health and wellness
What parents need to know about Tylenol, autism and the difference between finding a link and finding a cause in scientific research
The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding the potential link between prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) use and autism. While some studies show weak associations, establishing causation remains challenging. Factors like dosage response and sibling outcome comparisons are critical for understanding this complex issue, highlighting the need for more thorough research and consulting healthcare professionals.
What parents need to know about Tylenol, autism and the difference between finding a link and finding a cause in scientific research
Claims from the Trump White House about links between use of the painkiller acetaminophen – often sold under the brand name Tylenol in the U.S. – during pregnancy and development of autism have set off a deluge of responses across the medical, scientific and public health communities.
As a father of a child with level 2 autism – meaning autism that requires substantial support – and a statistician who works with such tools as those used in the association studies cited by the White House, I find it useful to think about the nuances of association versus causation in observational studies. I hope that this explanation is helpful to parents and expecting parents who, like me, are deeply invested in the well-being of their children.
Association is not causation, but …
Most people have heard this before, but it bears repeating: Association does not imply causation.
An often-cited example is that there is a very strong association between ice cream sales and incidents of shark attacks. Of course, it goes without saying that shark attacks aren’t caused by ice cream sales. Rather, in the summertime, hot weather drives more appetite for ice cream and beach time. The increased number of people at the beach does, in turn, cause the likelihood of shark attacks to increase.
Yet pointing this out on its own is neither intellectually satisfying nor emotionally appeasing when it comes to real-life medical concerns, since an association does suggest potential for a causal relationship.
In other words, some associations do end up being convincingly causal. In fact, some of the most consequential discoveries of the past century in public health, like the links between smoking and lung cancer or the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, started out as findings of very strong association.
So when it comes to the issue of prenatal acetaminophen use and autism development, it is important to consider how strong the association found is, as well as the extent to which such an association could be considered causal.
Establishing causal association
So how do scientists determine if an observed association is actually causal?
The gold standard for doing so is conducting what are called randomized, controlled experiments. In these studies, participants are randomly assigned to receive treatment or not, and the environment where they are observed is controlled so that the only external element that differs among participants is whether they received treatment or not.
In doing this, researchers reasonably ensure that any difference in the outcomes of the participants can be directly attributed as being caused by whether they received the treatment. That is, any association between treatment and outcome can be considered causal.
Yet oftentimes, conducting such an experiment is impossible, unethical or both. For instance, it would be highly difficult to gather a cohort of pregnant women for an experiment and extremely unethical to randomly assign half of them to take acetaminophen, or any other medication for no particular reason, and the other half not to.
So when experiments are simply infeasible, an alternative is to make some reasonable assumptions on how observational data would behave if the association was causal and then see if the data aligns with these causal assumptions. This can very broadly be referred to as observational causal inference.
Parsing what the studies mean
So how does this apply to the current controversy over the potential for acetaminophen use during pregnancy to affect the fetus in a way that could result in a condition like autism?
Researchers who try to understand causal roles and links between one variable and potential health outcomes do so by considering: 1) the size and consistency of the association across multiple attempts to estimate it, and 2) the extent to which such association has been established under observational causal inference frameworks.
As early as 1987, researchers have been working to measure possible associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. A number of these studies, including multiple large systematic reviews, have found evidence of such associations.
For instance, a 2025 review of 46 studies that examined association between acetaminophen use and an array of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, identified papers with five positive associations between acetaminophen and autism.
In one of those studies, which examined 73,881 births, the researchers found that children who were exposed to acetaminophen prenatally were 20% more likely to develop borderline or clinical autism spectrum conditions. Another examined 2.48 million births and reported an estimated association of only 5%.
Both of those are weak associations. For context, estimations of increased lung cancer risk from smoking in the 1950s were between 900% to 1,900%. That is, a smoker is 10 to 20 times more likely than a nonsmoker to develop lung cancer. By comparison, in the two autism studies above, a pregnant woman who takes acetaminophen is 1.05 to 1.20 times more likely than one who does not take the drug to have a child who would be later diagnosed with autism.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many factors can affect how well a study is able to estimate an association. In general, larger sample sizes provide both greater power to detect an association if one does exist, as well as improved precision over estimating the value of the association. This does not mean that studies with smaller sample sizes are not valid, only that from a statistical perspective, researchers like me place greater confidence in an association drawn from a larger sample size.
Once an association – even a small one – is established, researchers then must consider the extent to which causation can be claimed. One way to do this is through what’s called dose-response. This means looking at whether the association is higher among women who took higher doses of acetaminophen during pregnancy.
