A disease transmitted by mosquitoes — the Oropouche virus, also known as sloth fever — has been detected in the United States.

Travelers returning to the U.S. from Cuba contracted the virus in recent months, as reported by The Associated Press. No fatalities have been reported.

The Oropouche virus is endemic in the Amazon basin and has also been reported in South America and the Caribbean.

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More than 8,000 cases were reported globally between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, 2024, including two deaths and five cases of transmission from mother to fetus, the CDC noted in an Aug. 16 advisory.

Sloth fever has been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba. 

So far, 11 cases have been identified in travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil, the CDC stated.

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"Although travel-associated cases have been identified in the United States, no evidence of local transmission currently exists within the United States or its territories," the agency said.

"As testing and surveillance for Oropouche virus disease increase in the Americas, reports of cases from additional countries are expected."

The Oropouche virus first emerged in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. 

Since then, it has had "limited circulation" in regions of South America, particularly in forested areas, according to the CDC.

The disease is typically spread through bites from mosquitoes and midges (small flies, particularly the Culicoides paraensis species).

Three-toed sloths and birds have been identified as "natural reservoirs" for Oropouche, which means they act as hosts of the disease.

"The virus doesn't spread from person to person," Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, confirmed to Fox News Digital.

"There is some risk to the fetus in terms of birth defects."

Oropouche, classified as an arbovirus, is often mistaken for other similar viruses, like Zika, dengue, chikungunya and malaria, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints and chills.

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Some may develop a rash that begins on the torso and spreads to other body parts.

Symptoms usually begin within four to eight days of being bitten, and last for three to six days.

"Symptoms can abate and reoccur," Siegel noted.

In severe cases, patients may develop meningitis, encephalitis or other "neuroinvasive" diseases, the CDC stated.

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For those patients, symptoms can include intense headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, lethargy, stiff neck and involuntary eye movements. 

"Around 4% of patients develop [neurologic symptoms] after the first febrile illness," Siegel said.

Most people who contract Oropouche will recover on their own without any long-term effects, the CDC stated.

"There are no vaccines for prevention and no treatments," Siegel said.

The best means of prevention is to avoid bites from midges and mosquitoes, according to experts.

"People are advised to take preventive measures, including the use of repellents, clothing that covers legs and arms, and fine mesh mosquito nets, and to take extra precautions during outbreaks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women," the Pan American Health Organization advised in an alert.

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Supportive care can include rest, fluids and medication to reduce fever and alleviate pain.

"Patients who develop more severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive treatment," the agency stated.

Those who are experiencing symptoms and have risk factors can contact their local health department for testing.

"Clinicians in these areas where importation has occurred may not be familiar with this infection and need to be alert to its possibility," Dr. Amesh Adalja, M.D., an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC for comment.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory on Wednesday addressing the mental health and well-being of parents.

The advisory, which is reserved for "significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action," discussed various factors that cause stress for parents and noted an urgent need for support.

"Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society," Murthy wrote in a statement posted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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"Yet parents and caregivers today face tremendous pressures, from familiar stressors such as worrying about their kids’ health and safety and financial concerns, to new challenges like navigating technology and social media, a youth mental health crisis, and an epidemic of loneliness that has hit young people the hardest," he went on. 

"As a father of two kids, I feel these pressures, too."

In the 30-page advisory, Murthy called for a "fundamental shift" in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of parents. 

"I am also outlining policies, programs and individual actions we can all take to support parents and caregivers," he said.

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Thirty percent of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults, according to the advisory.

Severe stress can have "a deleterious effect," Murthy wrote — as 41% of parents reported that most days, they experience so much stress that they cannot function, while 48% said their stress is "completely overwhelming" on most days.

The COVID-19 pandemic was cited as a contributor to stressors among parents and caregivers, as well as financial stability, concerns for health and safety, management of tech and social media, parental loneliness, cultural pressures and their children’s future.

School safety concerns among parents are particularly high, as firearm-related injury has become the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S.

Many parents also face circumstances such as family or community violence, poverty, and racism and discrimination, all of which can impact mental health.

"Both maternal and paternal mental health conditions are shown to impact the well-being of children," the advisory noted. 

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"Maternal mental health conditions have been found to significantly impact a child’s well-being and environment, and can serve as a critical determinant of child outcomes."

The surgeon general intends to "take steps to mitigate stress at every stage" for parents and caregivers, he said. 

Murthy’s advisory encouraged governments and employers to establish programs to ensure that parents have access to affordable mental health care, paid family and medical leave, and other family services.

The surgeon general also encouraged schools and communities to provide support services and groups to help parents manage stress.

Robin Hilmantel, senior director of editorial strategy and growth at What to Expect, part of Everyday Health, told Fox News Digital that this advisory "feels like a long-overdue acknowledgment of what has been obvious for a while now: Parents are struggling."

A What to Expect survey of more than 3,000 women found that more than two-thirds of moms (68%) experience anxiety, while 79% of Gen Z moms reported the same.

"There are a lot of reasons why being a parent today is so challenging — parenthood is isolating, as 76% of moms say they don’t have enough support in the form of a 'village,'" said Hilmantel, who is based in North Carolina.

"There’s also a culture of comparison for today’s parents — 83% of Gen Z moms say they feel pressure to be a perfect parent," she added. 

Some other top parental stressors, according to the survey, include safety, lack of time for themselves, finances and children's development.

"Remember that you’re not alone if you feel overwhelming stress; other parents are dealing with their own stressors," Hilmantel said. 

