Scientists recently identified two new strains of SARS-CoV-2 — one of which had been discovered in the United Kingdom and the other in South Africa. A new Pfizer study concludes that its vaccine should be effective against the U.K. variant.
Both new variants, which appear to be more contagious, have mutations in a spike protein called N501Y.
Because most vaccines currently under investigation essentially teach the immune system to respond to the spike proteins, some people have questioned whether the vaccines will be effective against the variants.
The new study, which appears on a preprint server, is a combined effort from Pfizer and scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
The researchers analyzed blood samples from 20 people who had received the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine during previous clinical trials.
They demonstrated that antibodies from vaccine recipients successfully fought off a virus with the N501Y mutation. The study has limitations, though. For instance, the variant first identified in South Africa has an additional mutation known as E484K, which the new study did not address.
Importantly, the study has also not yet been peer-reviewed. Meanwhile, Pfizer’s chief scientific officer, Dr. Philip Dormitzer, acknowledges:
“It was a very reassuring finding that at least this mutation, which was one of the ones people are most concerned about, does not seem to be a problem.”
The authors of the preprint conclude: “The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates continuous monitoring of the significance of changes for vaccine coverage. This surveillance is accompanied by preparations for the possibility that a future mutation in SARS-CoV-2 might necessitate a vaccine strain change. Such a vaccine update would be facilitated by the flexibility of mRNA-based vaccine technology.”
Globally, diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent, as are the myths and misconceptions that surround it. Here, we discuss 11 of these repeated untruths.
Currently, around 1 in 10 people in the United States have diabetes. Globally, more than 422 million people are living with the disease.
Although diabetes is a familiar word, symptoms vary, and the biological mechanisms involved are complex. Because it is both common and complicated, half-truths abound.
Unfortunately, some of the myths we cover in this article increase the stigma attached to diabetes. For this reason alone, it is essential to challenge these falsehoods.
Firstly, we will briefly explain what diabetes is and highlight the differences between the three most common forms of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the pancreas cells that create insulin. It tends to occur earlier in life than type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin, does not respond well to insulin, or both.
At least 90% of people with diabetes in the U.S. have type 2.
Gestational diabetes, as the name suggests, occurs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body needs more insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot meet these new requirements.
Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, there is a risk of developing it again during future pregnancies and developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
1. Eating sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not directly cause diabetes. However, consuming a sugary diet can lead to overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
This is a common myth, perhaps understandably — blood sugar levels play an essential role in diabetes. Sugar itself, though, is not a causal factor.
As ever, the story is complex: there does appear to be a link between regularly drinking soda and risk for type 2 diabetes.
One large study published in 2013 found that, even after controlling for energy intake and body mass index (BMI), drinking soda has links with an increased risk of developing the disease. The study did not find this association in relation to other drinks, such as artificially-sweetened beverages and fruit juices.
Scientists still do not understand why some people develop type 1 diabetes, and others do not. However, nutrition is not a risk factor.
2. Diabetes is not serious
Perhaps because diabetes is so common, some people believe that it is not a serious disease. This is incorrect. There is no cure for diabetes, and there are a host of complications that can occur if a person does not manage the condition well.
Complications include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, skin conditions, and hearing impairment.
In 2018, diabetes was the underlying cause of 84,946 deaths in the U.S. The World Health Organization estimate that diabetes caused the death of 1.6 million people in 2016.
3. Diabetes only affects people with obesity
Overweight and obesity are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, but the condition can occur in people of any weight. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Statistic Report, 2020, 11% of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are neither overweight nor obese.
Type 1 diabetes has no associations with body weight.
4. Obesity always leads to diabetes
Although obesity increases the risk of diabetes, it does not inevitably lead to the disease. According to the CDC, an estimated 39.8% of adults in the U.S. have obesity, but 13% have diabetes.
5. People with diabetes cannot eat sugar
People with diabetes certainly do need to manage their diets carefully: monitoring carbohydrate intake is important. However, they can still incorporate treats.
The American Diabetes Association explain:
“The key to sweets is to have a very small portion and save them for special occasions, so you focus your meals on healthier foods.”
Individuals with diabetes need to carefully plan what and when they will eat to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain balanced.
A related myth is that people with diabetes need to eat special “diabetes-friendly” foods. These products are often more expensive, and some can still raise glucose levels.
6. Diabetes always leads to blindness and amputation
Thankfully, this is a myth. While it is true that diabetes can lead to blindness and amputations in some cases, it is not inevitable. And for individuals who manage their condition carefully, these outcomes are rare.
The CDC estimate that 11.7% of adults with diabetes have some level of vision impairment. Lower-extremity amputation occurs in around 0.56% of people with diabetes in the U.S.
Experts have identified several risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing diabetes-related complications. These include obesity and overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
7. People with diabetes should not drive
A diabetes diagnosis does not automatically mean that someone needs to stop driving. In a position statement on diabetes and driving, the American Diabetes Association explain:
“Most people with diabetes safely operate motor vehicles without creating any meaningful risk of injury to themselves or others.”
However, they also explain that, if concerns arise, people should undergo assessment on an individual basis. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation:
“People with diabetes are able to drive unless they are limited by certain complications of diabetes. These include severely low blood glucose levels or vision problems. If you are experiencing diabetes-related complications, you should work closely with your diabetes healthcare team to find out if diabetes affects your ability to drive.”
8. Prediabetes always leads to diabetes
In the U.S., an estimated 88 million, or 1 in 3, adults have prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to classify as diabetes. If left unchecked, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes.
However, it is not a given. Lifestyle changes can turn the tide. Regular physical activity and a more healthful diet can stop diabetes in its tracks.
9. People with diabetes cannot be active
Once again, this is untrue. In fact, exercise is an important component in the management of diabetes. Among other things, exercise helps drive weight loss and reduces blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for complications. It can also help the body use insulin better.
However, exercise can impact blood sugar levels in various ways, sometimes increasing it and, at other times, decreasing it.
According to Diabetes U.K., “Some days, you’ll do exactly the same type of activity and eat the same foods, but your blood sugar levels may act differently to what you’d expect.”
They also offer tips for managing blood sugar during activity:
Check your blood sugar while exercising and keep a record of how it behaves to show your doctor. This can help guide any necessary changes in insulin.
For people who are at risk of hypos, keep fast-acting carbohydrates close to hand.
Wear diabetes identification so that people can help if needed.
10. You can ‘catch’ diabetes
This is a myth. Pathogens do not cause diabetes, so a person cannot pass it to someone else. Doctors classify it as a noncommunicable disease.
11. Some natural products cure diabetes
Currently, there is no cure for diabetes. Any claims that a product can cure diabetes are false. Many herbal or natural products will do little or nothing and, in some cases, they can potentially cause harm; diabetes.co.uk explain:
“Because certain herbs, vitamins, and supplements may interact with diabetes medications (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects, it is often argued that using natural therapies could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels and raise the risk of other diabetes complications.”
Diabetes is a complex but common disease. As its prevalence increases, it is essential to overturn myths as we find them.
A plant based diet is one that focuses on only or mostly foods from plant sources. This way of eating may have benefits for both a person’s health and the planet.
In this article, we look at what a plant based diet is, the health benefits, and what nutritional considerations a person should make before switching.
What is a plant based diet?
A plant based diet is a diet that involves consuming mostly or only on foods that come from plants. People understand and use the term plant based diet in different ways.
Some people interpret it as a vegan diet, which involves avoiding all animal products.
For others, a plant based diet means that plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, are the main focus of their diet, but they may, occasionally, consume meat, fish, or dairy products.
A plant based diet also focuses on healthful whole foods, rather than processed foods.
Health benefits
Following a plant based diet offers many possible health benefits, including:
Better weight management
Research suggests that people who eat primarily plant based diets tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) and lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease than those who eat meat.
Plant based diets are high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and water content from fruit and vegetables. This may help to keep people feeling fuller for longer and increase energy use when resting.
A 2018 study found that a plant based diet was effective for treating obesity. In the study, researchers assigned 75 people who were overweight or had obesity to either a vegan diet or a continuation of their regular diet, which contained meat.
After 4 months, only the vegan group showed a significant weight loss of 6.5 kilograms (14.33 pounds). The plant based vegan group also lost more fat mass and saw improvements in insulin sensitivity, whereas those who consumed a regular diet with meat did not.
A 2009 study on more than 60,000 people also found that vegans had the lowest average BMI, followed by lacto-ovo vegetarians (those that eat dairy and eggs) and pescatarians (people who eat fish but no other meat). The group with the higher average BMI were nonvegetarians.
