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.

A severe COVID-19 infection may awaken dormant viruses that remain hidden in the body for life, even in people with otherwise healthy immune systems, according to a study published in Nature.

The study, which analyzed more than 1,100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, found that viral reactivation was common and may contribute to long COVID symptoms. Researchers said the findings suggest COVID-19 can disrupt the body's internal ecosystem of dormant viruses, creating a state they describe as "dysvirosis."

"This finding suggests that COVID-19 may not always act as a single viral infection and may disrupt the body's internal ecosystem of dormant viruses, creating a state of 'dysvirosis'," said lead author Cole Maguire from Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

Which Dormant Viruses Were Reactivated?

Nearly half of the hospitalized patients had at least one dormant virus reactivate during their COVID-19 illness. The viruses identified included:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis
• Herpes family viruses
• Enteroviruses
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1)
• Human herpesvirus-6 and -7 (HHV-6/7)
• Anelloviridae, a lesser-known family of chronic viruses

Also read: Lab Leak 'More Likely' Origin of COVID-19, Says Former Biden Adviser Dr. Ashish Jha

How Viral Reactivation Affects The Body

The researchers found that viral reactivation was more common in patients with severe COVID-19 and those who had longer hospital stays, and caused:

• Increase inflammation
• Worsened tissue injury
• Prolonged recovery

The study also noted that these viruses have previously been linked to autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.

Further, the study found that dormant viruses do not reactivate simultaneously after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• Epstein-Barr virus and anelloviruses tended to reactivate early, shortly after hospital admission.
• Cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex viruses generally emerged around three weeks later, primarily in the respiratory system.

Not Limited to People With Weak Immune Systems

Earlier research had mainly observed viral reactivation in people with weakened immune systems. However, this study found that reactivation frequently occurred in people who were healthy before developing COVID-19.

According to the researchers, this suggests viral reactivation may be more common than previously believed and could contribute to worse outcomes even in otherwise healthy individuals.

How Are the Dormant Viruses Linked to Long COVID?

Read More: Can Long COVID Be Prevented Before It Starts? Study Suggests Early Paxlovid May Help

While the study does not prove that viral reactivation causes long COVID, it provides strong evidence that dormant viruses may contribute to the condition.

Researchers found that Anelloviridae appeared more frequently in patients with long COVID who experienced persistent fatigue and reduced physical function.

"Our findings have important implications for patient care. Tests already exist for several of the chronic viruses studied, and some viruses in the herpes family can be treated with existing antiviral drugs," said study principal investigator Melamed, assistant professor of neurology at Dell Medical School.

"The next step is determining whether identifying and treating reactivated viruses can improve outcomes for patients with acute COVID-19 and long COVID."

The study may also influence future treatment strategies. Researchers noted that, instead of targeting only SARS-CoV-2, clinicians may eventually be able to use existing antiviral drugs against reactivated viruses, particularly herpesviruses.

A Phase II clinical trial is already underway to evaluate antiviral therapies targeting herpesviruses in people with long COVID.

In a landmark decision, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's first mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccine.

This makes it the first flu shot developed on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to receive clearance in the United States.

The vaccine, branded mFlusiva, has been approved for adults over the age of 50 and older, paving the way for a new generation of influenza vaccines beyond the traditional egg-based approach.

Who Is Eligible To Receive The Vaccine?

The approval has given Moderna commercial drug built on the mRNA platform that powered its COVID-19 vaccine. The development is expected to strengthen the company's efforts to grow its respiratory vaccine portfolio.

According to the FDA, the following groups of people are eligible to receive mFlusiva:

• Traditional approval for adults aged 50 to 64 years.
• Accelerated approval for adults aged 65 years and older, requiring Moderna to conduct additional studies to confirm the vaccine's benefit in this age group.

Also read: Ebola Outbreak: Moderna Begins First Human Trial Of Bundibugyo Vaccine As Cases Rise to 3,748

What Did The Trial Show?