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"What you see on social media is often a highlight reel, so you definitely shouldn’t feel bad about your parenting based on anything you see online."

The expert suggested that parents should try to "cultivate a network of friends, family and acquaintances."

"Parents can add people to their village by attending in-person meetups where they can connect with other new parents, and by joining online communities where parents can openly discuss anything they’re struggling with," she said.

Hilmantel added that there is "no shame in directly asking family and friends for help."

As mpox (formerly monkeypox) has been declared a global public health emergency, some are wondering whether the virus poses the risk of a COVID-like pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the mpox outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern" on Aug. 14, based on a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and multiple African countries.

As of Aug. 17, there were 545 reports of mpox cases since the outbreak was declared, 474 of which were confirmed, according to data from WHO.

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Symptoms include a sometimes painful rash on various parts of the body, fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes and respiratory symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are two types of mpox: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

Clade 2 was the strain that caused the 2022 global outbreak, the CDC noted. Survival rates for this type are more than 99.9%.

Clade 1, which is responsible for the current outbreak in the DRC and Africa, causes more severe illness and deaths. 

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"Some outbreaks have killed up to 10% of the people who get sick, although more recent outbreaks have had lower death rates," the CDC noted. 

"The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying," said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when announcing the public health emergency. 

"On top of outbreaks of other mpox clades in DRC and other countries in Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is needed to stop these outbreaks and save lives."

While health officials have expressed concern about the spread of a new strain of the potentially deadly virus, the consensus is that mpox is not likely to become a pandemic like COVID — primarily because it doesn't spread in the same way.

"Certainly not," said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, during a conversation with Fox News Digital.

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"What made COVID so contagious is that it is a respiratory virus spread by aerosols, so that even casual contact — being in the same room with someone for a reasonable period of time — meant you could catch [the virus]" from that person.

Another difference is that COVID is contagious starting from a day or so before someone develops symptoms, Kuritzkes pointed out. 

"By contrast, mpox requires close contact (skin-to-skin) for transmission in the vast majority of cases," he said.

"Rarely, heavily contaminated material such as bedding can be infectious, but people are not going to catch mpox by being on the same bus or running into someone at the grocery store."

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While mpox is far less contagious than COVID, it could potentially cause a "widely distributed epidemic" through sexual contact, according to Kuritzkes.

"HIV is now pandemic (found in all countries across the globe), but as high as the numbers are, it is not transmitted by casual contact," he said. "The same is true of mpox."

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, echoed that mpox is "not the new COVID."

"It spreads via direct contact or sex, and kissing, and very close respiratory droplets, but not over longer distances by respiratory spread," he told Fox News Digital.  

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"Clade 1 is currently in DRC and neighboring African countries," Siegel said. 

"The U.S. has increased surveillance, including wastewater analysis, but there have been no cases [of Clade 1] found here yet." 

Dr. Brad Perkins, chief medical officer at Karius, a California life sciences company focused on saving lives from infectious diseases, reiterated that mpox is "considerably less infectious" for person-to-person spread than COVID-19. 

"Mpox is primarily spread from person-to-person, usually through direct contact, including intimate contact — but on average, there are fewer people who become infected as a result of contact with a mpox case compared to COVID-19," he told Fox News Digital.

"While mpox can affect anyone, data has shown that men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted, with a notable disease burden among Black and Hispanic men," Perkins noted.

"This highlights the importance of early recognition and diagnosis, in addition to awareness and targeted vaccination of those who are at highest risk."

As with other viral infections, those who are immunocompromised or very young are at the greatest risk of severe infection, according to Kuritzkes.   

"For mpox, the main concern is for people with HIV who are not currently receiving effective antiretroviral therapy," he added.

Even after the infection has cleared, survivors can face long-term effects and complications, Perkins warned.

"Conditions like vision impairment, encephalitis and scarring have been reported," he told Fox News Digital. 

"We need deeper research into characterizing and addressing these long-term sequelae."

To prevent transmission of mpox, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, are age 18 or older, and have other specific risks.

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Those risks include new diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases and a recent history of multiple sex partners, among others.

"Second, and most obviously, would be to avoid close contact with people who have mpox lesions," said Kuritzkes.

"The big issue is getting the vaccine to the people who need it in Central and West Africa to end the current outbreak."

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent 50,000 doses of the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine to DRC, Siegel noted — "but there is still a worldwide shortage of this vaccine, which will prove crucial to stop the spread, especially if the outbreak widens."

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In addition to the current vaccines and antiviral treatments that are available, Perkins stressed the need for new innovations in mpox diagnostics, therapeutics and preventive measures.

An Australian meteorologist suffered a panic attack while on-air last week — and quickly tossed his live segment back to his anchor colleague.

"Some of you may know that I occasionally get affected by some panic attacks, and actually, that’s happening right now," Nate Byrne said during the live ABC News Australia segment. 

His colleagues stepped in while Byrne, who had been open about his struggles with panic attacks in the past, recovered from the incident. 

Fox News Digital reached out to ABC News Australia requesting comment.

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"Nate’s colleagues at ABC News Breakfast did a great job of supporting him," Dr. Reid Wilson, PhD, a psychologist and the director of the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

Byrne’s openness about his condition likely helped the news team react in such a supportive way, Wilson told Fox News Digital.

"That’s one thing to consider if you are having panic attacks — to share your problem with people who are safe (who won’t ridicule you or use it against you) and supportive," he said in an email.