Lower risk of heart disease and other conditions
A 2019 study from the Journal of the American Heart Association found that middle aged adults who ate diets high in healthful plant foods and low in animal products had a lower risk of heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, eating less meat can also reduce the risk of:
stroke
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
certain cancers
type 2 diabetes
obesity
Diabetes prevention and treatment
Plant based diets may help people prevent or manage diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.
Of the 60,000 people studied in 2009, only 2.9% of people on a vegan diet had type 2 diabetes, compared to 7.6% of those eating a nonvegetarian diet.
People eating vegetarian diets that included dairy and eggs also had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than meat eaters.
Researchers have also looked at whether following a plant based diet can help treat diabetes. The authors of a 2018 review indicate that vegetarian and vegan diets could help people with diabetes reduce their medication needs, lose weight, and improve other metabolic markers.
The authors suggested that doctors might consider recommending plant based diets to people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. While veganism showed the most benefits, the researchers stated that all plant based diets would lead to improvements.
People wanting to try a plant based diet should try one that they think they can follow long term.
Foods to eat
People should focus on eating the following food groups when transitioning to a plant based diet:
Fruits
A plant based diet includes all fruits, such as:
berries
citrus fruits
bananas
apples
grapes
melons
avocado
Vegetables
A healthful plant based diet contains plenty of vegetables. Including a variety of colorful vegetables provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Examples include:
broccoli
kale
beetroot
cauliflower
asparagus
carrots
tomatoes
peppers
zucchini
Root vegetables are a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins. They include:
sweet potato
potatoes
butternut squash
beets
Legumes
Legumes are an excellent source of fiber and plant based protein. People can include a wide variety in their diet, including:
chickpeas
lentils
peas
kidney beans
black beans
Seeds
Seeds are a great snack or an easy way to add extra nutrients into a salad or on top of a soup.
Sesame seeds contain calcium and sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E. Other seeds include:
pumpkin
chia
hemp
flax
Nuts
Nuts are a good source of plant based protein and vitamins, such as selenium and vitamin E.
brazil
almonds
cashews
pecans
macadamia
pistachios
Healthful fats
It is vital to consume polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Plant based sources include:
avocados
walnuts
chia seeds
hemp seeds
flaxseed
olive oil
canola oil
Whole grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and help maintain stable blood sugar. They also contain essential minerals, such as magnesium, copper, and selenium.
Examples of whole grains include:
brown rice
oats
spelt
buckwheat
quinoa
wholegrain bread
rye
barley
Plant based milk
If people want to reduce their dairy intake, there is a wide range of plant based milk available in grocery stores and online. These include:
almond
soy
coconut
rice
oat
hemp
Just make sure to choose unsweetened plant milk options.
Foods to avoid
Just reducing or eliminating animal products does not automatically mean a plant based diet is healthful. It is also vital to reduce or avoid unhealthful foods, such as:
processed foods
sugary foods, such as cakes, biscuits, and pastries
refined white carbohydrates
processed vegan and vegetarian alternatives that may contain a lot of salt or sugar
excess salt
fatty, greasy, or deep fried foods
Considerations
Before starting a plant based diet, people should ensure they take steps to get enough of the following nutrients:
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient for blood and cell health. B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia and nerve damage. B-12 is present in many animal products but not in many plant based foods.
People who eat a vegan or even a vegetarian diet could consider taking a B-12 supplement or consume products fortified with B-12. Foods include some cereals, plant based milk, and nutritional yeast.
Iron
People following a plant based diet may have to ensure they get enough iron in their diet, as it has lower bioavailability in plants than meat.
Plant based foods that are a good source of iron include:
kidney beans
black beans
soybeans
spinach
raisins
cashews
oatmeal
cabbage
tomato juice
dark leafy greens
Make sure to combine citrus and other vitamin C sources with plant based sources of iron to increase absorption.
Protein
Some people may have concerns about getting enough protein from a plant based diet. However, there is a wide variety of plant based sources of protein, including:
lentils
chickpeas
quinoa
beans, such as kidney, pinto, or black beans
tofu
mushrooms
nuts
seeds
Consuming proteins from a variety of food sources can help provide all the necessary amino acids for good health. For example, people could add a handful of seeds or a spoonful of hummus to tofu or beans.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential as they help reduce inflammation, memory loss, and other chronic conditions, such as heart disease. The two primary omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA.
Fish, seafood, and animal products, such as eggs are among the primary sources EPA and DHA.
While several plant based foods, such as walnuts, hempseed, and flaxseed, contain omega-3 ALA, research shows that the body is slow and inefficient at converting ALA to EPA and DHA. Some people are also genetically at risk for poor absorption of ALA.
Vegetarians exhibit lower levels of DHA and EPA in blood and tissue, which may increase inflammation, memory difficulties, brain fog, and other effects. People following a plant based diet might want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement.
Some dietitians advise vegetarians to reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory linoleic acid they consume. Soybean, corn, sunflower, and safflower oils contain linoleic acid.
Summary
Eating a diet higher in plant foods and lower in animal products can have many health benefits, including weight loss or maintenance and a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
If people want to make the switch to a plant based diet, they can start by gradually reducing their meat and dairy intake.
Eating an entirely plant based meal once a week, or swapping out one animal product for a plant based one, can be an excellent place to start.
People may also wish to speak to a doctor or dietitian before making significant changes in their diet.
Although obesity is common, there are many misconceptions associated with it — and these myths often fuel social stigma. In this edition of Medical Myths, we tackle five of the most common misunderstandings about obesity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, 42.4% of adults have obesity. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that around 650 million adults have obesity.
People are growing increasingly aware of the health issues associated with obesity. However, despite public health campaigns, myths continue unabated. Many of the most common myths drive stigma that can impact the mental health of people with obesity.
For instance, the results of one 2020 meta-analysis on the subject indicate “a stronger association between weight stigma and diminished mental health with increasing body mass index [BMI].”
Addressing the myths that surround obesity is important. With this in mind, this article will tackle five of the most prevalent misunderstandings around this condition.
1. To reduce obesity, just eat less and move more
In many cases, consuming more calories than the body needs for a prolonged amount of time is the direct cause of obesity. Indeed, the vast majority of measures for reducing obesity aim to lower caloric intake, increase physical activity, or both.
Although diet and exercise are important factors, several unrelated factors can also play a significant part in obesity.
These factors, which people often forget about, include insufficient sleep, psychological stress, chronic pain, endocrine (hormone) disruptors, and the use of certain medications.
In these cases, overeating, for instance, may be a symptom rather than a cause.
Also, some of these factors work together to increase the chance of obesity. As an example, stress can increase the chance of obesity. Due to the prevalence of weight stigma, obesity can be stressful for some people, thereby increasing stress levels and sparking a negative feedback loop.
Added to this, stress can impact sleep quality, and this, in turn, might cause sleep deprivation, which is another factor in the development of obesity. Sleep deprivation also appears to increase stress levels. As one paper explains, “stress hormone levels correlate positively with decreased sleep duration.”
Sleep apnea, wherein a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep, is more prevalent in people with overweight or obesity. Again, a cycle can form: As they gain weight, their sleep apnea may worsen, which can lead to sleep deprivation, which can lead to further weight gain.
As another example, there appears to be an association between chronic pain and obesity. The reasons for this relationship are sure to be complex and differ from person to person, but they likely include chemical factors, sleep, depression, and lifestyle.
It is not difficult to see how chronic pain would both increase stress levels and impact sleep, adding to the negative loops outlined above.
Stress, sleep, and pain are just three interlinking factors that can drive obesity. Each person’s case will be different, but simply receiving an instruction to “move more and eat less” might not be an adequate intervention.
As this article will continue to reiterate, calorie intake and exercise are vital factors in reducing obesity, but they do not tell the whole tale.
2. Obesity causes diabetes
Obesity does not directly cause diabetes. It is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but not everyone with obesity will develop type 2 diabetes, and not everyone with type 2 diabetes has obesity.
Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, but it is not a risk factor for type 1 diabetes.
3. People with obesity are lazy
An inactive lifestyle is a factor in obesity, and becoming more active can aid weight loss, but there is more to obesity than inactivity.
One 2011 study used accelerometers to measure the activity levels of 2,832 adults, aged 20–79 years, for 4 days. Their step counts reduced as their weight increased, but the differences were not as significant as one might predict, particularly for women.
