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Flu and RSV formed a new virus. Should you be worried?

RJ Hamster
YOUR WEEKLY CHECKUP
This week: What happens when influenza and RSV form a hybrid virus; new hope for targeting hard-to-reach tumors; a cure for hot flashes is a real possibility; re-evaluating “antiquated” blood donation rules; the smog that killed thousands and changed the world.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOANNE HANEY AND MARGARET MULLIN, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH
What happens if the flu and RSV fuse into a single virus? Now we know.
For the first time, scientists have shown that two seasonal respiratory viruses currently circulating in the United States—and overwhelming hospitals with sick kids—can form a hybrid virus under the right conditions. Their discovery yielded a few surprises.
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE
RSV: What you need to know about the respiratory virus surging among kids +
MEDICINAL HERBS: 7 herbs that may help fight cold and flu +
PHOTOGRAPH BY CORINNA KERN, LAIF/REDUX
How do you kill hard-to-reach tumors? A particle accelerator might help.
Some tumors are too deep to be treated by radiotherapy because they are too close to a sensitive organ. At a lab in Switzerland, physicists are working toward a solution: A recent study showed high-energy electron beams may be able to kill tumors 10 times deeper than current treatments can—without damaging vital organs.
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE
EARLY DETECTION: Innovative new blood tests could detect cancers before symptoms appear  +
ILLUSTRATION BY MY BOX, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Is it possible to cure hot flashes? We may be getting closer.
Nearly all women suffer from hot flashes during menopause. Researchers have finally figured out what triggers them—paving the way for the first new class of treatments since 1941.
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRANDON BELL, GETTY IMAGES
Why the FDA may ease limits on gay and bisexual men giving blood
Men who’ve recently had sex with other men cannot donate blood due to HIV transmission concerns—restrictions that scientists have long argued are discriminatory and unscientific.
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE
AN HIV VACCINE? The four-decade quest for an HIV vaccine yields new hope +
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
NG STAFF
FDA authorizes updated shots in kids under 5
The highly contagious Omicron subvariants BQ.1.1 and BQ.1 are spreading rapidly across the country.
TRACKING COVID IN THE U.S.
MORE HEALTH NEWS
PHOTOGRAPH BY THE NEW YORK TIMES, REDUX
The Great Smog of London woke the world to the dangers of coal
For five days in December 1952, a thick fog strangled the streets of London—a disaster that killed thousands of people. It would affect British health—and its climate—for years to come.
HOW THE SMOG STARTED
Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer.
This American diet that could add 10 years to your life
How to spot flu symptoms in children (New York Times)
Strep A: What to know about the usually mild infection leading to children’s deaths (Washington Post)
Leeches are still used in medicine—yes, really. Here’s why.
Is your favorite plant-based milk good for the planet? Here’s how they compare.
OTHER GREAT READS FROM NAT GEO
How did Jesus’ final days unfold? Scholars are still debating  ››
Life just might exist on Mars after all  ››
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