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The flu vaccine is essential for reducing the risk of influenza and its complications. Experts recommend annual vaccination for most individuals aged six months and older, as immunity wanes and virus strains change. It's advisable to get vaccinated before flu season peaks, even if you've had the flu recently. Common side effects are mild and temporary, while severe reactions are rare. The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, and both vaccines can be administered together. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.

Top doctors on flu vaccine.

Akanksha Arora

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Live Chat With Top Doctors: All About Flu Vaccine - When To Get It, Who Needs It And Other Common Concerns Answered

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Rachel V Thomas

The flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications, but questions around its timing, effectiveness and safety often leave people confused. From whether you need an annual shot to concerns about hormonal changes, falling sick despite vaccination and the right time to get vaccinated, several doubts persist. So, who should get the flu vaccine, and what precautions should you take? Leading doctors answer your questions. <ul><li>Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director &amp; Unit Head, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad</li><li>Dr Vikram Jeet Singh, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi</li><li>Dr Manish Mohil, Director &amp; Head, Internal Medicine, PSRI Hospital, Delhi</li><li>Dr Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant – Internal Medicine, The CK Birla Hospital, Delhi</li><li>Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital</li><li>Dr Swati Rajagopal, Senior Consultant – Infectious Disease &amp; Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru</li><li>Dr Priti Shankar, General Physician, Apollo Clinic, Indiranagar, Bengaluru</li><li>Dr Anjali Kulkarni, HOD, General Medicine, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai</li><li>Dr Suresh Kumar D, Senior Specialist – Infectious Diseases, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai</li></ul> Q. When is the best time to get a flu vaccine in India - summer or winter? "The best time to get a flu vaccine depends on when influenza is most likely to circulate in your region," Dr Rakesh said. Dr Swati said the vaccine takes about two weeks to provide protection, so getting vaccinated before cases rise is advisable. Even if the season has begun, vaccination may still be beneficial. Q. Is one flu vaccine a year enough? "Yes, for most people, one dose of the seasonal flu vaccine each year is recommended," Dr Manish suggests. Annual vaccination is important because influenza viruses change over time, while immunity from vaccination can decline. The vaccine composition is periodically reviewed to target the strains expected to circulate in the upcoming season. Dr Suresh said most adults need only one dose annually. However, children receiving the vaccine for the first time may require two doses, depending on their age and vaccination history. Q. If I have already had the flu this season, do I still need vaccination? "Yes, vaccination is still recommended even if you have had the flu this season," Dr Amit said. Influenza infection may provide some immunity, but this protection can be incomplete and may not cover other strains circulating during the same season. Since influenza viruses evolve and immunity can decline over time, a previous infection does not guarantee protection against future infections. Dr Vikram said annual vaccination remains important because the vaccine targets strains expected to circulate during the season. Q. Who should get the flu vaccine, and who should avoid it? And should people with eczema get it every year? "Most people aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year," said Dr Anjali. Vaccination is particularly important for young children, older adults, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immunity. People with eczema can generally receive annual flu vaccination, as the condition itself is not a contraindication. However, infants younger than six months cannot be vaccinated, while those with a history of severe allergic reactions to a previous flu vaccine or its ingredients should seek medical advice. Dr Priti advised people receiving immunosuppressive treatment to consult their physician about the appropriate vaccine and timing. Dr Ravi also recommended specialist assessment for people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu vaccination. Q. What side effects can I expect after a flu vaccine? Can it cause hormonal changes or affect my menstrual cycle? "Most side effects following injectable influenza vaccination are mild and resolve within a few days,” Dr Rakesh said. Common reactions include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, mild fever and fatigue. There is no established evidence that the flu vaccine causes lasting hormonal imbalance or infertility. Dr Suresh said menstrual changes have occasionally been reported, but it is unclear whether vaccination directly causes them. Persistent irregular periods or unusually heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a gynaecologist. Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention. Q. Can I get the flu vaccine even when I have a cold, COVID-19 or the flu? Dr Swati explains that a mild cold without significant fever or serious symptoms is generally not a reason to postpone flu vaccination. However, people experiencing a moderate or severe illness are usually advised to wait until they recover. Dr Vikram said the decision should depend on the person's symptoms and clinical condition. The flu vaccine does not treat an existing influenza infection or protect against COVID-19. Once recovered, people can consult their doctor about vaccination timing, as having had either infection does not eliminate the need for a flu shot. Q. I took the flu vaccine shot but still got sick. How is that possible? "The flu vaccine does not offer complete protection, as its effectiveness depends on how well the vaccine strains match the circulating viruses and individual immune responses," Dr Amit says. Protection also takes approximately two weeks to develop, so you may fall sick if exposed to the virus before immunity builds up. Additionally, symptoms could be caused by other respiratory infections, such as the common cold or COVID-19, against which the flu vaccine does not protect. Dr Manish said vaccination can still reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. Q. What is the difference between a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine? Can I take both on the same day? The flu vaccine protects against selected influenza A and B viruses, while the COVID-19 vaccine targets SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Since they protect against different viruses, neither vaccine can replace the other. Both are designed to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications, although neither guarantees complete protection against infection. Dr Amit Prakash Singh said the two vaccines can generally be administered during the same visit, at separate injection sites, provided there are no individual medical concerns. People with a history of severe vaccine reactions should consult their doctor before vaccination. Q. Is medication always needed for a flu or can I rely on home remedies? "Most mild flu cases can be managed at home with symptomatic treatment, without prescription antiviral medication,” Dr Anjali said. Rest, adequate hydration and symptom relief can help ease discomfort. However, influenza can cause serious complications, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Dr Vikram said antiviral treatment may be particularly important for high-risk individuals and those with severe symptoms. These medicines work best when started early, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset. Antibiotics do not treat influenza itself and are only needed for bacterial infections. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult. Q. Which doctor should I consult for a flu vaccine? Dr Vikram Jeet says that a general physician or a doctor specialising in internal medicine can assess your eligibility, review your medical history and administer or arrange vaccination. Parents can consult a paediatrician for their children, while pregnant women can seek advice from their obstetrician or gynaecologist. Dr Suresh further adds that people with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, may also consult their treating specialist. Those with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines should seek individualised medical advice before getting vaccinated. Ensure the vaccine is administered at a recognised healthcare facility by a trained professional. Q. Where on the body should the flu vaccine be administered? "For most adults and older children, the injectable flu vaccine is administered intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm," Dr Ravi explains. In infants and young children, the anterolateral thigh is generally preferred as it provides adequate muscle mass for the injection. Dr Priti said the injection site should be selected according to the person's age and muscle development. The vaccine should always be administered by a trained healthcare professional using the appropriate technique and needle length. Intranasal flu vaccines are available in some countries, but their suitability depends on age, health conditions and local availability. Q. What warning signs should I watch out for after a flu vaccination, and when should I seek medical attention? Most side effects after a flu vaccination, including soreness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches, are temporary and usually settle within a few days. However, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Dr Rakesh Gupta said severe allergic reactions are rare but can cause difficulty breathing, throat swelling, widespread hives or collapse. These symptoms require immediate emergency care. Dr Vikram Jeet Singh said the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza itself, although mild reactions may occur as the immune system responds. All the experts have advised consulting a healthcare professional about persistent symptoms rather than automatically assuming they are vaccine-related.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

