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Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide
Flu activity remains high and is increasing across many parts of the country.
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, 25 percent of tests returned positive for flu, up from 19 percent the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
More than five percent of emergency-room visits were flu-related, with notable increases among infants, older children, and teens, nearing pre-holiday surge levels.
"The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity and that is expected to continue for several more weeks," the CDC said.
Elev…
MA Among Five Most-Expensive States For Smokers, New Study Says
Northeast and mid-Atlantic states are among the most expensive in the U.S. for smoking tobacco, according to a new study.
New York topped the 2025 list from WalletHub called "The Real Cost of Smoking by State", with residents losing an estimated $5.4 million over their lifetime. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were also ranked in the top five.
The study calculated smoking-related costs by combining out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, increased insurance premiums, and missed financial opportunities, such as investing in the stock market instead of …
Virus Outbreak In China Sparking Concerns: Here's What To Know About Hmpv
A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China is sparking concerns five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, drawing attention to another respiratory virus circulating in the population.
HMPV, a known virus, usually causes cold-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat.
The new rise in cases, particularly among children under 14 in northern China, has officials urging caution as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, a time when travel and gatherings often lead to spikes in illness.
Data from China’s state news agency, Xinhua, shows …
FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods
The Food and Drug Administration has officially banned Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives certain foods their vivid cherry-red hue, due to cancer concerns in lab animals.
The FDA revoked the authorization for the coloring's use in food products, oral drugs, and dietary supplements, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Manufacturers have until Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, to remove Red Dye 3 from food products and Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2028, for drugs. Products made before these deadlines may still appear on shelves if they were manufactured before …
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.
The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected.
COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.
Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16.
The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues.
The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie.
More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed.
A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
