In October 2020, then 69-year-old Chicago resident Linda Tomcow tested positive for COVID-19. A chest X-ray later showed pneumonia after several weeks of illness. In May 2021, she began cognitive rehabilitation for ongoing symptoms. Doctors also found mild brain scarring caused by COVID-19.

The scarring was believed to be behind her severe brain fog symptoms. Tomcow sought help from many specialists, including a pulmonologist and neurologist. She also visited a neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist.

Tomcow represents thousands who live with Long COVID brain fog. This broad term refers to lasting fatigue and cognitive difficulties. In one recent study, researchers used brain imaging to find a biomarker. The biomarker was connected to brain fog in Long COVID patients.

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Most people recognize the flu through familiar symptoms like fever and fatigue. Others rely on nasal swab tests to confirm infection with the influenza virus. But a third, unusual way of sensing the flu may soon arrive: tasting it.

Researchers recently developed a molecular sensor that produces a flavor when it detects influenza. The study, published in ACS Central Science, envisions the sensor embedded in gum or lozenges. This would allow people to screen for flu at home with a simple taste.

Such a tool could help reduce flu transmission by alerting people who might not realize they are contagious.

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In March 2020, then 14-year-old Kitty McFarland was living an active lifestyle. She spent her time dancing ballet, paddle boarding, running, and playing netball. That spring, Kitty contracted COVID-19. She developed a cough and fever, and at one point her mother recalls finding her frighteningly unresponsive.

Though her symptoms eased at first, Kitty’s health sharply declined a month later. Severe illness left her bedridden for eight months. She missed large portions of school, while doctors struggled to provide answers. Kitty describes living with Long COVID as being “on a roller coaster forever,” with constant, unpredictable ups and downs.

Kitty’s experience is far from unique. Recent research published in Lancet Infectious Diseases shows that children and teens are especially vulnerable. The study found that people under 21 are twice as likely to develop Long COVID after a second infection compared to their first. Many had assumed later infections would be milder, but the findings challenge that belief.

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Skepticism and misinformation make chronic fatigue syndrome an isolating illness. In a previous study, almost 70% of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients reported facing high stigma. A third of ME/CFS patients and half of male patients had suicidal thoughts.

Both medical professionals and community members often fail to recognize the disease. This lack of recognition leads to inadequate support for patients. Many people with ME/CFS are dismissed or misunderstood when describing their severe symptoms.

A recent study in the Journal of Translational Medicine may help reduce stigma. Researchers identified a specific blood signature in patients with severe ME/CFS. They developed a diagnostic test using 200 bloodline markers. The test can identify ME/CFS with 96% accuracy.

These findings offer hope for patients long dismissed or doubted. A reliable diagnostic tool could validate their suffering and improve medical support.

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You may be used to receiving COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. You may also feel something familiar when putting on a mask in crowds. These actions are common ways to help prevent COVID-19 infection.

Recent research suggests another option for protection: an over-the-counter nasal spray. The study found that azelastine, an OTC nasal spray, could reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Researchers also found that azelastine may protect against other respiratory viruses.

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