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A new study analysing long-Covid among children and teenagers in the US has found that <keyword id="44308" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="symptoms" source="Orion">symptoms</keyword> differed between the two groups. While children faced more brain and stomach-related problems, teenagers experienced fatigue, <keyword id="950054" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Physical-Pain" source="Orion">physical pain</keyword>, and loss of smell and taste. Moreover, long-Covid symptoms common in both adults and teens were more than those between teens and children, highlighting the importance of age groups-based COVID-19 research, according to the team of over 140 researchers that conducted the study. Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the study is part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s 'RECOVER' Initiative, aimed at understanding and preventing long-Covid, which refers to a set of persisting symptoms months after having COVID-19 <keyword id="6393040" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infection" source="Orion">infection</keyword>. The researchers studied more than 5,300 children and adolescents, of whom about 3,860 -- - 751 children and 3109 adolescents -- had a history of the viral infection. Caregivers were surveyed for about 75 symptoms that occurred at least 90 days after an initial COVID-19 infection and lasted for at least a month. They were also enquired about their child's overall health and quality of life. Among children aged 6-11 years, the most common long <keyword id="8764262" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid" source="Orion">COVID</keyword> symptoms were headache (57%), followed by trouble with memory/focusing, trouble sleeping (44 %) and stomach pain (43 %), the study found. Among the adolescents, about 80% had tiredness or low energy during the day, while physical pain in the body, muscles and joints affected 60% of them. Headaches persisted in 55% of the teens, while 47% of them continued to have trouble remembering or concentrating. While identifying groups of symptoms distinct to each age group, the researchers developed a long-Covid research index that indicates the likelihood of the condition in a child or a teenager. The index, separate for both age groups, included 18 prolonged symptoms that were more common in children and 17 common among teenagers. "The symptoms that make up the research index are not the only symptoms a child may have and they're not the most severe. But they are most predictive in determining who may have long COVID," said lead author of the study Rachel Gross, an associate professor in the departments of <keyword id="492850" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paediatrics" source="Orion">Paediatrics</keyword> and Population Health at New York University. In the study group, 45% of the infected (338) and 33% of the uninfected children, along with 39% of the infected and 27 % of the uninfected adolescents reported having at least one prolonged symptom, the authors of the study said. Twenty-six symptoms among infected school-age children and 18 symptoms in infected adolescents persisted in at least 5% of the participants, they said.

Symptoms of long Covid differ between children, teens: US study

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 12 (ANI): The World Health Organisation has confirmed the human case of <keyword id="3653784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bird-flu-in-india" source="Orion">bird flu in India</keyword>, after the <keyword id="15897682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="H9N2-virus" source="Orion">H9N2 virus</keyword> was detected in a four-year child in West Bengal. Overall, this is the second <keyword id="21166335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-infection" source="keywords">human infection</keyword> of <keyword id="2663051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Avian-Influenza-A" source="Orion">avian influenza A</keyword> (H9N2) notified to WHO from India, with the first being done in 2019. The child has recovered and was discharged from the hospital. WHO received a notification from the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) for India, regarding a human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in West Bengal, the health body said in a press release. "The patient is a 4-year-old child residing in West Bengal state. The case, previously diagnosed with hyperreactive airway disease, initially presented to the paediatrician with fever and abdominal pain on 26 January 2024. He developed seizures on January 29 after which he was brought to the same paediatrician. The patient was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) of a local hospital due to the persistence of severe respiratory distress, recurrent high-grade fever and abdominal cramps. The patient tested positive for influenza B and adenovirus. He was discharged from the hospital on February 28 but with a recurrence of severe respiratory distress, he was referred to another government hospital and was admitted to the pediatric ICU and intubated on March 3. His nasopharyngeal swab was sent to the Kolkata Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and tested positive for influenza A (not sub-typed) and rhinovirus. On April 26, the sample was sub-typed as influenza A(H9N2) through a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patient was discharged from the hospital with oxygen support on May 1. WHO said that the infected patient had exposure to poultry at home and in the surroundings. It, however, also affirmed there were no known persons reporting symptoms of respiratory illness in the family, the neighbourhood, or among healthcare workers at health facilities attended by the case at the time of reporting. The health body further warned that sporadic human cases could occur in the future as this virus is "one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses circulating in poultry in different regions." Animal influenza viruses normally circulate in animals but can also infect humans. Infections in humans have primarily been acquired through direct contact with infected animals or through indirect contact with contaminated environments. Depending on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza, swine influenza, or other types of animal influenza viruses, the WHO stated in the release. The health body further said that it is providing continued support to the government of India through technical advice, updates on risk assessment and updating contingency plans- both in the human and animal sectors in line with the global guidance.

WHO confirms human case of bird flu in India! H9N2 virus detected in a four-year child in West Bengal