live chat with top doctors: all about flu vaccine - when to get it, who needs it and other common concerns answered

On October 13, 2026, Katie Zacharia began her role as White House press secretary, marking the sixth person to hold the position under Donald Trump. Each press secretary, from Sean Spicer to Karoline Leavitt, has shaped the role significantly, often prioritizing defense of Trump over traditional policy explanation. Spicer's tenure was marked by controversy, while Sarah Huckabee Sanders transitioned to governorship. Stephanie Grisham's unique term lacked briefings entirely, and Kayleigh McEnany faced intense scrutiny during the pandemic. Zacharia's appointment raises questions about the future of the role, as Trump remains his own best spokesperson.

Meet Trump’s Six Press Secretaries Whose Careers Have Been Marked By Controversies, Loyalty and Unexpected Exits

Girish Shukla

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Meet Trump’s Six Press Secretaries, From The Controversial Sean Spicer To The Newly Appointed Katie Zacharia

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Meet Trump Six Press Secretaries

Katie Zacharia

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On 13 October 2026, a day after starting the job, Katie Zacharia walked to the podium in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room for her first briefing as White House press secretary. It lasted about fifteen minutes. She took questions from three reporters, spent roughly half her time listing the president's achievements, and then faced the question that would follow her out of the room. Where, a reporter asked, had she passed the bar? "When I moved to China," she replied. In fewer than ten years, Donald Trump has now put six people behind that lectern, more than most presidents manage in two full terms. Each has left a mark on the job, and together they tell the story of how the most visible role in American government has changed. <h2>Sean Spicer: The Crowd That Wasn't</h2> The first of them set the tone within hours. On 21 January 2017, the day after the inauguration, Sean Spicer, a veteran Republican communications operative, strode into the briefing room and declared that Trump had drawn "the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period". Photographs suggested otherwise, and the claim became one of the defining controversies of the administration's opening week. Spicer's combative style, his flashes of irritation and his tangles with reporters were soon immortalised by Melissa McCarthy's parody on Saturday Night Live. <div type="image" title="Sean Spicer Defends The Inauguration Crowd Size In His First Briefing" primecategoryid="400" msid="156344638" hostid="183" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sean Spicer Defends The Inauguration Crowd Size In His First Briefing (Picture Credit - Doug Mills)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> He lasted barely six months. When Trump appointed Anthony Scaramucci as communications director in July 2017, Spicer resigned. He later appeared on 'Dancing with the Stars' and published a memoir, 'The Briefing', in 2018, an early sign that the podium could also be a springboard. <h2>Sarah Huckabee Sanders: The Loyalist Who Went Home To Govern</h2> Sarah Huckabee Sanders, daughter of the former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, took over in July 2017 and held the role for nearly two years. She was unflappable and fiercely loyal, and the briefings under her grew steadily rarer. Her credibility took its heaviest blow from the Mueller report in 2019, which recorded that she had told investigators her earlier claim about "countless" FBI agents losing faith in their director was a "slip of the tongue" not founded on anything. <div type="image" title="Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Who Went From White House Podium To Governor" primecategoryid="400" msid="156344651" hostid="183" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Who Went From White House Podium To Governor (Picture Credit - AP)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Yet Sanders proved the most politically durable of the six. After leaving in 2019, she published 'Speaking for Myself' in 2020, then ran for governor of Arkansas and won, taking office in 2023 in the same job her father once held. No other Trump press secretary has turned the podium into elected power so directly. <h2>Stephanie Grisham: The Spokeswoman Who Never Spoke</h2> Stephanie Grisham's tenure, from July 2019 to April 2020, remains one of the strangest in the history of the office. She never held a single formal press briefing. The daily ritual that had defined the job for decades simply stopped, and Trump increasingly did the talking himself, on Twitter and on the lawn of the White House. <div type="image" title="Stephanie Grisham, The Press Secretary Who Never Held A Formal Briefing" primecategoryid="400" msid="156344671" hostid="183" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Stephanie