High-intensity drinking is worse than binge drinking. But what exactly does it mean? High intensity is defined as consuming an excessive number of drinks in one session: eight or more for women and ten or more for men.

While binge drinking is characterized by having four or five drinks within two hours.

This distinction emerged as researchers noticed that many of the severe consequences associated with binge drinking—like blackouts and alcohol poisoning—were linked to much higher levels of alcohol intake.

Who are the most at risk?

Heavy drinking habits, formerly associated with youth, are changing. Recent studies show that, while high-intensity drinking has decreased among young adults, it is still common among those in their late twenties. Almost one out of every eight people aged 27 to 28 consume 10 or more drinks every session.

Middle-aged individuals are drinking more heavily. It is more prominent in males over 30 and women aged 18 to 64.

The trend can be seen where the middle-aged uses alcohol as a tool to cope with the day-to-day life, whereas for youth, it is to have fun and to explore the adult life.

Risks and Consequences

High-intensity drinking carries a greater risk than regular binge drinking. It is because when you consume such large volumes of alcohol in such a short period of time, it can boost blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to dangerous levels, usually exceeding 0.2%, as opposed to 0.08% for ordinary binge drinking.

This high BAC level increases the risk of disastrous effects, including:

• Injuries and Accidents
• Alcohol Poisoning
• Blackouts
• Hospitalizations

ALSO READ: Is Your Social Drinking Hurting Your Liver? A Scottish Woman Opens About Developing Chronic Liver Disease

Moreover, repeated high-intensity drinking significantly raises the risk of developing alcohol use disorder and contributes to broader societal harms such as relationship issues, property damage, and physical assaults.

Why is there a change in drinking patterns?

The reason why one opts for high-intensity drinking patterns varies by age. For youth, it is mostly peer pressure and seeking fun. However it does have its own downsides.

For middle-aged and older adults, stress, life pressures, and emotional coping mechanisms are more common drivers. However, studies have shown that alcohol does not help you cope with stress. These motivations highlight the evolving role of alcohol as a tool for both celebration and self-medication, depending on the stage of life.

The Need for Greater Awareness

The rise of high-intensity drinking underscores the importance of addressing its unique dangers. While binge drinking is risky, consuming eight or more drinks exponentially increases the likelihood of harm. Experts emphasize that the “dose makes the poison,” and this extreme form of alcohol use deserves heightened attention.

By understanding the motivations and risks associated with high-intensity drinking, individuals can make informed decisions and seek support if needed, particularly during festive seasons that often encourage overindulgence.

Individuals who experience tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in their hands and feet often disregard these early symptoms, especially after a long drive, extended standing, or sleeping. Many frequently take painkillers to ease their discomfort in the hope that their pain and other symptoms will quickly go away.

These types of persistent or recurrent symptoms, however, could be a signal of a nerve health issue such as peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the nervous system, and its deficiency could be one of the potential causes.

Early detection of these symptoms and appropriate, timely medical advice can help facilitate immediate intervention. Addressing nutritional gaps under medical guidance may help support overall nerve health and reduce the risk of progression.

Recognizing Vitamin B Deficiency Symptoms

Neurotropic B-vitamins are essential for preserving the structure and function of nerves. A lack of these vitamins may present as:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in the hands and feet
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Body weakness and muscle fatigue

Common Vitamin B12 deficiency signs include persistent fatigue, sensory disturbances, imbalance and neuropathic discomfort. Early detection supports timely intervention and may help prevent further nerve damage.

The Role of Vitamin B In Supporting Nerve Health

The right nutritional support plays a key role in preserving nerve function:

• Methylcobalamin, an active form of Vitamin B12, is considered to be one of the most important B-vitamins for nerve protection and repair. It plays a key role in maintaining the protective covering around nerves, which allows them to function properly.
• Vitamin B1 supports nerve signal transmission and energy metabolism within nerve cells.
• Vitamin B6 supports the production of important brain chemicals and helps maintain efficient nerve communication.

A Structured, Preventive Approach

An appropriate and active approach to nerve care includes nutritional adjustments, metabolic regulation, and the right assistance to support symptoms.

Dietary Optimization: Encourage intake of foods rich in B-vitamins such as whole grains, dairy, eggs, legumes, and leafy vegetables. However, for those with restrictions, the diet alone might not be enough, especially in cases of established deficiency, malabsorption, or restricted diets.

Targeted Treatment: When guided by a healthcare professional, oral supplementation can be considered as part of a comprehensive plan.

• The well-recognized B complex tablets support nerve integrity and functional recovery in deficiency-related cases over time.
• A combination of Vitamin B12 with B6, B3, B1, and B5 helps alleviate symptoms like tingling, numbness, and overall weakness.
• For symptomatic relief from nerve pain, tingling, and burning sensations in hands and feet, topical formulations having 0.075% Capsaicin, Menthol, Eucalyptus, and Camphor may provide instant relief after a long commute or extended standing.

• Lifestyle management: Managing blood sugar levels, staying physically active, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity are all crucial for nerve health. Regular movement, stretching, and adequate sleep further support nerve resilience and recovery.

Dozens of food products, including chocolates, snack mixes, popcorn, chips, and nuts, have been recalled in the US over the risk of salmonella contamination.

The recall is due to a specific ingredient — milk powder supplied by California Dairies — used in several products and snacks, particularly in seasonings.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the potentially tainted powdered milk and buttermilk were voluntarily recalled on April 20.

Which Products Have Been Recalled?