The national capital has reported an "isolated" case of Japanese Encephalitis, official sources said on Thursday. All public health measures have been instituted as per the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) guidelines, the sources said, adding there was no cause for concern. Referring to an order issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on Wednesday, the sources said that the 72-year-old man from west Delhi was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on November 3 following chest pain. The patient was diabetic, had coronary artery disease, bilateral lower limb weakness and bowel and bladder incontinence, the source said. After the patient's blood sample was collected on November 6, he tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis. He was discharged on November 15, the sources said. According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme data, in 2024, 1,548 Japanese Encephalitis cases were reported from 24 states and Union Territories, with 925 cases from Assam alone. The central government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013. Adult <keyword id="24203625" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Japanese-Encephalitis-vaccine" source="keywords">Japanese Encephalitis vaccine</keyword> has been introduced in high-burden states, sources said. "No outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis has been reported in Delhi in the past although occasional isolated cases have been reported from tertiary hospitals like AIIMS, Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung among others - mostly from neighbouring states," a source said. While all public health measures have been instituted according to the NCVBDC guidelines, there is no cause for concern due to this isolated case of Japanese Encephalitis, the source said. The Japanese Encephalitis virus is normally carried by waterfowl and amplified in pigs from where it is accidentally transmitted to humans through the bite of infected culex mosquitoes. The infection may result in febrile illness and in a small proportion of cases cause neurological illness and may result in death, he said. There is no specific treatment for Japanese Encephalitis and there is no human-to-human transmission of the virus, the source said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/honda-activa-e-and-qc1-electric-scooters-unveiled-in-india-to-go-on-sale-in-2025/articleshow/115725242.cms" target="_self"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/honda-activa-e-and-qc1-electric-scooters-unveiled-in-india-to-go-on-sale-in-2025/articleshow/115725242.cms" target="_self">Honda Activa e and QC1 electric scooters unveiled in India, to go on sale in 2025</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-pc-market-reaches-new-high-with-4-49-million-shipments-in-q3-2024/articleshow/115719599.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-pc-market-reaches-new-high-with-4-49-million-shipments-in-q3-2024/articleshow/115719599.cms" target="_blank">India’s PC market reaches new high with 4.49 million shipments in Q3 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-chipset-launched-starting-at-59999/articleshow/115689685.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-chipset-launched-starting-at-59999/articleshow/115689685.cms" target="_blank">Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset launched starting at ₹59,999</a>

Delhi reports 'isolated' case of Japanese Encephalitis

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have risen suddenly in Japan this year.</li><li>The rare and deadly bacterial infection affects blood and tissue. </li></ul>In Japan, cases of an uncommon but deadly bacterial infection have spiked in recent months, concerning health officials, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/06/19/japan-stss-flesh-eating-bacteria/">the Washington Post reported</a>.Since January 2024, officials from Japan's Health Ministry have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/cmsfiles/contents/0000326/326147/topics202423.pdf">reported</a> 1,019 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a bacterial infection without a vaccine and treated with antibiotics. At least 77 deaths have been reported due to these STSS infections, with most fatal cases occurring in people over 50.Officials from Japan's Health Ministry said they are unsure what has caused the sudden increase in cases. But they find the surge alarming, considering that fewer than 1,000 cases of STSS were reported in the country in 2023.<h2 id="67b97131-b450-4e76-a0fa-1566914ef7db">STSS causes and symptoms</h2>STSS is caused by bacteria called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/hcp/clinical-guidance/streptococcal-toxic-shock-syndrome.html#:~:text=Streptococcal%20toxic%20shock%20syndrome%20(STSS,specific%20organs%20that%20are%20failing.">group-A Streptococcus</a> (GAS), according to the CDC.This particular bacteria also causes mild infections like strep throat since it is commonly found in the throat and on the skin.But if GAS gets into a person's bloodstream or tissue through open wounds or sores, their organs may start to fail within 24 to 48 hours, as per the CDC website. GAS has also been linked to necrotizing fasciitis, an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/man-died-flesh-eating-bacteria-necrotizing-fasciitis-strep-a-2023-4">infection that causes a "flesh-eating" disease.</a>According to the CDC, three in 10 people who develop STSS are likely to die.Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and muscle aches are often the first signs someone has STSS. More severe symptoms that signal organ failure due to STSS include:<ul><li>Low blood pressure signs include dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, nausea, and headaches.</li><li>An abnormally rapid heart rate</li><li>Abnormally rapid breathing</li></ul>If someone has these symptoms, they should go to the hospital right away, according to the CDC.Treatment typically involves replacing bodily fluids and antibiotics. According to the CDC, surgery may be needed to remove tissue infected by the GAS bacteria in some cases.<h2 id="f392bb71-7686-4600-81ae-e755046eb5df">Infections like STSS are on the rise globally</h2>Steer told the Washington Post that "we've had streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and invasive strep A infection in the US for decades and decades and decades, hundreds of years."However, it's an uncommon infection, and healthcare providers should take the sudden uptick in STSS cases in Japan as a cue to increase their awareness of potential symptoms among their patients, said Andrew Steer, director of infection, immunity, and global health at Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia.Since the coronavirus pandemic, health officials worldwide have expressed concern about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rare-flesh-eating-disease-rises-as-bacteria-move-north-2023-3">increasing bacterial </a>and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/other-infections-rising-since-covid-pandemic/">viral infection</a> rates.In 2022, UK health officials reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-we-dont-have-a-strep-a-vaccine-2022-12">19 child deaths due to group-A streptococcal infections</a>, the same bacteria that causes STSS.Vaccines could help prevent the spread of these rare but potentially deadly bacterial infections, health experts said. However, creating one has proven to be a decadeslong process that is still in progress due to financial and scientific hurdles.

A sudden spike in cases of a rare infection often linked to flesh-eating bacteria is happening in Japan

