Mosquitoes are a big part of the ecosystem, but often are a nuisance as they bite and feed off of us. Their bites cause itchy red bumps and spread infections and allergies in our bodies. But have you ever wondered why they bite certain people more than others? While some people are plagued by mosquito bites, others barely notice them. Here are some interesting facts about mosquitoes that you must know about!

1. Carbon Dioxide:

Mosquitoes are attracted to a certain smell that emits from the human body that is present in the human skin and sweat, mosquitoes can sense the carbon dioxide or CO2 we breathe out. The more active you are, the more CO2 you emit and the more mosquitoes will be attracted to you. Researchers are still investigating the cause of the variation of body odour that brings them to you, possibly genetics or certain bacteria. The unique combination of sweat and skin bacteria creates a scent that mosquitoes find irresistible. Some chemicals in sweat, like lactic acid and ammonia, are especially attractive to them.

2. Colours

While the reason isn't fully understood, mosquitoes seem to be drawn to dark colours like black more than lighter ones. So, ditch the dark outfit next time you're in mosquito territory. It has been noted that mosquitoes are more likely to leave lighter colours alone.

3. Heat and Vapour

Mosquitoes can detect your body's heat and water vapour, acting like a beacon guiding them right to you. So next time you're feeling sweaty, be aware you might be attracting a lot of mosquitoes. If you are working out or doing something that is making you sweat and your body heat rise, the mosquitoes nearby will be instantly attracted to you. Even mosquitoes are careful about who they pick as a host, some studies even suggest that they like a certain body temperature to feed off of.

An interesting fact about mosquitoes is that they can learn to like a host. They have their own preferences and if they meet a certain person who fits their criteria they might be the next host they move onto. In an older study, it showed that 20 per cent of people with mosquito-borne diseases accounted for 80 per cent of diseases transmitted in the population. They suggest that they only bite a certain set of people within the population.

4. Other factors:

Studies suggest mosquitoes might learn to prefer certain people based on things like what you've been drinking. In a 2002 study, there could be many reasons they like alcohol to making your body temperature high etc. Even pregnant women seem to be extra attractive to them due to higher body temperature and CO2 output.

Anyone who has purchased omeprazole will have noticed a clear NHS warning advising against using the drug for longer than two weeks due to its possible impact on the body. Omeprazole belongs to a group of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, and is commonly used across the UK to treat conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

How Omeprazole Works and How It Is Prescribed?

Omeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It comes in several forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid preparations. While some versions can be bought directly from pharmacies or shops, the medicine is most often prescribed by a GP.

Although it is effective at easing symptoms linked to excess stomach acid, health experts caution against long-term use. Taking omeprazole for extended periods has been linked to a higher chance of developing certain side effects, which is why routine, prolonged use is usually discouraged.

What NHS Guidance Says About Duration of Use

The NHS clearly advises people who buy omeprazole without a prescription not to take it for more than two weeks. Its guidance states: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than 2 weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”

In cases where symptoms are more severe or ongoing, a GP may recommend continuing the medication for longer under medical supervision. However, anyone worried about the risks of taking omeprazole beyond a fortnight is advised to discuss this with their doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.

Possible Side Effects of Omeprazole

Like all medicines, omeprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. According to NHS information, some side effects are more likely to appear if the drug is taken continuously for 12 months or longer.

Common Side Effects

Milder and more common side effects associated with omeprazole include:

• Constipation
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick
• Excess wind
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

More Serious Risks to Be Aware Of

Less common but more serious side effects linked to omeprazole use include weakened bones, which may increase the risk of fractures. In rare cases, people may experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the tongue or throat, an itchy raised rash, and difficulty breathing.

Other reported risks include a form of lupus that can lead to joint pain and skin rashes, as well as low vitamin B12 levels, which may result in tiredness, muscle twitching, and dizziness.

When to Seek Medical Help?

The NHS also advises calling 111 if you are taking omeprazole and believe you may be experiencing serious side effects. This list does not cover every possible reaction, and individual responses to the drug can vary.

For full guidance, patients are encouraged to read the leaflet included with their medication. More detailed information on how to take omeprazole safely, along with a complete breakdown of potential side effects, is available on the NHS website.

If it feels like the flu is everywhere right now, that feeling is not off the mark. This season is shaping up to be particularly harsh. That makes it even more important to use every available option to slow the spread, including at-home flu tests.

Speaking on *Good Morning America* on Tuesday, ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton said this year’s flu wave has arrived sooner and with more force than last year. He explained that when flu activity starts early and remains heavy, the overall impact can be serious, not because the virus behaves differently in individuals, but because more people fall ill over a longer stretch of time. That prolonged pressure, he warned, can put a real strain on healthcare systems.

Are Flu Cases On The Rise?

Flu cases are increasing across the US and continue to climb. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current season has already seen at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospital admissions, and around 3,100 deaths linked to flu. Much of this activity has been associated with a newer strain, known as subclade K, identified through further testing of thousands of samples sent to the CDC.

Experts say mutations in this strain have created a mismatch with the composition of this season’s flu vaccine. Even so, specialists stress that the vaccine still plays an important role in lowering the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalisation and death. They also note that it is not too late to get vaccinated this season.

Are At Home Flu Tests Accurate?

The US Food and Drug Administration cleared the first combined flu and COVID-19 home test kits in 2023, followed by the first rapid antigen versions toward the end of 2024. These tests are now available in pharmacies, much like at-home COVID kits.