The list below shows the women’s weights and how many steps they took per day during this study:
those with a “healthy” weight: 8,819 steps
those with overweight: 8,506 steps
those with obesity: 7,546 steps
When one considers that someone with overweight or obesity expends more energy with each step, the difference between the groups’ overall energy expenditures may be even more slight.
This does not mean that physical activity is not essential for good health, but the story is more complex.
Another factor to consider is that not all people are able to perform physical activity. For instance, some physical disabilities can make moving challenging or impossible.
Also, certain mental health issues can severely impact motivation — and there appears to be a relationship between depression and obesity, which further deepens the complexity.
Aside from physical and mental health issues, some people with obesity may also have a negative body image, which might make leaving their home a more daunting prospect.
4. If your close relatives have obesity, so will you
The relationship between obesity and genetics is complex, but someone whose relatives have obesity will not necessarily develop the condition themselves. However, their chance of doing so is higher.
Understanding the role of genes and the environment in isolation is difficult; people who share similar genes often live together and, therefore, may have similar dietary and lifestyle habits.
In 1990, a group of researchers published a study that helped split genes from the environment. The results appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The scientists investigated twins who had been brought up apart and compared them with twins who had been brought up together. In this way, they hoped to tease apart the impact of genetics and the environment. Overall, they conclude:
“Genetic influences on [BMI] are substantial, whereas the childhood environment has little or no influence.”
One twin study from 1986 reached similar conclusions. The researchers found that the weights of adopted children correlated with the weights of their biological parents, but not with those of their adoptive parents.
Although more recent studies have identified a more significant role for the environment, genetics do appear to play an important part in obesity.
In recent years, scientists have searched for the genes that influence the chance of obesity. As the CDC explain, in most people with obesity, “no single genetic cause can be identified. Since 2006, genome-wide association studies have found more than 50 genes associated with obesity, most with very small effects.”
One gene that is linked to obesity is a variant of a gene called FTO. This variant, according to one 2011 study, is associated with a 20–30% increased chance of obesity.
Although genetics are important, this does not mean that obesity is inevitable for someone whose relatives have the condition. The above study, which involved individuals with the FTO gene variant, looked at the role of exercise. As the paper explains:
“Using data from over 218,000 adults, the authors found that carrying a copy of the susceptibility gene increased the odds of obesity by 1.23-fold. But the size of this influence was 27% less in the genetically susceptible adults who were physically active.”
A review and meta-analysis that investigated the same gene variant came to a similar conclusion. The authors explain that people with the FTO variant “respond equally well to […] weight loss interventions and thus genetic predisposition to obesity associated with the FTO minor allele can be at least partly counteracted through such interventions.”
However, it is important to reiterate the point that these interventions alone may not be helpful for some people.
5. Obesity does not impact health
This is a myth. There are several conditions associated with obesity. For instance, obesity increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and some mental health conditions.
That said, even modest weight loss can provide health benefits. According to the CDC, “weight loss of 5–10% of your total body weight is likely to produce health benefits, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugars.”
Also, a review of existing literature in the BMJ concludes that weight loss interventions “may reduce premature all-cause mortality in adults with obesity.”
Obesity is highly prevalent. Currently, the stigma surrounding the condition is unhelpful and can be damaging. We need to address it whenever we encounter it.
As coronavirus continues to make the news, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. In this Special Feature, we address some of these myths and conspiracy theories.
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread from Wuhan, China, to every continent except Antarctica.
The World Health Organization (WHO) changed their classification of the situation from a public health emergency of international concern to a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
The virus has been responsible for tens of millions of infections globally, causing more than a million deaths. The United States has been the most affected country.
As ever, when the word “pandemic” began appearing in headlines, people became fearful — and with fear came misinformation and rumors.
Below, we dissect some of the most common myths currently circulating on social media and beyond.
Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak
1. Spraying chlorine or alcohol on the skin kills viruses in the body
Applying alcohol or chlorine to the skin can cause harm, especially if it enters the eyes or mouth. These chemicals can disinfect surfaces, but people should not use them on their bodies.
Also, these products cannot kill viruses inside the body.
2. Only older adults and people with preexisting conditions are at risk of infections and complications
SARS-CoV-2, like other coronaviruses, can transmit to people of any age. However, older adults and individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or asthma, are more likely to become severely ill.
While people under 40, including children, are less likely to become severely ill with COVID-19, the disease can lead to complications and death in anyone.
3. Children cannot get COVID-19
Anyone, of any age, can develop the infection that causes COVID-19.
So far, most COVID-19 cases have been in adults, but children are not immune. That said, most children who develop COVID-19 have mild symptoms or none at all.
Also, on May 15, 2020, the WHO released a commentary about an inflammatory condition in children and adolescents that may have links with COVID-19.
The condition, called multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children, known as MIS-C, has features similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome.
Scientists currently know little about this condition, but research from May suggests that it is rare, “probably affecting no more than 1 in 1,000 children exposed to SARS-CoV-2.”
4. COVID-19 is just like the flu
Infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2 can cause COVID-19, an illness that can cause flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, a fever, and a cough. Symptoms of either COVID-19 or the flu can be mild, severe, or rarely, fatal. Both illnesses can also cause pneumonia.
However, the overall profile of COVID-19 is more serious. Different countries have reported different mortality rates, and the case fatality rate in the U.S. appears to be around 2.6%.
While scientists are still determining the exact mortality rate based on developing data, it is likely to be many times higher than that of the seasonal flu.
5. Everyone with COVID-19 dies
This is false. As we explain above, COVID-19 is fatal for a small percentage of people who develop the illness.
The WHO have reported that around 80% of people with COVID-19 experience a relatively form of the illness and do not need specialist treatment in a hospital. Mild symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a sore throat, tiredness, and shortness of breath.
Also, many people with the underlying infection experience no symptoms.
6. Cats and dogs spread the coronavirus
There have been several reports of pets developing the infection, including in the U.S. In most cases, the pets became sick after coming into contact with people who had COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “There is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Scientists are debating the importance of these cases in animals. For instance, Jonathan Ball, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, in the United Kingdom, says:
“We have to differentiate between real infection and just detecting the presence of the virus. I still think it’s questionable how relevant it is to the human outbreak, as most of the global outbreak has been driven by human-to-human transmission.”
7. Face masks always protect against the coronavirus
Healthcare workers use professional face masks that fit tightly to protect themselves from infections.
Disposable and cloth masks can protect against droplets, but neither can protect against aerosolized particles.
The CDC recommend that all people wear cloth face masks in public areas where it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot, or 2-meter, distance from others. This helps slow the spread of the virus.
Even while wearing a mask, it is essential to continue with other precautions, such as not touching the face, physical distancing, and washing the hands frequently.
Surgical masks and N95 respirators provide greater protection, but reserve these for healthcare workers.
8. Hand dryers kill the coronavirus
Hand dryers do not kill SARS-CoV-2. The best way to protect oneself and others from the virus is to wash the hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time.
When this is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
9. SARS-CoV-2 is just a mutated form of the common cold virus
Coronaviruses are a large family, and each has spiky proteins on their surface. Some use humans as their primary host and cause the common cold.
Other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, primarily infect animals.
Like COVID-19, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are caused by coronaviruses. These viruses also initially passed to humans from animals.
10. You have to be with someone for 10 minutes to catch the virus
The longer a person is close to someone with the infection, the likelier the virus is to transmit. However, the virus can pass from person to person in under 10 minutes.
11. Rinsing the nose with saline protects against the coronavirus
There is no evidence that a saline nasal rinse protects against any respiratory infections.
Some research suggests that a rinse might ease the symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, but scientists have not found that this technique reduces the risk of infection.
12. You can protect yourself by gargling bleach
People should never put bleach in their mouths. Gargling bleach could never benefit a person’s health.
Bleach is corrosive and can cause serious damage.
13. Antibiotics kill the coronavirus
Antibiotics only kill bacteria. They do not kill viruses.
14. Thermal scanners can diagnose the coronavirus
Thermal scanners can detect whether someone has a fever — which might result from any number of health issues.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2–14 days after the infection develops. This means that even if a person develops symptoms, they may have a normal temperature for days before a fever begins.
15. Garlic protects against coronaviruses
Some research suggests that garlic may slow the growth of some species of bacteria. COVID-19 results from a virus, not bacteria.
There is no evidence that garlic can protect people from COVID-19.
16. Parcels from China can spread the coronavirus
From previous research into coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2, including those that cause SARS and MERS, scientists believe that the virus cannot survive on letters or packages for extended periods.