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="23853547" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="betsy-smith" source="keywords">Betsy Smith</keyword> weighed 500 pounds at her heaviest in July 2021.</li><li>The 53-year-old lost a total of 270 pounds through diet, exercise, and using <keyword id="20078155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mounjaro" source="keywords">Mounjaro</keyword>.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Betsy Smith, a mother of three from Billings, Montana. It has been edited for length and clarity. A sign on the wall at the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/fitness/best-weight-loss-apps">weight management </a>clinic inspires me every time I go for my body composite exam. "Being overweight is hard," it says. "Losing weight is hard," it says. Then, underneath, it says, "Choose your hard." It's empowering because it lets you know it's your choice whether to stay heavy or make every effort to get healthy and feel better. I'm just 12 pounds off my goal of 218 pounds — which means I will have lost 285 pounds since beginning my journey in July 2021 — and I'm determined to reach that number on the scale. It's been the toughest battle of my life. But I know that it is literally saving my life. <h2>I've always been big</h2>I've always been a big person. I was a 10-pound baby and 23.5 inches long. I stopped growing at 6ft 2in tall — the same height as my dad. It runs in the family. One of my sons is 6ft 5in. But I'm overweight because I always eat my feelings. Whenever I felt emotional — if something was wrong and I was unable to deal with it — I'd reach for something to eat. My parents were concerned about my size when I was a child. They <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pediatrician-mom-parenting-advice-basics-essentials-2024-1">took me to the pediatrician</a> for advice. I felt confused in the doctor's office when I was in elementary school because they mentioned words like diabetes. We tried to work on things like portion control, but it wasn't easy. We would eat inexpensive things like pasta in a big dish in the center of the table. <h2>I was a yo-yo dieter</h2>Carbohydrates were not good for me, but I hated being singled out as the one who wasn't supposed to take as much as the others. Then, when I was 10, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ive-been-through-divorce-on-both-ends-2023-4">my parents got divorced</a>. It was an emotional upheaval. The summer between fifth and sixth grade, I gained probably 35 to 40 pounds. Other kids said some nasty things to me, especially in middle school. But I was 6ft tall by 12 and able to defend myself physically. If there were a problem, I'd say, "No, you're not going to do that to me." Instead, I internalized my pain. I gave birth to my first child at 20 after putting on a lot of weight during the pregnancy. The same thing happened with my other two kids. Diets have come and gone over the years. They generally involve calorie counting and walking. I once lost over 110 pounds and kept it off for six years, but whenever something went wrong in my life, I'd put it back on. <h2>I was shocked when I registered 500 pounds on the scale</h2>I couldn't move the way I felt like I should be able to move and not be uncomfortable. I'd go up and down the stairs at work and get winded. Things came to a head in July 2021 when I saw my doctor for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-entertainment-is-back-with-no-masks-or-social-distancing-2021-9">the first time since COVID-19</a>. I stepped on the scale and felt mortified. I was 499.9 pounds. "How the heck did this happen?" I thought. I didn't cry but wanted to crawl into a hole somewhere. I was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/diabetes-risk-other-health-condition-complication-study-2022-3">diagnosed with type 2 diabetes </a>and prescribed medication to lower my blood sugar. I managed to lose 84 pounds before qualifying for an appointment at a weight management clinic in March 2022. The main reason I lost that initial weight was dental work. My teeth were bad from so many years of abuse and loss of enamel. I got dentures, which allowed me to chew healthy, crunchy food like apples. But weight management opened up everything for me. They said I was a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/traveled-to-mexico-for-gastric-bypass-surgery-results-2023-4">good candidate for stomach surgery,</a> but I opted out. I underwent therapy, knowing that my brain needed to change my eating habits, not a quick-fix operation. <div type="image" title="A woman in a blue T-shirt carrying a small dog." height="697" width="929" msid="115024370" hostid="261"></div>The doctor put me on the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/weight-loss-glp-1-drugs-ozempic-wegovy-mounjaro-effects-future-2023-12" target="_blank">GLP-1 agonist injections</a> Trulicity and then Mounjaro. However, I realized that all the medications in the world wouldn't help me unless I learned the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. My intent was to lose the weight and keep it off. The answers included eating on a schedule. I eat a certain amount — a small meal of around 300 calories — every two and a half hours. It could be a protein shake or yogurt with a couple of strawberries. It could be a quarter of a cup of the leanest ground beef you can get with steamed vegetables. I limit my carbohydrates and increase my protein intake, such as turkey. I've also learned to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. I buy the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-costco-kirkland-signature-prepared-meals-from-family-which-to-skip">mixed stir fry from Costco </a>without sauce. For exercise, my husband, Steph, 54, and I set up a gym in our spare room. I ride the recumbent bike for an hour and 15 minutes and do 750 calf raises seven days a week. I also do 200 sit-ups and 200 crunches five days a week. Now, at 230 pounds, I've gone from a 6X to a 1X. I can wear jeans for the first time in years, lace up my tennis shoes, and carry my dog, <keyword id="20150266" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toby" source="keywords">Toby</keyword>, a 19-year-old <keyword id="23853546" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="yorkie" source="keywords">Yorkie</keyword>, up and down the stairs 30 times a day. <h2>I'm struggling with body dysmorphia</h2>Unfortunately, I continue to struggle with body image. When they're telling you to lose weight, nobody points out you're probably going to have at least 20 pounds worth of skin hanging on your arms, legs, and stomach. Your clothing doesn't look right and it's uncomfortable because it causes irritation, even infection. Luckily, I have a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-topical-steroid-withdrawal-how-treat-tws-symptoms-2023-7">cortisone prescription</a> from my dermatologist. I'll see my 500-pound self in the mirror. I often feel like I haven't lost much weight at all. It's only when I compare my before-and-after photos that I really notice the difference. People said I should consider plastic surgery. But I have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/anesthesia-side-effects">trouble thinking about anesthesia</a>. Still, my confidence grows every day. Steph is prouder of me than I am of myself at the moment, but I'm getting there. Correction: November 7, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the type of medication sold under the brand names Trulicity and Mounjaro. They're both GLP-1 agonists but not semaglutide. Do you have an interesting story to share with <keyword id="19935969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="business-insider" source="keywords">Business Insider</keyword> about weight loss? Please send details to <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jridley@insider.com">jridley@businessinsider.com</a>

