What We Know About the XBB COVID Variant

However, the virus is still evolving into differentsubvariants, each with its own specific mutations. But theres no need to panic. Pekosz said we dont know how well XBB will compete with current Omicron variants in the U.S. MarBom/Getty Therefore, he said XBB is worth watching carefully. Why Do Viruses Mutate? Mutating viruses sounds scary, but its a normal thing for them to do. For example, mutations have changed the spike protein of the COVID virus....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 264 words · Victor Oconnell

What You Can Do About Stress and Erectile Dysfunction

After adrenaline peaks, cortisol is released for several hours. Cortisol keeps us in a less acute but still stressed state until the threat has passed. Psychological Erectile Dysfunction Causes Beyond stress, ED has been linked to other mental health disorders. Verywell / Ellen Lindner Up to 37% of people with ED have also reported anxiety disorders. Work and Financial Stress Work or financial problems also cause significant psychological stress. Involuntary job loss and financial distress are significant risk factors for ED....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 596 words · Lori Reyes

What You Need to Know About an Avocado Allergy

Avocado allergies are rare, and the prevalence of avocado allergies is currently unknown. However, if you have an avocado allergy, you may also have a birchpollen allergyand/or alatex allergy. People with avocado allergies need to be vigilant with reading ingredient lists. Alexander Spatari / Getty Images Avocado andavocado oilcan be found in some surprising places. It is also used in cosmetics, facial and body moisturizers, soaps, and shampoos. Allergic reactions to avocado are often mild, with itchy lips, mouth, and throat....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 464 words · Heather Robinson

What You Need to Know About Arcus Senilis

It starts as a short arc on the top and bottom of the cornea. It is also more common if you have a family history of high cholesterol. It does not affect vision or cause any other issues with the eye. Pakin Songmor / Getty Images What Does It Look Like? Arcus senilis appears as adiscoloration over the cornea. It will appear as though a persons eye is two different colors....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 291 words · Phillip Wiley

What You Need to Know About Arthritis Socks

Arthritiscan cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet. Arthritis sockscan help keep your feet warm and comfortable without causing additional problems. There are many different options for socks that can assist a person with arthritis. Lumina Images / Getty Image Heres a look at the most popular types, plus options in each category. Compression Socks People with arthritis suffer frompainful jointsthat swell, which leads to discomfort. They have options that go to the ankle or up to the knee, depending on what you need....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 288 words · Christina Boyd

What You Need to Know About Bronchogenic Carcinoma (Symptoms and More)

Some people with this bang out of cancer also experience repeated bouts of lung infections, like pneumonia. Is Bronchogenic Carcinoma the Same As Lung Cancer? However, it is now considered another name for lung cancer in general. Science Photo Library / Getty Images In the U.S., 80% to 90% of lung cancer-related deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Apositron emission tomography (PET) scanmay also be ordered. The results can help determine if the cancer might respond to treatment with targeted medications....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 323 words · Tommy Norris

What You Need to Know About Cashew Allergies

Though they are technically seeds,cashewsare commonly classified as tree nuts. They can be found within the drupe (fleshy fruit) on the tropical tree species known asAnacardium occidentale. Cashew allergies result when a personsimmune systemreacts to the proteins found in cashews, causingallergy symptoms. Westend61 / Getty Images A cashew allergy is a commontree nut allergy. Roughly 20% of all people allergic to tree nuts in the United States are allergic to cashews....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 447 words · Katherine Haley

What You Need to Know About Double Ear Infections

A double ear infection, also called a bilateral ear infection, is one that affects both ears simultaneously. The symptoms of a double ear infection are generally worse than a unilateral (one-sided) ear infection. Even so, the treatment is similar whether one or two ears are involved. stockstudioX / Getty Images In addition, bleeding and bulging of theeardrumare more common and severe. The function of the Eustachian tube is to equalize pressure between the middle and outer ear....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 435 words · Daniel White

What You Need to Know About Eczema in and on Your Ears

Eczemacan affect any part of the body, including in and around the ears. Ear eczema can present some challenges as well as a few unique symptoms and complications. This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ear eczema. ERDAL ISLAK / Getty Images This overreaction can result in inflammation of the skin. This is called acute otitis externa. This results over time from irritation and dryness to the skin, as well as from scratching....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 263 words · Isaac Smith

What You Need to Know About Essential Oils for Shingles

Many people turn to natural remediessuch as essential oilsto help ease the pain and discomfort caused byshingles. These extracts have therapeutic properties that may offer health benefits and pain relief. Some essential oils have been proven to have antiviral effects in clinical studies. fizkes / iStock / Getty Images This may make them a good addition to your treatment plan for shingles. This condition can cause severe pain and impact a persons quality of life....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 490 words · Stephen Bruce

What You Need to Know About Flat Back Syndrome

Flat back syndrome is also called fixedsagittalimbalance. With this condition, thenormal curvein your lower spine is reduced or absent. A major symptom is difficulty standing for long periods of time. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health Flat back syndrome can be present at birth. This article looks at flat back syndrome, its causes, and diagnosis. It also discusses treatment options. Yourlumbar spinein your lower back and yourcervical spinein your neck curve inward....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 434 words · Dr. Patricia Freeman

What You Need to Know About Foot Orthotics

Foot orthotics are shoe inserts that can be custom-made to prescribed specifications or purchased “off-the-shelf.” Custom-made orthoticsare generally considered more effective and of higher quality than prefabricated foot orthotics. Custom-made foot orthotics can: How Are Custom Foot Orthotics Made? ChesiireCat / Getty Images Who Is Helped by Wearing a Custom Foot Orthotic? But, any relief is significant relief for people suffering with foot pain. If you have persistent foot pain, ask your healthcare provider whether foot orthotics may help you....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 142 words · Aaron Wolf

What You Need to Know About Hemophilia

Hemophiliadisease is a rare inherited bleeding disorder. Severity ranges from mild to severe. While there’s no cure, treatments can improve blood clotting and control bleeding. FluxFactory / Getty Images As a result, wounds take longer to heal, and people with hemophilia maybruise easily. These bruises are larger and take longer to heal than in people without hemophilia. Internal bleedingis another major complication of hemophilia, especially in the knees, elbows, or ankles....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 262 words · Crystal Mcmahon