Immune Systems Advisor

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Frank Yap, MD | Written by:     OneDayMD Editorial Team | Last Updated:  September  2026 Rabies remains rare in people in the United States, but potential rabies exposures are a serious medical issue because the disease is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms begin. A September 2026 CDC alert highlighted increased demand for rabies-related medical evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), following several high-profile wildlife and animal-exposure events. However, there is an important distinction between more reported or evaluated exposures and a confirmed nationwide increase in human rabies infections. The information reported in the original article does not establish that human rabies incidence is broadly increasing across the United States. Important: If you have been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, or saliva from a potentially infected mammal has contacted your eyes, mouth or broken skin, d...

Updated September 9, 2026 • Evidence Review “Turbo cancer” is not a formal medical diagnosis. But the phenomenon behind the phrase raises several legitimate scientific questions: Are more cancers occurring in younger adults? Are some cancers becoming more aggressive or being diagnosed at more advanced stages? Can tumors occasionally accelerate dramatically? And is there credible evidence that COVID-19 infection or vaccination contributes to cancer progression in some susceptible individuals? The evidence is more complicated than either extreme. Early-onset cancer is a documented epidemiologic trend. Rapidly progressive cancer is a real clinical phenomenon. Hyperprogressive disease is a recognized, although still controversial, pattern associated particularly with immune-checkpoint therapy. At the same time, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that COVID-19 vaccination causes a distinct “turbo cancer” syndrome. Important update: A September 3, 2026...

Evidence Review • Oral Health • Microbiome Mouthwash can reduce plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and tooth decay—but some antimicrobial formulations also alter the oral microbiome. What does the evidence really tell us about chlorhexidine, nitric oxide, blood pressure, diabetes and long-term health? Quick Answer Mouthwash is neither universally harmful nor universally necessary. Therapeutic mouthrinses can provide meaningful dental benefits, particularly for people with gingivitis, plaque, elevated cavity risk or specific dental conditions. However, antimicrobial rinses can also alter the oral microbial ecosystem. The important distinction is between demonstrated dental benefits and hypotheses about long-term systemic effects . Current evidence does not establish that routine mouthwash use causes hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or Alzheimer's disease. Evidence status: ...