I lost half my weight in 3 years. I have body dysmorphia from all the loose skin I have.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Data suggests that bowel cancers are on the rise among people younger than 50.</li><li>Studies have found that younger people are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of colorectal cancer.</li></ul>Colorectal cancer has become increasingly common in younger people, with one in five cases now diagnosed in patients in their early 50s or younger, according to the American Cancer Society."We know rates are increasing in young people, but it's alarming to see how rapidly the whole patient population is shifting younger, despite shrinking numbers in the overall population," Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director at the American Cancer Society, and lead author of a report published in 2023, said in a press release. "The trend toward more advanced disease in people of all ages is also surprising and should motivate everyone 45 and older to get screened."The researchers also found that more people are being diagnosed with late stages of the disease; 60% of cases were found to have spread to other regions of the body in 2019, up from 52% in the mid-2000s.The report added to previous research over the past three decades that suggests <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-common-symptoms-colon-cancer-under-50s-chart-2024-5">rising rates of colon cancer</a> and related illnesses like rectal cancer among younger people.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/james-van-der-beek-has-colorectal-cancer-at-47-2024-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">James Van Der Beek</a> of "Dawson's Creek" fame announced on November 3 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 47. He didn't give details of his prognosis but told People: "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."In 2020, "Black Panther" actpr Chadwick Boseman<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chadwick-boseman-world-mourns-death-of-black-panther-star-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> died of complications related to colon cancer</a> at age 43, shocking fans, since he had received a stage-three diagnosis four years earlier, but never publicly spoken about the illness. His death was a pivotal moment in raising awareness of the rising number of younger people receiving a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/get-colonoscopy-colon-cancer-symptoms-colorectal-oncologist-2024-4">colorectal cancer diagnosis</a>.In 2020, "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chadwick-boseman-world-mourns-death-of-black-panther-star-2020-8">died of complications related to colon cancer</a> at age 43, shocking fans, since he had received a stage-three diagnosis four years earlier, but never publicly spoken about the illness.If caught early, colon cancer is very treatable, and the five-year relative survival rate is about 90% if the cancer doesn't spread, according to the American Cancer Society. Bowel cancers can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms — such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue — are common with ailments like hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. What's more, routine testing isn't offered to many people under 50 in several countries, including the US.But it's common for people to have no symptoms until the later stages of the illness. That's why it's important to get screened regularly, especially if you have risk factors.<h2>Obesity, poor diet, and genetics can all increase the risk of bowel cancers</h2>Genetics is a major risk factor for colon cancer. There's evidence that bowel cancers are more likely in younger people with a family history of the disease.Eating habits also play a role in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lunches-prevent-colon-cancer-dietitian-2024-4">bowel-cancer risk</a> — diets low in fiber and/or high in red meat and processed meat have been linked to an increased risk of the disease. Some experts have hypothesized that the recent popularity of meat-heavy diets like keto and paleo is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/colon-cancer-young-people-diagnosis-causes-risk-factors-2019-7">partly to blame for rising cancer rates</a>.Obesity has also been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, as have habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use.<h2>Race and colon cancer</h2>Studies have found that Black people may be disproportionately affected by colon cancer in the US, in part because of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-racial-gap-in-coronavirus-deaths-is-driven-by-racism-2020-6">racism and barriers to getting medical treatment</a>.Studies have also found that stress stemming from racism and the hurdles that Black people have historically faced in the US also have tangible effects on health.<h2>Symptoms like rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and constipation or diarrhea can be warning signs of colon cancer</h2>Many symptoms of colon cancer can also indicate more mundane illnesses.For instance, changes in bowel movements like constipation or diarrhea could indicate colon cancer — but also a plethora of other ailments, including infections, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease.Abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue can also be symptoms of colon cancer.A major warning sign of colon cancer is rectal bleeding or bloody stool. While this could also be hemorrhoids, you should consult a medical professional if you experience this.Another unique indicator of colon cancer is the feeling of being unable to empty the bowels, according to the Mayo Clinic.<h2>Colon-cancer treatment</h2>Treatment varies depending on how far the cancer has advanced and where in the bowel it is, but it can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.The first-line treatment for colon cancer at stages zero or one is surgery to remove the affected part of the colon.However, past stage two, when the cancer is still localized but is growing, chemotherapy is considered, particularly if it has perforated the colon and/or appears at risk of resurging after surgery.Stage three, when the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to other organs, requires surgery and chemotherapy, with additional radiation if the cancer is advancing quickly.At stage four, when the cancer has spread to other organs, patients can undergo a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, radiation therapy, and other targeted treatments to try to treat the cancer or to alleviate the pain associated with it.<h2>Everyone 45 and older should get screened regularly for bowel cancer, and so should younger people at a higher risk</h2>Bowel cancer is diagnosed with a variety of tests, including stool tests, colonoscopies, X-rays, or CT scans of the bowels. A regular physical exam can help identify any abnormalities and detect the cancer sooner.The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults over 45 be tested regularly for colon cancer, even if they have no symptoms. People older than 50 are still at a greater risk of developing colon cancer overall. However, people under 50 are more often diagnosed with hard-to-treat, advanced forms of the disease.<a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cncr.32347" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One study</a> involving more than 1 million people with colon cancer from 2004 to 2015 found that 51.6% of those under 50 were diagnosed with stage three or four cancer, while 40% of people over 50 were diagnosed at those later stages.<a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cncr.32347" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>Your personal risk factors can determine how frequently you should be tested, so it's best to talk to your doctor about your health history and schedule tests accordingly."It is very clear that signs and symptoms that might indicate colorectal cancer in those under 50, and particularly rectal bleeding, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly and not dismissed as 'only hemorrhoids' or 'normal,'" Dr. David Greenwald, a professor of medicine and gastroenterology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/colon-cancer-young-people-diagnosis-causes-risk-factors-2019-7">previously told Business Insider</a>.