The CDC explain that “Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products, or packaging.”
17. Home remedies can cure and protect against COVID-19
No home remedies can protect against COVID-19. This goes for vitamin C, essential oils, silver colloid, sesame oil, garlic, fish tank cleaner, sage, or water, even when a person sips it every 15 minutes.
The best approach is to wash the hands frequently, for 20 seconds at a time, to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to wear a face covering in public, and to avoid crowded places.
18. You can catch the coronavirus from eating Chinese food in the US
No, you cannot.
19. You can catch the coronavirus from urine and feces
This is likely false, but the jury is currently out. According to Prof. John Edmunds, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in the U.K.:
“It isn’t a very pleasant thought, but every time you swallow, you swallow mucus from your upper respiratory tract. In fact, this is an important defensive mechanism. This sweeps viruses and bacteria down into our gut where they are denatured in the acid conditions of our stomachs.”
“With modern, very highly sensitive detection mechanisms, we can detect these viruses in feces. Usually, the viruses that we can detect in this way are not infectious to others, as they have been destroyed by our guts.”
However, it is worth noting that some research suggests that viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 might persist in feces. A research letter in JAMA also concludes that SARS-CoV-2 is present in feces.
20. The virus will die off when temperatures rise
Some viruses, such as cold and flu viruses, spread more easily in colder months. This does not mean that their transmission stops in warmer weather.
As it stands, scientists do not know how temperature changes influence the behavior of SARS-CoV-2.
21. The coronavirus is the deadliest virus known to humans
While SARS-CoV-2 does appear to be more dangerous than influenza viruses, it is not the deadliest virus that people have faced. Others, such as the Ebola virus, have higher mortality rates.
22. Flu and pneumonia vaccines can protect against COVID-19
Because SARS-CoV-2 is distinct from other viruses, no existing vaccines can protect against it.
23. The virus originated in a laboratory in China
There is no evidence to back up this rumor, which has circulated on the internet. As a recent study demonstrates, SARS-CoV-2 is a natural product of evolution.
Some researchers believe that SARS-CoV-2 jumped from pangolins to humans. Others think that it passed to us from bats, like SARS did.
24. The outbreak began because people ate bat soup
While scientists are confident that the virus started in animals, there is no evidence that soup was involved.
25. 5G helps SARS-CoV-2 spread
As the world becomes more connected, some regions are rolling out 5G mobile technology. This has prompted a raft of conspiracy theories.
One of the most recent to emerge is that 5G is responsible for the swift spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe. This is a myth.
Some people believe that 5G helps viruses communicate, often citing a paper from 2011. In this study, the authors conclude that bacteria can communicate via electromagnetic signals.
However, experts dispute this theory. In any case, SARS-CoV-2 is a virus, not a bacterium.
Wuhan was one of the first cities to trial 5G in China, which helps explain the origin of some of these theories. However, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou also rolled out 5G at a similar time.
It is also worth noting that COVID-19 has significantly impacted countries with very little 5G coverage, such as Iran.
26. Drinking alcohol reduces the risk of infection
The WHO have released a response to the series of myths surrounding alcohol and COVID-19. They explain that while alcohol can disinfect the skin, it does not have this effect inside the body.
They continue, “Consuming any alcohol poses health risks, but consuming high-strength ethyl alcohol (ethanol), particularly if it has been adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences, including death.”
Also, in a fact sheet on the subject, they explain that “Alcohol use, especially heavy use, weakens the immune system — and thus reduces the ability to cope with infectious diseases.”
And because alcohol is associated with a number of diseases, it may make people more vulnerable to COVID-19.
27. Injecting or consuming bleach or disinfectant kills the virus
Consuming or injecting disinfectant or bleach does not wipe out viruses in the body, and it can be extremely dangerous.
As Dr. Wayne Carter, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, in the U.K., explains, “Disinfectants and bleach are strong oxidizing agents, useful to kill bacteria or viruses when they are deposited on surfaces, but these agents should not be ingested or injected. These agents can cause severe tissue burns and blood vessel damage.”
Dr. Penny Ward, a visiting professor of pharmaceutical medicine at King’s College London, in the U.K., notes, “Drinking bleach kills. Injecting bleach kills faster.”
28. You can contract the coronavirus in swimming pools
As the CDC observe, no evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 transmits via the water in swimming pools, hot tubs, or water parks. If this water is disinfected with chlorine or bromine, it should inactivate the virus.
Still, the virus can transmit in all the usual ways in these and any other shared spaces. A person contracts a SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhaling respiratory droplets that contain the virus or coming into contact with infected surfaces.
As in other public places, the CDC recommend staying 6 feet, or 2 meters, away from others at pools and water parks and wearing cloth face coverings when not in the water.
People who operate pools should take extra care to clean and disinfect all facilities.
What should we do?
The CDC recommend the following simple ways to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2:
avoiding close contact with people who seem ill or report symptoms
trying not to touch the eyes, nose, or mouth
staying home if any symptoms appear
sneezing into a tissue, then throwing it in the trash, or sneezing into the crook of the elbow
using standard cleaning sprays and wipes to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
washing the hands with soap regularly, for at least 20 seconds at a time
using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable
wearing a cloth face covering in stores, pharmacies, and other public settings
Although there are notable exceptions, most evidence suggests that COVID-19 is much less dangerous for children than it is for adults and infants.
Knowing the symptoms of COVID-19 in children can help parents and caregivers identify the emergency warning signs and seek appropriate care.
This article covers the symptoms of COVID-19 in children, some potential complications, and when to see a doctor.
Symptoms of COVID-19 in children
Data from both China and the United States on children with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, suggest that the risk of severe illness is lower in children than it is in adults.
A study of 2,752 cases of COVID-19 in children found that three had died, though the exact cause of death in each case is under investigation.
Current evidence suggests that infants have a higher rate of hospitalization, with some requiring treatment in intensive care units.
In China, more than 90% of children with COVID-19 had no symptoms and only mild-to-moderate disease.
The following are some symptoms that children may experience:
Fever: Although most adults report a fever with COVID-19, fevers are slightly less common among children, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Flu-like symptoms: Around 73% of children with COVID-19 had a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is much less common in children. In one analysis, 43% of adults and just 13% of children had this symptom.
Respiratory tract symptoms: Children with mild forms of the illness may develop a runny nose, cough, or sore throat.
Digestive symptoms: Some children develop vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea.
Changes in the sense of smell: A 2020 analysis found that most adults with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell. Researchers have not assessed this symptom in young people, but children may also lose their sense of taste or smell.
Pain: Children with COVID-19 may develop muscle pain or a headache.
Behavioral changes: Children may be moody or cry more often, especially if they are too young to verbally express their emotions or identify their symptoms. Some children may also be anxious, especially if they know that COVID-19 can be dangerous.
Overall, COVID-19 symptoms tend to be less severe in children. Children are also less likely than adults to report each symptom.
Complications
Children with underlying health conditions — such as lung disease, heart disease, or a weak immune system — are more susceptible to serious COVID-19 complications.
A CDC study that assessed COVID-19 symptoms in children used data on hospitalization and underlying medical conditions for 295 children. In that group, 77% of hospitalized children had at least one other medical condition. This suggests that comorbidities are a significant risk factor for hospitalization in children.
Even among high risk children, however, the risk of dying from COVID-19 is very low. Of 2,143 children included in a Chinese CDC study, just one 14-year-old died. Also, as above, 3 out of 2,572 children in a CDC study died, though the cause in each case is currently unconfirmed.
Some other potential complications include:
organ failure
the need to use a ventilator
sepsis, which is a severe infection that affects many systems in the body
heart failure
issues that can cause life threatening blood clots
Children with severe symptoms usually develop them within a week of getting sick.
A small number of children have also developed symptoms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This syndrome can cause symptoms that resemble those of toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease. Without treatment, it may be fatal.
Children with MIS-C may develop a rash, stomach pain, bloodshot eyes, exhaustion, diarrhea, or vomiting.
The following symptoms require emergency medical attention:
confusion
fever
chest pressure or pain
neck pain
difficulty breathing
blue or white face, fingers, or toes
an inability to stay awake
severe stomach pain
When to see a doctor
Most children have either no symptoms or only mild-to-moderate ones. These children do not need to go to the hospital or see a doctor.
However, parents and caregivers should call a pediatrician if their child shows any symptoms of COVID-19. The pediatrician can offer advice on which symptoms to watch and some suggestions for home treatment.