Panic attacks are part of the body’s sympathetic nervous system’s "flight or fight" response, which motivates a person to remove himself or herself from danger, even if the situation does not appear to be an obvious threat, health care practitioners told Fox News Digital.

"During a panic attack, our heart rate increases, and our body gets ready to either fight or flee," Dr. Nancy Frye, PhD, a professor and the graduate director of psychology at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, told Fox News Digital.

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While a panic attack is scary, it typically is not dangerous, according to the APA. 

It can, however, cause anxiety about future attacks. 

"They may start giving up more of their life in an attempt to appease the panic," Wilson said.

"That’s why it’s so important for them to develop self-help skills that will help them face and cope with those provoking situations."

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines a panic attack as a "sudden surge of overwhelming fear" that is not proportional to the actual situation.  

The attack typically passes within minutes, but repeated attacks can continue to recur for hours, the APA noted.

The episode may occur in individuals who have suffered a recent traumatic event or a major life stressor, such as death or divorce, experts say.

Attacks can also stem from a genetic predisposition for anxiety disorders or depression.

A person experiencing a panic attack may suddenly experience a racing heartbeat and trouble breathing.

People may also feel lightheaded, dizzy or nauseous, according to the APA. 

Trembling, a "pins and needles" sensation in the fingers and toes, sweating, hot flashes or sudden chills, or a feeling of terror are some of the other listed symptoms experienced by individuals. 

"When one is having a panic attack, they might breathe rapidly, a condition called hyperventilation, which can lead to numbness in the fingers and toes from the vasoconstriction that occurs from the imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide," Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

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It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions to be sure it is a panic attack, health experts say.

"These symptoms can mimic other medical conditions like a heart attack, asthma exacerbation, electrolyte abnormalities, thyroid issues or neurological disorders," Davis noted.

A licensed therapist can diagnose a panic attack and panic disorder. 

If a panic attack occurs, Davis recommends focusing on taking slow, deep breaths. 

Most panic attacks will resolve within a few minutes, but if symptoms persist or get worse, it might be necessary to seek medical treatment to rule out other causes, Davis added.

"It's tempting to say that the way to cope with a panic attack is to calm down — but that is much easier said than done," Frye told Fox News Digital. 

"It can help to acknowledge the worry and anxiety, and remind ourselves that our bodies are trying to help us out."

Frye recommended focusing on what is going on in the environment and remembering that not everything needs to be solved immediately.

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If a person experiences recurrent panic attacks and spends a good portion of time "in constant fear of another attack," the individual may have a panic disorder, in which case an evaluation and treatment is recommended, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.

Different types of treatments — such as cognitive behavioral therapy and, in some cases, medications — can help a person learn to cope with panic attacks and panic disorders, Davis and Wilson told Fox News Digital.

Implementing some lifestyle changes can help keep panic attacks at bay, Wilson noted.

Some of these include making efforts to sleep well, significantly reducing or eliminating caffeine, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol intake.

He also recommends learning to manage life stressors in your life by practicing relaxation skills, such as meditation.

If you take medications, it’s a good idea to confirm with your physician that none of them are provoking symptoms of anxiety, Wilson said.

Developing a supportive social network and having a strong sense of purpose can also help. 

"Make sure you are using your gifts and talents, and take actions in your life that reflect your values," Wilson advised.

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If you are suffering from recurring panic attacks, experts recommend discussing the episodes with your physician.

Fox News Digital reached out to the APA for comment.

Cases of the Oropouche virus (OROV) emerging in Europe have health officials on high alert.

As of the end of July, 19 cases had been reported with 12 in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany, per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The disease is typically spread through bites from mosquitoes and midges (small flies, particularly the Culicoides paraensis species), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Since first emerging in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, the Oropouche virus has had "limited circulation" in regions of South America, particularly in forested areas.

Three-toed sloths and birds have been identified as "natural reservoirs" for Oropouche, which means they act as hosts of the disease.

"The virus doesn't spread from person to person," Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, confirmed to Fox News Digital.

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On Aug. 1, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert urging countries to "strengthen surveillance and implement laboratory diagnosis for the identification and characterization of cases … potentially associated with OROV infection."

By the end of July, there were 8,078 confirmed cases of Oropouche virus in five countries, including Bolivia (356), Brazil (7,284, with two deaths), Colombia (74), Cuba (74) and Peru (290), as reported by the PAHO.

"Experts fear that if the current outbreak of Oropouche fever expands further, it could overwhelm South America's already stretched health care system," according to an article published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Aug. 8.

The PAHO’s alert also warned of cases of the virus in Brazil that were transmitted from pregnant women to their fetuses in Brazil.

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"These cases are under investigation," the CDC stated on its website, noting that the agency is working with PAHO and "other international partners" to assess potential risks the virus presents during pregnancy.

Siegel said, "There is some risk to the fetus in terms of birth defects."

OROV, which is classified as an arbovirus, is often mistaken for other similar viruses, like Zika, dengue, chikungunya and malaria, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff joints and chills.

Some may develop a rash that begins on the torso and spreads to other body parts.

Symptoms usually begin within four to eight days of being bitten, and last for three to six days.

"Symptoms can abate and reoccur," Siegel noted.

In severe cases, patients may develop meningitis, encephalitis or other "neuroinvasive" diseases, the CDC stated.

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For those patients, symptoms can include intense headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, lethargy, stiff neck and involuntary eye movements. 

"Around 4% of patients develop [neurologic symptoms] after the first febrile illness," Siegel said.