The study mentioned above that looked at 2.48 million births shows an example of dose-response. It found that pregnant women who reported taking higher doses have higher autism risk.
Another way to examine possible causality in this context is to analyze sibling outcomes, which that same paper did. Researchers looked at whether associations between acetaminophen and autism persisted within families with more than one child.
For example, in a family with two children, if the mother used acetaminophen during one pregnancy and that child was later diagnosed with autism, but she did not use it during the other pregnancy and that child was not diagnosed, then this strengthens the causal claim. Conversely, if acetaminophen was used during the pregnancy of the child who was not diagnosed with autism and not used during the pregnancy of the child who was, then that weakens the causal claim. When this was included in the analysis, the dose-response disappeared, and in fact the overall 5% increased risk mentioned before likewise disappeared. This weakens the claim of a causal relationship.
Consult your doctor
At present, there is clearly not enough evidence to establish a causal association between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism.
Yet as a parent who wonders if my daughter will ever be able to write her name, or hold a job or raise kids of her own, I understand that such explanations may not appease the fears or concerns of an expecting mother who is suffering from a fever.
Naturally, all of us want absolute certainty.
But that’s not possible when it comes to acetaminophen use, at least not at this time.
Your doctor will be able to provide you with much sounder advice than any existing study on this topic. Your OB-GYNs are very likely aware of these studies and have much better judgment as to how these results should be considered in the context of your personal medical history and needs.
Researchers, meanwhile, will continue to dig deeper into the science of this critically important issue and, hopefully, provide greater clarity in the years to come.
Mark Louie Ramos, Assistant Research Professor of Health Policy and Administration, Penn State
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Women's Health
Menopause changes your mouth. Most women have no idea.
Menopause changes your mouth: Many women are familiar with the most talked-about symptoms of menopause – hot flashes, disrupted sleep, brain fog and mood swings. Far fewer know that dry mouth and sensitive teeth belong on that list too.
Menopause changes your mouth. Most women have no idea.
(Sheeka Sanahori) Many women are familiar with the most talked-about symptoms of menopause – hot flashes, disrupted sleep, brain fog and mood swings. Far fewer know that dry mouth and sensitive teeth belong on that list too.
There’s a name for it: menopause mouth. According to survey data from Delta Dental Insurance Company, 83% of women 40 and older in menopause aren’t aware of any of its symptoms.
What menopause mouth feels like
Forty percent say they have noticed an increase in dry mouth. Another 27% have noticed more tooth sensitivity in recent months, and 26% say things taste different than they used to. You tell yourself it’s something else. You’re not drinking enough water; you’ve been brushing too hard. Menopause isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
It adds up. Forty-five percent say oral symptoms associated with menopause, such as tooth pain, dry mouth or gum inflammation, take a toll on their confidence, mood or mental health.
Menopause affects the whole body, mentally and physically. So why is the mouth left out?
Even after learning about this connection, 30% of women say they can’t find information about menopause-related oral health concerns. It isn’t that no one is willing to discuss it.
What makes the conversation hard to start
Three-quarters of dentists say they are comfortable discussing menopause with patients. They just want to know who they’re talking to. Most say they would want more patient history, or to know a patient was in menopause, before raising the subject. Forty-five percent say they would not bring up how menopause affects oral health unless a patient asked.
Dentists also believe that patients are already informed. Ninety-four percent say their patients are at least somewhat aware that menopause can affect oral health. So a patient says nothing about her dry mouth, because it doesn’t seem like a dental problem. The dentist doesn’t bring it up either, assuming someone already has.
Women are asking for the information
Nearly nine in 10 women say it would help to receive specific instructions during dental visits about managing oral health during menopause. And 69% say they would be more likely to book an appointment if a primary care provider or OB-GYN had told them menopause affects oral health.
No matter who brings it up, the conversation is one worth having. Hormonal changes during menopause can increase the risk of tooth loss or tooth decay, gum disease, receding gumline or loss of jawbone density. Discussing new oral symptoms with a dentist can help women identify potential problems and address them early.
How to start the conversation with your dentist
Your dentist probably doesn’t know you’re in menopause. Start there.
Questions worth asking:
- “Could the changes I’m noticing be related to menopause?”
- “I haven’t had a cavity in 30 years, and now I have two. Could that be tied to hormonal changes?”
- “What can I do about dry mouth?”
- “Are there symptoms I should watch for?”
- “Should I adjust my oral care routine?”
Any one of these questions can get the conversation started.
Methodology
Delta Dental Insurance Company commissioned Atomik Research to conduct two online surveys between June 25 and July 2, 2025.
The first surveyed 200 dentists throughout the United States. The margin of error is +/- 7 percentage points with a 95% confidence level.
