Birthdays are exciting for everyone. There's celebration, a cake, and balloons. But what if it goes wrong? This is what happened with Giang Pham, from Vietnam, who was celebrating her 33rd birthday on February 14, when a hydrogen balloon in her hand touched the flame from the candle on the cake and exploded on her face.

This incident was also captured on camera. The footage clearly shows how the balloon blew up as soon as it touched the flame. Her friends were shocked and can be heard gasping in the background as they saw this.

In the days following the incident, she also shared photos on her Instagram showing her bandaged face, and revealed the first-degree burns on her hand and second-degree burns on her face. However, the good news was that her vision was unaffected, though for her face to recover, it would take months.

She is now also warning others about the risks of using highly inflammable hydrogen balloons. The other alternative could be a helium balloon, which you could fly higher and they remain on the ceiling.

Health Update

She revealed that her doctor estimated up to six months for her skin to recover. She would still have to go to the hospital for dressing and treatment. Another such case happened with a woman named Tine from Australia, when on her son's 7th birthday, the balloon exploded and "shook her house". Her son was burned in the forearm.

Such incidents happen because decorators want to save the cost by replacing helium with hydrogen, which is highly inflammable.

In Healing

Giang shared that she experienced second-degree burn on her face and first-degree burn on her hands. As per John Hopkins Medicine, first degree burns affect only the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin. The burn site becomes red, painful, dry, however, there are no blisters. A mild sunburn could be an example of such a burn. This is also called superficial burns.

Whereas, second degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of the skin. The burn site appears red, blistered and could also be swollen and painful. This is also known as partial thickness burn.

Then comes the third degree burns, also known as full thickness burn. This destroys the epidermis and dermis and could also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. However, when the bones and muscles are burned, it could be referred to as a fourth degree burn. The burn sit appears white or charred and there is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

How burns are treated?

The right way to treat a burn depends on its depth and how much of the body it covers. While minor, superficial burns can be managed at home, deeper or larger burns may need medical attention. Keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Do:

• Remove the source of the burn immediately – For example, take off clothing soaked in hot liquid to prevent further damage.
• Run cool water over the burn – This helps soothe the skin, except in cases of certain chemical burns.
• Keep the burn clean and protected – Cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage when possible.
• Seek medical help – If the burn is deeper than a superficial layer, larger than your hand, or full-thickness, see a doctor.

Don’t:

• Use home remedies like bleach or butter – These can make the burn worse.
• Apply ointments or creams on deep burns – They can trap heat and worsen the injury.
• Put ice on the burn – It can cause more damage to the skin.
• Pop blisters – This increases the risk of infection.

Knowing these simple steps can make a big difference in burn care and healing.

Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales treated 21 patients with unsterilized surgical instruments. The patients were not informed of the error for three weeks. As per a BBC report, the instruments were disinfected but not medically sterilized, which is a typical medical protocol. On February 24, the outlet carried out a breach of protocol, and then on February 25 and 26, the same instruments were used in operations and examinations.

While the error was discovered by hospital staff on February 27, the patients were not informed till March 16.

Also Read: Indian Drug Regulator Flagged 90 Combination Medicines Sold Without Approval

What Happens When Unsterilized Hospital Instruments Are Used?

Surgical tools that are improperly sterilized could spread bloodborne diseases like HIV and hepatitis. In a statement obtained by the BBC from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, the organization that manages Royal Gwent Hospital, a spokesperson said the situation is being investigated. The spokesperson also said that they have arranged for "precautionary testing" for all affected patients, and that "the clinical risk of bloodborne virus exposure is extremely low".

"We fully recognize the concern and distress this may cause, and we are truly sorry. The well-being of our patients is our highest priority, and we are taking all necessary actions to understand how this happened and to prevent it from occurring again,” the board's statement continued.

They additionally stated that “this was a very limited incident” and that “there is no wider cause for concern.”

Family Speaks Out After Teen Patient Affected

One of the patients affected is 15-year-old Ieuan, who underwent an orthodontic procedure at Royal Gwent Hospital. His parents said the call from the hospital informing them about the sterilization error came as a shock.

According to the family, the news was difficult to process, especially because their son will now have to undergo a series of medical tests over the next six months. Ieuan later said he initially felt frightened after learning about the possible exposure and is hoping the tests confirm he is safe.

The teenager has already undergone his first blood test at the hospital and is scheduled for additional tests in the coming months before doctors can give him a final all clear.

What Went Wrong During The Procedure

Ieuan had braces fitted on February 25 during a routine orthodontic appointment to address gaps in his teeth following an earlier dental operation.

During the procedure, staff used instruments including pliers used to trim brace wires and a dental mirror. The hospital later confirmed that while the tools had been disinfected, they were not placed in an autoclave, the specialized machine that sterilizes medical equipment using high heat and steam.

Standard protocol requires staff to confirm that sterilization indicators on instrument trays have changed color after the process and to check the sterilization date before use. According to the health board, this verification step was missed due to what it described as human error.

Health officials say investigations are ongoing, and monitoring of affected patients will continue over the coming months.

