NPR Health is reporting that pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Valneva are seeking regulatory approval for a Lyme disease vaccine. KFF Health News said this comes as climate change expands tick habitats, potentially increasing demand for such a vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Lyme disease symptoms including fever, chills, headaches, and arthritis, noting that prior infection does not grant permanent immunity. KFF Health News spoke with hunters about their interest in the vaccine. Some, like Jess Manganelli, expressed interest due to outdoor exposure and past health concerns. Others, such as Jeremy Hollingshead, were doubtful, citing low personal risk perception. The proposed four-dose vaccine candidate is still undergoing testing and did not meet one requirement because too few study participants contracted Lyme disease. The companies maintain it is about 75% effective in reducing cases.
NPR Health is also reporting on a TikTok trend where individuals use a combination of over-the-counter allergy medication and Pepcid AC, a heartburn drug, to alleviate premenstrual or perimenopausal symptoms. Sarah Boden reported that users claim improved moods, with one believer stating, "I don’t understand the magic. I’m not a doctor. This works." Dr. Mara Rivera, a psychiatrist, suggested a plausible biological mechanism: the drug duo might reduce histamine effects. Histamine, a chemical released by the immune system, causes inflammatory responses and fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, with progesterone acting as a natural antihistamine that drops before a period. Leigh A. Frame, executive director of the Office of Integrative Medicine & Health at George Washington University, clarified there is no empirical evidence for this combination as a remedy for premenstrual mood symptoms. She expressed concern that users might not address underlying health issues, as histamine is linked to various problems. Frame advised consulting a doctor and being aware of potential side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, and adverse drug interactions.
Additionally, NPR Health is reporting on key safety tips for avoiding summer risks, including drowning, heat exhaustion, tick-borne illnesses, and grilling accidents. The American Red Cross states that less than half of Americans have basic water safety skills, and Chezik Tsunoda of No More Under warned that drowning is the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1-4, recommending designated adult water-watchers. NPR advised limiting sun exposure to prevent heat exhaustion, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol on hot days. For tick prevention, it recommended wearing protective clothing, using repellents like permethrin and DEET, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. For grilling, NPR suggested keeping grills away from structures and having a fire extinguisher on hand.