Akshay Syal, M.D.
Akshay Syal, M.D., is a medical fellow with the NBC News Health and Medical Unit.
Akshay Syal, M.D., is a medical fellow with the NBC News Health and Medical Unit.
Latest from Akshay Syal, M.D.
Chlamydia vaccine shows promise in early trial
An early-stage clinical trial yielded promising results for a chlamydia vaccine, a phase 1 trial finds. Chlamydia is a common STI that can lead to infertility in women.
High-potency marijuana highlights the risk of cannabis-induced psychiatric disorders
As more states legalize recreational cannabis products, there’s been greater consumer demand for more powerful weed, raising the possible risk of psychiatric disorders.
Over 1 in 10 high school seniors report using delta-8 THC
Teen usage of delta-8 THC, a legal marijuana alternative, is on the rise. The new study is one of the first to research how teens use delta-8.
Where's the Narcan? At pharmacies across the U.S., the OTC antidote can be hard to find
The opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan has been available to buy over the counter since 2023, but for stores across the U.S., it seems purchasing it isn’t always easy.
Marijuana use as little as once per month linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke
Using marijuana as little as once per month is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a large study published Wednesday.
As Biden’s memory issues draw attention, neurologists weigh in
Since a report released on Thursday by special counsel Robert Hur described President Joe Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory,” there have been significant misperceptions about the cognitive changes associated with aging, neurologists say.
When to come out of Covid isolation, according to experts
When should we come out of isolation after being infected with Covid? Get guidance from medical experts on how to handle Covid isolation.
As new the Covid variant surges, what to know about testing and accuracy
Do we need to keep swabbing our nasal passages with Covid tests at the first sign of congestion or achiness? How well do at-home tests work against the new variant?
With Covid and flu surging at the same time, how big is the risk of coinfection?
This year’s respiratory virus season is already looking different than last year’s — with Covid and flu both surging. Here's what to know.
Covid drives hospitalizations across the country as winter virus season ramps up
A number of Covid variants are in circulation in the U.S. including HV.1 and BA.2.86. Experts say the variants are not a cause for concern, though Covid is causing 15,000 hospitalizations a week.
Risks of marijuana and THC on the heart: What you need to know
Growing evidence suggests marijuana may be linked to certain heart problems. What's not clear is whether the heart risks are from smoking or if it’s the THC in weed that could be harmful.
