Among those concerned about how a second Trump term will affect existing policy, public health is where some of the more pressing issues lie. Donald Trump says his administration will "take on the corruption at the FDA, the CDC, the World Health Organization and other institutions of public health," arguing they are dominated by "corporate power" and China. 

What did the commentators say?
The second Trump presidency will likely face "few legislative roadblocks" and have the "power to influence America's health care landscape, including insurance coverage, drug price negotiations, government health and safety regulations, and reproductive health care access," said Insider. The CDC would "most likely lose the authority to enact the few actions it's empowered to use in public emergencies," said The New York Times. However, a "complete restructuring" may "not be realistic," as it would require congressional support from moderate Republicans. 

The Trump administration and the conservative political initiative Project 2025 have plans to "roll back the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, which broadened the pool of people who qualify for coverage," said Insider. This could be done by capping funding or adding work requirements for Medicaid recipients. 

And many fear Trump will "seek to impose a federal ban on abortion," but that would require congressional approval, said Time. Trump may also pursue "efforts to restrict access to abortion pills," said NBC News. 

What next?
Trump's nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the CMS has set off alarm bells. The TV doctor has drawn criticism for "espousing scientifically dubious theories" and lacking experience in government, said Axios. Oz has publicly backed privatized Medicare, which would require a 20% payroll tax, and that has many "concerned that low- and middle-income Americans would be responsible for funding the private insurers," said Newsweek.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been tapped to head the HHS, which oversees the CMS and other health agencies. He's a longtime vaccine skeptic, and removing vaccine mandates "would put American children at risk of diseases like measles and polio, which have largely been held at bay by the requirements," said the Times. 

As temperatures drop, people across the Northern Hemisphere brace for their health to dip too. The cold weather "will most probably push up colds and other respiratory viruses this week," Steve Griffin, a virologist and professor at the University of Leeds in the U.K., said to iNews. But does cold weather make us ill? The winter chill doesn't directly cause illness, but it does create conditions for viruses to thrive. 

How does cold weather affect illness? 
Colder weather drives more people indoors, and viruses have a better chance to spread in close quarters. Plus, lower temperatures weaken our immune response, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 

The study examined an immune response in the nose that causes the cells lining the nasal cavity to release loads of virus-fighting particles called extracellular vesicles. The researchers found that when cold weather causes temperatures inside the nose to drop, from 98.6F to 89.6F in their study, the release of these particles slows, and so does their antiviral response.  

What else could make us feel under the weather? 
Keeping windows and doors shut to keep the warmth in and heating costs down can worsen indoor air quality. And having heating systems on can release allergens, dust and mold into the air, adding to pollutants already present, such as cleaning-product chemicals and cooking fumes. Without regular fresh air, these particles can cause irritation. On top of that, warm indoor air tends to dehydrate us.  

How can we stay healthy during winter? 
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your face as much as possible. "Aside from practicing good hygiene, the maintenance of a strong immune system is crucial for long-term protection," general practitioner Donald Grant said to The Mirror. To help boost the immune system, "aim to get around seven to nine hours of sleep each night, eat well-balanced, nutritional meals and manage water intake."