Most people who contract Oropouche will recover on their own without any long-term effects, the CDC stated.

"There are no vaccines for prevention and no treatments," Siegel said.

The best means of prevention is to avoid bites from midges and mosquitoes, according to experts.

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"People are advised to take preventive measures, including the use of repellents, clothing that covers legs and arms, and fine mesh mosquito nets, and to take extra precautions during outbreaks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women," the PAHO advised in its alert.

Supportive care can include rest, fluids and medications to reduce fever and alleviate pain.

"Patients who develop more severe symptoms should be hospitalized for close observation and supportive treatment," the agency stated.

There have been "very few" deaths reported from Oropouche, the CDC noted.

Those who are experiencing symptoms and have risk factors can contact their local health department for testing.

"Clinicians in these areas where importation has occurred may not be familiar with this infection and need to be alert to its possibility," Dr. Amesh Adalja, M.D., an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC for comment.

After nearly a decade of keeping it under wraps, Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky has shared her POTS diagnosis with the world.

The athlete, who has won 14 Olympic medals for swimming, the most of any female Olympian, said she has POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).

In "Just Add Water: My Swimming Life," Ledecky's new memoir, which was published by Simon & Schuster in June, she wrote that the disease can cause "dizziness, fainting and exhaustion."

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Here's more. 

POTS is a disturbance in the autonomic nervous system, which controls some of the normal regulatory functions of the body, according to Dr. Blair Grubb, a cardiologist and expert on POTS at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences.

"When the person stands, gravity will try to displace downward roughly 20% to 30% of the body's blood volume," he told Fox News Digital. 

In response to this displacement, the brain tells the heart to beat faster and more forcibly, and tells the blood vessels in the lower half of the body to tighten, or constrict, to three times the level they were previously, the doctor said.

"This allows for accumulation of much more blood than normal in the lower half of the body," Grubb said.

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As more blood is displaced downward, the brain gets less and less oxygen. 

Ledecky discussed this effect in her book. She wrote, "I pool blood in the vessels below my heart when I stand. My body then releases extra norepinephrine or epinephrine, which adds additional stressors on my heart, making it beat faster."

Individuals with a genetic trait called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (also known as joint hypermobility syndrome) appear to be more susceptible to developing this condition, according to Grubb. 

"However, POTS is frequently triggered by a viral infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or COVID-19," he told Fox News Digital.

One of these infections can trigger an autoimmune response, in which the body's immune system attacks itself and produces antibodies that interfere with the ability of blood vessels to tighten, the doctor said.

POTS can also occur on its own, without any obvious triggers.

A POTS patient’s symptoms will depend on how much blood is displaced downward, experts say.

"It can vary from mild cases where your heart races and you get a little dizzy upon standing, all the way to presenting as a disabling condition, disallowing patients from being upright," Valerie Iovine, PT, a physical therapist at Strive Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, told Fox News Digital.

"It can also change over the course of life, but can also change day to day or week to week."

The disorder’s name — postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — literally translates to "when you become more upright, your heart races," noted Iovine, who treats many patients with POTS and also has the disorder herself.

"The heart will flutter in an attempt to properly oxygenate the brain," she said. 

"But in addition to the dizziness, headaches, passing out or near passing out, many with this disorder don't realize that it can account for other issues, like temperature dysregulation, blood pressure dysregulation and GI dysfunction."

In more extreme cases, patients may have difficulty thinking, concentrating or remembering — sometimes called brain fog, according to Grubb.

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People may also experience blurred vision, black spots in their visual field, tunnel vision and headache. 

"Even greater displacement of blood can cause the individual to lose consciousness," Grubb said.

The primary treatment for POTS is increasing water and salt intake, Grubb said. 

"It is also important to recondition the patient through exercise, building the strength in their lower extremities," he said.

Some medications, such as midodrine and droxidopa — known as vasoconstrictors — can work to tighten blood vessels and increase blood return to the heart, according to Grubb. 

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Still other drugs, such as fludrocortisone or desmopressin, work by increasing the volume of fluids available for the heart to pump. 

"Medications such as pyridostigmine facilitate nerve transmission and help the nervous system work more effectively to maintain normal vascular function," Grubb added.

Many often use the term "exercise intolerance" when describing symptoms of POTS, but Iovine said that "poorly prescribed and dosed exercise" is the problem.

"Exercise is the best management for POTS," she said.

"I would argue that for these patients, movement is medicine."

In her book, Ledecky noted that swimming can be an effective treatment for POTS, writing that "reclined aerobic exercise, such as swimming, and strengthening your core, can provide relief."

Seeking care from a cardiologist and a physical therapist is essential, according to Iovine.

The cardiologist can help to get vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure under control, she said, while a knowledgeable physical therapist can help to manage symptoms and increase upright tolerance. 

"Things like proper hydration, extra electrolytes, and being able to keep cool can also help manage symptoms," Iovine advised.

"The heat will make the blood vessels expand, making it harder to get the blood up the head against gravity," she said.

"POTS can be a challenge for anyone — from people with complicated pre-existing conditions, all the way to the top athletes, like Katie Ledecky," Iovine told Fox News Digital. 

The disease can often cause a flu-like feeling after exercise, something called post-exertional malaise/post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PEM/PESE). 

"This is when the autonomic nervous system can have a reflexive reaction to stress or exercise, either making existing symptoms worse or creating a new host of issues in people with POTS," Iovine said. 