Grisham, The Press Secretary Who Never Held A Formal Briefing (Picture Credit - AP)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Her story took a sharper turn later. Grisham moved to become chief of staff to Melania Trump and resigned on 6 January 2021, the day of the attack on the Capitol. Her memoir, 'I'll Take Your Questions Now', published that autumn, offered a highly critical insider account, and in 2024 she spoke at the Democratic National Convention against her former boss. Few figures in the Trump orbit have travelled so far from where they began. <h2>Kayleigh McEnany: The Lawyer With A Binder</h2> Kayleigh McEnany, a graduate of Harvard Law School, brought the daily briefing back in the spring of 2020, at the height of the pandemic. At her first appearance in May, she told reporters, "I will never lie to you." She arrived armed with binders of notes and a debater's instinct for counterattack, and she defended the president through Covid-19, nationwide protests and the disputed 2020 election. <div type="image" title="Kayleigh McEnany Briefs Reporters At The White House During 2020" primecategoryid="400" msid="156344688" hostid="183" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Kayleigh McEnany Briefs Reporters At The White House During 2020 (Picture Credit - AP)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Her briefings were sharp and confrontational, and critics accused her of repeating unfounded claims about voter fraud in the administration's final weeks. Supporters saw a skilled advocate fighting on hostile ground. After leaving the White House, she joined Fox News and published her own book, 'For Such a Time as This', in 2021. <h2>Karoline Leavitt: The Youngest In History </h2> When Trump returned to office in January 2025, he chose Karoline Leavitt, who at 27 became the youngest press secretary in American history. She had begun as an intern in the White House correspondence office during his first term and worked her way up. Her briefings were brisk and combative. She created a "new media" seat for podcasters, bloggers and influencers, and gave it the first question. Critics argued the chair often went to friendly right-wing voices, while the administration's attempt to bar the Associated Press from some events over its use of "Gulf of Mexico" drew protest from press freedom groups. <div type="image" title="Karoline Leavitt, The Youngest Press Secretary In American History, Briefs Reporters" primecategoryid="400" msid="156344698" hostid="183" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Karoline Leavitt, The Youngest Press Secretary In American History, Briefs Reporters (Picture Credit - Alex Wong/Getty Images)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Leavitt gave birth to her second child in May 2026 and announced in August that she would step down to focus on her family. Trump called her one of the best press secretaries "in the History of the Office" and said she would remain a senior outside adviser. <h2>Katie Zacharia: The Credentials Question</h2> That brings the story back to Katie Zacharia. A graduate of Pepperdine's Caruso School of Law, she has worked as a spokesperson at the Department of Homeland Security, as a commentator on Fox News and Newsmax, and most recently as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media &amp; Technology Group. Trump announced her appointment on 9 October. <div type="image" title="Katie Zacharia Takes The Podium For Her First White House Briefing" primecategoryid="400" msid="156345231" hostid="183" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Katie Zacharia Takes The Podium For Her First White House Briefing (Picture Credit - AP)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The questions over her credentials centre on her legal background. She describes herself as an attorney, and her LinkedIn profile lists work at a Beijing law firm between 2011 and 2013. The White House says she practised international transaction law "with all the appropriate credentials", but NPR was unable to confirm that she holds a licence to practise in the United States. In that first short briefing, she described her role as being to "amplify" the president's agenda, adding that Trump is "his own best spokesperson". <h2> </h2><h2>What The Podium Has Become</h2> Taken together, the six tell a story about more than one administration. Under Trump, the press secretary's job has shifted from explaining government policy to defending one man's voice, and the daily briefing has gone from a fixed ritual to an occasional event. The podium has also become a launchpad. Four of the six have already written books about their time in the job, and one now runs a state. Zacharia has said Trump is his own best spokesperson, and on the evidence of the past decade, every one of her predecessors would agree. The question her tenure will answer is how much is left for the person standing at the lectern to say.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