The approval was based on a late-stage clinical trial involving more than 40,000 adults aged 50 years and above. According to trial results, mFlusiva was:

• 26.6% more effective than a licensed standard-dose flu vaccine in preventing influenza.
• It also produced stronger immune responses than Sanofi's high-dose flu vaccine in adults aged 65 years and older, although Moderna will now need to verify whether this translates into better real-world protection for seniors.

Commenting on the approval, Moderna said, "Flu remains a significant public health challenge, and mFlusiva provides an important new option for America's seniors."

Earlier this year, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel had expressed confidence that the vaccine could become available ahead of the 2026-27 flu season if approved by regulators.

Also read: Protective Antibodies Fade After COVID-19 Vaccination- Should You Get A Booster Shot?

Why mRNA Could Revolutionise Flu Vaccination?

Unlike traditional flu vaccines, which are developed using viruses grown in chicken eggs, mRNA vaccines work by transmitting genetic instructions that alert the body's cells to produce harmless influenza proteins for an immune response.

Traditional flu vaccines must be designed and manufactured months before the flu season begins, requiring scientists to predict which influenza strains will circulate. If the circulating viruses keep evolving differently, the effectiveness of the vaccine can decline.

mRNA technology has a major advantage because it can potentially be updated and manufactured much faster, allowing vaccines to better match the strains that are spreading during a particular season.

In February 2026, the FDA initially declined to review Moderna's application, citing concerns that the company had compared its vaccine against a standard-dose flu shot rather than the high-dose vaccine commonly recommended for older adults.

After discussions with regulators, Moderna revised its submission, and the FDA agreed to proceed with the review under a condition that included additional studies for older patients.

Experts say the FDA's decision represents more than the approval of a single vaccine. It marks the first regulatory endorsement of mRNA technology for seasonal influenza, a milestone that could accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines against various infectious diseases.

Even as the US battles a Cyclospora outbreak that has caused two deaths and thousands of illnesses, the country is now grappling with a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeño peppers.

The outbreak has sickened 345 people across 27 states and hospitalized 36, prompting recalls and renewed concerns over food safety. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged businesses to check their inventory for recalled jalapeño peppers and stop selling or serving them.

Outbreak Linked to Jalapeños from Mexico

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC, along with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeño peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to distributors, restaurants, and food service companies, including Mexican-style restaurants across the US.

According to the CDC, illnesses began between June 19 and July 20. Of the 191 people interviewed, 177 (93%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14 to July 14.

Source Identified, Restaurants Take Action

The CDC said epidemiological and traceback investigations identified jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, as the source of the outbreak.

After being notified, Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA stopped serving the affected jalapeño peppers. The CDC and FDA said there is no ongoing risk to consumers at these establishments, as the products have been removed.

Coast Citrus Distributors has also agreed to recall the affected jalapeño peppers.

The CDC estimates Salmonella cause about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year. Contaminated food is the source for most of these illnesses.

Recalled Product

• Jalapeño peppers
• Distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors
• Grown in Sinaloa, Mexico

What Consumers Should Do

The recalled jalapeño peppers were primarily distributed to restaurants and wholesalers. Consumers should check with the place where they purchased or consumed jalapeños to confirm their source.

The FDA is investigating whether the affected peppers were also sold in grocery stores. If additional retail recalls are identified, the agency will announce them on its recalls page.

If you have recalled jalapeño peppers at home, do not eat them.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Salmonella illness usually develops 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and typically lasts four to seven days.

Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea

Fever

Abdominal cramps

Children under 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

Diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°F

Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement

Bloody diarrhea

Vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down

Signs of dehydration, including:

Urinating less than usual

Dry mouth and throat

Dizziness when standing

Advice for Businesses

• The health officials also advised businesses to:
• Stop selling or serving recalled jalapeño peppers.
• Wash and sanitize all items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product.
• Follow the FDA's advisory for additional guidance.