The hottest Viruses Substack posts right now

There are various viruses circulating in a 'shoulder season' transition period.
COVID-19 cases typically surge in late December and early January.
Negative COVID-19 tests may indicate other viruses, so seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

The latest COVID sub-variant, EG.5, is becoming a dominant strain in the U.S., but it doesn't seem to be more contagious or cause more serious disease than prior variants.
Vaccines still offer good protection against serious disease from EG.5, and the new booster expected at the end of September should provide good coverage against severe outcomes from this variant.
To protect yourself this fall/winter, it's advised to get vaccinated, care for underlying health issues, prioritize sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and have regular check-ups with your doctor.

Scientists discovered how bacteriophages, or phages, time their escape from bacteria by spinning them. This helped them understand when phages decide to burst out after infecting a host.
The research showed that phages wait until just the right moment, keeping the bacteria's energy intact until they are ready to reproduce as many phages as possible.
Using a clever spinning technique and measuring the bacteria's electrical gradient, researchers found that if the charge drops by half, phages trigger lysis immediately, maximizing their chances of survival.

RSV is a virus that primarily affects infants, young children, and older adults, leading to severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
RSV season typically starts in the fall, peaks in the winter, and varies in intensity and timing from year to year and by region.
New vaccines and antibody injections are available to help protect against RSV, with options for older adults, pregnant women, and babies/toddlers, aiming to reduce severe outcomes and transmission.

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