"This can pose an issue in the sense of rigorous exercise for an Olympic athlete — or in other cases, exertion may be as simple as getting out of bed and walking to the kitchen."

POTS causes a "dynamic disability," Iovine noted.

"One day, it may allow you to swim like an Olympic athlete, and other days, [it will] have you stuck in bed or even in a wheelchair."

POTS is particularly challenging in athletic activities that involve frequent "start and stop" activities, such as basketball, volleyball, soccer and field hockey, added Grubb.

Both experts emphasized that POTS is a "real illness."

"People who were previously quite healthy develop severe limitations and disabilities," Grubb said.

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"They can experience disabling fatigue, exercise intolerance, heat intolerance, palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting and brain fog."

Iovine said that due to the "invisibility" of the disease combined with the high heart rate and variability of presentations, it is often dismissed as a function of mental health.

"Patients are often turned away from proper care, made to believe it is all in their heads," she said.

"POTS is a very real condition, and the good news is that there are very real management strategies as well," Iovine went on.

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While there is no cure for POTS, many patients are able to manage their symptoms and return to their daily activities.

Added Iovine, "Build up your care team and your confidence to advocate for your health and keep to your regimented routines for management."

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and American veteran Paul Whelan were among those released from Russia on Thursday in a large prisoner swap.

A third U.S. citizen, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, was also released.

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A plane carrying the freed Americans landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland late Thursday night, where they were greeted by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The newly released prisoners were then flown to San Antonio, Texas, for evaluation and rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center, a premier military medical facility, according to reports.

Although the prisoners are safely back on U.S. soil and have been reunited with their families, they may experience mental health challenges stemming from the trauma of detainment, said experts.

"Besides the obvious threats to one’s safety and the horrifying prospect of confinement, a situation like this is fraught with uncertainty," Dr. Norman Blumenthal, director of the Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center in New York, told Fox News Digital. 

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"Ambiguity in and of itself induces stress — and that, coupled with their very predicament, can create a marked escalation of trauma." (None of the experts cited here have treated the released Americans.)

Dr. Karen DeCocker, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner director at Stella Centers in Chicago, noted that being held captive can lead to several types of trauma. 

"This varies from person to person based on prior history and the experiences encountered during captivity," she told Fox News Digital.

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While each person reacts differently to trauma, Blumenthal predicted that the freed prisoners would likely experience an "initial thrill and exhilaration" from their liberation. 

"The celebrations and enthusiastic reunions with loved ones can temporarily overshadow the trauma," he noted. 

"As life returns to normal and routines set in, that is often when the frightening flashbacks and intrusive recollections can become disruptive and destabilizing."

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, said it is likely the prisoners experienced physical and mental abuse, sleep deprivation, dehydration, malnutrition and possibly infections.

Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, said that Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva, along with the other released prisoners, may suffer from both acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

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ASD is a short-term mental health condition that typically occurs within a month after a traumatic experience, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website.

"Acute stress disorder may include flashbacks, nightmares, intense fear and high anxiety," Alpert told Fox News Digital.  

It can also include feelings of numbness or detachment.

PTSD occurs when such symptoms persist for a month or longer, and the anxiety becomes chronic, according to Alpert.

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PTSD may include many of the same symptoms as ASD, and can impair the person’s ability to function in daily activities.

The freed prisoners may also experience depression, anger and difficulty trusting others, said Alpert.   

"I've also seen people have trouble focusing and making decisions in light of a trauma," he added.

It could also be challenging for the former prisoners to reintegrate into their normal environments and social groups, Alpert said.

Symptoms of trauma are "not universal," Siegel told Fox News Digital.

"There are differences, and not everyone experiences PTSD," he said. 

"Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, depersonalization and derealization, anxiety and depression."

DeCocker noted that symptoms can be both mental and physical — including the following five points.

"Individuals may experience dissociation, where they feel disconnected from their thoughts, feelings or sense of identity," DeCocker told Fox News Digital. 

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"This can manifest as feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization) or from the world around them (derealization)."

Some trauma survivors may feel a sense of guilt for having survived a traumatic experience when others did not, or for putting themselves or others in situations that led to captivity, DeCocker said. 

They may also feel guilty about the stress and anxiety that family members and loved ones experienced during their imprisonment. 

"Issues with trust, intimacy and personal relationships often occur with survivors and their families," DeCocker told Fox News Digital. 

"The impact of their captivity often comes from their inability to relate the experience to others."

Trauma survivors may experience feelings of shame, worthlessness or confusion about their identity, according to DeCocker. 

"In this case, where there was an exchange of prisoners, there may be added complexity," she said.

It's not uncommon for trauma survivors to have negative beliefs about themselves or the world, according to DeCocker. 

"Generalizations about the world being unsafe or out of their control can occur," she said. "Threats are often seen in everyday experiences."

Potential physical symptoms could include chronic pain, such as headaches or muscle pain, in addition to persistent fatigue and lack of energy, according to Nikki Bishop, a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical director at SunCloud Health in Chicago.

"A person may also experience gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, nausea and changes in appetite," she told Fox News Digital. 

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"Additionally, cardiovascular risks could occur, such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations and increased risk of heart disease."

To cope with painful feelings, people can sometimes turn to substance use, process addictions, eating disorders and even food addiction as a means of trying to numb the pain, Bishop added.

Given the high-profile release, Gershkovich and Whelan will likely receive a large amount of media attention, Alpert noted — "but it’s important that they have the space and privacy they need to process this on their own timeline."

DeCocker agreed, stressing the importance of taking extensive time to heal and recover. 