Indian drug regulator - Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) found 90 combination medicines that are sold without mandatory central approval. This has raised concerns on regulatory compliance in the country's pharmaceutical supply chain.

CDSCO is the apex drug regulatory body in the country. The authority wrote a letter to all states and union territory drug controllers and asked them to investigate manufacturers and marketers of these fixed-dose combinations (FDCs).

What are FDCS? These are drugs that contain two or more active ingredients in a single formulation. The CDSCO asked them to investigate and submit reports on the action taken at the earliest.

What Made To The Unapproved List Of FDCs?

The annexure attached to the letter showed 90 combination medicines had made it to the market. These contain cough syrups, vitamins, and anti-diabetic pills.

Cough And Cold Medicines

Cough and cold combination medicines have formed the single largest group. At least 14 to 16 entries show combination of ingredients found in everyday pharmacy shelves: dextromethorphan, ambroxol, guaiphenesin, chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, terbutaline, and menthol in various permutations. Several of these are sold as flavoured syrups for children. Budesonide-levosalbutamol inhalation suspension that is used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, too features in the list.

Nutritional Supplements

The next group is of the vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplement which has roughly 18 to 20 entries. They include:

• Multivitamin capsules
• Iron-folic acid syrups
• Calcium-vitamin D3-K2 combinations
• Abapentin-methylcobalamin preparation

Antifungal and Dermatological Combinations

This group has accounted for at least 10 entries, which include antifungal creams that could lead to potential misuse and skin damage when sold without prescriptions.

Anti-diabetic Medicines

This has accounted for six entries, and the combination includes:

• Glimepiride paired with metformin or pioglitazone

What Did CDSCO Write To Drug Controllers?

The letter dated 18 March was signed with Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi. He described the matter as being "top priority in the interest of public health". The unapproved drugs were detected during a scrutiny of laboratory testing data submitted through SUGAM, which is CDSCO's online portal for drug sample testing, for the year 2025.

“This is to inform you that upon scrutiny of the SUGAM lab testing data for the year 2025, a large no. of drug samples (FDCs) are detected as unapproved and fall under the category of ‘New Drug. No new drug shall be manufactured for sale unless it is approved by the licensing authority."

What Is India's Rule For FDCs?

Under India's New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules of 2019, any FDC is treated as a new drug and must have the central government's approval before it could be manufactured and sold. The regulator's letter noted that there were presence of unapproved drugs in the supply chain that could pose risks to public health. This also amounts to a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

“The presence of unapproved drugs in the supply chain is a matter of serious concern, posing potential risks to public health and safety. It also indicates non- compliance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules made thereunder," it said.

DCGI urged states and UTs "to examine the unapproved FDCs in generic name as mentioned in the attached annexure". This is done to check whether any approval has been granted by the local office. "Accordingly, please initiate appropriate investigation and regulatory action against the concerned manufacturers, marketers, and other stakeholders, as deemed fit. Kindly ensure strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent the manufacture, sale, and distribution of such unapproved drugs," the letter noted.

Jessie J, 37, was rushed to hospital after a car injury that left her in fears that she broke her neck. She underwent an MRI scan after the incident and kept her fans on loop through her Instagram update.

Currently in China, the singer is there for her No Secrets Tour. She said that she suffered an injury after hitting her head on the roof of the car. The singer had shared a video where she was climbing into the back of the car after her latest concert and said she "didn't mind squashing in the back". The video then cuts to her being in the hospital undergoing an MRI scan after she had suffered a neck injury.

She said, "Yeah, I just can't move my head. I'm alright. I'll just have to take some painkillers and march right through it." She further said, "I thought I'd broken my neck, but I haven't. But I have really hurt my neck and my back."

In her later shots, she was seen trying on her gold jumpsuit while embracing her young son Sky. However, she did not let this injury stop her from performing. Many fans also commented her messages of love and well wishes.

Jessie J Health Update

Previously, the singer took to her Instagram to share her stage-one breast cancer diagnosis, fans everywhere were left both shocked and motivated. The 37-year-old singer-songwriter, announced the news in typical frankness, mixing vulnerability with as she explained the surgery she'd be having after performing at Capital's Summertime Ball at London's Wembley Stadium.

In her heartfelt video message, Jessie shared that she has been “in and out of tests” recently and ultimately received a diagnosis of early breast cancer. “Cancer sucks in any form,” she said, “but I’m holding on to the word early.”

With a nod of dark humor, she added, "It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job," vowing followers, "I will come back with massive boobs and more music." But under the humor lay raw emotion and an earnest appeal for sympathy and understanding. "I need to process it and talk about it," she said. "I need a hug."

Having struggled with a string of serious health problems in the past, including a childhood heart condition, a stroke at age 18, Meniere's disease, and even recently being diagnosed with ADHD and OCD, Jessie J is certainly no newcomer to working through health problems. But this latest installment has introduced her to an even more intimate, more personal view.

By disclosing her diagnosis, Jessie J is part of a rising number of public figures using their influence to make health screening and breast cancer discussions more mainstream. Such openness is particularly important in light of the fact that many young women still unrealistically believe breast cancer is an "older woman's disease."