In some areas, a child may also need a referral for COVID-19 testing.
Call a doctor if:
the child seems very ill
they develop a rash
their symptoms get better and then get worse again
they recover from COVID-19 but then develop inflammatory symptoms, such as a rash, fever, or bloodshot eyes
Go to the emergency room if a child:
gasps for air or shows signs of respiratory distress, such as bluish lips, breathing very fast, or difficulty breathing
seems confused, seems lethargic, or cannot wake up
reports pressure or pain in their chest
has symptoms of organ failure, such as intense pain in the stomach, difficulty passing urine, an inability to move without help, or an inability to think clearly
Treatment
No medication can cure COVID-19. Although hospitals and researchers are exploring experimental treatments, these are currently only available to very sick people.
Most children can recover with home treatment. To help a child with COVID-19:
Encourage them to rest.
Give them lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Check on them regularly to ensure that they are not getting worse.
Ask a doctor about over-the-counter pain and fever relievers.
Have them stay in a single area of the house, if possible. Clean and disinfect all surfaces they touch, and encourage other family members to avoid them. Also, wear a face mask when caring for a sick child.
Parents and caregivers may find these guidelines challenging to follow when caring for a child or infant. The CDC offer some advice on how to manage risk around children.
It may also be a good idea to speak to a medical professional about how best to care for a child with a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children under 2 years of age should not wear a face covering.
Very sick children may need to go to the hospital. In the hospital, doctors will focus on managing the child’s symptoms. They might need oxygen, intravenous fluids, or steroid medications to help them breathe.
Rarely, a child might need a ventilator if they cannot breathe well on their own.
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can damage your heart. It affects one in three people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide.
If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.
But there’s good news. There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure naturally, even without medication.
Here are 15 natural ways to combat high blood pressure.
1. Walk and exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower high blood pressure.
Regular exercise helps make your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the pressure in your arteries.
In fact, 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running, per week, can help lower blood pressure and improve your heart health.
What’s more, doing even more exercise than this reduces your blood pressure even further, according to the National Walkers’ Health Study.
Bottom line: Walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure. More exercise helps reduce it even further.
2. Reduce your sodium intake
Salt intake is high around the world. In large part, this is due to processed and prepared foods.
For this reason, many public health efforts are aimed at lowering salt in the food industry.
Many studies have linked high salt intake with high blood pressure and heart events, including stroke.
However, more recent research indicates that the relationship between sodium and high blood pressure is less clear.
One reason for this may be genetic differences in how people process sodium. About half of people with high blood pressure and a quarter of people with normal levels seem to have a sensitivity to salt.
If you already have high blood pressure, it’s worth cutting back your sodium intake to see if it makes a difference. Swap out processed foods with fresh ones and try seasoning with herbs and spices rather than salt.
Bottom line: Most guidelines for lowering blood pressure recommend reducing sodium intake. However, that recommendation might make the most sense for people who are salt-sensitive.
3. Drink less alcohol
Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure. In fact, alcohol is linked to 16% of high blood pressure cases around the world.
While some research has suggested that low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by adverse effects.
In the U.S., moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. If you drink more than that, cut back.
Bottom line: Drinking alcohol in any quantity may raise your blood pressure. Limit your drinking in line with the recommendations.
4. Eat more potassium-rich foods
Potassium is an important mineral.
It helps your body get rid of sodium and eases pressure on your blood vessels.
Modern diets have increased most people’s sodium intake while decreasing potassium intake.
To get a better balance of potassium to sodium in your diet, focus on eating fewer processed foods and more fresh, whole foods.
Foods that are particularly high in potassium include:
vegetables, especially leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, and sweet potatoes
fruit, including melons, bananas, avocados, oranges, and apricots
dairy, such as milk and yogurt
tuna and salmon
nuts and seeds
beans
Bottom line: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure.
5. Cut back on caffeine
If you’ve ever downed a cup of coffee before you’ve had your blood pressure taken, you’ll know that caffeine causes an instant boost.
However, there’s not a lot of evidence to suggest that drinking caffeine regularly can cause a lasting increase.
In fact, people who drink caffeinated coffee and tea tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, than those who don’t drink it.
Caffeine may have a stronger effect on people who don’t consume it regularly.
If you suspect you’re caffeine-sensitive, cut back to see if it lowers your blood pressure.
Bottom line: Caffeine can cause a short-term spike in blood pressure, although for many people, it does not cause a lasting increase.
6. Learn to manage stress
Stress is a key driver of high blood pressure.
When you’re chronically stressed, your body is in a constant fight-or-flight mode. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels.
When you experience stress, you might also be more likely to engage in other behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or eating unhealthful food that can adversely affect blood pressure.
Several studies have explored how reducing stress can help lower blood pressure. Here are two evidence-based tips to try:
Listen to soothing music: Calming music can help relax your nervous system. Research has shown it’s an effective complement to other blood pressure therapies.
Work less: Working a lot, and stressful work situations, in general, are linked to high blood pressure.
Bottom line: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress can help.
7. Eat dark chocolate or cocoa
Here’s a piece of advice you can really get behind.
While eating massive amounts of dark chocolate probably won’t help your heart, small amounts may.
That’s because dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that cause blood vessels to dilate.
A review of studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa improved several markers of heart health over the short term, including lowering blood pressure.
For the strongest effects, use non-alkalized cocoa powder, which is especially high in flavonoids and has no added sugars.
Bottom line: Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain plant compounds that help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
8. Lose weight
In people with overweight, losing weight can make a big difference to heart health.
According to a 2016 study, losing 5% of your body mass could significantly lower high blood pressure.
In previous studies, losing 17.64 pounds (8 kilograms) was linked to lowering systolic blood pressure by 8.5 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6.5 mm Hg.
To put that in perspective, a healthy reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
The effect is even greater when weight loss is paired with exercise.
Losing weight can help your blood vessels do a better job of expanding and contracting, making it easier for the left ventricle of the heart to pump blood.
Bottom line: Losing weight can significantly lower high blood pressure. This effect is even more significant when you exercise.
9. Quit smoking
Among the many reasons to quit smoking is that the habit is a strong risk factor for heart disease.
Every puff of cigarette smoke causes a slight, temporary increase in blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco are also known to damage blood vessels.
Surprisingly, studies haven’t found a conclusive link between smoking and high blood pressure. Perhaps this is because smokers develop a tolerance over time.
Still, since both smoking and high blood pressure raise the risk of heart disease, quitting smoking can help lessen that risk.
Bottom line: There’s conflicting research about smoking and high blood pressure, but what is clear is that both increase the risk of heart disease.
10. Cut added sugar and refined carbs
There’s a growing body of research showing a link between added sugar and high blood pressure.
In the Framingham Women’s Health Study, women who drank even one soda per day had higher levels than those who drank less than one soda per day.
Another study found that having one less sugar-sweetened beverage per day was linked to lower blood pressure.
And it’s not just sugar — all refined carbs, such as the kind found in white flour — convert rapidly to sugar in your bloodstream and may cause problems.
Some studies have shown that low carb diets may also help reduce blood pressure.
One study on people undergoing statin therapy found that those who went on a 6-week, carb-restricted diet saw a greater improvement in blood pressure and other heart disease markers than people who did not restrict carbs.
Bottom line: Refined carbs, especially sugar, may raise blood pressure. Some studies have shown that low carb diets may help reduce your levels.
11. Eat berries
Berries are full of more than just juicy flavor.
They’re also packed with polyphenols, natural plant compounds that are good for your heart.
Polyphenols can reduce the risk of stroke, heart conditions, and diabetes, as well as improving blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation.
One study assigned people with high blood pressure to a low-polyphenol diet or a high-polyphenol diet containing berries, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables.
Those consuming berries and polyphenol-rich foods experienced improved markers of heart disease risk.
Bottom line: Berries are rich in polyphenols, which can help lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease.
12. Try meditation or deep breathing
While these two behaviors could also fall under “stress reduction techniques,” meditation and deep breathing deserve specific mention.
Both meditation and deep breathing may activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is engaged when the body relaxes, slowing the heart rate, and lowering blood pressure.
There’s quite a bit of research in this area, with studies showing that different styles of meditation appear to have benefits for lowering blood pressure.
Deep breathing techniques can also be quite effective.
In one study, participants were asked to either take six deep breaths over the course of 30 seconds or simply sit still for 30 seconds. Those who took breaths lowered their blood pressure more than those who just sat.
Try guided meditation or deep breathing. Here’s a video to get you started.