What you need to know about colon-cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Walking pneumonia infections rose nationwide as kids returned to school this fall.</li><li>The infection can be tricky to diagnose, and testing is expensive.</li></ul>A common infection known as "walking pneumonia" has been on an uptick across the US in recent months, especially among kids and teens.The respiratory illness caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria is often called walking pneumonia because it tends to be milder than other lung infections. Patients may feel run down, with a cough and a slight fever, but are often still well enough to continue their daily life."It can be a little incognito, it can sneak up on people," Dr. Elizabeth Schlaudecker, medical director of infectious diseases at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, told Business Insider.The illness can be tough to identify and expensive to test for, and it can linger for several weeks, making it a frustrating sickness for families. Plus, treatment isn't necessarily one-size-fits-all.Here's what to know about how to spot it and treat it.<h2 id="c3f3c068-3915-4781-ba32-003daf8df1ce">Look out for a persistent cough, fever, and fatigue</h2><div type="image" title="kids going to school" height="1147" width="1600" msid="114857745" hostid="261" sizebytes="163892"></div>The tell-tale signs of walking pneumonia are not obvious. Illnesses caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae tend to be milder than infections caused by the more common bacterial pneumonia, streptococcus pneumoniae.ER doctor Russell Migita at Seattle Children's Hospital says it's hard to know exactly how many of the patients he sees have walking pneumonia cases, versus strep pneumonia or viral pneumonia. Often, doctors use a stethoscope to listen for a characteristic, localized "crackling" noise in patients with walking pneumonia, but not every patient has that.Testing for the bacteria that causes walking pneumonia is also expensive, relatively new, imperfect, and may not be covered by insurance, Migita said, so it's hard for experts to know exactly how bad this fall outbreak really is, compared to years past.The latest CDC data on the tests that are being done suggests more toddlers are getting walking pneumonia this year than was thought to be typical; the illness used to be viewed as more common in school-age kids. There have also been outbreaks among young adults living in dorms, where the bacteria has plenty of time to incubate and spread.Schlaudecker is part of the CDC surveillance network testing patients for mycoplasma bacteria across the country. She said test results indicate a surge in infections peaked in late August and early September as kids headed back to school, and started trading germs again. "Hopefully it's starting to slowly decline, but we're definitely still seeing it," she said.People who've recently <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/walking-pneumonia">had the flu</a> are also at increased risk for developing walking pneumonia.<h2 id="bd4d6715-82de-4c8c-8927-c9f2b650d92c">Amoxicillin may not be your doctor's first choice</h2><div type="image" title="amoxicillin tablets" height="2167" width="3250" msid="114857752" hostid="261" sizebytes="441756"></div><a target="_blank" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12519-024-00831-0">New studies</a> suggest there isn't always a clear winner when it comes to the best treatment for walking pneumonia.Even though macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin, are the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7307a3.htm">recommended treatment</a> and should perform better than penicillin-based antibiotics like amoxicillin on this bacteria, there isn't great data on which medication actually helps shorten and improve the course of this infectious disease best.In practice, Migita says doctors often use a mix of their own experience, local disease trends, and a particular patient's history and preferences to get a sense of what might work. In some cases, patients will get better without medication, but for bacterial pneumonia, an antibiotic can help. Doctors assess the situation on a case-by-case basis, similar to how they would treat an ear infection."Empiric treatment is what we do in most cases for most pediatric infections because it's hard to say for sure what's causing it," he said. "If you're not getting better on your first antibiotic in two to three days, then get seen again."Doctors say even though walking pneumonia doesn't tend to be as severe as other seasonal illnesses kids pass around like the flu, COVID, or RSV, it can still be a burdensome one for families, because it tends to last for a long time. In rare cases, walking pneumonia can prompt brain swelling, kidney issues, and difficulty breathing, and people with lung issues, and weakened immune systems may be especially at risk of hospitalization with walking pneumonia.Earlier this year, Schlaudecker's 15-year-old daughter had a persistent cough that continued for a week after what her mom thought was just a cold. They went to see her pediatrician, who listened to the girl's chest with a stethoscope.Without any testing, the daughter was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, and prescribed a Z-Pak (azithromycin). Within 24 hours of beginning her medication, the teenager felt great again."She was like, 'Wow, this is so cool that we figured out what it was and got on the right drug," Schlaudecker said. "It was a good medical success story."

Walking pneumonia is spreading. Doctors share the tell-tale symptoms to look for, and varied ways to treat it.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A multi-state E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers.</li><li>49 people across 10 states have fallen ill, and one person has died.</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-quarter-pounder-ecoli-outbreak-why-important-sales-2024-10">McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers</a> have been linked to 49 cases of E. coli infections and one death in an outbreak spanning 10 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said anyone who has developed severe E. coli symptoms after eating a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-e-coli-outbreak-tied-quarter-pounders-2024-10">Quarter Pounder</a> should call their healthcare provider.The last case of E. coli linked to the outbreak was recorded on October 11, according to the Food and Drug Administration. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/signs-of-food-poisoning">Symptoms of an E. coli infection</a> usually present three to four days after someone swallows the bacteria, the CDC said.According to the CDC, symptoms of a severe E. coli infection include:<ul><li>Bloody diarrhea, or diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving</li><li>A fever higher than 102°F</li><li>Vomiting and being unable to keep liquids down</li><li>Severe stomach cramps</li><li>Signs of dehydration including: feeling dizzy when standing, a dry mouth and throat, and not peeing much</li></ul>Most people with typical E. coli symptoms recover within five to seven days without medical treatment, the CDC said, but some people might develop serious kidney problems and need to be hospitalized.<h2 id="fe771385-f027-45ae-907c-9f213d05dca3">10 people have been hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounders</h2>As of Tuesday, the outbreak was linked to 10 hospitalizations, with most illnesses occurring in Colorado and Nebraska, the CDC said.Public health officials are investigating which ingredient could be causing the outbreak, but early information from the FDA suggests the slivered onions or beef patties used for Quarter Pounders are the likely source of contamination.Cesar Piña, McDonald's chief supply chain officer for North America, said in a statement on its website on Tuesday that an initial investigation suggested the illnesses may be linked to slivered onions, which were sourced by a single supplier that serves three distribution centers.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-expensive-prices-too-high-fast-food-restaurant-falling-sales-2024-7">McDonald's</a> has stopped using both the beef patties and slivered onions used specifically for the Quarter Pounder. It has also temporarily pulled the burger from its menus in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as portions of surrounding states such as Nebraska and Oklahoma. The FDA said on Tuesday that diced onions and other types of beef patties used in McDonald's restaurants are not affected by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/what-bacteria-causes-food-poisoning">E. coli outbreak</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/mcd-stock?_gl=1*1f1j3x0*_ga*MTA0NDI4Mzk2My4xNzA4NDI2MTU3*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTcyOTY3NDY4Ny4yMTYuMC4xNzI5Njc0Njg3LjAuMC4w">McDonald's stock price</a> dropped by more than 9% as news of the outbreak spread. John A. Gordon, a chain restaurant analyst, told Business Insider on Tuesday that sales of the Quarter Pounder could be negatively affected.McDonald's did not immediately respond to an out-of-hours request for comment from Business Insider.Have you experienced symptoms of E. coli after eating at McDonald's? Contact reporter Serafina Kenny: <a target="_blank" href="mailto:skenny@businessinsider.com">skenny@businessinsider.com</a>.