The second surveyed 1,511 women ages 40 or older throughout the United States. To qualify, participants had to indicate they are in perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause. Those who were not sure which stage they were in, or who indicated they were not yet in one of the three stages, were excused from participation. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% confidence level
Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is an independent market research agency.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Delta Dental Insurance Company
health and wellness
Flu Season Arrives Early: Walgreens Launches 2026-2027 Flu Index as Activity Rises Across the U.S.
The 2026-2027 flu season is tracking four weeks ahead of recent years. Explore Walgreens’ new Flu Index, rising activity, and ways to stay protected.
Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
2026-2027 Flu Season: New tracking data suggests influenza activity is running approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons, with increases reported across western states and Florida.
2026-2027 Flu Season Starts Early as Walgreens Launches New Flu Index
STM Daily News | Health & Wellness
October 30, 2026
Flu season may be getting an early start this year, and a new online tracking tool from Walgreens is giving Americans a closer look at respiratory illness activity in their communities.
On October 21, Walgreens announced the launch of its 2026-2027 Flu Index, an interactive tool that monitors influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory illnesses across the United States.
According to the company’s initial findings, national flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons, with increasing activity reported across several western states and Florida.
The early trends serve as a reminder that influenza doesn’t necessarily wait until winter to begin spreading.
Flu Activity Is Increasing Earlier Than Expected
Walgreens reports that its early-season data indicates influenza activity is already increasing in multiple parts of the country.
The company’s findings include:
- Earlier flu activity: National flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons.
- Regional increases: Several western states and Florida are experiencing rising activity.
- More antiviral prescriptions: Walgreens reports dispensing more flu antiviral medications than during the same period in 2025.
- Growing demand for cold and flu products: Sales of cold and flu medications, at-home respiratory illness tests, cough drops, and tea have increased by double-digit percentages compared with last year.
Although these indicators suggest respiratory illness activity is increasing, they do not necessarily mean the current flu season will be more severe than previous seasons.
Increased purchases of cold medications and testing products can reflect changes in consumer behavior as well as illness trends.
The findings come from Walgreens’ pharmacy and retail data and should be considered alongside public health surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Is the Walgreens Flu Index?
The Walgreens Flu Index is an interactive online platform designed to help consumers understand where respiratory illnesses are circulating and how activity is changing over time.
The tool combines several types of information, including:
- Flu and COVID-19 testing data from Walgreens locations
- Prescription antiviral medication trends
- Over-the-counter cold and flu product purchases
- Geographic patterns in respiratory illness activity
Using these indicators, Walgreens calculates an activity score ranging from 0 to 10.
A score of zero represents the lowest level of activity, while a score of ten represents the highest.
The index provides weekly information for states and territories, along with more than 1,500 counties where sufficient Walgreens data is available.
The map is updated every Monday, allowing users to compare current activity with previous weeks and the prior flu season.
Importantly, Walgreens emphasizes that the index measures relative illness activity, not disease severity. A higher score does not necessarily indicate more hospitalizations, more serious infections, or a greater risk of complications.
The index also does not represent a complete count of influenza cases nationwide.
Explore the interactive map:
https://www.walgreens.com/seasonal/respiratory-illness-index
Why Local Flu Activity Matters
Influenza does not spread evenly across the country.
Some communities may experience increasing cases weeks before others, making local information useful for families, schools, healthcare providers, and individuals who may be at higher risk of complications.
“Flu activity can vary significantly from one community to another, and knowing what’s happening locally can make a real difference,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens’ chief pharmacy and enterprise external affairs officer.
Gates added that the index is intended to help people make informed decisions about prevention, including vaccination before influenza becomes more widespread in their communities.
For residents of states such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and other western states, the reported regional increases make monitoring local respiratory illness trends particularly relevant.
However, the company’s announcement does not establish that every western county is experiencing elevated flu activity. Readers should consult the latest local data for a more accurate picture.
Why Getting a Flu Shot Still Matters
Annual influenza vaccination remains an important tool for reducing the risk of flu illness and serious complications.
Because influenza viruses change over time, flu vaccines are reviewed and updated each season to target strains expected to circulate.
The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for most people ages six months and older, with rare exceptions.
Vaccination is especially important for people who face a greater risk of serious complications, including:
- Adults ages 65 and older
- Young children, particularly those younger than five
- Pregnant individuals
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- People with weakened immune systems
For adults 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends certain enhanced influenza vaccines, including higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted options, when available.
Walgreens says its pharmacies offer standard-dose and higher-dose vaccines, along with a new mRNA influenza vaccine at select locations.
