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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Imagine a mutant monster that constantly adapts to survive every attack. Each time a weapon strikes it, the creature evolves new defenses. When missiles hit, it grows a thick, hardened shell. When poison gas spreads, it forms lung filters to breathe clean air. When bombs fall, it learns to teleport out of range.

This nightmare creature mirrors a growing real-world threat: antimicrobial resistance. As bacteria face repeated exposure to antibiotics, they mutate to defend themselves. A new World Health Organization report shows antibiotic resistance rising worldwide. In 2023, one in six common bacterial infections resisted treatment. Resistance increased 40% between 2018 and 2023. The data show a steady 5 to 15% rise each year.

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COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 2 million lives in four years. This record makes them one of humanity’s greatest medical achievements. But what if these vaccines also improved survival for cancer patients? New research suggests that may be possible.

Preclinical results suggest that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may enhance cancer treatment. Researchers found that these vaccines can improve outcomes for patients receiving a form of immunotherapy. The study linked mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to better survival in cancer patients. These results indicate potential new uses for the vaccine beyond infection prevention.

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