What to do if you ate a McDonald's Quarter Pounder and feel ill

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Plasma exchange therapy is gaining popularity as a wellness trend among longevity-seekers.</li><li>The procedure involves replacing plasma to remove toxins, typically from specific health conditions.</li></ul>A medical treatment used for health emergencies and autoimmune disorders is becoming the hot new wellness trend for CEOs, athletes, and other longevity-seekers.Bryan Johnson, a CEO and entrepreneur known for his strict longevity regimen and exploration of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stem-cell-injections-knee-joints-longevity-wellness-industry-bryan-johnson-2024-7">experimental antiaging treatments</a>, recently posted on X about his experience with plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange.The procedure involves gradually removing small amounts of blood and spinning it in a centrifuge. That separates the plasma from the red blood cell in order to remove it and replace it with another fluid, such as albumin, a protein in plasma.At a wellness clinic, it can cost from $5,000 to more than $10,000.XPrize founder Peter Diamandis has tried it. So has former NFL star <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-hall-of-famer-troy-aikman-follows-pegan-diet-2022-1">Troy Aikman,</a> calling it "essentially a human oil change."Dr. Jonathann Kuo, a regenerative medicine specialist and founder of Extension Health, performed Aikman's plasma exchange. He told Business Insider it helps remove toxins, some related to aging, that accumulate over time."We call it an oil change because it is kind of refreshing and revitalizing your circulation and getting rid of all of the dirty stuff that's circulating, basically," he said.Kuo said it's part of a suite of cutting-edge <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/human-life-span-plateaued-what-you-can-do-long-life-2024-10">antiaging therapies</a> offered at his clinic.Plasma exchange can improve certain <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-the-maximum-age-of-humans-115-or-older-2023-3">measures of aging</a>, at least in the short term, according to some <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33191466/">animal studies</a> from the Conboy Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. The same researchers found similar potential antiaging benefits in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9398900/">very small exploratory study on humans</a>.There's no major risk of serious side effects, though infection can occur, but it's not clear that plasma exchange is beneficial for most healthy people, according to Dr. Brian Adkins, a professor of pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.Adkins performs plasma exchanges regularly to help patients with chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders. He said the treatment is also used in serious circumstances such as organ failure or sepsis.<h2 id="109ebfd5-b3eb-4eca-a26d-676eae4aeea0">Should you get a plasma exchange for longevity?</h2>Plasma exchange therapy is typically used for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jca.22043">specific conditions</a> like Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and is reserved for more extreme cases, Dr. Ryan Marino, a toxicologist and professor of emergency medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Business Insider.Johnson faced some backlash from medical experts on X for seemingly commodifying a treatment that can be crucial for people with chronic illnesses, or life-saving in emergencies."It's not supposed to be boutique medicine; it's supposed to be evidence-based medicine," Adkins said.Undergoing plasma treatment at a longevity clinic may not make sense for several reasons.For one, people who aren't experiencing organ failure or other life-threatening medical conditions naturally remove toxins are naturally via the liver and kidneys.Plasma exchange is also unlikely to help remove environmental contaminants such as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microplastics-penises-testicles-male-fertility-plastic-health-environment-2024-7">microplastics</a>, a growing concern for long-term health since the procedure involves plastic bags and tubing, and the components are exposed to plastics during processing.It's also a misconception that plasma exchange completely replaces the plasma since some amount needs to continue circulating in your body while you're alive, like changing your oil while the car is running.Much of what we know about the safety and potential benefits of plasma exchange comes from data on people who donate plasma — which not only doesn't cost anything, you can even get paid for it.Removing plasma can lower a person's lipid levels, including <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/treatments/high-cholesterol">"bad" cholesterol</a>. However, this is temporary because plasma regenerates quickly, which is why it can be safely removed or donated.Marino and Adkins said the interest in plasma exchanges for longevity is part of an enduring fascination with cleansing our bodies from toxins, dating back to ancient times and antique procedures like bloodletting."It sounds plausible that cleaning your blood or plasma would provide benefits, especially if you believe that there are such toxins circulating that could be removed," Marino said.If you're interested in living a longer, healthier life, there are plenty of other <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quick-life-hacks-increase-longevity-2023-8">science-based longevity strategies</a>, including eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and sleeping enough."There are a lot of really meaningful things you can do to improve your health. Maybe people's efforts might be better served exploring some of those inventions," Adkins said.

