It seems like winter has become a gauntlet of illness, between colds, flu, COVID-19, and norovirus, it can be impossible to remain healthy. However, knowing these illnesses, their symptoms and the ways in which they spread may help you ride out the season more effectively. Here's a closer look at these winter ills and some proactive measures you can take to protect yourself and your family.

Though viruses are present all year round, winter creates the perfect storm of infections. According to scientists, this uptick is due to more time spent indoors and the cold, dry air weakening our immune defenses. Respiratory and stomach viruses thrive under these conditions, making it vital to distinguish between them for effective care and prevention.

Experts have noticed that the pattern of respiratory illnesses has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. High-level simultaneous spread of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 has been observed, making it a challenging phenomenon for health care systems.

Winter illnesses are very overwhelming, but some basic steps like hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and getting vaccinated can make a lot of difference in keeping yourself and others safe. If you are feeling unwell, just stay home, rest, and seek the opinion of a healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen.

Spot the Difference Between All Symptoms

Each illness has its own signs, and the following can be seen to point towards the disease.

Norovirus

Often termed as "stomach flu," norovirus spreads by contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain and last 1–3 days.

Common Cold

Caused by viruses, common colds are generally marked by a runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sometimes low-grade fever. Its symptoms typically take a week to resolve.

Flu (Influenza)

It can cause sudden onset and symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, cough, and fatigue and may last for up to two weeks.

COVID-19

Its symptoms overlap with flu but might include shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue. Duration varies, but the symptoms could be several days or more.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Common in children but increasingly affecting adults over 50, RSV can cause runny noses, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing, persisting for one to two weeks.

If you’re unsure about your illness, testing can provide clarity, especially for COVID-19 and flu, which have specific treatments available.

Also Read: Is US Preparing For A Quad-Demic 2025?

Why Hand Hygiene is the Most Important?

Viruses spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or droplets from coughs and sneezes. One of the easiest things to do to prevent this is by washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

Scour your hands for at least 20 seconds and be sure to clean every area, such as under the nails and between the fingers, for maximum cleanliness. When soap is not available, a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is effective against most germs, though it won't kill norovirus.

Clean your high-touch surfaces regularly, such as doorknobs, light switches, and cell phones. For norovirus, disinfect contaminated surfaces with chlorine bleach solutions. Do not forget to wash clothes or linens that may have come into contact with bodily fluids in hot water and detergent.

Key Preventive Measure To Take When You Are Sick

Prevention is the best strategy against these diseases. Masks, especially N95 or medical-grade ones, reduce exposure to respiratory viruses in crowded or enclosed spaces. Being up to date on COVID-19 boosters, annual flu shots, and RSV vaccines (for those eligible) significantly reduces the severity of infections. Lastly, don't touch your face because touching it introduces germs on your hands into your body.

Your immune system works best when well-rested. Sleep deprivation, stress, and even dehydration weaken your defenses. Prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated can strengthen your body's ability to fight off infections.

Can People Get Both COVID-19 and flu or RSV and COVID-19 at the Same Time?

This winter marks another season of the "tripledemic," with flu, COVID-19, and RSV circulating simultaneously. Some patients are experiencing co-infections, with overlapping symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue. While rare, these cases underline the importance of vaccinations and preventive measures.

If You're Sick, Should You Stay At Home And Rest Or See A Doctor?

If symptoms arise, appropriate measures can help you recover while preventing the spread to others. Staying home minimizes the risk of transmission. Hydration and rest support recovery, while over-the-counter pain relievers and humidifiers can ease symptoms. For norovirus, rehydration is crucial to combat the dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist.

As the seasons progress, remaining vigilant and proactive can help one navigate these tough months while securing health and wellness.

Cancer is often seen as a disease that primarily affects older individuals. After all, the average age of diagnosis is 66, and the risk of developing cancer rises steadily with age. However, a disturbing trend is emerging: more young adults are being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50. This article explores this shift, its potential causes, and the types of cancers that are rising in younger populations.