Bottom line: Both meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure.
13. Eat calcium-rich foods
People with low calcium intake often have high blood pressure.
While calcium supplements haven’t been conclusively shown to lower blood pressure, calcium-rich diets do seem linked to healthful levels.
For most adults, the calcium recommendation is 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day. For women over 50 and men over 70, it’s 1,200 mg per day.
In addition to dairy, you can get calcium from collard greens and other leafy greens, beans, sardines, and tofu. Here is a list of calcium-rich plant-based foods.
Bottom line: Calcium-rich diets are linked to healthy blood pressure levels. You can get calcium through eating dark leafy greens and tofu, as well as dairy.
14. Take natural supplements
Some natural supplements may also help lower blood pressure. Here are some of the main supplements that have evidence behind them:
Aged garlic extract: Researchers have used aged garlic extract successfully as a stand-alone treatment and along with conventional therapies for lowering blood pressure.
Berberine: Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, berberine may increase nitric oxide production, which helps decrease blood pressure.
Whey protein: A 2016 study found that whey protein improved blood pressure and blood vessel function in 38 participants.
Fish oil: Long credited with improving heart health, fish oil may benefit people with high blood pressure the most.
Hibiscus: Hibiscus flowers make a tasty tea. They’re rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols that are good for your heart and may lower blood pressure.
Bottom line: Researchers have investigated several natural supplements for their ability to lower blood pressure.
15. Eat foods rich in magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that helps blood vessels relax.
While magnesium deficiency is pretty rare, many people don’t get enough.
Some studies have suggested that getting too little magnesium is linked with high blood pressure, but evidence from clinical studies has been less clear.
Still, eating a magnesium-rich diet is a recommended way to ward off high blood pressure.
You can incorporate magnesium into your diet by consuming vegetables, dairy products, legumes, chicken, meat, and whole grains.
Bottom line: Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Find it in whole foods, such as legumes and whole grains.
Take home message
High blood pressure affects a large proportion of the world’s population.
While drugs are one way to treat the condition, there are many other natural techniques, including eating certain foods that can help.
Controlling your blood pressure through the methods in this article may, ultimately, help you lower your risk of heart disease
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that results from a viral infection. Flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. A person can pass it on while talking or through physical contact, such as shaking hands.
Influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type C usually causes mild respiratory illness.
Some strains of influenza A, such as the H5N1 “bird flu” virus, occasionally infect humans, causing serious illness. Experts track these strains carefully, as they try to predict how they will change, and how they might affect people.
Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with flu may experience:
a high temperature that lasts 3–4 days
a stuffy or runny nose
cold sweats and shivers
aches that may be severe
a headache
fatigue
Not everyone with flu will have all of these symptoms. For instance, it is possible to have flu without a fever.
The symptoms of influenza typically come on suddenly. Initially, a person with flu may experience:
a high temperature
a stuffy or runny nose
a dry cough
cold sweats and shivers
aches that may be severe
a headache
fatigue, and a feeling of being unwell
a low appetite
Flu symptoms in adults
Adults with the following symptoms should seek medical help urgently:
breathing difficulties
pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
dizziness, confusion, or loss of alertness
seizures
not urinating, which may indicate dehydration
severe pain, weakness, and unsteadiness
a fever or cough that goes away and then comes back
a worsening of other existing health conditions
Flu symptoms in children
Children often have similar symptoms to adults but can also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If a child has the following symptoms, they need emergency medical care:
breathing difficulties
rapid breathing
bluish face or lips
chest pain or ribs pulling inward as they breathe
severe aches
dehydration, for example, not urinating for 8 hours and crying dry tears
lack of alertness or interaction with others
a fever above 104°F or any fever in a child under 12 weeks of age
a fever or cough that goes away but then comes back
a worsening of any other medical conditions
Should children have flu medication? Find out more here about Tamiflu and its effects on children.
Flu symptoms in babies
Flu can be dangerous for babies. If symptoms appear, a parent or caregiver should seek medical help.
A baby with flu may:
be very tired
have a cough and sore throat
have a stuffy or runny nose
have a fever of 100°F or more
have vomiting or diarrhea
The baby needs emergency medical attention if they:
do not want anyone to hold them
have a blue or gray skin color
are breathing fast or have difficulty breathing
have a fever with a rash
have symptoms that go away but come back again
show signs of dehydration, for example, not urinating
do not wake up or interact
have severe and persistent vomiting
Flu type A symptoms
If a person has the following symptoms, they may have influenza type A:
fever and chills
headache
muscle aches
fatigue
weakness
a stuffy or runny nose
a sore throat and cough
Flu type B symptoms
Influenza B symptoms are similar to those of influenza A.
Treatment
Most people will be able to treat the flu at home. A combination of lifestyle remedies and over-the-counter medication can help relieve symptoms.
Pain relief medication can help manage a headache and body pains. A healthcare professional can recommend the best options.
Some painkillers, such as aspirin, are not suitable for children under 16 years of age. The use of aspirin at this age can lead to a condition known as Reye’s syndrome.
Flu home remedies
When a person has flu, it is essential that they:
stay at home
avoid contact with other people if possible
keep warm and rest
consume plenty of liquids and healthful foods
avoid alcohol
stop smoking, as this raises the risk of complications
Other things people can try at home include:
chicken broth
herbal teas
vitamin supplements
However, there is not enough evidence available to confirm that consuming these helps.
Flu diagnosis
If a person seeks medical advice for flu symptoms, a doctor will likely ask about their symptoms and do a physical examination. A doctor may also take a throat swab for testing.
The rapid influenza diagnostic test can produce results in 10–15 minutes but may not be accurate. Other, more accurate tests can take longer to give results.
Flu or a cold?
People often confuse the flu with a bad cold, as some symptoms are similar.
A cold and the flu both involve:
a runny or blocked nose
a sore throat
a cough
chest discomfort
fatigue
However, there are some differences:
A cold does not involve a fever, while the flu usually does.
The symptoms of a cold tend to appear gradually, while flu symptoms can develop rapidly.
Cold symptoms are typically less severe than those of flu.
After having the flu, a person may continue to feel tired for several weeks.
Flu is more likely to lead to complications, and it can be life threatening.
Flu or food poisoning?
There are many types of viruses, and some can affect the digestive system. People sometimes call this “stomach flu.” This illness is different from influenza, which is a respiratory disease.
The most common cause of “stomach flu” is the norovirus, which enters the body through contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Food poisoning causes similar symptoms.
Flu or pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be bacterial or viral. The symptoms can resemble those of flu, but an individual may have a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest, especially when they breathe deeply or cough.
Bacterial pneumonia can start slowly or suddenly. Symptoms can include:
a very high temperature
sweating
rapid breathing and pulse rate
blue nailbeds due to a lack of oxygen
Symptoms of viral pneumonia are similar to those of the flu. They include:
fever
dry cough
headache
aches and weakness
However, unlike the flu, symptoms of pneumonia usually develop gradually. Anyone who has a high fever and breathing difficulties should see a doctor immediately.
When is flu season?
People can have the flu at any time, but it is more common during the flu season. The timing and duration of the flu season change from year to year, but it usually happens around fall and winter.
Flu activity often starts to increase in October, and it can last as late as May. However, it is most common from December to February.
Prevention
The flu shot can help prevent flu, but it is not 100% effective. People should follow lifestyle measures to reduce their risk.
Lifestyle tips for avoiding flu
Tips for avoiding infection include:
practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing
keeping the immune system strong by following a healthful diet
quitting or avoiding smoking, as smokers are more likely to develop complications
staying away from people who have the flu
People should also stay away from others when they have the flu to avoid spreading it themselves.
Contagiousness
The flu virus transmits through droplets of liquid. A person can pass the virus on to another person who is up to 6 feet away from them when they cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe.
A healthy individual can pass on the virus a day before they, themselves, have symptoms. In other words, it is possible to pass on the flu before you know you have it. The infected individual can continue to transmit the virus for up to 5–7 days after symptoms appear.
People with a weakened immune system, older people, and young children may be able to pass on the virus for longer than this.
Flu is most contagious in the first 3–4 days after symptoms appear.
Transmission
A person can develop flu symptoms if droplets that contain the virus and come from the breath of another person enter their mouth, nose, or lungs.
This transmission can happen if:
Someone without the virus is near a person with flu.
Someone who is virus free handles an object a person with the virus has touched and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.
Research shows that just breathing can spread the flu virus.
