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.

Viral hepatitis B and C – responsible for 95 per cent of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide – caused 1.3 million deaths worldwide, according to the Global Hepatitis Report 2026, released today by the World Health Organization.

Of these, 1.1 million people died from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C. Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were the main causes of hepatitis related deaths, stated the report released at the World Hepatitis Summit.

Further, India emerged among the 10 countries that account for 69 per cent of global hepatitis B-related deaths. The country is also among the 10 countries contributing to 58 per cent of hepatitis C-related deaths worldwide.

The Global Hepatitis Burden And Treatment Gap

Despite being preventable and treatable, transmission of hepatitis continues, with more than 4,900 new infections every day, or 1.8 million each year.

As per the WHO report, a whopping 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C infection in 2024.

The same year, 0.9 million people were newly infected with hepatitis B.

The WHO African Region accounted for 68 per cent of new hepatitis B infections, yet only 17 per cent of newborns in the region received the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination.

Another 0.9 million hepatitis C infections were recorded in 2024. People who inject drugs accounted for 44 per cent of new infections, highlighting the urgent need for stronger harm reduction services and safe injection practices.

Of the 240 million people with chronic hepatitis B in 2024, fewer than 5 per cent were receiving treatment. Similarly, only 20 per cent of people with hepatitis C have been treated since 2015.

Hepatitis: Measurable Gains

Notably, global efforts to combat viral hepatitis have also delivered measurable progress in reducing infections and deaths since 2015.

The annual number of new hepatitis B infections has dropped by 32 per cent, and hepatitis C-related deaths have fallen by 12 per cent globally.

Hepatitis B prevalence among children under five has also decreased to 0.6 per cent, with 85 countries achieving or surpassing the 2030 target of 0.1 per cent.

“Around the world, countries are showing that eliminating hepatitis is not a pipedream, it's possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“At the same time, this report shows that progress is too slow and uneven. Many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and inequitable access to care. While we have the tools to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat, urgent scale-up of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is needed if the world is to meet the 2030 targets,” he added.

Hepatitis: How To Prevent

The report noted that highly effective tools to combat hepatitis infections are already available. These include the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects more than 95 per cent of vaccinated people against both acute and chronic infections.

Further, the long-term antiviral treatment for hepatitis B can also help effectively manage chronic infection and prevent severe liver disease. Another is the Hepatitis C short-course curative therapy which lasts 8-12 weeks and can cure more than 95 per cent of infections.

The report identifies priority actions to accelerate hepatitis elimination as a public health threat. These include:

• Scaling up treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection,
• Stronger political commitment and financing,
• Improved coverage of hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination
• Expanded antiviral prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV infection
• Improve injection safety in both health-care settings and community practices.

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have gained prominence in a short period of time. Now, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have become household names, especially for patients with diabetes and obesity. There is now a new name in the market that is gaining attention, even though it has not yet been approved. Retatrutide is a new injectable peptide that is being described as the next big thing in weight loss. Some are claiming that it might be more powerful than Wegovy or Ozempic, the most popular drugs so far. But what makes it stronger or sets it apart? It is the way Retatrutide works.

What is Retatrutide?

Retatrutide, also known as 'reta,' is a peptide that is currently being tested in clinical trials for weight-loss purposes. Despite not being approved for use anywhere in the world yet, it is making its way through online markets. The peptide is currently in clinical trials. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can reduce inflammation and aid healing.

How does Retatrutide support weight loss?

For weight loss, retatrutide acts on three hormone pathways that affect metabolism, appetite, and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 is the first hormone, which reduces appetite and slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. The second is GIP, which regulates fat storage and blood sugar. The third is glucagon, which manages blood sugar. By working on these three hormones, Retatrutide reduces how much one eats and influences how much fat the body burns.

Read more: Shocking! Study Claims Weight Loss Drugs Cause More Muscle Loss Than Expected

The results from early trials were impressive—retatrutide performed much better for weight loss compared to its counterparts. In a 2023 trial, patients who were given a higher dose of the drug experienced 20 per cent more weight loss over 48 weeks. However, the trials were conducted in controlled clinical settings under medical supervision and on selected patients with regulated dosing. At present, people are buying the drug online and using it without medical supervision.

