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.

Trump takes more aspirin than his doctor recommend. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, US President Trump said that he will continue doing it. He claimed that it was not old or deteriorating age, but aspirin that caused the bruising on his hand. He has repeatedly said that his health is in "excellent" condition.

In the interview, he said, "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart."

Trump, now, 70, was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when veins have trouble moving blood back to the heart. He also showed signs of bruising on his hand, which many attributed was a result of frequent handshaking, and to the use of aspirin.

A decade ago, evidence suggested that taking aspirin routinely could lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people without heart disease by preventing blood clots. However, three major randomized trials published in 2018 challenged this view, showing limited benefit and a higher risk of serious bleeding and cancer-related deaths, especially gastrointestinal cancers.

“We’ve really changed how we think about and recommend aspirin,” said Dr Alex Krist, a family physician at Virginia Commonwealth University and Inova Health System, who helped update the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s aspirin guidelines in 2022, reported The New York Times.

How Safe Is This Habit Of Taking Aspirin Daily?

Aspirins work by inhibiting the action of platelets, which are the cell fragments that stick together to form clot and prevent bleeding. Clots are in fact the reason of heart attacks. However, at the same time, it is the same anti-clotting effect that causes aspirin to increase the risk of bleeding, a risk that increases with age.

Doctors are most concerned about rapid internal bleeding that can be fatal, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or sudden brain hemorrhages. While the overall risk remains low, recent preventive health recommendations note that it rises with age, especially in adults over 60.

Some studies suggest aspirin may help lower the risk of colorectal cancer, but current evidence is not strong enough to support its use for cancer prevention alone.

Read: Trump Denies Health Concerns, Says Hand Bruise Was Caused By Aspirin

Should You Be Taking Aspirin Daily?

Medical guidelines have shifted on aspirin use, especially for older adults. Groups like the preventive services task force and major heart associations now advise against starting or routinely taking aspirin to prevent heart disease in people over 60 or 70 who have never had a heart attack or stroke. For this group, the bleeding risks often outweigh the benefits.

Daily aspirin is still clearly recommended for people who already have cardiovascular disease, such as those who’ve had a heart attack, an ischemic stroke, or peripheral artery disease. In these cases, aspirin helps prevent another serious event, making the risk–benefit balance more favorable.

Recent health disclosures have shown no history of heart attack or stroke in some high-profile cases, though the presence of arterial plaque alone is fairly common with age and does not automatically justify aspirin use.

For those who do need aspirin to prevent a second heart attack or stroke, the usual dose is a low-dose or “baby” aspirin of 81 milligrams. Higher doses are generally not recommended unless specifically advised.

Aspirin may still be considered for some people under 60 or 70 who have a higher risk of heart disease, but this decision should be made carefully. Factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or a strong family history can influence whether aspirin makes sense for an individual.

Flu cases are surging in the US, and New York has reported the highest number of cases, including hospitalizations recorded in a single week. The state's health department said on Friday. During the week ending December 27, 4,546 people were hospitalized with flu, a 24% increase from the 3,666 who were hospitalized the previous week, as per the data from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). This report has come after the State reported a record-breaking number of flu cases in a single week with 72,133 infections during the week ending December 20.

"We are having a more severe flu season than prior years, almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent seven-day period compared to the prior week," Dr. James McDonald, the state's health commissioner, said in a statement on Friday.

NYSDOG also issued a declaration last month and stated the influenza is prevalent in New York. This requires health care facilities and agencies to ensure any staff who has not yet received this year's flu vaccine, must wear masks whenever they are in the area with patients.

Will The Old Vaccine Work Against This New Strain?

"The vaccine remains the most effective means to prevent disease. We still want to encourage people to get the vaccine," said Professor Antonia Ho, Professor and Honorary Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the University of Glasgow. Experts have stressed enough on the immunity that one can receive from the vaccine that that these flu jab remain the best defense against the flu, even though the current strain circulated may have drifted away from the strain included in this year's jab.

