Autumn brings many things: cooler weather, pumpkin carving, and longer walks outside. Yet the season also carries a downside—rising rates of respiratory illness.
The Nimbus variant of COVID-19 was uncovered in the summer of 2025. Now, as fall begins, another newly identified variant has appeared: Stratus, more formally known as XFG. Stratus is a recombinant virus, formed from two variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. It first emerged in Canada but has since spread worldwide.
For as long as mosquitoes have been biting humans, one question has persisted: what makes certain people so tasty? Is it bananas, garlic, clothing color, or blood type?
Most of these common beliefs have no evidence behind them. But a recent field experiment may finally offer some real clarity. Researchers found that certain hedonistic habits made people more attractive to mosquitoes—specifically beer drinking, sleeping with partners, and skipping sunscreen.
COVID-19 cases are stable or declining across most U.S. states. The CDC reports 36 states show declining or likely declining infections. Only one state shows growth, while 10 states remain unchanged. In some U.S. states and territories, the data is still inconclusive.
Even with cases dropping, new COVID-19 treatments remain essential. Future surges or infectious new variants could still emerge. Researchers are actively seeking therapies to lower risks for patients.
A study from King’s College London tested inhaled heparin. Results showed lower risk of severe complications and reduced need for ventilation. The drug also showed promise for other respiratory infections
When I had Valley Fever, I spent months facing misdiagnoses. At one point, I received intravenous antibiotics at an urgent care clinic. Because Valley Fever is a fungal infection, those antibiotics could not help. Misapplied treatments like this add to a larger crisis: antibiotic resistance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alarming report on NDM-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterioles (NDM-CREs). These are dangerous strains of bacteria that resist nearly all antibiotics. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, shows infections rose more than 460% between 2019 and 2023.
NDM-CRE infections can include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. They are extremely hard to treat and can be fatal. Detection is also difficult, since many clinical labs lack the tools to identify them.
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.