In the United States, cancer is diagnosed in fewer than 25 out of every 100,000 people under the age of 20, and it accounts for just 1 percent of all cancer diagnoses, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). By the time individuals reach the ages of 45 to 49, the incidence of cancer jumps to about 350 cases per 100,000 people. This rate almost triples to 1,000 cases per 100,000 in people 60 and above. Nevertheless, researchers now notice a concerning trend—a rise in the number of cancer cases being diagnosed in young adults, especially those below 50.

A new research by the NCI shows an in-depth analysis of early-onset cancers in the US. The research, which spanned over 2 million cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2019, revealed substantial increases in certain forms of cancer among younger individuals. Breast, colorectal, kidney, and uterine cancers were identified as the top drivers of this increase. Of the 33 cancers examined, 14 had increasing rates in at least one younger age group, with 63% of these early-onset cancers being in women.

The NCI's report compared cancer incidence in 2019 with what could have been anticipated from the rates in 2010. The results are worrisome:

Breast Cancer: The biggest proportion of the increase was seen in breast cancer, with approximately 4,800 extra cases in young adults compared to what could have been anticipated.

Colorectal Cancer: There were 2,000 more than anticipated cases of colorectal cancer.

Kidney Cancer: 1,800 more cases of kidney cancer were diagnosed.

Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer diagnoses went up by 1,200 cases.

Interestingly, even as the diagnosis is on the increase, the mortality rates for the majority of cancers among young people have not actually increased. There were, however, sharp increases in the mortality rates for colorectal, uterine, and testicular cancers among the young population.

Why Is This Happening?

The causes of this rise in early-onset cancer are multifaceted and complex. Although more study is required, a number of theories have been put forward by specialists in the field:

Obesity: Obesity has been associated with a heightened risk of various cancers, including uterine and colorectal cancers, for many years. As obesity continues to increase, it could account for some of the rises in cancer diagnoses among young individuals.

Advances in Detection of Cancer: Enhanced screening techniques and shifts in guidelines for early detection may be contributing. These advances have resulted in increasing numbers of cancers being detected at an earlier stage, which may be contributing to the increase in diagnoses.

Delayed Childbearing: For women, delayed childbearing is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer. Pregnancy and lactation have been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer, therefore delayed pregnancies might be adding to the increase in cases among younger women.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Greater exposure to carcinogens, either through pollution, chemicals, or lifestyle choices, may also be affecting cancer rates among young people.

What Kinds of Cancer Are Increasing?

While the rate of cancer for some cancers in older individuals is decreasing, young people are experiencing more cases of certain cancers. The greatest increases have been seen in the following:

Breast Cancer

This cancer is among the most prevalent cancers of younger women, especially those under the age of 50. A concerning trend that has been seen is an increase in more aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, including triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers. These cancers are harder to treat and have poorer prognoses.

Colorectal Cancer

Previously viewed as a disease of predominantly older individuals, colorectal cancer is becoming more prevalent among young people. Early-onset colorectal cancer is specifically of concern because it is often diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat.

Uterine Cancer

This form of cancer is increasingly found in younger women. Similar to colorectal cancer, the increasing uterine cancer may be a result of the escalating obesity epidemic.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer diagnoses have similarly increased in young adults. While the causes of this are unknown, it is believed that obesity and other lifestyle-related issues may be to blame.

Are Some Cancers Are Decreasing Too?

While there has been an increase in early-onset cancers, it must be added that cancer incidence is falling for various forms in younger age groups. The most significant falls have been observed in lung cancer and prostate cancer.

Lung Cancer: The decrease in lung cancer is, in large part, due to the substantial reduction in cigarette smoking prevalence during the last decades. This has resulted in a commensurate reduction in the incidence of young adults with lung cancer.