Incubation period
The incubation period of a disease is the time it takes from when the virus infects a person to when the symptoms start.
For flu, this is around 2 days, but it can vary from 1 to 4 days.
A person can transmit the virus even before symptoms appear.
Flu when pregnant
Flu can be more serious during pregnancy, as pregnancy affects how the immune system works. If a woman is pregnant and has flu, they may need to spend time in the hospital.
Pregnancy-related complications include a higher risk of:
preterm birth
low birth weight
stillbirth
Flu can be fatal for newborns. Risks to the mother include a greater chance of having complications, such as bronchitis, ear and blood infections.
How long does it last?
Flu symptoms appear suddenly, usually around 2 days after infection. Most symptoms disappear after about 1 week, but a cough may last for up to 2 weeks.
In some cases, a person may still be contagious for up to 1 week after their symptoms have disappeared.
If complications develop, these can take longer to resolve. Some of the more severe types of complications can have a long term impact on a person’s health, for example, kidney failure.
Some people experience post-viral fatigue for a week or so after the main symptoms disappear. They may have a lingering sense of tiredness and feeling unwell.
Timeline
Typically, flu may progress as follows:
The virus infects a person, usually through their nose or mouth.
After one day, they may be able to transmit the virus to others.
Symptoms appear 1–2 days after infection.
The chance of transmitting the virus is highest 3–4 days after symptoms appear.
After 4 days, the fever and muscle aches improve.
After 1 week, most symptoms disappear.
The risk of transmitting the virus disappears 5–7 days after symptoms appear.
The cough and tiredness may remain for a further week.
Precautions
The flu is not usually serious, but it is unpleasant. For some people, however, complications can arise. Some of these can be life threatening.
Complications include:
bacterial pneumonia
dehydration
worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes
sinus problems and ear infections
The risk of experiencing severe symptoms and flu complications is higher in the following cases:
adults over 65 years of age
babies or young children
pregnant women
people with heart or cardiovascular disease
individuals with chest problems, such as asthma or bronchitis
people with kidney disease or diabetes
individuals who are taking steroids
people undergoing treatment for cancer
anyone with a weakened immune system
Flu shot
The single best way to prevent flu is to have a flu vaccination every year.
There are two types of vaccination:
The flu shot: A healthcare professional will administer the flu shot with a needle, usually in the arm. It is suitable for anyone older than 6 months, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine: The nasal-spray flu vaccine contains live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause illness.
Seasonal flu shot
A flu shot will contain the vaccine for several influenza viruses, according to the CDC.
Examples include:
influenza A (H1N1) virus
influenza (H3N2) virus
one or two influenza B viruses
However, viruses adapt and change over time, and scientists may need to adjust the content of the vaccines each year.
Data from international surveillance programs help experts predict which types are likely to circulate in a given flu season. Protection begins about 2 weeks after receiving the vaccination.
Seasonal flu vaccinations should start in September or as soon as the vaccine is ready. They continue throughout the flu season, into January and beyond.
Flu shot side effects
The CDC note that the flu vaccine has a good safety record, and it cannot cause flu.
A person may experience the following adverse effects after having a vaccine, but these will be mild and usually pass within a few days.
pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
headache
fever
nausea
muscle aches
Around 1–2 people in every 1 million may develop a condition known as Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS). However, people can also develop GBS after having flu, and the risk of this is higher than with the vaccine. The risk of developing GBS may be lower with the nasal spray version of the vaccine.
If someone experiences hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing after any vaccine, they should seek immediate medical help as these may be the sign of an allergic reaction. A severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.
People who have previously had an allergic reaction to a vaccine should not have the flu shot.
Flu shot pregnancy
It is safe to have the flu shot during pregnancy, and doctors recommend it. It takes about 2 weeks to provide protection. The vaccine will also pass through to the fetus and give them some protection from the flu.
Newborns cannot have a flu vaccine, but having flu can be dangerous for them. Having the vaccine can benefit both the mother and her unborn child.
Flu shot effectiveness
The flu shot cannot offer 100% protection from the flu as scientists cannot predict precisely what flu types will circulate during a season.
CDC figures from 2018–2019 show that the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing influenza A or B was about 47%.
Many factors can contribute to the effectiveness of the flu shot from year to year. These can include the age and overall health of the person receiving the vaccination, plus how well the vaccine matches the prevalent viruses.
Flu shot for seniors
The CDC recommend a flu shot for people aged 65 years or more. As people get older, they are more likely to develop complications if they have flu.
Older people may need a higher dose of vaccine, as their immune systems may be less able to resist the flu virus. The vaccine cannot provide complete protection but will reduce the risk of flu and the severity of complications.
A 2017 study looked at data for older people in hospital with the flu during the flu season 2013–2014 in the U.S. Among those who had received the vaccine, there were lower rates of fatality, fewer complications, and less overall time spent in an intensive care unit.
People who are 65 years of age or older should ask their doctor about the vaccine at the start of each flu season. The doctor will recommend a vaccine that suits the individual.
Flu shot cost
The cost of a flu shot in the private sector is around $15–$24, depending on the type.
People should check their insurance policies to find out their cover. Medicare part B, for example, provide for one flu shot every flu season.
When to see a doctor
A doctor only needs to know that a person has the flu if:
they are already frail or have an existing health condition
they have a weakened immune system
they are infants or aged 65 years or over
their temperature remains high after 4–5 days
symptoms worsen or are severe
they become short of breath, develop chest pain, or both
However, anyone who has concerns about their symptoms should speak to their doctor for further advice.
Endometriosis is an incurable but manageable gynecological condition.
It occurs when endometrial implants, comprised of tissue normally found within the uterus, are present in other areas of the body.
As the tissue continues to thicken, break down, respond to menstrual cycle hormones, and bleed during the menstrual cycle, endometriosis forms deep inside the body.
Scar tissue and adhesions form, and this can cause organ fusion and anatomical changes.
Endometriosis is thought to affect around 11 percent of women in the United States aged between 15 and 44 years.
Fast facts on endometriosis
Here are some key points about endometriosis. More information is in the main article.
Endometriosis affects between 6 and 10 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide.
The condition appears to be present in a developing fetus, but estrogen levels during puberty are thought to trigger the symptoms.
Symptoms are generally present during the reproductive years.
Most women go undiagnosed, and in the U.S. it can take around 10 years to receive a diagnosis.
Allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer are linked to women and families with endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
Endometrial tissue consists of gland, blood cells, and connective tissue. It normally grows in the uterus, to prepare the lining of the womb for ovulation.
Endometrial implants are buildups of endometrial tissue that grow in locations outside the uterus.
When they grow outside the uterus, this is called endometriosis.
They can develop anywhere in the body, but they usually occur in the pelvic area.
They may affect:
the ovaries
the fallopian tubes
the peritoneum
the lymph nodes
Normally, this tissue is expelled during menstruation, but displaced tissue cannot do this.
This leads to physical symptoms, such as pain. As the lesions grow larger, they can affect bodily functions. For example, the fallopian tubes may be blocked.
The pain and other symptoms can affect different areas of life, including the ability to work, medical care costs, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
Symptoms
Other medical conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can mimic the symptoms of endometriosis.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
Severe menstrual cramps, unrelieved with NSAIDS
Long-term lower-back and pelvic pain
Periods lasting longer than 7 days
Heavy menstrual bleeding where the pad or tampon needs changing every 1 to 2 hours
Bowel and urinary problems including pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
Bloody stool or urine
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Pain during intercourse
Spotting or bleeding between periods
Pain is the most common indication of endometriosis, but the severity of the pain does not always correlate with the extent of the disease.
Pain often resolves following menopause, when the body stops producing estrogen production. However, if hormone therapy is used during menopause, symptoms may persist.
Pregnancy may provide temporary relief from symptoms.
Complications
Complications include:
infertility, which can affect 50 percent of those with the condition.
increased risk of developing ovarian cancer or endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma
ovarian cysts
inflammation
scar tissue and adhesion development
intestinal and bladder complications
It is important to see a health care provider about symptoms, to avoid future complications.
Treatment
Surgery is possible, but it is normally considered only if other treatments are not effective.
Other options include:
Pain medications: Either over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or prescription drugs for the treatment of painful menses.
Hormones: Treatment may be with hormonal therapies such as hormonal birth control, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) or Danazol. Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) may also be recommended.
Surgery: Initial surgery will seek to remove the areas of endometriosis, but a hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries may be necessary.
Fertility treatment: Pregnancy may be recommended via in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Managing symptoms at home
Complementary and alternative treatments may include acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicine, but there is little evidence to show that these are effective.