"There is no rush to reintegrate," she told Fox News Digital. "Time is best devoted toward rest and restoring a sense of balance and normalcy."

Embracing daily routines and structure can help with that, DeCocker said.

The freed prisoners may also want to avoid spending too much time on social media and the news in the early days to avoid retriggering discussions and events, she advised.

One "tried-and-true method" of coping is to retell the events to supportive people who act as listeners, not solvers, according to Blumenthal. 

"Putting the experience into words can help with healing and adjusting to the more mundane aspects of life and routine," he said.

If symptoms are interfering with day-to-day functioning, Alpert recommends seeking professional help.

"In the case of a severe trauma, such as being held prisoner and wrongly convicted, symptoms may not surface right away," he pointed out. 

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"It can be helpful to get ahead of it and speak to a specialist." 

All forms of professional help are useful, DeCocker noted. Those include talk therapy, psychiatric support, interventional treatment modalities specific to treating trauma, and physical treatments and therapies to heal the body.

Other treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and medications such as beta blockers, antidepressants and potentially psychedelics, according to Siegel.

Support from loving family members and friends is also key, the doctor added.

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Most people do have an "inherent resilience and capacity to hope," Blumental said.

"These and other freed hostages may, on their own, mobilize and harness strength and heroic reformulations of their recent incarceration to go on and resume normal functioning."

Scott McDonald of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

A majority of voters believe that Vice President Kamala Harris knew about — and covered up — President Biden’s reported cognitive health issues.

That’s according to a YouGov/Times of London poll that surveyed 1,170 registered voters on July 22 and July 23.

Among those who believe Biden’s health issues were kept under wraps, 92% said they think the vice president was well aware of the situation.

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Overall, 68% of respondents believe Biden’s decline was on Harris’ radar.

"There's no way for me to know what went through Kamala's head or what her experience has been dealing with Joe Biden," Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

"Perhaps seeing him on a regular basis made it difficult for her to pick up on any changes," said Alpert, who has not treated Biden.

"Of course, this is just speculation, and we do not know of any formal diagnosis."

Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, a luxury medical services provider in Southlake, previously spoke with Fox News Digital about the failure of those around Biden to seek help for the president.

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"Either they are in denial and have watched this take place over a period of time, so they are less sensitive to the contrast, or they are fully aware but can’t bear the thought of what happens to the family (on many levels) if Joe is no longer president," said Gaman, who also has never treated the current commander-in-chief. 

Although there's long been debate about potential signs of cognitive decline, the issue came to the forefront after the June 27 presidential debate, when Biden sparked concerns with his sometimes incoherent speech and unclear train of thought on national live television.

The president, who is 81, has also appeared to "freeze" on stage during public appearances on more than one occasion.

In mid-July, Biden tested positive for COVID-19, and was said to experience upper respiratory symptoms that included "rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise," according to a statement on the White House's website.

On July 23, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s personal physician, released a letter stating that Biden’s symptoms had resolved and that he would "continue to be monitored for any recurrence of illness."

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has stated that Biden has seen a neurologist multiple times as part of routine health exams, but that he is not being treated for any neurological disorders.

Outside the political arena, it is common for family members and loved ones to avoid facing signs of cognitive decline and potential dementia, experts say.

"Ask any family who has dealt with Alzheimer’s, dementia or Parkinson’s, and they will tell you that what we are seeing play out [here] is classic with most families who face this," said Gaman, whose own mother struggled with Alzheimer’s disease.

"His story just happens to be playing out on the big stage," Gaman added. "Remember, everyone rallying around Biden and covering up the truth has something personal to gain by him continuing to hold office."

In some cases, Alpert noted, signs may be genuinely missed.

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"Generally speaking, family members who see their loved one on a regular basis don't always pick up on the cognitive decline as perceptively as those who might just see someone on occasion," he said.  

"For example, someone seeing Grandma once a year during the holiday season is more likely to pick up on a decline than if they were seeing her monthly."

That’s because cognitive decline is usually gradual in the beginning, he noted.

"Early signs might be subtle and perhaps mistaken as normal aging or stress."

In other cases, the person experiencing the decline may find ways to adapt and develop strategies to compensate for the cognitive difficulties, according to Alpert, which can make the symptoms less obvious to close family and friends. 

Experts agree that a denial of someone’s cognitive decline doesn’t do the person any favors.

"If family members and close associates are in denial about a loved one's cognitive decline, it can delay diagnosis and treatment of the person," Alpert warned. 

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"Dismissing an obvious issue as ‘just a bad day’ or saying ‘everyone forgets from time to time’ doesn't help the person, and will only slow access to resources and proper management of the condition," he added.

Delaying treatment can also pose safety risks, experts agree.

"Although in the short term it might be easier to look the other way, ultimately denial leads to more stress for the loved one as the condition worsens," Alpert said.

"Sometimes, getting a proper medical diagnosis provides the clinical validation necessary for the patient to actually feel understood."

In Alpert’s practice, he said he sometimes has patients who experience a host of symptoms, but don’t know exactly what is going on.  

"Once I confirm the diagnosis, they feel a bit relieved to know that their symptoms are real and part of a medical or psychological disorder, and not just made up," he said.

In Biden’s case, denial of a possible cognitive disorder isn’t just dangerous for the president, but also for the country as a whole, experts say.

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If Biden is experiencing cognitive decline, failure to get him the medical attention he needs could be putting his health in danger, according to Gaman.

