross 50.”
These tests help detect abnormalities long before symptoms appear. Early detection not only improves treatment outcomes but also prevents unnecessary anxiety or uncertainty.
Men should also stay alert for red-flag symptoms, including persistent pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss, blood in urine or semen, and sudden urinary changes.
Beyond medical screening, everyday habits have a strong influence on prostate wellbeing.
“A balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce inflammation and support better prostate function.”
These choices not only support the prostate but also improve urinary health and hormonal balance.
Since stress can worsen urinary symptoms, incorporating yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing practices also makes a noticeable difference.
One of the biggest challenges is the reluctance many men feel when discussing urinary or sexual symptoms.
“Men often suffer quietly because these issues feel too personal,” says Dr. Malhotra. “But silence delays diagnosis and treatment. Open conversations can literally save lives.”
Families, caregivers, and partners can play a supportive role by encouraging early checkups and normalizing discussions around prostate health.
With rising life expectancy and a more active older population, prioritizing prostate health is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Early diagnosis, informed decision-making, and evidence-backed treatments give men the chance to maintain independence, comfort, and quality of life well into their later years.
As Dr. Malhotra puts it, “Prostate health is not just a medical concern—it’s a foundation for staying energetic, confident, and healthy as you age.”
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Crossing 40 often brings subtle but noticeable changes in how your body feels and functions. Many people brush off early signs like morning stiffness, reduced flexibility, or frequent bathroom visits, not realizing these are part of natural age-related changes. These shifts primarily affect the bones, joints, and urinary system, areas that quietly define everyday comfort.
According to Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director & Head, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, Aakash Healthcare, these changes are expected but shouldn’t be ignored. “After 40, the body’s regenerative capacity slows down, particularly in bones and joints. Being aware of these changes helps in early prevention and better long-term outcomes,” he says.
Bone density gradually declines with age due to hormonal changes. Women experience a drop in estrogen, and men see reduced testosterone levels—both crucial for supporting bone formation.
“Lower hormone levels weaken the natural bone-building cycle,” explains Dr. Chaudhry. “This increases the risk of fractures and even slows down healing when injuries occur.”
To counter this, weight-bearing exercises and strength training are crucial. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein supports bone metabolism and maintains strength.
Years of repetitive movements, combined with declining collagen production, make joints more vulnerable. Cartilage becomes less elastic, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and the early onset of osteoarthritis.
“Many people notice joint pain but assume it's just fatigue,” says Dr. Chaudhry. “In reality, early joint wear can be detected and managed much earlier with the right interventions.”
Flexibility-focused exercises like yoga or stretching, along with anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and omega-3 sources, can ease stiffness and protect long-term mobility.
While both men and women experience changes in urinary patterns, men often notice symptoms more prominently due to prostate enlargement. A bigger prostate narrows the urinary passage, causing:
Women, on the other hand, may struggle with pelvic floor weakness, leading to leakage or urgency.
Dr. Chaudhry notes, “These symptoms are common after 40, but they shouldn’t be normalized. Early evaluation can prevent chronic discomfort.”
Hydration remains essential. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods can also lighten urinary symptoms and prevent kidney irritation.
Shifting from reactive to preventive care is key after 40. The goal isn’t to stop ageing—it's to age comfortably and confidently.
“Think of this stage as preparing your body for the next decades,” says Dr. Chaudhry. “With the right lifestyle adjustments, most people can maintain excellent mobility and function well into older age.”
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After the Thanksgiving, on Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s top vaccine regulator, Vinay Prasad made a clam that shocked the public-health established. "For the first time, the US FDA will acknowledge that COVID-19 vaccines have killed American children," he wrote in a leaked email to his staff, as reported by The Atlantic and The Washington Post.

The agency has identified that at least 10 children died after getting COVID shots.
The email has been perceived by physicians as a "threat". A response from 12 former FDA commissioners, published in The New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday, called Prasad's memo "a threat to evidence-based vaccine policy and public health security". All of the potential vaccine related deaths reported to government were already reviewed by the agency's staff, and had reached "different conclusions", wrote the former commissioners.
Elsewhere, doctors and scientists have declared that there are no evidence that links COVID-19 vaccines to deaths in children. The commissioners have claimed that in an attempt to deliberately bring evidence, Prasad and his colleagues had engaged in an "evidence-manufacturing mission", a "dumpster dive" for shoddy data, or worse, a campaign of lying.
Prasad is one of several public health officials who, under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, have been steadily chipping away at public trust in vaccines. So far, he has not provided evidence to back his claims, and his estimate of vaccine-related deaths may be exaggerated. The memo’s intense language and focus on political complaints also cast doubt on his assertions.
However, something that cannot be ignored is that fact that his memo may have provoked people to deny even the possibility of COVID-vaccine-related deaths. The Atlantic notes that "the idea that mRNA-based shots have, tragically, killed a very small number of children is not far-fetched." The article written by Benjamin Mazer, a physician who specializes in pathology and laboratory, notes that the this does not imply a "catastrophic threat to public health" as tens of millions of doses of the same vaccines have saved young people.
Public-health experts agree that COVID vaccines, like all medical treatments, can cause side effects. Myocarditis, a rare heart inflammation seen mostly in adolescent boys and young men after mRNA shots, remains the most discussed risk. Although usually mild and far less severe than virus-induced myocarditis, a few deaths have been documented worldwide, including isolated cases in the U.S., South Korea, and two American teenagers described in a peer-reviewed report.
These findings fuel ongoing debate about whether extremely rare vaccine-related deaths are being overlooked. Some scientists, including Paul Offit and Michael Osterholm, say the evidence does not prove the vaccines caused these deaths, noting that population-level studies show no rise in mortality after vaccination. Others argue that well-investigated autopsy-confirmed cases should be taken seriously rather than dismissed outright.
Experts such as Krutika Kuppalli, as cited by Mazer, emphasize that even if deaths occur, they are so uncommon they do not appear statistically, while the benefits, significantly reduced COVID mortality, are unmistakable. However, individual cases still raise questions on health authorities and the stricter standards of proofs they have applied when vaccines were involved to create a room for skepticism.
The concern is that rare side effects of vaccines could go undiscovered and not that vaccinations are inherently harmful.
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