meet trump’s six press secretaries, from the controversial sean spicer to the newly appointed katie zacharia

India's food regulator, the FSSAI, is intensifying oversight of the supplement industry, recently targeting major brands for misleading health claims. This includes issuing notices to companies like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Nestle Health Science regarding their product Celevida GLP+. Experts emphasize the need for regulation due to the prevalence of ineffective and potentially harmful supplements. Consumers are urged to question the quality and necessity of supplements, as many may not address underlying health issues. The article highlights the importance of transparency and ethical practices in the supplement market to ensure consumer safety.

Luke Coutinho on supplements boom in India.

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Exclusive | From Misleading Claims To Heavy Metals: Luke Coutinho On India's Supplement Industry

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India's food regulator has been tightening its grip on the supplement industry. In July, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prohibited the sale of a folinic acid syrup and another vitamin product over misleading claims and branding. Now, as per the latest development, the regulator has turned its attention to a supplement linked to the booming weight-loss drug market. On October 8, 2026, it issued show-cause notices to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Nestle Health Science, and leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon India, Flipkart, Netmeds, and contract manufacturer Tirupati Wellness, over allegedly misleading advertising and unapproved health claims for Celevida GLP+, a high-protein supplement marketed for people undergoing GLP-1/GIP weight-loss and diabetes therapies. For Luke Coutinho, Foundational Medicine and Lifestyle Expert, these concerns are not new. In February 2025, he wrote a piece titled 'Wake Up, India: Here’s How We’re Being Fooled About Our Health', questioning whether Indians are wasting money on substandard food and supplements. More recently, he pointed out that influencers have sold magnesium as a fix for sleep, yet many of his patients who take it still cannot sleep well, because the root causes are not addressed and sometimes because the supplement is of poor quality and the body barely absorbs it. In an exclusive conversation with Times Now Digital, Coutinho speaks about the FSSAI’s move, misleading claims, heavy metals in herbal products, unethical founders, and what consumers should ask before buying their next bottle. Q. The FSSAI has launched a crackdown on major supplement brands over misleading health claims. What is your take on this? This is a great move by the FSSAI to look at the regulation of supplements and also about the claims that they are making, because as we go forward, you will find that most of the claims don't even cut it through scientifically, forget about medically. So, I think it is a very, very good move for the safety of our citizens. Q. We see a supplement for literally everything these days: liver cleanse, hair fall, skin care, good sleep, good gut and what not! Is there a supplement boom in India, and do these supplements really work? See, there are supplements that work magically when used the right way within a framework of science and evidence. But let's put it this way. We have a supplement for hair, liver cleanse, etc. Yet, we are one of the sickest countries in the world. That way, we should have no disease, we should have no hair fall problems, everyone's skin should be glowing, everyone's liver should be clean. But its the opposite, so many people have a fatty liver, so many people are diabetic. And my problem as a practitioner of foundational medicine and integrative medicine and lifestyle is that people avoid allopathic medicine just to try a certain supplement. Six months, one year later they realise that they have missed a possible medical intervention that could have been beneficial for them. And then the symptoms crop up and sometimes it is a little bit too late to solve a problem. I am all for supplements. We know medical doctors who use supplements, patients who use supplements, but it should be given for the right reasons without the claims. There is no supplement in the world that can take care of a health problem directly. For instance, you and I have a vitamin D3 deficiency and we are prescribed a D3 supplement - it is great. But a liver cleanse? There is no such thing as a liver cleanse. Liver cleanses never work. They can be supporting, yes. So this formulation can have ingredients that are scientifically noted to help support liver health. And that is a better claim. Q. Have you had patients who came to you after supplements actually harmed their health instead of helping it? Absolutely! Our market has a lot of spurious supplements. Many contain inactive ingredients, and many are highly synthetic. Then there is Ayurveda. On paper, many of these herbs are fantastic but a lot of them contain heavy metals above permissible levels. So a liver or kidney patient may take a supplement with ingredients that are genuinely good for the liver or kidney, but the heavy metals in it actually make the organ worse. If every system of medicine in India worked on one common platform rooted in evidence and science, it would be amazing. There are some really good ingredients that can go into supplements and genuinely help people. But as a country, we are still lacking the infrastructure to make this space scientific, safe and evidence-based. Q. You brought up Ayurveda. According to you, which Ayurvedic supplements are being misused, and what heavy metals are present in them but not being reported? I'll be honest with you. Ayurveda is not the problem, and neither is its science. The real problem is the quality of the ingredients and the very fact that Ayurveda is labelled “alternative medicine” makes the whole system wrong. Different systems of medicine should be talking to one another. The attitude that allopathy is rubbish and only Ayurveda is the right way is the biggest problem in our country. When