Avoiding caffeine may help to reduce pain, as caffeine can worsen symptoms.
Exercise, such as walking, may reduce pain and slow the progress of the condition by reducing estrogen levels.
It is important to monitor symptoms, because of the long-term complications of endometriosis. Intolerable pain or unexpected bleeding should be reported to a doctor.
Although there is currently no cure for endometriosis, most women are able to relieve the pain of symptoms and will still be able to have children.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be challenging because there is no single test for evaluation.
The only way to truly confirm the condition is by undergoing a surgical laparoscopy.
A surgical laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, lighted tube with a miniature camera attached, called a laparoscope, is inserted through a small incision in the pelvic area.
A diagnosis can be categorized as follows:
Stage 1: Lesions are minimal and isolated
Stage 2: Lesions are mild. There may be several and adhesions are possible.
Stage 3: Lesions are moderate, deep or superficial with clear adhesions
Stage 4: Lesions are multiple and severe, both superficial and deep, with prominent adhesions.
It can take many years to receive a diagnosis.
Other possible diagnostic strategies include a pelvic exam, radiologic imaging with ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the use of certain medications including birth control or gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.
Diet
Dietary steps have been suggested for managing the pain and effects of endometriosis.
A 2004 study suggests that a brown seaweed called bladderwrack may have an estrogen-reducing effect in women. This can reduce the growth rate of endometriosis.
One author presented a case study using a diet low in short-chain-fermentable carbohydrates to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. This diet has been shown to work on IBS and since it is often found with endometriosis, then perhaps the diet would be effective for those with only endometriosis.
More research is needed, but there is little harm in trying this approach.
Dietary choices have also been linked to the development of endometriosis. A study carried out in 2011 suggested that fruit intake increased the risk of endometriosis and a higher total fat intake decreased the risk.
Dairy products were also shown to reduce the risk of endometriosis, although these results were not statistically significant.
Eating yogurt, sauerkraut, and pickles or finding a good source of probiotics may help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and cause increased digestive activity.
Avoiding caffeine may help to reduce pain, as caffeine can worsen symptoms.
Today, an estimated 5.8 million people aged 65 years or older in the United States have dementia. Due to the fact that the average lifespan of people in the U.S. has increased over recent decades, some experts project that by 2050, the number of older adults with dementia could reach 13.8 million.
1. Dementia is inevitable with age
This statement is not true. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
According to a report that the Alzheimer’s Association published, Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, affects 3% of people aged 65–74 years in the U.S. As a result of the risk increasing as we age, 17% of people aged 75–84 years and 32% of people aged 85 years and older have a dementia diagnosis.
2. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the same thing
This is not quite correct. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of all dementia cases. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia, mixed dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
The National Institute on Aging define dementia as “the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.”
Although dementias share certain characteristics, each type has a distinct underlying pathology.
Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a buildup of so-called plaques and tangles in the brain. These structures interfere with brain cells, eventually killing them. In contrast, brain cell death in vascular dementia occurs due to a lack of oxygen, which can result from a stroke, for instance.
FTD, as another example, occurs when abnormal protein structures form in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, causing the brain cells in these regions to die.
3. A family member has dementia, so I will get it
A common myth is that dementia is purely genetic. In other words, if a person’s family member has a dementia diagnosis, they are guaranteed to develop dementia later in life. This is not true.
Although there is a genetic component to some forms of dementia, the majority of cases do not have a strong genetic link.
As we learned above, rather than genetic factors, the most significant risk factor for dementia is age. However, if a parent or grandparent developed Alzheimer’s when they were younger than 65 years, the chance of it passing on genetically is higher.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s is relatively uncommon, though. It occurs in about 5.5% of all Alzheimer’s cases.
As the majority of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease, this means that most dementia cases are not hereditary. FTD, which is much less common, has a stronger genetic link, but if a parent or grandparent develops the condition, it does not mean that children or grandchildren are guaranteed to develop it.
Today, FTD affects an estimated 15–22 in every 100,000 people. Of these individuals, 10–15% have a strong family history of the condition.
4. Dementia only affects older adults
Age is a risk factor for dementia, but dementia can affect younger adults in rare cases. Some scientists estimate that, in people aged 30–64 years, 38–260 people in 100,000 — equivalent to 0.038–0.26% — develop early-onset dementia.
In the 55–64 age bracket, this increases to close to 420 people in 100,000, or 0.4%.
5. Using aluminum pans causes Alzheimer’s
In the 1960s, scientists injected rabbits with high levels of aluminum. They found that the animals developed neurological lesions similar to those that form in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, some studies have identified aluminum within the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. However, aluminum also appears in the healthy brain, and researchers have not established a causal link between this element and the disease.
Following on from these studies, myths still circulate that drinking from aluminum cans or cooking with aluminum pots increases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
However, since those early experiments, scientists have not found a clear association between Alzheimer’s and using aluminum pots and pans.
Although researchers will, eventually, establish the precise relationship between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, consuming aluminum through the diet is unlikely to play a major role.
As the Alzheimer’s Society explain: “Aluminum in food and drink is in a form that is not easily absorbed into the body. Hence, the amount taken up is less than 1% of the amount present in food and drink. Most of the aluminum taken into the body is cleaned out by the kidneys.”
However, they also write that some research has found “a potential role for high dose aluminum in drinking water in progressing Alzheimer’s disease for people who already have the disease.”
6. Dementia signals the end of a meaningful life
Thankfully, this is not the case. Many people with a dementia diagnosis lead active, meaningful lives. Some people fear that if a doctor diagnoses them with dementia, they will no longer be able to go for a walk alone and will have to stop driving their vehicle immediately.
It is true that these adjustments may come in time as the condition progresses, but in mild cases of dementia, no changes may be necessary. As dementia worsens, changes to the way an individual leads their life are likely, but that does not mean that the person cannot lead a fulfilling life.
“Too many people are in the dark about dementia — many feel that a dementia diagnosis means someone is immediately incapable of living a normal life, while myths and misunderstandings continue to contribute to the stigma and isolation that many people will feel,” explains Jeremy Hughes, former Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society.
7. Memory loss always signifies dementia
Although memory loss can be an early symptom of dementia, it does not necessarily signify the start of this condition. Human memory can be unpredictable, and we all forget things occasionally. However, if memory loss is interfering with everyday life, it is best to speak with a doctor.
Although memory issues tend to be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, that is not the case for other forms of dementia. For instance, early signs and symptoms of FTD can include changes in mood and personality, language difficulties, and obsessive behavior.
8. Dementia is always preventable
This, unfortunately, is untrue. Importantly, though, certain factors can either reduce the risk of certain types of dementia developing or delay their onset.
For instance, the Lancet Commission’s 2020 report on dementia prevention, intervention, and care lists 12 factors that increase the risk of dementia:
less education
hypertension
hearing impairment
smoking
obesity
depression
physical inactivity
diabetes
low levels of social contact
alcohol consumption
traumatic brain injury
air pollution
Some of these factors are more difficult to modify than others, but working on changing any of them might help reduce the risk of developing dementia. The authors of the report explain:
9. Vitamins and supplements can prevent dementia
Linked to the section above, this is also false. To date, there is no strong evidence that any vitamin or mineral supplements can reduce the risk of dementia. In 2018, the Cochrane Library conducted a review with the aim of answering this question.
Their analysis included data from more than 83,000 participants across the 28 included studies. Although the authors report “some general limitations of the evidence,” they conclude:
10. All people with dementia become aggressive
In some cases, people with dementia might find it increasingly hard to make sense of the world around them. This confusion can be frustrating, and some individuals might respond to the emotions in an angry manner. However, this is not the case for everyone.
In a study involving 215 people with dementia, 41% of the participants developed aggression during the 2-year study. When they looked at factors that increased the risk of developing aggression, the researchers identified two of the primary factors as physical pain and a low quality relationship between the person and their caregiver.
11. Dementia is never fatal
Unfortunately, dementia can be fatal. According to a recent study, which appears in JAMA Neurology, dementia may be a more common cause of death than experts have traditionally thought it to be. The authors “found that approximately 13.6% of deaths were attributable to dementia over the period 2000–2009.”
Dementia worries people, especially as they age, and this is justifiable in many ways. However, it is important to counter misinformation that might enhance concerns and stigma.
For now, researchers are working tirelessly to develop better ways to treat and prevent dementia. In the future, hopefully, science will reduce the impact of dementia and, therefore, the fear associated with the condition.