The hot new longevity treatment for aging athletes and CEOs is a plasma exchange

Los Angeles [US], February 27 (<keyword id="19904948" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ani" source="keywords">ANI</keyword>): According to a study, vapers are susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 and continues to infect people all over the world. The liquid used in electronic cigarettes, known as e-liquid, often contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavour compounds. The researchers discovered that propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin, either alone or in combination with nicotine, increased COVID-19 infection via various routes. The results of the study are published in the American Journal of Physiology. The researchers also found that the addition of benzoic acid to e-liquids prevents the infection caused by propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine. "Users who vape aerosols produced from propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin alone or e-liquids with a neutral to basic pH are more likely to be infected by the virus, while users who vape aerosols made from e-liquids with benzoic acid -- an acidic pH -- will have the same viral susceptibility as individuals who do not vape," said <keyword id="20741903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rattapol-phandthong" source="keywords">Rattapol Phandthong</keyword>, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and the research paper's first author. The researchers obtained airway stem cells from human donors to produce a 3D tissue model of human bronchial epithelium. They then exposed the tissues to JUUL and <keyword id="20000547" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="blu" source="keywords">BLU</keyword> electronic cigarette aerosols to study the effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection. They found all tissues showed an increase in the amount of ACE2, a host cell receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Further, TMPRSS2, an enzyme essential for the virus to infect cells, was found to show increased activity in tissues exposed to aerosols with nicotine. <keyword id="20741904" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prue-talbot" source="keywords">Prue Talbot</keyword>, a professor of the graduate division and Phandthong's advisor, said e-cigarette users should be cautious about vaping as some products will increase their susceptibility to SARs-CoV-2 infection. "It would probably be best for vapers to quit vaping for the protection of their health and to stop nicotine dependency," she said. "If they cannot stop vaping, it is better to vape aerosols produced from an e-liquid with acidic pH or with benzoic acid to prevent the enhanced SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. However, inhalation of benzoic acid has its own risk, and data is still limited on this topic." The researchers acknowledge that the relationship between e-cigarettes and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility is complex. "The complexity is attributed to a wide range of available e-liquids, the chemical composition of each e-liquid, and different models of e-cigarettes," Phandthong said. "Our study only used Classic Tobacco Flavor JUUL e-cigarette and BLU Classic Tobacco e-cigarette. Even with just these two e-cigarettes, we found the aerosols and individual ingredients produced different effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection." Phandthong and <keyword id="20266784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="talbot" source="keywords">Talbot</keyword> hope the Food and Drug Administration will use their findings to implement regulatory laws on e-cigarette products. "Our findings could also help improve the design of clinical trials involving the use of tobacco products and SARS-CoV-2 infection," Phandthong said. "In the meantime, it is worth bearing in mind that the scientific literature has shown that a vaper who contracted SARS-CoV-2 has more complications during the recovery period and is more likely to develop long COVID-19, which can be serious and last many months post-infection. We hope our findings encourage vapers to stop vaping and discourage non-users from starting to vape." Phandthong acknowledged the team only investigated the initial stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection. "There are many later stages involved in infection, such as viral replication," he said. "Likely, these additional stages can also be affected by inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols." (ANI)

Vaping can enhance vulnerability to infection with SARS-CoV-2: Study

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A new study found hundreds of unique viruses called bacteriophage on toothbrushes and shower heads.</li><li>Phage target bacteria, not humans, and could be a useful tool against disease.</li></ul>The next big breakthrough in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/disease-prevention-ideas-us-could-learn-from-uk-israel-canada-2022-12">disease-fighting innovation</a> could be no further away than your bathroom.A recent study found hundreds of viruses on samples from toothbrushes and shower heads, including many that have never been seen before, let alone examined.But this specific kind of viruses, known as bacteriophage, aren't concerning for human health because they target and infect bacteria, not us, according to Erica Hartmann, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University who led the study."It's still a big deal; it's just not scary. It's actually really exciting," Hartmann told Business Insider.Understanding how these infectious particles work could be a valuable step in protecting us from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/what-is-the-difference-between-bacteria-and-virus">harmful pathogens and bacteria</a>, including those that cause tuberculosis and other serious diseases."The more we know about what's in shower heads and what's on toothbrushes with regard to viruses and microbes, the more we can advance in understanding how we get sick and even devise new tools to fight those pathogens," Miryam Wahrman, a professor of Biology at William Paterson University of New Jersey who was not involved with the study, told Business Insider.<h2 id="cfd924b0-3be2-4e3b-8329-12a9c8ebdb95">Unexplored ecosystems are living on your household items</h2>Researchers from Northwestern University were inspired to investigate toothbrushes because of a previous study investigating whether <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-show-droplets-aerosols-emerge-when-flush-toilet-2022-12">flushing the toilet could release aerosols</a> that might contaminate a toothbrush left out on the countertop.The good news is that the study, nicknamed "Operation Pottymouth," found no evidence of poop-related germs on toothbrushes."Overwhelmingly, we find that microbes on your toothbrush come from your mouth," Hartmann said.The research team decided to put all those used toothbrushes to good use and took a closer look at what's hanging out there.In a previous study, they also analyzed samples taken from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-shower-head">shower heads</a> to offer even more insight into our bathrooms' microscopic occupants.The researchers weren't surprised to find that these household items were home to many germs because of their warm, moist environments.But they were blown away by how many different kinds of viruses were present. There was so much diversity that there was almost no overlap between the samples, meaning each toothbrush and shower head was host to its own unique microscopic world.The findings were published October 9 in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiomes/articles/10.3389/frmbi.2024.1396560/full">Frontiers in Microbiomes</a>."I'd encourage people to look at things they see every day and think of these as places where we could be making exciting discoveries for new biotechnology," Hartmann said.<h2 id="a5e9a1f5-fb1b-4af8-9e10-a9a211c4ecf9">Phages could be the new frontier in disease-fighting biotech</h2>There's no reason to be grossed out by the tiny inhabitants sharing our homes."I don't think there's any need to change behavior or enhance cleaning. These are not viruses that are going to infect you, these are viruses that are potentially cool," Hartmann said.It's a common misconception to think of all germs and microorganisms as potential threats, but plenty of microbes are neutral, beneficial, and sometimes <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/foods-better-than-probiotics-for-gut-health-2023-8">necessary for human health</a>.Bacteria and viruses have sparked groundbreaking innovations in science, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/longevity-stem-cell-biotech-reverse-aging-cellular-reprogamming-2024-9">biotechnology</a>, and healthcare that we benefit from every day, such as penicillin and DNA research."Microbes are everywhere all the time, and the vast majority of them won't make you sick," Hartmann said. "If we approach with wonder and curiosity instead of fear, we can work with microbes instead of against them."Phage are exciting because they specialize in attacking and replicating inside bacteria, including bacterial pathogens. These pathogens make us sick and can become resistant to our current protective strategies, like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/treatments/how-long-does-it-take-for-antibiotics-to-work">antibiotics</a>."The enemy of our enemy is our friend. They are potentially a very helpful tool for us," Wahrman said.Researchers have known about the existence of phage for more than a century, but antibiotics have gotten most of our attention. Now that some pathogens have outsmarted antibiotics, phage are a wide-open frontier for innovation.In the future, phage might be a rich source of biotech innovations like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ampliphi-phage-therapy-treatment-bacterial-infections-2017-10">phage therapy,</a> in the same way pharmaceuticals have developed medicines from plants or animals. Rather than scouring remote reaches of the planet, these discoveries could come from digging deeper into what surrounds us every day."There are a lot of things waiting to be discovered just under our noses or on our toothbrushes," Hartmann said.