systems do talk to each other, it works. I know many doctors who allow their patients to take Ayurvedic medicines, as long as the ingredients have been checked for heavy metals and are safe. Ayurveda can play a role in smaller health issues. But when a cancer patient is told to do only Ayurveda and avoid medicine, that patient is at risk and can be harmed. We need a common platform. This is not a matter of opinions. It must be grounded in medical science. For example, certain Ayurvedic herbs and antioxidants should not be taken by cancer patients on chemotherapy, because they reduce how well the chemo works. The patient's best interest must always come first, and for that, these systems need to work together instead of fighting over whose remedy is better. Q. Do you think brands follow rules and regulations when they launch a supplement? Or are many products entering the market just for sales and marketing? Honestly speaking, there are very few ethical founders in our country. Very few. That is exactly why this regulation is needed. Some companies build four or five “hero products” that pass every test and are genuinely excellent. Then they launch another 50 or 60 products that are absolute rubbish. That is not what an ethical founder does. Sales, marketing and profits are all important but ethics matters more, especially when you are dealing with people's health. That is exactly why this regulation is so needed, and I am very happy it is happening. You will see many brands, including top brands, being pulled up. It puts a spotlight on the kind of ethical work a founder in the health space should be doing. Build a health company, build a supplement company, make a lot of money. We are happy for you but don't compromise on people’s health and don’t take shortcuts. That's why the FSSAI has stepped in. You only regulate when there is a problem and complaints are coming in. Many of the vitamins, minerals and supplements in our market are “dead”, meaning they are not bioactive. They simply won't work. So we need regulation. Q. As a consumer, what should I look for when buying a supplement? Ideally, we should not have to be this careful. If a bottle says it contains certain ingredients, it should contain exactly those ingredients. Look at India's supplement market and you will find extremely expensive products and extremely cheap ones. Most good supplement ingredients are not cheap, so how can a supplement be so cheap? Unless the company is backed by investors willing to absorb losses for the first three or four years. Most of these companies are not. So we must ask questions. India is a price-sensitive market, and for good reasons but people have taken advantage of that and sold cheap products. Another big issue is when brands say their products are "clinically proven." What does that actually mean? First, it is very easy to fake a clinical trial. Second, even if a trial is genuine, what did it really show? Who was it done on: healthy people, sick people, or people with different conditions all mixed together? Q. Which supplements are most misused, and what misconceptions are driving their popularity? Glutathione is one. Many people in India believe that glutathione supplements or injections will make their skin fairer. Then there is curcumin, the turmeric supplement, which is used massively. It is great for some people, but not for many others. If you have advanced liver disease or fatty liver, it is not good for you. Carb cutters, weight-loss products and fat burners are also widely used, and all of them need to be regulated. Many pre-workout products contain more caffeine than the permissible limit, which is not good for people with heart problems or for young people. Then there is the protein industry - you have expensive protein and cheap protein, and some are full of colours and sugar. That is why regulation is so important. I am not against the supplement market. I use supplements myself when I need them. But as consumers, we have the right not to worry about what we are paying for. Q. Supplements now come in many forms: tablets, capsules, melts. Does one form work better than another? It varies from person to person and depends on many factors. For example, a cancer patient with mouth ulcers often can’t swallow, so a melt works very well for them. Some people simply cannot swallow tablets. The way an ingredient is delivered also matters. Sometimes it needs to be released slowly, so a capsule is used. Sometimes a tablet works fine. So it depends on each case. But we must be careful about the gummy market. Gummies are full of sugar and synthetic colours. To get a few vitamins, we end up taking in a lot of junk. Q. What is your one piece of advice for people taking several supplements? First, know the quality of what you are taking and who prescribed it. Ask yourself why you are taking it. Is it because it is all over Instagram? Do you actually have a deficiency? Does it suit any medicine you are currently taking or any health condition you have? And again, do you really need it? Second, ask whether you can get the same thing from food. If you can, food should be your first choice. Sometimes you cannot, because even our food chain is adulterated. Hopefully Mr. Tukaram has laid a good blueprint to change that, so there’s a lot of hope. Third, check whether the research was done on animals or on humans. This is very important. Many supplements are backed only by animal studies, with very few human studies. Also, don't forget to look at the brand and ask questions. Indians use social media so much, so I want people to ask founders directly, not influencers. If you are in the health space, be a founder-led brand. Talk to us. Show us your family using your product. That is how we will bring more transparency to this market. I follow this myself. When I put together food products or supplements for my patients, I test them in labs personally. This is what India needs to start demanding, only then will founders realise they cannot get away with this anymore. Only we, the people, can change the system. I believe the FSSAI will do its best. But it cannot do this alone. We all have to join in.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