Ghirardelli Chocolate Powders:

• Chocolate Flavored Frappe
• Classic White Frappe
• Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk
• Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder
• White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder
• Vanilla Frappe Mix
• Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
• Classic White Frappe Mix
• Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
• Classic White Frappe Mix
• White Mocha Frappe Mix
• Mocha Frappe Mix
• Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix

• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct)
• Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
• Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

• Bottles of Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning
• Bags of Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds
• Bags of Pork King Party Size Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds

• Fisher Tex Mex Trail Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Hunter Mix
• Squirrel Brand Travelers Mix
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix
• Good & Gather Mexican Street, Corn Trail Mix
• Giant Eagle Pita Chips:
• Baked Pita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic & Herb

• Wildlife Seasoning Sour Cream & Onion Popcorn Topping
• Williams Sonoma-branded Popcorn Sampler Gift Box with White Cheddar Seasoning
• Fireworks Popcorn Poppings & Toppings gift set containing White Cheddar Seasoning

• Stoltzfus Family Dairy Sour Cream
• Onion Cheese Curds

• Culinary Circle Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Great Value Stuffed Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Frozen Breakfast Pizza
• Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Frozen Breakfast Pizza

Also read:India Launches SEHAT Mission To Connect Farming With Nutrition And Health

The FDA urges people who purchased the products to throw them away or return them for a refund.

A separate Salmonella recall impacting 12 flavors of the popular chocolate brand Spring & Mulberry was also recently announced by the FDA, but appeared to be linked to a date supplier. It wasn't immediately clear if there was any connection to the California Dairies recall.

Another is a public health alert issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for headcheese over possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

What Is Salmonella?

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people.

The FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.

Pets, too, could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.

Common symptoms of Salmonella include

• diarrhea,
• fever,
• stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.

Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication, which gained widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, is back in the spotlight again — this time in connection with the ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius.

According to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO), nine hantavirus cases have been confirmed so far, including three deaths.

Health authorities have also confirmed that the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only known hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission.

While global health agencies, including the WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), continue to maintain that the overall public health risk remains low, memories of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption it caused remain fresh. As a result, fear, speculation, and misinformation are once again spreading rapidly online.

"Hantavirus is an RNA virus, and ivermectin should work against it," claims a May 6, 2026, post on X from Mary Talley Bowden, an ear, nose, and throat doctor suspended in 2021 by Houston Methodist Hospital for spreading Covid-19 misinformation.

"I actually texted her today and asked what we can treat hantavirus with. I'm so glad she posted it," former Texas representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X as she amplified Bowden's assertions about ivermectin.

HealthandMe spoke to experts to understand the truth behind these claims, and they dismissed the misinformation surrounding them stat.

Dr Jatin Ahuja, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Apollo Delhi, noted that, "there is currently no strong scientific evidence or official guideline supporting ivermectin as a proven treatment for hantavirus in humans".

He advised people to avoid self-medication or depending on unverified online claims and to consult a doctor at the earliest if they experience any symptoms.

Dr Rajiva Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, added that ivermectin is not approved for the treatment of hantavirus infection by major global regulatory and public health agencies, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the US Food and Drug Administration.

"Current claims linking ivermectin to hantavirus treatment appear largely unverified and are being circulated primarily through social media platforms," he told HealthandMe.

Also read: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

What Ivermectin Is Actually Approved For?

Ivermectin is a well-established medication that is highly effective against parasites. It was developed to treat topical parasitic infections and has been widely used for conditions like river blindness and scabies.

The drug's significance in treating these diseases was so profound that researchers who studied it won the Nobel Prize in 2015.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ivermectin tablets for treating specific parasitic infections in humans. It is also available as a lotion to treat lice and as a cream for rosacea. Additionally, veterinarians also use it to prevent and treat parasitic diseases in animals.

Previously, ivermectin also gained popularity as a cancer cure, although there is no scientific evidence for it.

To understand the treatment for hantavirus, let us first look at how the rat-borne virus affects the body.

"Once hantavirus enters the body, it mainly affects the lungs and small blood vessels," Dr Jatin told HealthandMe.

In some patients, the infection can cause fluid build-up in the lungs, which may lead to breathing problems and low oxygen levels.

Further, the severity of symptoms also can vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as the amount of virus a person was exposed to, the body’s immune response, and how early treatment is started.

Like many viral infections, a higher viral load may sometimes be linked to more severe illness, although every patient can respond differently, the experts said.

Read More: High Blood Pressure? Daily Soy And Legume Intake May Help Lower The Risk: Study

Hantavirus: The Early Viral-like Symptoms

One challenge with hantavirus is that the early symptoms are quite non-specific and may resemble several common viral or respiratory infections.

Fever, body ache, fatigue, headache, nausea, and cough are commonly reported in the initial stage. In a few cases, symptoms may progress to breathing difficulty and lung-related complications, which require timely medical care.

So, How Can Hantavirus Be Treated?

Currently, treatments focus on medical care support and managing complications at the earliest stage possible.

"Patients may require oxygen support, hydration, monitoring, and intensive care depending on the severity of the illness. Early recognition and prompt medical attention remain important for better outcomes," Dr Jatin said.

Dr Rajiva noted that approved management for hantavirus infection remains primarily supportive, focused on respiratory and hemodynamic (circulatory) support. Among the therapies explored so far, ribavirin and monoclonal antibodies have shown some potential in experimental settings and animal models, but these are still under investigation and are not widely approved as standard treatment options.

How Can You Safeguard Against Hantavirus?

Also read: Hantavirus: Is Climate Change Behind The Outbreak?

Since there is no direct cure for hantavirus infection, prevention becomes extremely important. Key precautions include:

• Avoid direct contact with rodents such as rats and mice
• Maintain cleanliness in areas vulnerable to rodent infestation
• Use gloves and masks while cleaning closed or dusty spaces
• Avoid dry sweeping, as it can spread contaminated particles into the air
• Keep food properly covered and dispose of waste carefully
• Ventilate closed rooms or storage areas before cleaning them.