The flu vaccine is currently also available to New Yorkers who are aged 2 years and older at a health care provider's office or participating pharmacies while children aged 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office, according to the state health department.

Can You Die From Flu?

As per the infectious physician at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, as reported in Scientific American, "Dying from the flu is not like dying from a bullet or a black widow spider bite. The presence of the virus itself isn't going to be what kills you. An infectious disease always has a complex interaction with its host.”

More Updates On Flu Cases

Meanwhile, flu cases are surging across the country. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 flu-related deaths so far this season.

New York is among 20 states reporting “very high” respiratory illness activity, the latest CDC data shows.

Public health experts say a significant share of infections is being driven by a new flu strain known as subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 virus under influenza A. The strain has been circulating internationally since summer and previously fuelled spikes in Canada, Japan and the UK.

CDC testing found that around 92% of flu samples were H3N2, with nearly 90% classified as subclade K.

Robert Carlos, who is known to be the Brazil and Real Madrid legend is finally "recovering well" after he underwent a "preventative medical procedure" as he wrote on his Instagram page. The 52-year-old was seen smiling on the hospital bed, as he cleared rumors around heart attack. "I would like to clarify recent information that has been circling. I recently underwent a preventative medical procedure, planned in advance with my medical team. The procedure was successful, and I am well. I did not suffer a heart attack."

He further wrote: "I am recovering well, and looking forward to returning to full fitness and resuming my professional and personal commitments soon. I sincerely thank everyone of the messages of support, care, and concern. I would like to reassure everyone that there is no cause for concern. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire medical team who took care of me."

ESPN reported that he underwent a preventative heart surgery. While no reports confirmed the exact surgery he underwent, there are different preventative heart surgeries that one can get to restore blood flow, or prevent heart attacks in people with severe blockages.

What Are the Preventative Heart Surgeries?

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat severe coronary artery disease, where blood flow to the heart is reduced due to blocked arteries. In this surgery, a healthy blood vessel is taken from the chest, leg, or arm and grafted to bypass the blocked artery, allowing blood to flow freely to the heart muscle again. CABG is often recommended for patients with multiple blockages, diabetes, or reduced heart function. While it is a major surgery, advances in surgical techniques and post-operative care have significantly improved outcomes and recovery. The procedure not only helps relieve symptoms such as chest pain and breathlessness but also reduces the risk of heart attacks and improves overall quality of life.

Minimally Invasive/ Robotic Surgery

Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries involve performing procedures through small incisions using advanced instruments and robotic arms controlled by a surgeon. These techniques offer greater precision, flexibility, and control compared to traditional open surgery. Robotic systems provide a magnified, high-definition view of the surgical area, allowing surgeons to operate with enhanced accuracy. Patients benefit from smaller scars, reduced blood loss, less pain, and quicker recovery times. Minimally invasive and robotic approaches are commonly used in cardiac, orthopedic, urological, and gynecological surgeries. While not suitable for every patient or condition, these procedures have transformed modern surgical care by making complex operations safer and less physically taxing for patients.

Pacemakers Defibrillators

Pacemakers and defibrillators are implantable devices designed to regulate abnormal heart rhythms. A pacemaker helps maintain a steady heartbeat by sending electrical signals when the heart beats too slowly. Defibrillators, also known as ICDs, can detect life-threatening rhythm disturbances and deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm. These devices are recommended for patients with arrhythmias, heart failure, or those at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Implantation is usually a minimally invasive procedure, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Pacemakers and defibrillators play a crucial role in preventing complications, improving symptoms, and significantly enhancing survival and quality of life for heart patients.

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives Too?

There are certain non surgical alternatives, which include preventive cardiology, ECEP (Enhanced External Counter pulsation) , and certain medications like statins to lower cholesterol, or beta-blockers for angina, or aspirin to prevent clots, notes Cleveland Clinic.