exclusive | from misleading claims to heavy metals: luke coutinho on india's supplement industry

The festive season brings joy, but it can also pose health risks, especially during high-energy activities like Garba dancing. Recent incidents in India, including the deaths of two young women during Navratri celebrations, highlight the dangers of sudden, intense physical exertion. Experts warn that Garba can strain the body, particularly for those who are inactive. It's crucial to stay hydrated, eat well, and recognize warning signs like chest pain or dizziness. Individuals with health concerns should consider a medical check-up before participating. Ultimately, Garba should be a celebration, not a health hazard.

Can Garba Put Your Heart At Risk (Credits: AI)

Simran Sukhnani

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Can Garba Put Your Heart At Risk?

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Every year, people wait for the festive season to arrive. They prep outfits, makeup and dance steps with full enthusiasm to make the most of this time of the year. However, for many, these days of celebration turn to sorrow. In September 2025, a 19-year-old woman identified as Sonam died after collapsing while playing Garba in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district. Just a day later, reports emerged of 28-year-old Jayshree Patidar dying after collapsing during Garba in Dhar district. Both incidents unfolded during Navratri celebrations, turning moments of festivity into tragedy. And these Garba celebrations have repeatedly turned tragic in recent years, with reports of people collapsing and dying during the festivities. Media reports from late 2024 and 2025 cited approximately 50 deaths during Garba celebrations in the preceding year, primarily attributed to sudden cardiac events, although no official, comprehensive nationwide tally is available to establish the exact number. In 2023, Gujarat witnessed an alarming spate of cardiac emergencies during Navratri, with at least 10 deaths reported within a single 24-hour period. The incidents prompted emergency services, including 108 ambulance teams, and organisers to strengthen medical preparedness at Garba venues. These incidents are a sobering reminder that a person's age or apparent fitness cannot, on its own, rule out a cardiac emergency. Every year, the physical demands of prolonged dancing, crowded venues and late nights raise concerns about dehydration, exhaustion and sudden cardiac events. But not every collapse is a heart attack, and not every death during dancing can automatically be attributed to the activity itself. So, what happens to the body when Garba dancing continues for hours? Who should consider a heart check-up before stepping onto the dance floor? And which symptoms should never be dismissed as ordinary exhaustion? Cardiac experts have all the answers. <h2>Why Can Playing Garba Become A Cardiac Risk? </h2> “Garba looks like a festive dance, but in effect, it is a high-intensity cardio workout that goes on for two to four hours, often late at night, in crowded and humid venues,” says Dr. S. A. Merchant, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Advanced Heart Failure Specialist in Mumbai. The concern, he explains, is that many people who are relatively inactive for most of the year suddenly undertake prolonged, vigorous physical activity over several consecutive nights. Sweating, inadequate fluid intake, insufficient sleep, and the strain of sustained exertion can add to the body's workload. Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, Consultant Physician at Elite Care Clinic, emphasises that "Garba should be treated like exercise rather than simply a social activity." He adds that people should be adequately hydrated, eat a balanced meal, and get enough rest before participating. Those who are sedentary should gradually build up their activity instead of suddenly dancing vigorously for hours. <div type="image" title="Garba Dancing Can Cause Cardiac Emergencies (Credits: AI)" primecategoryid="400" msid="156332179" hostid="183"></div> Importantly, dehydration and heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, weakness, nausea, and fainting. A cardiac arrest, however, is a different emergency. As Dr. Merchant explains, “Not every collapse is a heart attack. Many are caused by dehydration, low blood sugar, heat exhaustion, or fainting. But a sudden collapse in which the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally is usually a cardiac arrest, where the heart’s rhythm turns chaotic and it stops pumping blood.” <h2>Can Young And Seemingly Healthy People Suffer A Cardiac Arrest? </h2> The absence of a known heart condition does not guarantee that someone is free from cardiac risk. The underlying causes can differ with age, medical history, and individual risk factors. “In people above 35–40, the most common cause is undiagnosed coronary artery disease,” Dr. Merchant says. “In younger people, the causes are often different: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormally thickened heart muscle), inherited rhythm disorders, congenital heart abnormalities, or