Year in review 2025: Canada’s top health-related Yahoo searches looked at measles symptoms, shingles signs and the federal dental care plan

It’s been a restless year for health-related news, and that’s evident in what Canadians have been searching for in 2025. Between symptoms for conditions like COVID-19 and RSV, to inquiries about red light therapy and chronic venous insufficiency, people were eager to answer their medical questions.

Some of those searches might’ve been sparked by the deaths of high-profile figures: Inquiries for symptoms of pneumonia, which was actress Diane Keaton’s cause of death in October, ranked as the 18th highest searched topic on Yahoo Canada. Others may have wondered about the risk of Lyme disease, as searches about symptoms for that condition placed 17th on our list this year.

But what were among the top 10 health-related searches on Yahoo Canada? Below, let’s look back at some of the inquiries you had over the past year.

10. Lupus symptoms

Lupus affects around one in 1,000 Canadians, according to Lupus Canada. It’s a chronic disease that can impact anyone, although women are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with this condition that has no cure. About five million people worldwide have lupus, and five per cent of cases may be life-threatening.

A major breakthrough seen this year is that one of the most common human viruses may trigger this immune system condition. In November, scientists at Stanford University published research indicating the Epstein-Barr virus — which infects nine out of 10 people — directly causes a number of cells to go rogue and assault the body’s tissues.

9. ADHD symptoms

More awareness and better access are leading to an increase in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. In Ontario, researchers recently noted a dramatic rise in the number of people going on medication to treat the condition; new data has shown overall annual new stimulant prescriptions were up by 157 per cent in 2023 compared to 2015.

While more people might be seeking a possible answer to their symptoms, that’s not the only reason why ADHD has been in the news. A study published in January showed people with ADHD may have lower life expectancies, with men living 4.5 to 9 years less and women living 6.5 to 11 years less.

The Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., also made headlines in 2025. Medical and advocacy groups hit back against false claims about ADHD and children’s health, along with the supposed “over-utilization of medication” shared in The MAHA Report.

8. Measles symptoms

Measles was heavily in the news over the past year, especially with cases rising across North America and Canada losing its elimination status in November. As of Dec. 22, there have been more than 5,300 reported measles cases in Canada and two deaths related to the disease.

The comeback of this infectious disease has been largely driven by lower vaccination rates and decreased immunity. That’s even the case despite public health messaging emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

The U.S. has seen a similar scenario, and it might also lose its elimination status. As of Dec. 16, more than 1,900 measles cases have been reported in 44 jurisdictions.

7. Perimenopause symptoms

Half of the world’s population will go through menopause, and more women are spreading awareness about this life stage. Celebrities like Halle Berry, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Shania Twain have been vocal about their experiences with perimenopause and menopause in 2025.

Amid widespread awareness, it’s no wonder that Canadian women need more information about this life stage and the symptoms — such as hot flashes, mood swings and brain fog — that can arise.

6. Gout symptoms

Gout — a form of inflammatory arthritis — affects millions worldwide, with as many as one million being impacted in Canada. Since 1990, gout rates have climbed by more than 20 per cent, research has shown.

This disease might still carry a stigma that it only affects unhealthy eaters or heavy drinkers, but a global study found gout cases are rising among people under age 40 — and that’s expected to continue increasing through 2035.

5. Gallbladder symptoms

Inquiries about the health of one’s gallbladder were popular among Yahoo Canada readers in 2025. This small, pear-shaped organ can see conditions like cancer, gangrene and biliary dyskinesia, but gallstones might be the most common reason for problems.

These are hardened pieces of bile that form in your gallbladder or bile ducts. While gallstones won’t always cause problems, if they do cause symptoms, you’ll need treatment and possibly surgery to have them removed.

4. RSV symptoms

Cold and flu season in Canada also means the rise of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and it’s no wonder Canadians had questions about what this sickness may look like. While this condition can look like the common cold, it’s important to ensure you’re staying protected against the proper virus, especially if you’re at risk of severe illness.

3. COVID symptoms

COVID-19 certainly hasn’t disappeared despite it being five years since cases spread worldwide. And with symptoms so similar to colds, influenza and RSV, it’s hard to distinguish what exactly you might’ve contracted.

According to federal data, COVID-19 cases began rising this year in September. While the number of reported cases is trending downward, the virus is still a major concern for many people, especially for those older than 65 and others who are at risk of severe illness.

2. Shingles symptoms

Shingles is another viral infection that’s of concern to older adults, potentially causing pain, itching and a rash in people over age 50 and more severe illness in those above age 60. While it’s not life-threatening, shingles’s a common ailment, affecting one in three people in their lifetime. Out of those people, one in five will have severe pain after the rash goes away.

Searches for shingles might’ve risen earlier in the Spring after Harrison Ford dropped out of presenting at the 2025 Oscars due to a shingles diagnosis. The 83-year-old actor had been doing OK, but ultimately skipped on attending the ceremony due to the condition.

1. Canadian Dental Care Plan

The top health-related search of 2025 was related to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which rolled out to all remaining eligible Canadians in May. Applications for the program first opened at the end of 2023, when seniors aged 87 and up were invited to apply. People who meet these four requirements are able to apply:

• No access to dental insurance

• You and your spouse or common-law partner must’ve filed taxes in Canada so your family income can be assessed for the previous year

• Your adjusted family net income is below $90,000

• You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes

Since rolling out to all eligible Canadians, five million people across the country are now reportedly covered by the national plan.

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