Your toothbrush is home to hundreds of new viruses. They could be the future of biotech.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>After a botched wisdom tooth removal, my partner spent 10 days in an induced coma.</li><li>With a few weeks left before our wedding, we decided to go ahead with the ceremony when he woke up.</li></ul>Sometimes, life really does change in an instant. One minute, my fiancé Storm and I were on the couch, editing our <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-star-criticised-for-wedding-guest-dress-code-2018-11">wedding mood board</a> and listing our guests' dietary requirements. The next, he was in a medically induced coma after emergency surgery to drain an abscess in his neck muscles caused by a wisdom tooth removal gone seriously wrong.What was intended as a 24-hour sedation turned into three days, then four, then five. Although his <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-hospitals-corporations-charge-upfront-surgery-healthcare-2024-5">emergency surgery</a> was successful, the infection had already started to spread through his body, leading to meningitis and then a minor stroke.I visited his bedside every day, playing his favorite songs, updating him on his beloved soccer team, Liverpool FC, and reading messages from friends around the world — just in case, on some level, he could hear me.This was all just a few weeks before our <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-wish-i-had-eloped-instead-of-having-a-wedding-2024-9">wedding day</a>.<h2 id="feb25d4f-ccd8-48dc-812b-d321d1880e96">We decided to go ahead with our big day</h2>Recovering from what ended up being a 10-day coma is no small feat. Storm was extremely lucky to suffer minimal <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dangerous-surgery-stop-blushing-side-effects-ruined-life-no-emotions-2024-2">side effects</a> but had to stay in hospital for a further two weeks, undergoing regular MRI scans and blood tests to ensure his body was healing.The wedding was the furthest thing from our minds. Yet, with the big day only four weeks away, I raised the subject once he was strong enough. It was Storm's decision — once we'd got approval from his medical team, I was happy to make any essential adjustments but equally happy to delay or cancel the wedding altogether if he wasn't up to it.Frankly, by then, I'd have been content sitting at home and exchanging rings in our pajamas.Storm decided he wanted to go ahead as planned. I was thrilled — even if I now had three weeks to buy a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paid-engagement-ring-husband-chose-wedding-dress-2024-9">wedding dress</a>, green-light all the wedding vendors, and tick off all the other tasks that needed to happen. I started emailing vendors and calling in favors — fast.Two weeks after Storm left the hospital, we hit another bump. We'd gathered our <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/side-hustle-as-a-bridesmaid-for-hire-2023-9">bridesmaids and groomsmen</a> to help us with practical wedding prep when Storm suddenly collapsed during dinner and was rushed back to hospital by ambulance.An unexpected side effect from the coma led to another five days in hospital, with him being discharged just 10 days before the wedding.<h2 id="e295385e-98db-4627-8925-3d60cde75018">Our wedding looked different</h2>Most couples spend the final run-up sorting last-minute decorations, managing the guest list, or finalizing the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-prefer-aisle-seat-airplanes-willing-to-pay-extra-2024-6">seating plan</a>. Ours looked a little different: I was taking Storm for check-up blood tests every three days.Inevitably, the ceremony itself was also a little outside the norm. Shorter than usual, and with the two of us spending most of it sitting down, the groom sipped a mug of Coca-Cola at the altar to sustain his energy levels.He and I also skipped the Champagne reception before dinner, heading back to our hotel for a nap and an episode of "Modern Family" to fortify us. At the party later, Storm took hourly breaks in the dressing room, with his friends taking turns to keep him company. It was not exactly the shape of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wedding-therapist-says-ask-2-questions-if-have-cold-feet-2021-10">the wedding</a> we'd envisaged, but the love and friendship surrounding us made it more memorable than we could ever have envisioned.<h2 id="7a365f64-9f4f-42db-bf6d-f371768c8994">The usual wedding traditions didn't matter to us</h2>The wedding industry would have us all believe that our weddings should be the happiest day of our lives to date. Such expectations often spell sky-high stress levels. I can confirm that visiting your partner in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/icu-doctor-liver-transplant-vulnerability-patient-2024-6">intensive care unit</a> for two very long weeks puts that kind of manufactured stress into stark perspective. For us, the stakes literally couldn't have been higher.All those little details that so many people worry about barely appeared on our radar. I hadn't even booked any of the usual bridal beauty appointments many people have nailed in nearly a year ahead.Still, our wedding was a magical celebration of love — a euphoric day full of laughter and celebrations. And yet, ask me what has been the happiest day of my life, and I'd answer without hesitation: The day my fiancé woke up from his 10-day coma and smiled at me.

You Searched For "infection" and got 12 results

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