Prostate Cancer: The reduction in prostate cancer incidence can be attributed to revised screening recommendations that discourage the routine use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in young men. This has lowered the rate of unnecessary diagnoses and treatments.

How Are Early-Onset Cancers Different?

The most glaring distinction between early-onset cancers and those that are diagnosed later in life is age. Yet, the aggressiveness of some cancers, particularly breast cancer, is a major consideration. Younger patients tend to have more aggressive types of cancer, which tend to be treated with more aggressive and invasive therapies.

In breast cancer, for instance, younger women will tend to carry genetically caused cancers, like the ones related to BRCA mutation. But again, these genes only explain only 20% of early-onset breast cancer, which points to other genetic or environmental exposures as well.

Can Early-Onset Cancer Be Prevented?

Although it is not possible for anybody to avoid the risk of cancer entirely, some lifestyle choices will minimize the chance of cancer occurrence. According to experts, they include the following:

• Physical activity can lower the risk of developing many cancers, including breast and colon cancer.
• A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of cancer. Reducing processed foods and alcohol consumption is also helpful.
• Smoking is a major cause of cancer, especially lung cancer. Stopping smoking at any age can lower the risk substantially.
• If there is a family history of cancer, it is critical to bring this up with your physician. Genetic counseling and ongoing screening may help detect cancers at an earlier stage, when they are more treatable.
• Early awareness of cancer signs and symptoms is key. Regular check-ups and screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies, can detect cancers before they become problematic, enhancing the potential for effective treatment.

Although the increase in early-onset cancers is distressing, it is also an urgent call for more research. Researchers need to work towards establishing the root cause of this surge, especially for cancers such as breast, colorectal, and uterine cancers. Through the discovery of the drivers behind these trends, we can then create better prevention methods and treatment options, improving the prognosis of younger cancer patients.

The growing number of cancers occurring before the age of 50 is an important public health issue that must be addressed now. Although certain cancers are decreasing, others are increasing, and it is imperative to keep monitoring and studying these trends to promote a healthier tomorrow for everyone.

An 18-year-old Sreenanda from Kerala, India, died after months of adhering to a radical water-only diet based on videos from YouTube. Her treating doctor, Dr. Nagesh Prabhu, said the teenager had anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder, which went un-diagnosed and un-treated until it was too late.

Despite having been put on a ventilator during her last days, the extended deprivation of nutrients had already done its permanent damage- malnourishment, a significantly reduced stomach and esophagus, and near-critically low sodium and blood sugar levels that were impossible to correct through medicine.

This tragedy is not only a local news item. It is symptomatic of a spreading, international public health and mental health issue—how eating disorders such as anorexia are misperceived, dismissed, and compounded by online misinformation and social pressure.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is not just a diet that has gotten out of control—it is a severe mental illness with potentially life-threatening results. People with anorexia usually develop a distorted view of their body and an extreme fear of gaining weight, even when they are underweight or starving. This psychological disorder results in restrictive eating habits, compulsive behavior regarding food and exercise, and, in most instances, the refusal to accept the seriousness of their health.

It impacts both males and females, although it is more common in teenagers, who are more likely to be subject to peer pressure, social media ideals of beauty, and emotional instability during their teen years.

Dr. Prabhu discovered that Sreenanda had started displaying signs of extreme food restriction some six months prior to her death. Her family, however, misunderstood her condition and dismissed it as a characteristic of a typical adolescent. As with most others who suffer from anorexia, she had learned to conceal the severity of the illness.

"Eventually, patients lose the sensation of hunger," explained Dr. Prabhu. "Her sugar and sodium levels had dropped to levels that were uncorrectable. She was starving almost." Compounding the issue was the reach of untested diet content from YouTube, which misledly promoted water fasting as a fast and safe method for weight loss.

This misinformation cost Sreenanda her life—and highlights the risk of unmonitored diets and the need for mental health education surrounding eating disorders.

Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

The indications of anorexia are more than physical—they're behavioral and emotional. Symptoms include:

• Severe weight loss or inability to gain expected weight.
• Fatigue, dizziness, and intolerance to cold.
• Swelling of limbs, stomachaches, constipation.
• Insomnia, irritability, and mood swings.
• Obsessive food behaviors—such as skipping meals, eating exclusively "safe" foods, or exercising compulsively.
• Low self-esteem, social isolation, and a strong fear of gaining weight.
• In women, cessation of menstrual periods without the use of birth control.

If the body is starved, brain function also breaks down, making it more difficult for people to realize the extent of their malady. This usually brings with it refusal to seek treatment and an even more precipitous decline.

What are the Risks of Anorexia?

The medical effects of anorexia extend far beyond being underweight. Chronic malnourishment can lead to:

• Anemia
• Bone thinning and bone fractures
• Kidney and liver failure
• Irrregular or slowed heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Multi-organ failure
• Brain atrophy
• Death from heart-related complications or suicide

As reported by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), anorexia has the second-highest death rate among all mental disorders, only beat by opioid dependence. Eating disorders kill over 10,000 people annually in the U.S., and suicide accounts for 24% of deaths related to anorexia.

Anorexia, when detected and addressed early, is controllable and even reversible through appropriate intervention consisting of nutritional rehabilitation, medical attention, and psychotherapy. The disorder, though, being of a specific kind, means many of its sufferers do not respond to it being addressed. They deny illness, think they remain overweight, or are afraid treatment will compel them to become obese.

Family, teachers, and friends are important in recognizing early warning signs and stimulating prompt medical assistance. Procrastination can be lethal.

Can Anorexia Be Prevented?

Although anorexia cannot be prevented with certainty, professionals concur that encouraging healthy food attitudes, body image, and self-esteem in early life will substantially lessen the risk. This entails:

• Promoting activities and accomplishments unrelated to looks.
• Practicing balanced eating and positive body image within the home.
• Reducing exposure to negative or unattainable beauty standards on the internet.
• Being wary of diet or health fads on social media sites.

In Sreenanda's case, it was a mixture of web misinformation, unresolved mental health issues, and failure of early intervention that led to her death. Her tale serves as a graphic reminder that eating disorders are no phase or a choice of lifestyle—these are life-threatening conditions that need specialized attention.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, get help now. Recovery is possible—with care, understanding, and prompt action.

It's 7 a.m., and your day has barely begun, and yet you're already multitasking with a 10-step skincare regimen of foaming cleanser, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, facial oil, sunscreen and don't even get me started on that jade roller and overnight mask from the night before. Ringing any bells? You're not alone.

With wanting a flawless glass skin and TikTok-driven beauty hacks, skincare has evolved from a self-care ritual into what feels like a full-time job. From the 7-step Korean regimen to multi-layered product cocktails touted by influencers, the pressure to “do it all” is real. We’ve been led to believe that more products mean better skin but what if that’s not the whole truth?

Welcome to the world of minimalist skincare, where less isn’t just more, it’s smarter. This article explores the growing shift away from overwhelming routines toward a simpler, science-backed approach to skincare that actually gives your skin room to breathe. Let’s dive into why doing less might just be the best thing you’ll ever do for your skin.

In a world of complicated 10-step skin regimens, the minimalist skin movement is generating a subtle revolution. While bathroom counters are drowning in cleansers, serums, masks, and exfoliators, an increasing number of consumers are demanding to know: do we really need all of this? Driven by science, sustainability, and healthy skin, minimalist skin presents a healthy, results-based alternative to beauty excess.

What is Skin Minimalism?

Skin minimalism isn't about doing the bare minimum or neglecting something—it's about doing what counts. This emerging philosophy is about stripping back your routine to just a handful of must-do steps, prioritizing quality ingredients rather than quantity. By cutting back, you're giving your skin permission to reset, breathe, and get its natural rhythm back.