"From the standpoint of the country, we need to address this as a health crisis and not a political crisis," she said.

Gaman also noted that if Biden does have one of these conditions, he may not understand the need to ask for help.

"This is a prime opportunity to increase funding for research, raise awareness and encourage others dealing with this to come out of denial."

Gaman noted that she is not claiming to diagnose the president, but rather asking that the country open up the discussion on neurodegenerative disease, "especially since it’s on the rise."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris campaign requesting comment but did not receive a response. 

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In response to earlier outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said that "health was not a factor" in Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. 

"He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people," the White House said in its statement. 

During a live address on Wednesday night, President Biden spoke of his decision to exit the 2024 race, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, and announced his intent to stay in office for the rest of his term, which is 178 days at this point.

He did not, however, mention his health status or his recent COVID battle.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s personal physician, told reporters on Thursday that Biden’s health and mental cognition were both "excellent," yet some experts have been expressing concerns that remaining in office could take a physical and mental toll on the president.

DOCTORS REACT AFTER BIDEN'S LIVE ADDRESS TO THE NATION: A CONCERNING 'LACK OF EMOTION'

Here's what some doctors are saying.

Health experts said the high-pressure nature of the presidency could pose "significant health risks" for Biden, who has recently displayed signs of cognitive challenges.

"I am definitely concerned about the stress, and am worried he could be depressed while apparently continuing to fail cognitively," Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

He has not treated Biden. 

He also said, "I am furious that the White House is in denial mode and is not giving us any details, and that the White House doctor is not coming forward," adding that he "feels compassion" for the president.

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Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, reiterated that the "immense, demanding and relentless" stress of the presidency can significantly impact physical and cognitive health.

"For President Biden, who has a history of cognitive issues, the toll of such stress is particularly concerning," he told Fox News Digital, expressing his professional opinion. Osborn has not examined or treated the president. 

Stress can worsen cognitive issues by causing a spike in cortisol, the primary stress hormone, Osborn said.

"Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can accelerate the deterioration of brain regions, such as the frontal and temporal lobes, which are crucial for cognitive functions like memory, decision-making and impulse control," he said.

"This suggests that the demanding nature of the presidency could further accelerate any existing cognitive decline in President Biden, potentially diminishing his ability to fulfill the complex and high-stakes responsibilities of his office."

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Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, also surmised that in the presence of any type of dementia, it may be more difficult to process stressors and handle stressful situations, which can lead to worsening cognitive abilities. 

"In the long run, this can affect overall physical health," Murray told Fox News Digital.

Even with cognitively healthy presidents, Murray said, the high-pressure job has been known to have physical ramifications. (Murray and other doctors referenced here have not treated Biden.)

"If you look through presidential history, [you can] compare pictures of presidents at the beginning of their term to pictures of them at the end of their term," he said. 

"It's obvious that the aging process has likely occurred at a faster rate than the normal population due to the immense pressure and stress the presidency brings on a daily basis," he also said. 

"This would be accentuated in someone with cognitive limitations."

Although continued public scrutiny could also lead to increased stress, the fact that Biden has bowed out of the presidential race means that a significant stressor in his life has been eliminated, according to Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City.

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"Biden might actually feel a bit of relief now that he has stopped running for president," he told Fox News Digital.

"The intense pressure and stress from constant attacks by the opposing side and scrutiny from within his own party will be lessened significantly, and he will likely be better able to focus on his role and responsibilities," Alpert added.

Doctors who shared professional opinions with Fox News Digital agreed that in their view, Biden should receive ongoing medical care and monitoring.

"Given the noticeable decline in the president's health, my hope would be that he is closely monitored by his physician and that the team brings in any experts necessary to properly evaluate any new issues that might arise in coming months," Alpert said.  

"President Biden should be given full treatment and support that's honest and transparent, as the remainder of his term plays out."

Neurologist Murray said that a patient of his with a certain degree of dementia "needs fairly consistent supervision."

He added, "I would not recommend making large financial decisions or higher-level executive decisions without advice from family members who are looking out for the best interests of the patient." 

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It is essential that the president receives appropriate medical care and stress management for the remainder of his term, Osborn said.

"While President Biden's commitment to serving his country is commendable, the potential health risks associated with continuing in such a high-pressure role cannot be ignored," the neurosurgeon said.

It is crucial for Biden to prioritize health and well-being, according to Osborn, even if it means stepping back from demanding roles. 

Healthy lifestyle behaviors — such as daily exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition and supplements — are also important, he advised, as well as a "robust support system of professionals, including a neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and a physical therapist."

"These are crucial steps in maintaining his health and, by extension, the effective governance of the nation, which he otherwise places at extreme risk," Osborn added.

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In response to earlier outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said that "health was not a factor" in the president's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race. 

"He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people," the White House said in its statement.

Can Alzheimer’s disease be reversed?

Dr. Heather Sandison, a renowned expert in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia care, believes that reversal isn’t just possible — but that it’s already happening in multiple patients. 

In her new book "Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Tool Kit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health," which was published by HarperCollins on June 11, Sandison — who is based in California — offers a step-by-step guide to helping Alzheimer’s patients improve their overall brain health.

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One of the core elements of Sandison’s program is a focus on exercise as one of the most important lifestyle factors in preventing and controlling dementia. 

Research has shown that physical activity can reduce the likelihood and progression of Alzheimer’s. 

In the excerpt below, Sandison offers some specific recommendations for the types of exercise that can benefit patients living with the disease. 