That said, at-home flu tests come with limits, similar to what people experienced with home COVID testing. As the respiratory virus season intensifies, it is important to understand how these tests perform.

While home flu antigen tests are easy to use and relatively affordable, they are not as sensitive as lab-based testing, according to Campbell. He explains that this means a significant number of people who actually have the flu may still test negative. The tests also tend to work better in children than in adults. In children, sensitivity ranges from about 50 to 80 per cent, while in adults it is likely closer to 50 per cent or even lower. In practical terms, that means someone with flu may only get a positive home test result about half the time.

A study from 2022 found that at-home flu tests had a sensitivity of roughly 63 per cent when used within 72 hours of symptom onset. A more recent study examining a rapid combined COVID, flu, and RSV test reported flu sensitivity at just 54 per cent.

At the same time, the FDA has pointed to data showing that the first test it authorised correctly identified between 90.5 per cent and 92 per cent of flu A and B cases.

Experts say there are ways to improve the chances of getting an accurate result, including testing at the right moment and carefully following all instructions provided with the kit.

When to Take an At-Home Flu Test?

The timing of the test makes a big difference when it comes to accuracy. Bradley advises taking the test as soon as symptoms appear. Early symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and congestion often coincide with the highest viral load in the body. This is when an antigen test is most likely to detect the infection.

In the two to three days that follow, viral levels tend to drop, Bradley explains, and test performance declines noticeably. By around 72 hours after symptoms begin, accuracy can be significantly reduced.

Campbell echoes this advice and suggests testing within the first one to two days of feeling unwell. For best results, people should aim to test as soon as they notice symptoms or within the first few days of illness.

How At-Home Flu Tests Work?

Like home COVID-19 tests, flu tests detect specific viral proteins, known as antigens. These particles are found in nasal fluid, which is collected using a swab.

Unlike COVID antigen tests, flu tests can also distinguish between influenza A and influenza B. Bradley explains that flu viruses are structured differently, which allows tests to tell these two types apart.

From a practical standpoint, whether the result shows flu A or flu B does not change much. Both strains spread in similar ways, are treated the same, and can lead to severe illness, particularly in people who are older or otherwise vulnerable.

With January here, many people are setting health and fitness goals for the New Year, including trying to lose weight. Regular exercise, gym sessions, and a balanced, nutritious diet are essential for overall well-being and can support weight loss. For some, though, these efforts may not be enough. In certain cases, medications that support weight loss can be an option.

These are generally prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes or for those who have struggled to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone. They are not meant only for people who “cannot” lose weight, but rather serve as an additional tool when other methods haven’t been enough.

What Are GLP-1 Agonists?

GLP-1 agonists are medicines like tirzepatide and semaglutide, often sold under brand names such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy. They are typically prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes or for long-term weight management in specific cases. These medications work by slowing the emptying of the stomach and mimicking gut hormones, helping control blood sugar levels and reducing appetite, as per Mirror.

NHS Alert for Patients Taking Mounjaro

For those eligible for these injections and prescribed them by a GP, there is an important alert from the NHS. This mainly concerns people who are also taking other medications, such as the contraceptive pill or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). An ‘important notice’ on the NHS website advises that these injections can affect how well the pill and HRT work in the body.

The NHS explains: “Many patients are now using weight loss medicines like Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) — either for diabetes or privately for weight loss. These medications work partly by slowing how quickly your stomach empties, which can change how effectively other medicines (like the contraceptive pill or HRT tablets) are absorbed.”

Warning Points If You Take the Contraceptive Pill

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may reduce the effectiveness of any oral contraceptive, including the Progesterone-Only Pill. The NHS recommends that you:

• Use a non-oral contraceptive method (such as a coil or implant)
• Or use a barrier method (like condoms) for four weeks after starting or increasing the dose

The NHS adds: “Use extra protection (like condoms) if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, and follow the missed pill rules (see your pill’s patient information leaflet) if you vomit within three hours of taking it or have diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours.”

For Semaglutide and similar medications, the NHS says they do not seem to reduce the pill’s effectiveness. However, side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea can still affect absorption.

“So, use additional protection (like condoms) if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, and follow the missed pill instructions (see the patient leaflet) if vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the pill or diarrhoea lasts over 24 hours,” the NHS advises. “For more details, see: Patient Information GLP-1 Agonists and Contraception.”

Non-Oral Contraception and Safety

The NHS confirms that GLP-1 agonists do not impact non-oral contraception methods. Using options like the coil (IUD), implant, or injection is safe without extra precautions when on a GLP-1 agonist. If you are considering changing your contraceptive method, discuss it with your doctor first.

The health service also stresses: “GLP-1 agonists should not be used during pregnancy. Effective contraception is essential while taking these medications. If you become pregnant while on these medicines, contact your doctor immediately. GLP-1 agonists should also be stopped several weeks before trying to conceive.”

If you are using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

This guidance applies if your HRT contains progesterone in tablet form, such as:

• Progesterone or Utrogestan
• Norethisterone
• Medroxyprogesterone acetate

As per the NHS, there are concerns that medicines like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide may interfere with how well these tablets are absorbed by the body. According to the NHS, reduced absorption can result in irregular bleeding and may weaken protection of the womb lining, which could increase the risk of endometrial cancer.