Widespread Cough Epidemic

‘Tis the season for respiratory illnesses, with flu, COVID, and RSV cases rising as people gather for the holidays. Reports of a persistent, severe cough are circulating on platforms like TikTok, catching the attention of both the public and healthcare professionals. Doctors are observing a significant number of patients with lingering coughs that aren’t flu or COVID-related, but likely caused by other viral pathogens like rhinovirus or adenovirus.

As the world battles climate change, health experts warn that rising temperatures linked to global warming are impacting the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. With mosquitoes adapting to new climates, scientists are developing early warning systems using satellite images, drones, and weather sensors to predict and prepare for disease outbreaks, potentially saving lives and resources.

Amid the holiday season, an increasing number of people are experiencing a prolonged and severe cough. Though not linked to flu or COVID, it is suspected to be caused by viral pathogens like rhinovirus or adenovirus. Doctors suggest that persistent inflammation in the airways may contribute to the prolonged cough even after the virus is gone. The duration of contagiousness for such illnesses is challenging to determine precisely.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Huffpost}