inflammation of the heart muscle following a recent viral infection. Many of these people have never had a single symptom before.” This is why it is important not to assume that a young person who collapses during dancing must simply be dehydrated or unfit. At the same time, these conditions cannot be presumed to explain every incident without medical investigation. Dr. Reddy says people with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, known heart disease or a family history of sudden cardiac death should be particularly cautious. Anyone who has experienced unexplained breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations or dizziness during routine activities should consult a doctor before undertaking prolonged, vigorous dancing. <h2>Should You Get An ECG Or Heart Check-up Before Playing Garba? </h2> The answer depends on your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors; a full battery of tests is not necessary for everyone. Dr. Merchant recommends that people above 40, particularly those who do not exercise regularly, and individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, a family history of premature heart disease or previous exertional symptoms consider a medical assessment before the season. “A basic screening should include - blood pressure check; ECG which picks up rhythm problems, signs of thickened heart muscle and old heart attacks,” he says. Depending on the individual's risk profile, blood tests, a 2D echocardiogram or a treadmill stress test may also be appropriate. Some people may need further investigations, such as coronary imaging or heart rhythm monitoring. However, Dr. Reddy cautions against indiscriminate testing. “For healthy, asymptomatic individuals without known risk factors, routine cardiac testing is generally not necessary.” He adds that an ECG alone cannot rule out every underlying heart condition, and additional tests should be ordered when clinically indicated. People with established heart disease or a previous cardiac event should obtain medical clearance before vigorous dancing. <h2>Warning Signs You Should Never Dance Through </h2> A little tiredness after hours of dancing is expected. However, chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness, dizziness or a racing heartbeat should never be brushed aside as a normal part of the festivities. “Take a break every 20–30 minutes and sip water or ORS,” Dr. Merchant advises. “Stop immediately and sit down if you feel chest pain, pressure or tightness, or pain spreading to the jaw, arm or back; breathlessness that is out of proportion to the effort; palpitations or a racing, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, light-headedness or a feeling of blacking out.” <div type="image" title="Garba Night Emergency Response (Credits: AI)" primecategoryid="400" msid="156332185" hostid="183"></div> Other warning signs include sudden heavy sweating, nausea, and unusual fatigue. Dr. Merchant warns against continuing simply because everyone else is dancing. People with diabetes, women and older adults may not always experience classic chest pain, making other symptoms equally important. Dr. Reddy similarly advises participants to stop immediately if they experience chest pain or pressure, unusual breathlessness, cold sweating or sudden palpitations. Anyone with fever, significant weakness or dehydration should avoid dancing until they have recovered. <h2>How To Protect Yourself Before Stepping Onto The Dance Floor </h2> Preparation is the most important thing. Dr. Merchant recommends starting with 20–30 minutes of brisk walking daily a few weeks before Garba season, if you have been inactive. Eat a light meal 2-3 hours beforehand, hydrate throughout the day, avoid alcohol and energy drinks, and prioritise sleep. People with diabetes should follow their prescribed glucose-monitoring plan, while heart patients must not skip their medication. Dr. Reddy also recommends a gradual warm-up, regular breaks and avoiding the temptation to match the pace of more experienced dancers. There is one more precaution that could make the difference between life and death - emergency preparedness. Dr. Merchant says large Garba venues should have trained medical staff, an ambulance and an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can be accessed quickly. “If someone collapses and is not responding, every minute without CPR reduces survival. Call for help, start chest compressions immediately (hard and fast in the centre of the chest), and use the AED as soon as it arrives.” Do not splash water on an unresponsive person or attempt to make them drink. Call emergency services, begin CPR if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, and follow the AED's instructions. Garba should be a celebration, not a test of endurance. You do not need to fear every heartbeat that quickens on the dance floor, but you do need to recognise when something feels wrong. Listen to your body, respect your limits and never let the music, or the crowd, persuade you to ignore a warning sign.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

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