Vaccine selection should follow current CDC recommendations, individual eligibility, and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
It generally takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.
Even if influenza is already circulating locally, vaccination can still provide benefits throughout the season.
Practical Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick
Vaccination is an important preventive measure, but it is not the only step people can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Public health guidance also encourages several everyday precautions.
Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water, particularly after touching shared surfaces or being in public places. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help when soap and water are unavailable.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
Improve indoor air quality. Opening windows when practical, improving ventilation, and using appropriate air filtration can help reduce exposure to airborne respiratory viruses.
Avoid close contact when sick. Staying home when experiencing respiratory illness symptoms can help protect coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members.
Consider wearing a well-fitting mask. Masks can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or around people at higher risk.
Pay attention to symptoms. Fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and congestion can occur with influenza and other respiratory infections.
Because flu and COVID-19 can produce similar symptoms, testing may help determine the cause of an illness.
People at higher risk of complications should contact a healthcare professional promptly if flu symptoms develop. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started early, ideally within the first two days of symptoms, although treatment can still benefit some patients later.
Walgreens Expands Vaccination Access for the 2026–2027 Season
Alongside the launch of its Flu Index, Walgreens announced several efforts to make seasonal vaccinations more convenient.
The company says it is increasing pharmacy staffing, expanding appointment availability, and allowing customers to schedule vaccinations further in advance.
Customers can arrange appointments through several methods:
- Online: https://www.walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine
- Mobile: Walgreens app
- Text: Send “Flu” to 66879
- Telephone: 1-800-WALGREENS
- Walk-in: Participating Walgreens pharmacies, subject to availability
Walgreens also announced promotional Walgreens Cash rewards for eligible myWalgreens members receiving vaccinations.
Under the limited-time promotion, qualifying members may earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases, along with an additional 10% back on qualifying purchases for a limited period.
Restrictions, exclusions, geographic limitations, and promotional deadlines apply. Customers should review the official terms before participating.
What About COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses?
Although influenza is the primary focus of the seasonal announcement, the Walgreens Flu Index also tracks COVID-19 and broader acute respiratory illness trends.
This distinction matters because several respiratory viruses can circulate simultaneously during the fall and winter months.
Influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common cold viruses can produce overlapping symptoms, but their potential complications and recommended treatments differ.
Vaccination eligibility and recommendations also vary by disease, age, and individual health circumstances.
Readers should consult current CDC guidance and their healthcare providers when considering flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccination.
The Bottom Line: Flu Season May Be Early, but Prevention Still Matters
The launch of the 2026–2027 Walgreens Flu Index offers another resource for Americans who want to monitor respiratory illness activity in their communities.
While Walgreens’ early findings suggest influenza activity is increasing sooner than in recent years, it is still too early to determine how severe the overall season will become.
The most important message for consumers is to prepare before respiratory illnesses become widespread.
Staying current with recommended vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, monitoring local illness trends, and seeking medical attention when appropriate can help reduce the risk of serious illness.
With flu activity already rising in some regions, now is a good time for families to review their seasonal health plans.
Related Links for Further Information
Walgreens Resources
- Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index — Interactive map showing respiratory illness activity across the United States.
- Walgreens Vaccination Scheduling — Schedule a flu vaccination or explore available vaccines.
Public Health Resources
- CDC Seasonal Influenza Information — Information about influenza symptoms, prevention, vaccination, and treatment.
- CDC FluView Surveillance — National influenza surveillance and weekly activity reports.
- CDC: Flu and People 65 Years and Older — Guidance for older adults and influenza vaccination.
- CDC Respiratory Illnesses — Prevention information for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Source: Walgreen Co., press release, October 21, 2026, Walgreens Launches 2026–2027 Flu Index as Activity Tracks Four Weeks Ahead of Recent Seasons.
Editor’s Note: This article summarizes information from Walgreens’ October 21, 2026, announcement. The reported early-season trends reflect the company’s findings at that time and are not a substitute for current CDC surveillance or medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals about individual vaccination and treatment decisions.
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Health and Life Insurance
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Give Your Plan a Check-up
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Medicare Open Enrollment runs now through Dec. 7. Use this time to make sure your plan still fits your needs with these four steps.
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: Give Your Plan a Check-up
(Feature Impact) Medicare Open Enrollment runs now through Dec. 7. Use this time to make sure your plan still fits your needs. Medicare.gov is your official source for Open Enrollment. Compare every Medicare health and drug plan available in your area. You can easily compare Medicare plan costs, side-by-side, by simply entering the prescription drugs you take. If you prefer to talk with someone, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24/7, to review your options and get your questions answered.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