The effect of Retatrutide on gym-goers

A weekly dose of Retatrutide can support fat loss and suppress appetite. As a result, one can lose a significant amount of weight quickly and appear leaner and more defined, but rapid weight loss does not necessarily mean fat loss. It could also involve muscle mass, especially if one is not consuming enough protein or engaging in resistance training. As a result, gym-goers may lose weight faster. However, the psychological aspect is concerning. Appetite suppression can make it easier to eat clean, but it may take away the enjoyment of eating. Research suggests that retatrutide can affect mood, relationships, and motivation, although scientists are unsure why this happens.

What are the side effects of Retatrutide?

Current research shows that retatrutide can have several side effects, the most common being gastrointestinal—diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The symptoms may be mild for some and severe for others. At present, at least one death has been reported due to drug use—the patient developed severe diarrhoea, and the case is currently being investigated.

How does retatrutide affect mental health?

Some media reports suggest that peptides like retatrutide affect more than just appetite—the medication acts on brain pathways involved in motivation and reward. This can influence one’s desire to eat food or drink alcohol. Research also indicates that it may affect libido and make individuals feel detached or emotionally flat in relationships.

In a significant case, the Supreme Court has allowed the medical termination of pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl who was over seven months pregnant.

Stressing that the choice of the pregnant woman must remain paramount, the SC bench led by Justice B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that a woman cannot be compelled to continue with an unwanted pregnancy merely on the ground that the child can be given up for adoption after birth.

However, AIIMS has sought a review of the order, citing medical ethics and the rights of an unborn child. The institution stated that it would lead to preterm delivery of a deformed baby needing prolonged NICU support.

The apex Court also issued a warning to the Union government of contempt proceedings if it failed to comply with its order, making it clear that the procedure must be carried out without delay.

What Is The case?

The SC directed the termination of a fetus over seven months old of the 15-year-old girl, who was in a consensual relationship with a 17-year-old, admitted at AIIMS Delhi since April 10.

In India, medical abortion is allowed up to 20-24 weeks of pregnancy under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. However, in this case, the medical termination was allowed, giving primacy to the reproductive autonomy of the minor.

The Justices made it clear that “no court ought to compel any woman, and more so a minor child, to carry a pregnancy to full term against her express will.”

“If the pregnant woman carrying an unwanted pregnancy is compelled to continue such a pregnancy, then the constitutional rights of the pregnant woman would be breached,” noted the court.

Also read: Why Miscarriage Needs Emotional Care At Par with Medical Treatment: Doctors Explain

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing before the court, told the bench that the child could be given up for adoption through CARA after being born. He told the bench that, as per medical reports, termination of pregnancy at this stage may be risky for both the mother and the unborn child.

But Justice Nagarathna warned that denying relief in such circumstances could expose women, especially minors, to grave risks, including resort to unregulated procedures that may cause irreversible harm.

The court also underscored the minor’s psychological distress, including reported attempts to take her own life, observing that forcing continuation of the pregnancy would have “long-lasting repercussions” on her mental health, education, social standing, and overall development, Law Beat reported.

Directing that the procedure be carried out at AIIMS Delhi with all necessary medical safeguards, the court required the minor’s guardian to submit an undertaking consenting to the termination.

Why Is AIIMS Asking For A Review Of The SC Order?

AIIMS said the “unborn viable child” cannot speak for itself and depends on the court’s parens patriae jurisdiction to protect its right to life, The Times of India reported.

AIIMS, in its plea, said, “The court’s order proceeds on the premise of termination of pregnancy; however, the medical reality, as disclosed by the post-order assessment, is that a living, viable child will be prematurely delivered into the world.”

AIIMS also cited a fresh medical board opinion, saying the fetus is viable and preterm delivery could cause long-term disabilities and pose a grave risk to the minor mother. It said if the baby is carried to term, the state could care for it till adoption.

Referring to a similar case, AIIMS said a prematurely delivered baby continues to need NICU support, suffered repeated sepsis, and remains dependent on tracheostomy care.