Rather than applying five serums and following fad beauty trends, skin minimalists stick to a routine that is consistent, evidence-based. That involves fewer actives, less trial and error, and more faith in the skin's natural capacity to repair and regenerate—if supported correctly.

Dermatologist Dr. Kiran Sethi calls it a "skin-first mindset." “It’s not about less effort, it’s about smarter choices. You’re focusing on what the skin truly needs and avoiding the noise,” she says.

The 3-Step Skincare Routine

At the core of minimalist skincare is the three-step skincare routine: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. These steps support skin health at a foundational level.

1. Cleanse

A mild cleanser wipes away dirt, oil, and impurities without upsetting the skin's own moisture barrier. Harsh detergents and over-washing can cause dryness and irritation, so there is an argument for fewer, milder washes—particularly in the morning.

2. Moisturize

Select a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. Dry skin types should seek humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid; oily skin types should use gel-based products. Toners are not necessary but must be hydrating and non-irritating if used.

3. Sun Protection

No skincare routine would be complete without sunscreen. A broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 not only shields against premature aging and sunspots, but also guards your skin against dangerous risks such as skin cancer. Even minimalist routines never omit this step.

A core component of minimalist skincare is skin fasting, or the act of giving up skincare products completely in order to reboot the skin. Similar to the way intermittent fasting affects the body, skin fasting has the ability to rebalance sebum production, curb inflammation, and restore the barrier function.

To begin, you can try eliminating one product at a time and see how your skin reacts. Throughout this reset phase, hydration (internal and external), sun protection, and gentle cleansing are important. When the skin seems more stable and less reactive, you can then gradually add products back in so that you can see what's really working and what you don't need.

Why is Gen Z Getting Attracted Towards Overdoing Skincare?

Ironically, as skin minimalism picks up steam, a lot of Gen Z consumers are going in the opposite direction. Driven by TikTok trends, influencer routines, and a deluge of product drops, young users tend to get caught up in over-layering active ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs, and vitamin C.

While the ideal may be glassy, blemish-free skin, the reality tends to be heightened sensitivity, breakouts, and a weakened skin barrier. As dermatologists note, excessive skincare can disrupt the skin's microbiome, stimulate inflammation, and even cause product dependency, wherein the skin becomes unable to self-regulate.

Minimalist skincare, on the other hand, permits the skin to become more resilient in the long run—without growing dependent on perpetual topical intervention.

Minimalist skincare isn't about abandoning results—it's just about selecting evidence-based, multi-tasking products and treatments that bring real transformation without over-stressing the skin.

Dr. Sethi invokes Profhilo, a filler injectable of hyaluronic acid-based, as excellent proof. "It's not volumizing or changing your face; it's hydrating deeply and rejuvenating from within," she says. Profhilo provokes the production of collagen and elastin with little downtime and no layering—a perfect application of minimalist philosophies.

This is future skincare: not glitzy, not involved, but utilitarian and productive.

Minimalist skincare is also a reflection of larger values of conscious living. With fewer products there is less packaging waste, less environmental pollution, and a more eco-friendly beauty regimen. It streamlines not only physical clutter but mental clutter—making your mornings, your money, and your skincare routine easier.

Instead of seeking quick fixes and the latest trends, skin minimalism is about taking a step back, listening in, and making skincare a mindful ritual.

Is Minimalism Right for Everyone?

Although skin minimalism is suitable for most individuals, especially those with sensitive, reactive, or overburdened skin, it will likely need to be adjusted. Individuals with particular skin issues such as acne, rosacea, or eczema must consult a dermatologist before streamlining too extensively.

The concepts, however intentionality, simplicity, and respect for the skin—are universal positives.

Minimalist skincare is not just a trend it's a revolution for your skin rooted in science, sustainability, and simplicity. In an era where more often equates to better, this movement shows that less really can be more.

Dr Kiran Sethi is a dermatologist and celebrity skin expert with specialisation in Integrative Aesthetic, Founder and Medical Director Isya Aesthetics and the author of Best Seller Skin Sense