Dr. Heather Sandison: Need a new motivation to be active? Exercise is medicine for the brain and provides an amazing array of benefits. 

Most obviously, exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain. That means getting your body moving will deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your brain while also flushing away more waste products. 

Exercise also strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system, which helps improve blood flow even when you’re not working out; it also reduces the risk of arterial plaques that might disrupt blood flow to the brain and contribute to dementia.

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The overarching reason that exercise is such a powerful health protector is that it is what’s known as a hormetic, or a beneficial stressor. 

Basically, when you put your body through its paces, the body is forced to use up resources, and your tissues can even be broken down a bit. (That’s what happens when you lift weights: Your muscles tear a tiny bit.) 

In that sense, you’re introducing stress to your system, but that stress is a force for good, because it triggers your body to get more efficient at using its resources and your tissues to grow back even stronger. In other words, exercise makes your body — including your brain — more resilient.

Exercise benefits several of the root causes of neurological disease.

It improves structure by increasing your cardiovascular capacity and boosting circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

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It reduces stress in multiple ways — by giving you an outlet to blow off steam, by producing feel-good hormones such as endorphins and lowering the stress hormone cortisol, and, depending on what kind of exercise you choose, getting you outside and into nature, which is a well-known stress reliever. 

It can also be social, and a great way to spend time with friends or even meet new people, which helps address the loneliness and social isolation that The Lancet lists as one of the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

It improves sleep by tiring you out.

It strengthens immune function, which reduces the risk and effects of infection — all those muscular contractions and moving against gravity improves the flow of lymphatic fluid, which delivers immune cells and flushes away invader cells.

It promotes detox, both through increased circulation and through sweating. 

It improves signaling, as challenging and strengthening your muscles triggers the release of multiple signaling molecules, known as exerkines, that have demonstrated neuroprotective functions.

If you do only one thing: Change up your current exercise routine in a way that challenges your brain and amps up the intensity. 

If you are a devoted walker, find a new route that includes hills or stairs. If you’re open to trying something different, check out a new exercise class that you’ve been meaning to try.              

There are four types of exercise that you want to prioritize. Four may sound like a lot, but they are not mutually exclusive. 

You can combine at least two types of exercise in one session — you can turn strength training into cardio by performing your strength moves in high-intensity intervals, or you can make your cardio dual task by doing something that requires your mental focus while you move.

Aerobic exercise is what we think of as "cardio" — it gets your heart and blood pumping and includes forms of exercise such as walking, jogging, biking, dancing and swimming.

Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart, and what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain, because your heart sends the brain the blood, oxygen, and nutrients that your brain relies on to function.

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Your first goal with adding more exercise to your life is to get 150 to 200 minutes of aerobic exercise each week so that you get your heart rate into the vigorous zone of 70-85% of maximum heart rate. 

Listening to your body and adjusting your intensity level based on your perceived exertion is one of the best ways to know if you are pushing yourself hard enough.

Strength training — also known as resistance training — is just what it sounds like: using weights or other forms of resistance to build muscle tissue.

Building muscle — particularly in the big muscle groups of the legs, hips, and torso — is directly related to brain health, because these muscles generate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a "fertilizer" for the brain, cueing it to create new neuronal connections and promoting neuroplasticity.

You want to aim for at least two strength-training sessions per week. Strength training doesn’t have to involve your standard barbells and bench pressing your body weight. 

You can use resistance bands, light dumbbells, or even the weight of your own body in exercises like squats, lunges and planks. 

Even climbing stairs or hills counts as strength training and cardio in one activity, because they get your heart rate up as they also keep the muscles of the legs and hips strong.                    

This next-level form of exercise combines physical movement with a cognitive challenge. The simplest form of this is walking and talking. 

What is a cognitive challenge will vary from person to person, but if you’re in prevention mode, listening to a foreign language lesson or a nonfiction book while you walk outside or ride the stationary bike, and then pausing the recording to recap what you’ve just learned every few minutes, is a good option. 

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For some people, going to a Pilates or yoga class or other class where you really have to pay attention to the teacher’s cues constitutes dual-task training — but not if it’s something you’ve been doing for long enough that you can zone out. 

And if you have already started experiencing measurable cognitive decline, dual-task training may look like going on a walk while pointing out the names of the plants that you pass along the way, or having someone quiz you on the names of family members, or recalling family stories or important dates. 

Wherever you are, you want to be working right on your edge — you can almost feel the wheels of your brain turning in order to stay focused.

This relatively unique form of training alternates the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe as you exercise — an approach that encourages the tiniest blood vessels (known as your microvasculature) throughout your body, including your brain, to open up, resulting in greatly enhanced blood flow. 

It’s similar to going to altitude to train and build your aerobic capacity, and it is incredibly valuable for cognitive function.         

This type of exercise does require specialized gear. You can buy the device, or go find a clinic near you where you can try it out. It does require you to wear a mask that is hooked up to a machine while you exercise, and when the oxygen saturation is low, it can be intense because you have to work harder to bring in enough air. 

In other words, contrast oxygen therapy is not for everyone. But if you are willing and able, it can be dramatically helpful.

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Honestly, exercise is such a powerful health intervention that if we could just bottle it, we could probably get rid of chronic disease. 

Exercise does take time and effort, but making this one activity a regular part of your life addresses so many causal factors of dementia that it can profoundly reduce your risk.

Excerpted with permission from the new book, "Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Tool Kit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health" (HarperCollins) by Dr. Heather Sandison, copyright © 2024 by Dr. Heather Sandison. All rights reserved.